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Building on support for FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and FIFA Club World Cup 2025, Betano returns to international stage as Tournament Supporter of FIFA World Cup 2026 Betano to provide fans with unique and exclusive opportunity to experience FIFA’s hallmark event and engage responsibly with matches at tournament Global bonanza kicks off in less than a month’s time in Mexico City Betano has been named as an Official Tournament Supporter of the FIFA World Cup 2026 for Europe and South America thanks to a new partnership between FIFA and Kaizen Gaming’s lead brand. (AsiaGameHub) - The international showpiece tournament taking place across Canada, Mexico and the United States from Thursday, 11 June until Sunday, 19 July is set to be the biggest FIFA World Cup in history, as for the first time ever it will feature 48 teams contending for the coveted crown. This is the third time that Betano and FIFA have joined forces. Four years ago, Betano became the first sports betting operator to ever partner with FIFA when it joined as an Official Regional Supporter of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 for Europe. More recently, Betano was announced as an Official Partner of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025. “We are delighted to welcome Betano among the Tournament Supporters of the FIFA World Cup 2026,” said FIFA’s Chief Business Officer, Romy Gai. “Since we first partnered with Betano four years ago, we have seen a genuine commitment to sporting integrity, bringing fans closer to our game and finding new, engaging ways to entertain them. We share these objectives and are glad to have this powerhouse by our side as we look forward to uniting the world through football once again in North America and beyond,” he stated. “Partnering with FIFA for the third time is a proud milestone for everyone at Kaizen Gaming and a clear reflection of our global evolution,” added George Daskalakis, co-founder and CEO of Kaizen Gaming. “The FIFA World Cup 2026 is the ultimate intersection of sport and entertainment, reaching billions of people. For us, it is the perfect stage to solidify Betano as the most trusted brand globally for responsible online sports betting. Our focus now is to deliver a thrilling, innovative and secure experience for fans throughout the tournament.” Owned by Kaizen Gaming, which was recognised in both 2024 and 2025 as Operator of the Year at the EGR Operator Awards and Operator of the Year – Large at the SBC Awards, Betano will provide fans with a unique and exclusive opportunity to experience the excitement of the FIFA World Cup and to engage responsibly with the tournament’s matches. Fans will benefit from a range of responsible gaming tools, enabling them to set financial limits, manage their time and access specialised customer support 24/7. Betano is also organising a number of physical and digital fan engagement activations in Europe and South America to celebrate the FIFA World Cup 2026. 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.

Indian Grandmaster Aravindh Chithambaram earned his spot at the Esports World Cup 2026 by winning the Road to EWC Chess qualifier at DreamHack Atlanta, taking home USD 15,000 (~INR 14 lakh) in prize money (AsiaGameHub) - S8UL has now officially qualified for its third title at EWC 2026, following successful entries in Fortnite and Honor of Kings S8UL, a leading global esports and gaming content organization, has secured qualification for its third discipline at the Esports World Cup (EWC) 2026 after Indian Grandmaster Aravindh Chithambaram triumphed in the Road to EWC Chess qualifier at DreamHack Atlanta, becoming the first Indian player to earn a place in the Chess main event of the prestigious tournament. The qualifier featured a group stage followed by playoffs, with each series consisting of two games and Armageddon used as the tiebreaker. All games were played at 10 minutes with no increment. The group stage included two double-elimination brackets, with the top four players from each advancing to the playoffs. Aravindh progressed to the Upper Bracket (UB) semifinals from Group B after defeating Kyler Raines, Justin Liang, Oleksander Bortnyk, and Christopher Woo. In the UB semifinals, Aravindh faced Woo again and won 2-1 after the first two games ended in draws, clinching the decisive Armageddon game. He then secured another 2-1 victory over Alexey Sarana in the UB Final to advance to the grand final, where he once more encountered Sarana. The grand final followed a double-match format, with a Lower Bracket (LB) win triggering a single Armageddon decider if necessary. After Sarana claimed the first two games from the LB side, Aravindh demonstrated remarkable composure under pressure, rallying to win the Armageddon decider and claim victory in the qualifiers. With this win, the 26-year-old earned USD 15,000 (~INR 14 lakh) and secured one of eight official spots in the EWC 2026 Chess main event, scheduled for August 11 to 15 with a total prize pool of USD 1.5 million (~INR 14 crore). The achievement also confirms S8UL’s participation in its third EWC 2026 title, following prior qualifications in Fortnite and Honor of Kings. Reflecting on his victory and qualification, Grandmaster Aravindh Chithambaram said, “Qualifying for the Esports World Cup this year is an incredibly proud and exciting milestone for me, especially with so many elite players and organizations from around the globe competing. This format offers minimal margin for error—every move counts when you're playing 10-minute games without increment against some of the world’s strongest opponents. I’m also deeply thankful to the S8UL team for their unwavering support and faith in me since last year. Their commitment to chess and developing Indian talent has been truly inspiring, and I’m eager to represent the organization and deliver my best performance at the main event.” Alongside Aravindh, fellow S8UL Grandmasters Nihal Sarin and Pranesh M are still in the running to qualify for the EWC 2026 Chess event. Nine players will secure their spots via the Champions Chess Tour Leaderboard, where Nihal currently holds a qualifying position. Four additional berths will be awarded through the Last Chance Qualifiers closer to the tournament, and one final slot will be determined by the India Rising event, set to conclude on July 5. “At S8UL, one of our core missions has been to create platforms that enable Indian talent to compete and excel on the world’s biggest stages. Aravindh Chithambaram’s qualification for the Esports World Cup is a landmark moment—not just for our organization, but for Indian chess as a whole. The intensity and pressure of this format are exceptionally high, which makes this accomplishment all the more remarkable. We’ve always believed that India possesses world-class talent, and Aravindh becoming the first Indian to qualify powerfully affirms that conviction,” said Animesh Agarwal, Co-founder and CEO of S8UL Esports. Having been selected for the Esports Foundation’s Club Partner Program for the second year running, S8UL recently launched its most ambitious international esports campaign yet, competing in qualifiers across 13 titles: Apex Legends, Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI), Call of Duty: Warzone, Chess, EA SPORTS FC, FATAL FURY, Fortnite, Honor of Kings, MOBA Legends 5v5, PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS, Street Fighter 6, TEKKEN 8, and Trackmania. This year’s campaign emphasizes strong Indian representation alongside established international talent, ensuring homegrown players are featured across multiple disciplines. That vision is already yielding results: S8UL’s all-Indian Honor of Kings roster qualified for the tournament, and Aravindh became the first Indian Chess player to officially secure a spot in the event. The organization also qualified in Fortnite through its international roster and remains in contention in several other titles. S8UL narrowly missed out on PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS qualification and fell short in the MOBA Legends 5v5 semifinals. The EWC 2026, running from July 6 to August 23, 2026, will gather over 2,000 players from 200 clubs across more than 100 countries vying for a record-breaking prize pool of USD 75 million (~INR 720 crore). With confirmed qualifications in three titles, S8UL aims to keep raising the Indian flag on the global stage while pursuing further qualifications in additional disciplines. 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) - Game 7 between the Montreal Canadiens and Buffalo Sabres will decide the NHL Eastern Conference semifinals, with puck drop scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET on ESPN. The Sabres dominated the Canadiens with an 8-3 victory at Bell Centre on Saturday, tying the series at 3-3. Montreal now faces the challenge of securing a win on the road to advance. DraftKings has Buffalo listed as a -118 home favorite, with a total set at 5.5. The moneyline handle is 61% in favor of the Sabres, while 66% of tickets are placed on them. Best Bet: OVER 5.5 (-108) Despite the typical tendency for teams to play conservatively in Game 7, these two sides have produced high-scoring contests over the last two games, combining for a total of 20 goals. Additionally, every game in the series has gone OVER 5.5 goals, except for Game 4, which ended 3-2 in Buffalo’s favor. A combined 21 goals (averaging seven per game) have been scored across the three games played in Buffalo. Buffalo’s goaltending has been inconsistent throughout the series, with the team alternating between Alex Lyon and Ukka-Pekka Luukkonen. Regardless of who starts tonight, there's a strong possibility that both could see action. Cole Caufield has regained his scoring form for Montreal, finding the net in three of the last four games. Combined with the excellent performance of linemate Nick Suzuki (3 goals, 6 points against Buffalo), there's a leaning toward a Canadiens victory in what is expected to be a high-scoring game. Pick: OVER 5.5 (-108) Best Player Prop for Montreal Canadiens Nick Suzuki OVER 0.5 Assists (-140) Nick Suzuki (pictured above) is Montreal’s primary playmaker, consistently setting up Cole Caufield and Juraj Slafkovsky in the offensive zone. These three players also form Montreal’s top power-play unit, meaning Suzuki will have ample opportunities to record an assist. Suzuki led the Canadiens with 72 assists during the regular season and recorded two assists in their Game 7 triumph over Tampa Bay in the opening round. His focus on passing makes this a favorable bet tonight. Best Player Prop for Buffalo Sabres Josh Doan OVER 0.5 Points (-115) Josh Doan has been a standout performer in the series against Montreal. He entered Game 6 riding a five-game point streak before being held scoreless. We're confident Doan will contribute again tonight. Betting on both player props along with the OVER 5.5 in a same-game parlay offers +475 odds if all three selections hit. A $10 wager would yield $47.50 in profit plus the original stake upon success. 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 police authorities have announced a collaboration with social media executives to develop a strategy for eliminating illegal gambling-related group chats from encrypted platforms. On May 14, representatives from the Royal Thai Police met with executives from Line Thailand. According to the Thai media outlet Top News Report, the discussions focused on methods to disrupt online gatherings related to gambling, drug trafficking, and arms smuggling. The meeting was attended by senior police cybercrime investigators, including Pol. Lt. Gen. Trairong Phiwphan, the Deputy Inspector-General of the force. Line, which is headquartered in Japan, was first introduced in 2011 by a subsidiary of the South Korean internet conglomerate Naver. The platform has gained massive adoption in Thailand, reporting between 54 and 56 million monthly active users. With more than 80% of the nation's population using Line, the company reports rapid business expansion. However, police allege that criminal organizations are utilizing Line's open chat rooms to attract bettors to unlawful gambling sites, launder money, and coordinate scams linked to gambling. Thai Police: Gambling Chat Rooms Must Go Similar to Telegram, Line provides open chat rooms with features that protect user anonymity, serving various community interests. Law enforcement states that offenders have misused these capabilities. While competitors like Telegram present greater legal challenges because they lack a physical base in Thailand, this does not apply to Line's parent company, LY Corporation. The company's significant presence in Thailand prompted it to set up a local subsidiary in Bangkok. At the meeting, police and Line management committed to enhancing their collaborative work "by mid-year." They also concurred that Line would intensify actions against Thai-language groups involved in promoting investment fraud and distributing pornographic content. A Royal Thai Police vehicle. (Image: Manrat Thiusthas [CC BY-SA 4.0]) The Royal Thai Police further requested that the social media company suspend accounts operated by crime syndicates that establish chat rooms for trading weapons and drugs. The leaders of Line Thailand pledged their "full cooperation" and indicated they would utilize backing from LY Corporation in Japan. Officials stated plans to improve current systems for requesting data blocks, allowing for broader, quicker, and more effective account shutdowns. They noted that the upgraded system is scheduled to be operational "by mid-2026." Raid Takes Down Online Casino AM 08 In other parts of Thailand, the Royal Thai Police are maintaining their campaign against illicit online casino businesses. Their most recent operations resulted in the shutdown of a well-known Thai-language casino site called AM 08, as reported by the Thai media outlet Bangkok Insight. Police in Ranong Province reported arresting a 24-year-old individual during a raid in the Mueang District. Authorities confirmed the confiscation of cash, computers, and mobile phones from the location, identified as a private residence. Pol. Lt. Gen. Surapol Prembutr, Commander of the Cybercrime Investigation Bureau, stated that the AM 08 platform launched more than two years ago. Officials report that the site handled wagers from approximately 36,000 users. It is also accused of operating illegal lottery draws and providing slot machines, baccarat, and sports betting. In late last month, the Thai Department of Special Investigation froze funds totaling $15.3 million across multiple bank accounts. The department asserted that the money was connected to a laundering operation serving a large online gambling network. 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) - With less than a month remaining before the South Korean elections, gambling has emerged as a central issue, with candidates exchanging accusations and the President offering commentary on the matter. Earlier this month, election campaigning in South Jeolla Province and Gwangju turned into a verbal battle centered around gambling. During a televised debate, a candidate accused Kim Dae-jung, the incumbent superintendent of the province, of “hanging around near a gambling den” during a business trip. Since then, Kim admitted to visiting a casino at the hotel where he was staying for a work event but denied that he gambled there. His rivals have described his explanation as “illogical.” Meanwhile, Kim’s representatives claim his opponents are conducting a “smear campaign” ahead of the June 3 vote. An election commission building in Gwangju, the largest city in South Jeolla Province. (Image: NZ Tokideul [CC BY-SA 4.0]) South Korean Elections: Casino Allegations Continue As the election approaches, one leading contender has demanded a public investigation. The rival, Lee Jeong-seon, urged Kim to “clarify the allegations” through a “joint fact-finding investigation.” “We call on Kim to step forward and publicly discuss this issue in a debate,” said a spokesperson for Lee Jeong-seon’s campaign, according to the South Korean news outlet News1. “If Kim has nothing to hide, there is no reason to avoid it. If he refuses or evades our request, we will view it as an attempt to conceal the allegations.” Kim’s camp responded with a statement rejecting the claims. “[My rivals] keep portraying me as someone who illegally gambles,” the superintendent said. “As I previously stated, I recall going to a hotel casino, but I did not engage in illegal gambling. In fact, I can’t even play go-stop [a popular low-stakes Korean card game].” Kim’s spokespeople asked his opponents to stop “repeatedly raising doubts” and instead “present evidence.” “If they cannot provide any proof, they should issue an apology,” said Kim. Gambling Convicts Named Controversies involving gambling are not limited to the race for education superintendent in South Jeolla Province and Gwangju. In other parts of the country, media outlets have been investigating reports revealing that numerous convicted individuals are running for office on June 3—including several with histories of habitual gambling. While the original report did not name any specific candidates, MBC, South Korea’s national broadcaster, has identified many of them in a recent segment. Among those named is Choi Eun-sik, a candidate for the Okcheon County Council and a member of the main opposition People Power Party. Choi is reportedly convicted of two gambling offenses, along with charges related to drunk driving, operating a vehicle without a license, and assault. Meanwhile, the People Power Party’s Chungju City Council candidate, Shim Jae-ik, is said to have seven criminal convictions, including one for gambling. Chungju City Hall, located in Chungju, South Korea. (Image: hyolee2 [CC BY-SA 4.0]) Another candidate named with a prior gambling conviction is the People Power Party nominee Lee Jae-myung in Jincheon. President Issues Another Gambling Warning Although President Lee Jae-myung avoided directly commenting on candidates’ gambling-related convictions or casino allegations, he made gambling-related remarks in a recent social media post. “Illegal lending and gambling are signs of national decline,” the President wrote, as reported by the South Korean newspaper Seoul Kyungjae. The comments echo the President’s earlier warnings from late last year, when he cautioned that increased gambling could “lead to the downfall” of the nation. Politicians in South Korea must carefully navigate issues surrounding gambling regulation. The country generates substantial tax revenue from casinos, particularly in tourist destinations like Jeju Island. Jeju-based casino operator Lotte Tour Development recently reported record quarterly earnings amid growing foreign tourism on the island. 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) - Gambling firms are pouring significant funds into political campaigns in Alabama in an effort to ease the state’s stringent anti-gambling regulations. However, their spending methods are causing confusion and frustration among lawmakers. DraftKings, FanDuel, and Fanatics have channeled no less than $42 million into super PACs that fund political campaigns nationwide. A substantial share of these funds has been directed to the American Conservative Fund, which is utilizing the money to distribute a wave of mailers throughout Alabama. Candidate Disavows Link to Godfather-Themed Campaign One candidate who appears to be supported by the PAC is Senator Garlan Gudger. Alabama residents might now view him as the Godfather due to a flyer from the American Conservative Fund. American Conservative Fund flyer featuring Garlan Gudger Gudger, though, states he had not seen the flyer prior to its distribution in mailboxes across the state. “This is from a super PAC from up north,” Gudger stated in a video shared on Facebook. “We have nothing to do with them and just wanted everyone to know that, as there are many questions circulating online.” Gudger was uncertain whether the campaign was an endorsement or intended to harm his electoral prospects. He noted that he saw the Godfather portrayal as a “negative spin, aimed more at damaging me than anything else in this race.” Last year, the Senate leader halted discussions about legalizing gambling in Alabama, arguing it was a distraction for lawmakers because of a lack of agreement. “Whenever you’re having a discussion, once this topic arises, everyone begins to use what they need or want from this specific bill to influence other issues they’re addressing,” Gudger told an interviewer. “And that’s really not right.” Are Direct Mail Services Winning Over Voters? A portion of the American Conservative Fund’s funds goes to Leading Pointe Strategy, a Georgia-based organization established by Tom Willis. Willis also holds the position of Senior Vice President at Arena Wins, which bills itself as “The Most Trusted Republican Advertising Agency in America.” The company’s website highlights its innovative mail design, which it asserts has “helped Republicans win hearts and minds in all 50 states.” Every flyer—such as the one depicting Gudger as the Godfather—includes a disclaimer that it is not approved by the candidate. It’s unknown if the group created the Gudger flyer, which only notes it was funded by the American Conservative Fund. Funding Campaigns on Both Political Sides Although most of Win for America’s funds are directed to the American Conservative Fund (which says it supports Republicans), some money is also allocated to American Future, a super PAC launched by DraftKings in 2023. American Future’s website states that it “is committed to electing strong, bold Democrats to state legislatures nationwide who will advocate for our future.” Funds from the gambling companies pass through the PACs to different strategy groups. It’s uncertain if these groups know that the money supporting them is also funding competing strategy groups that promote Republican candidates. Gaming America mapped out the flow of funds from the three major betting companies, illustrating which groups are receiving the money. Beyond Alabama, a significant portion of the funds is also financing political campaigns in Pennsylvania, Texas, and Georgia. Lawmakers Demand Action on Gambling Interest Groups A separate group of Alabama lawmakers has demanded “immediate action and greater public scrutiny regarding serious campaign finance concerns tied to gambling interests and political action committees active in Alabama.” Nine organizations co-signed a letter sent to Attorney General Steve Marshall and Secretary of State Wes Allan. The letter doesn’t directly name gambling groups as a concern, but references “allegations involving large financial contributions, intricate funding structures, and possible non-compliance with Alabama’s campaign finance disclosure rules.” Coalition leaders clarified their concerns in a press release, saying, “We know from other states that gambling money often brings corruption, undue political influence, and weakened public trust.” “The Alabama Constitution prohibits games of chance, yet we are witnessing unprecedented amounts of gambling-related money flowing into legislative races. Citizens should be deeply concerned about what this could mean for the future of our state.” Alabama has taken steps against companies trying to offer gambling services in the state. Sweepstakes casino operators are currently facing 21 lawsuits in Alabama, as residents seek to recoup losses incurred on these platforms. Although many Alabamians hold strong anti-gambling opinions, the coalition emphasized that “regardless of where citizens stand on specific gambling policy, all Alabamians should agree that lawlessness should not be tolerated; public transparency and compliance with campaign finance laws are essential to a free and fair election process.” Even when residents can trace the source of the funds, it’s still unclear why gambling companies are supporting both political sides and running campaigns that candidates are disavowing. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. 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(AsiaGameHub) - The National Football League (NFL) has urged the commodities regulator to require prediction market providers to prohibit contracts on events that are “easily manipulable” by a single individual. Examples include first pass and field goal completion. The league submitted its request in a letter to the Commodities and Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) Chairman Michael Selig, as reported by CNBC. Written by Brendon Plack, the NFL’s head of government affairs and public policy, the letter also calls for the regulator to raise the legal betting age from 18 to 21 and ban margin trading. NFL’s Regulatory Requests Sports event contracts that are “not fully collateralized” risk “exacerbating addictive behavior and increasing loss exposure,” according to Plack. The league wants the CFTC to mandate that providers block contracts on events that are “knowable in advance.” Examples of such events include the outcome of the first play of a game. Plack also requested that Selig ban “inherently objectionable” contracts involving events like player injuries. The NFL raised several concerns about potential match-fixing and insider trading. The league seeks a special certification process from the regulator for individual player performance-related prediction contracts. Key Points of Contention The NFL wants prediction markets to follow many of the standards, rules, and guidelines applied to traditional sports betting operations. This stance may provoke disagreement with Selig, who has consistently maintained that prediction market platforms and sportsbooks are “two separate things.” “What you’re seeing is markets versus entertainment… They are different models,” Selig told Axios earlier this month. “The conventional sportsbooks and casinos are entertainment,” he added. Selig stated that the CFTC will regulate prediction markets “as financial markets, not as entertainment.” Throughout the letter, Plack reportedly cited multiple references to state-level gambling regulations. The mention of states could be contentious, as the CFTC is currently engaged in legal disputes with states that have tried to take control of regulating prediction markets. Spectators watch an NFL game at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. (Image: Myron Mott) While the issue involving states may be sensitive, the NFL and Selig may find common ground on concerns about insider trading. Earlier this month, the CFTC announced it was consulting with “all professional sports leagues” on measures to prevent insider trading. In his letter, Plack recommended that the National Futures Association—the U.S. derivatives regulator—establish data-sharing agreements with state gaming regulatory bodies. This, said the NFL executive, could strengthen enforcement tools to restrict certain individuals from participating in prediction markets. Such individuals should include NFL league employees, according to Plack. The CFTC recently finalized a memorandum of understanding with MLB, aiming to identify suspicious trading activity on prediction market platforms. 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 NCAA has confirmed that former Abilene Christian men's basketball student-athlete Airion Simmons has been banned for life. Simmons allegedly agreed to fix at least two games while playing for the college in March 2024. In a press release, the NCAA revealed that the now 25-year-old accepted a $3,500 bribe to "play bad" in a game against Tarleton State. He allegedly recruited other players to ensure Abilene Christian did not win. The NCAA says he received the cash in a Dallas parking lot but did not pay the teammates with whom he conspired. Simmons Named in Federal Indictment Simmons was one of several college basketball players named in a federal indictment in January. He first agreed to fix a game on March 19 against Texas A&M. However, despite his efforts to underperform, the team won. The scheme was allegedly led by former Chicago Bulls player Antonio Blakeney, Marves Fairley, and Shane Hennen. Both Fairley and Hennen have also been named in the NBA betting scandal that includes Chauncey Billups, Damon Jones, and Terry Rozier. The bettors wagered $82,000 on Texas A&M to beat Abilene Christian, according to the indictment. After the bets were lost, the fixers said that they should have recruited more players. Simmons, along with another unnamed player, agreed to fix the next game against Tarleton State. Bettors wagered $40,000 on Tarleton State to cover first- and full-game point spreads. In this instance, the bets won, with Simmons scoring zero points. Gamblers Continue to Post Picks Online Despite being named in two federal indictments for their attempts to fix NBA and NCAA basketball matches, both Fairley and Hennen continue to post gambling tips online. On his Instagram account, Hennen advertises his tipping service, which charges for gambling picks. Shane Hennen promotes his NBA tips on Instagram @sugarshanewins He has not publicly posted any picks recently, but in October last year boasted of a 12-2 winning record from his previous 14 tips. During February and March 2024, prosecutors claim Hennen and his co-conspirators attempted to fix at least 21 games. Of these, the bettors won 13 times but lost money on the other eight matches. Fellow Tipster Promotes Must-Win Picks In addition to Hennen, Fairley continues to promote picks for his subscription service, Vezino Locks. He sells daily "locks" for $60 and recently claimed an 11-4 winning record. Marves Fairley promotes his tipping service on Instagram @vezino_locks As part of the NCAA’s investigation, Simmons said he had contact with two known bettors. The NCAA does not say whether they are Hennen or Fairley. Simmons is facing charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and bribery in sporting contests. If convicted, he faces up to 25 years in federal prison. 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) - DraftKings co-founder Matt Kalish sharply criticized Kalshi in a series of social media posts on X. In his rant, he dismissed the prediction market platform as a niche offering and questioned whether it could ever compete with major sportsbooks. Kalish left DraftKings earlier this year after co-founding the company alongside CEO Jason Robins and President Paul Liberman. “I’m retired from operating in gambling, just posting content because I know ball and can say s*** way more clearly than ppl have been willing to do,” he wrote in a thread on X. Casual Users Get Crushed by Pros on Kalshi One key criticism Kalish directed at the operator was its heavy focus on marketing aimed at casual users, whom he claims are “decimated by market-makers and pro gamblers, losing 97% in sports markets.” DraftKings has faced similar allegations that it exploits gamblers through aggressive marketing and VIP hosts. The company is currently defending against multiple lawsuits over these practices. The company and rival sportsbook FanDuel have both publicly discussed their interest in using prediction markets as enhanced trading opportunities, positioning themselves as market makers. Kalish acknowledged that “to some I’m the wrong messenger for this.” Still, he wanted to make clear that he views Kalshi as a niche product catering only to those who are already profiting from trading on the exchange. I haven’t heard the 99% of normal mass market sports gamblers who play for fun say they think exchanges are fun or say much other than express confusion. Because the product isn’t there yet.— Matt Kalish (@mattkalish) May 17, 2026 A survey conducted earlier this year found that most bettors prefer DraftKings Sportsbook over Kalshiin states where both legal sports betting and prediction markets are available. Kalshi, however, was preferred over FanDuel and has grown rapidly in popularity since expanding into sports markets. Prediction Markets Still Offer a Subpar Experience Kalish argued that Kalshi’s product remains far from delivering the same experience as a well-developed sportsbook app. “Everyone everywhere needs to chill the f*** out,” Kalish said. “The products or experiences that finally gets anywhere close to a reasonable sports betting experience will be developed over time. For now let’s just keep it a buck, the only people who are hyping these are those making money from it TODAY or scared they made a dumb investment and rationalizing.” He claimed that ordinary users lack understanding of the micro mechanics behind prediction markets and find the overall experience confusing. This creates openings for professionals to exploit casual participants and generate profits. A user responded by citing the UK example of Betfair, which was once seen as a precursor to U.S. prediction markets. But even Betfair failed to break into the casual betting segment, which “wants a fixed price and a big green button, not a limit order book.” Kalish admitted he uses Kalshi himself but pointed out its limitations—including hidden fees and the absence of bonuses and rewards commonly offered by sportsbooks. “For our customers that are in sportsbook jurisdictions, they prefer to still do business with a sportsbook. We’ve done a lot of surveys. We know that we are able to give them promotions and offers, and it’s a more engaging experience overall,” said fellow co-founder Liberman recently. Limited Liquidity Restricts Trading Opportunities One supposed benefit of prediction markets is the ability to trade out and lock in gains as odds shift. However, Kalish noted that limited liquidity often makes this impossible. He shared personal examples where he couldn’t trade out profitably, including one on Brooks Koepka to win the PGA Championship. Although Koepka started strong during the tournament—making a sportsbook bet look favorable—Kalish said he could only exit at a fraction of the original price due to insufficient market depth. The risk is that many companies launching their own platforms may deliberately maintain low liquidity so users spread their wagers across multiple operators. This isn’t an issue at traditional sportsbooks, where the house typically accepts all bets—though it doesn’t always allow traders to cash out mid-game. Sportsbooks Also Limit Winners Other users quickly pointed out that sportsbooks routinely restrict accounts of winning customers. Those attempting arbitrage betting—placing wagers on all possible outcomes to guarantee profit—often find their accounts suddenly limited or closed. Kalish replied that DraftKings still exposes itself to far greater risk than market makers operating on prediction exchanges. “The amount risk management will (wall) street market makers do in an exchange is massive. MM (market-makers) have infinite cash to invest but choose to only make a few billion a month available as exchange liquidity which is why s*** is razor thin and you get 60% breakage on $1000. Meanwhile DK/FD (DraftKings/FanDuel) booked $2.5 trillion of risk last year each (approx) its order of magnitudes more limiting (factors of several hundred times more liquidity in a top sportsbook vs entire exchange market),” Kalish explained. This argument doesn’t fully address concerns about sportsbooks restricting profitable players. Some states have begun cracking down on the practice; Massachusetts now requires operators to inform bettors when limits are applied. As Kalish himself stated, he has now exited the sports betting industry entirely. He now leads a content creator agency. His X thread has garnered over 200,000 views. He concluded his critique of Kalshi with: “Please god everyone put your megaphones the f*** away and build a real mainstream appeal product and until then shut the f*** up you are niche. Thank you.” 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) - Incentive Games, a leading B2B games provider, has received an interim gaming licence in Pennsylvania from the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board. This approval, effective immediately, allows the company to offer its portfolio of real-money gaming products to licensed operators within the state. This builds on Incentive Games’ earlier licensing success in Michigan in 2025 and advances its expansion across regulated North American markets. The Pennsylvania approval further underscores the company’s focus on regulatory excellence, operational transparency, and secure, responsible gaming practices as it scales its presence in the region. Gaining a Pennsylvania licence unlocks access to one of the most established and competitive iGaming markets in the United States, where strict standards govern compliance and player protection. Incentive Games’ approval reflects its ability to meet these expectations across multiple jurisdictions. Ahmed Baker, Chief Commercial Officer at Incentive Games, said, “Securing an interim licence in Pennsylvania is a significant achievement for our business and a strong endorsement of our regulatory approach. It strengthens our position in North America and supports our ambition to grow through trusted partnerships in regulated markets. We look forward to collaborating with operators in Pennsylvania to deliver high-quality real-money gaming experiences to their players.” This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

(AsiaGameHub) - Gaming Corps, a publicly-traded game development company based in Sweden, has extended its partnership with bet365 by launching its games with the operator in Brazil as part of its ongoing expansion into regulated markets. The launch strengthens Gaming Corps’ existing relationship with bet365 and marks another significant milestone in the studio’s broader growth strategy across Latin America. The rollout was facilitated through Gaming Corps’ distribution partnership with Light & Wonder, providing efficient market access via one of the industry’s most established content networks. Brazilian bet365 players will now have access to Gaming Corps’ full suite of games, including Penalty Champion, an instant win title that immerses players in a sudden-death penalty shootout, where each successful strike boosts the potential return. The launch also features popular franchise titles such as 3 Pigs of Olympus and 3 Pigs of the Caribbean. Additionally, Brazilian players can anticipate the arrival of Gaming Corps’ three-game football collection in time for the World Cup. Beyond traditional slot content, Gaming Corps has focused on creating games with greater variety in both format and gameplay style. In addition to proprietary concepts like Smash4Cash, A-MAZE-CADES, and X-MY-WAY, the studio develops Mine, Table, Multiplier, and Plinko games, helping operators offer a diverse range of experiences tailored to different player preferences. Juha Kauppinen, CEO at Gaming Corps, commented: “Extending our partnership with bet365 into Brazil represents an exciting development for Gaming Corps and a crucial next step in our growth with leading operators across regulated markets. bet365 is one of the most recognized names in online gaming, and expanding our collaboration with them into a dynamic market like Brazil highlights both the strength of our relationship and the broad appeal of our portfolio.” A bet365 spokesperson added: “Gaming Corps has built a strong identity in the market through a blend of innovative game concepts and unique mechanics. We are pleased to expand our partnership with the studio into Brazil and look forward to bringing this content to our players in the region.” 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) - With just one week remaining until the Casino Guru Awards 2026, anticipation is building across the iGaming industry as the event prepares to honor the companies, initiatives, and individuals leading meaningful progress in online gambling. Set to take place on May 25 at Xara Lodge in Malta, ahead of the NEXT Valletta conference, the Awards have become one of the industry’s most respected accolades for promoting fairness, player protection, and ethical business practices. Organized by Casino Guru, the Awards stand apart from conventional industry honors by emphasizing measurable impact and a sustained commitment to enhancing the player experience rather than brand size or marketing influence. Elevating industry standards Since its inception, the Casino Guru Awards have sought to highlight those actively contributing to safer, fairer, and more accountable online gambling environments. “The Casino Guru Awards celebrate the people and organizations that genuinely prioritize players and help build a healthier industry,” said Daniela Sliva, PR & Creative Projects Director at Casino Guru. “As we approach the event, we’re eager to recognize efforts that often operate behind the scenes but significantly shape the future of iGaming.” Over the years, the Awards have earned widespread industry respect for their impartiality and integrity, fostering higher operational standards and more robust player-centered initiatives throughout the sector. The final countdown begins Around 150 guests are expected to attend the ceremony at Xara Lodge, where winners in multiple categories will be announced during an evening focused on innovation, responsibility, and collaboration within iGaming. In addition to the awards presentation, attendees can anticipate premium entertainment, valuable networking opportunities, fine dining, and an afterparty following the ceremony. With only days left, attention is now squarely on the nominees driving a more transparent and responsible evolution of online gaming. 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) - Tequity, a leading iGaming software provider, has established a strategic partnership with the new slot studio DELULU to supply the infrastructure for its market debut via Tequity’s licensed modular Remote Gaming Server (RGS) platform. This agreement enables DELULU to use Tequity’s advanced RGS technology to release games that combine premium cinematic quality with strong performance metrics. By leveraging Tequity’s efficient infrastructure, DELULU retains full creative control and can maintain rapid development cycles as it prepares its titles for global operators. DELULU is currently finalising development on its initial game portfolio, collaborating closely with aggregators ahead of a full market rollout. Each title will showcase the studio’s distinctive bold art style and character-focused storytelling, tailored to meet modern players’ demand for engaging and streamable content. The partnership comes amid significant growth for Tequity, which now serves 30 RGS clients and supports more than 120 integrations across regulated markets. This deal follows a series of recent collaborations with game providers and operators, reinforcing Tequity’s position as the preferred technical partner for studios aiming to avoid the complexities of traditional game delivery processes. Tanja Bergman, Head of Growth – RGS at Tequity, said: “DELULU is a studio that refuses to compromise. Their emphasis on visually striking graphics and well-balanced mathematics aligns perfectly with our approach of delivering technology that handles all the heavy lifting.” “We are excited to provide the stable, high-performance environment they need to bring their creative vision to life as a market leader.” Alina Avekse Mathiasen, CPO at DELULU, said: “When establishing a studio, the key differentiator is how comprehensive the platform is. With Tequity, every component—from the promotional toolkit to the frontend SDK—functions seamlessly as one integrated system, which offers major advantages.” “This allows us to ensure our creative decisions reach players exactly as intended. Tequity gives us the technical freedom to focus entirely on gameplay, ensuring our releases launch quickly, run smoothly, and are ready to deliver strong performance.” This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

(AsiaGameHub) - Evoplay has announced the expansion of its operational approach to a multi-studio production ecosystem, uniting various creative teams under the single banner of Evoplay Studios. According to the company, this new framework is designed to increase the scale of content delivery and speed up localisation efforts. The teams will maintain creative independence while leveraging Evoplay's common technology platform, data systems, and market launch resources. Evoplay confirmed that the first games created under the Evoplay Studios model, such as Mystic Alaska and Gems of Ra: 3 Pots, are now live. Additional titles are currently in development spanning several content categories. Ivan Kravchuk, CEO at Evoplay, said: “Transitioning to a production ecosystem represents a crucial move in Evoplay’s expansion plans. Organising the company within a cohesive but adaptable framework allows us to grow our content production without compromising on the quality and innovative spirit that characterises our offerings. “Bringing multiple teams together under one unified structure enables us to accelerate development, address a wider range of opportunities, and provide operators with a more extensive and varied portfolio. This model offers the agility to pursue fresh creative avenues, all supported by a robust, shared base that guarantees consistency, operational effectiveness, and scalable growth for the future.” 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) - Avanti, a pioneering live casino provider revolutionizing the industry through its blend of motion capture technology and real-time cloud-based streaming, has secured an exclusive agreement with HITSqwad Interactive Gaming for the live version of Sweet 16 Blackjack. The digital variant of Sweet 16 Blackjack is already available across major brands such as BetMGM, Caesars, DraftKings, OLG, BCLC, and FanDuel. The land-based format is currently operational in South Africa and undergoing a global rollout. With this new partnership, Avanti will be the sole company to deliver Sweet 16 Blackjack to live casino audiences worldwide, combining the strengths of both formats. Sweet 16 Blackjack has become a market leader, ranking among the Top 10 Table Games in the Eilers & Krejcik U.S. Online Game Performance Report for September 2024 and April 2026. It was also recognized as a nominee for Top Performing New Online Table Game at the EKG Slot Awards in both 2024 and 2025. This game merges the strategic elements of traditional blackjack with the excitement of a high-payout side bet. In every round, players can place an optional Sweet 16 side bet; if their first two cards total 16, they automatically win. Payouts vary depending on the suits, colors, and values of the hand, adding an extra layer of engagement to the classic gameplay. With Avanti’s exclusive rights to the live casino version of Sweet 16 Blackjack, the company plans to use its lifelike digital avatars to enhance immersion. Additionally, its provably fair RNG system may allow the game to be offered in regions where live formats are restricted. Currently, Avanti intends to launch the new live game in all regulated markets where it operates globally. Looking ahead, the provider also aims to introduce live Sweet 16 Blackjack in Canada upon entering the market later this year. Jonas Delin, Co-Founder at Avanti Studios, commented: “Data confirms that Sweet 16 Blackjack is one of the top-performing table games in the iGaming sector, so we are thrilled to have partnered with HITSqwad to exclusively bring this format to live casino audiences worldwide. “The innovative side bet feature of Sweet 16 Blackjack, combined with Avanti’s superior presentation, extensive customization options, and unlimited scalability, will ensure the game becomes a cornerstone of our offering for operators across all regulated markets we serve.” Charl Geyser, CEO of HITSqwad Interactive Gaming, stated: “Sweet 16 is a standout game with a rapidly growing player base in both online and retail environments. We are excited to collaborate with Avanti to expand its presence into the live casino space—a vital next step in its journey as one of the world’s leading blackjack side-bets.” 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) - Renowned iGaming content creator BGaming is gearing up for summer action by launching four fresh football-themed games. These games will be part of a football-focused promotional bundle—the latest addition to the studio’s series of themed game collections. Over the past 12 months, BGaming has rolled out sets centered around Chinese New Year, Christmas, Halloween, Oktoberfest, and Valentine’s Day. These promotional bundles have been a massive success for BGaming, becoming a core part of their portfolio and solidifying the company’s position as a top go-to provider for holiday and special event-themed products. Each collection is designed to celebrate an upcoming holiday or event. In this case, the focus is a football-packed summer, with the FIFA World Cup (co-hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico) as the main attraction. Starting on June 7th, the tournament will draw millions of players to the market, and this bundle gives operators the perfect products to meet that demand. The first title in the lineup, Ultras, launched on May 7th. This game explores the Ultras subculture, bringing the intensity and excitement of football fandom to life in a high-volatility slot setting. It places players right in the heart of clashes between rival fans and police, perfectly capturing the emotionally charged atmosphere of stadiums worldwide. Following Ultras onto the scene this month is Lucky Pack: 2026 Cup. This high-volatility #Entertainment game combines classic slot action with card-opening and pack-ripping mechanics—features that have grown extremely popular among online football fans in recent years. Lucky Pack: 2026 Cup is set for release on May 21st. The football fever will carry into June with the highly anticipated launch of the #Casual game Penalty Duel with Júlio César on June 8th. This exciting title is an official collaboration with Brazil’s legendary goalkeeper, giving players the chance to step into a striker’s role and try to score past him. Finally, BGaming wraps up its football-focused month with the release of Kicker Mania on June 30th—a #Casual game built using the company’s hit mechanics. In the game, players attempt to pop floating footballs displaying various multipliers to win instant prizes. Football (the beautiful game) has huge international appeal, and these BGaming demos are especially likely to resonate with Latin American players—given the Ultras subculture’s prominence in their leagues and Júlio César’s status as a Brazilian football icon. Players looking to get in the World Cup mood before the tournament kicks off can test the game demos live on bgaming.com. Julia Alekseeva, CPO at BGaming, said, “Like everyone else, the BGaming team is super excited about this summer’s World Cup start. What better way to celebrate than with the release of one of our special-themed sets? This football-themed bundle has something for everyone. Entertainment fans and those seeking more traditional slot play will love Lucky Pack: 2026 Cup and Ultras, while casual game fans will enjoy Penalty Duel with Júlio César and Kicker Mania. Our time-tested titles Soccermania, Football Plinko, and Penalty Duel are also part of the collection, ensuring every type of player is catered to.” 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) - Police have arrested 83 people in a raid on a suspected gambling den hidden within a Thai coconut plantation. A specialized operations team conducted the operation at a plantation in Ratchaburi Province, where authorities confiscated cash and various gambling-related equipment, according to local media outlet Thairath. Officials stated that the facility was well-established, as evidenced by vendors present on-site who were selling food and drinks to patrons. Ratchaburi is located near the border with Myanmar. In Southeast Asia, many border regions have become notorious for hosting illegal casinos, gambling dens, and voice phishing call centers. Ratchaburi Province, Thailand. (Image: Piith.hant [CC BY-SA 4.0]) Thai Coconut Farm: Police Raid Kam Thua Ring Authorities confirmed that the operators allowed gamblers to place bets on rounds of kam thua, a popular dice game where participants aim to surpass a designated banker. Police from the Ratchaburi Provincial Internal Security Operations Command and Photharam Police Station explained that they initiated the raid following a tip-off from a member of the public. The informant reported that a group of gamblers had been gathering in a clearing in the center of a plantation within the Photharam District. Additional details revealed that this location had been used as an established gambling den for some time, with meetings typically occurring at night. Although police carried out several prior raids without detecting any gambling activity, they returned to the site on the evening of May 8 and discovered over 100 vehicles parked near the entrance to a makeshift gambling den. Police released bodycam footage of the raid. Detectives noted that suspects panicked upon seeing approaching officers. Some reportedly jumped into water-filled irrigation ditches, while others fled into the darkness. In the bodycam footage released by police, officers can be seen assisting several suspects as they climbed out of trenches filled with chest-high water. Eventually, law enforcement apprehended dozens of suspected patrons and operators. However, they admitted that some individuals managed to evade arrest by remaining concealed in dark areas of the coconut groves throughout the night. Investigators seized numerous pieces of gambling paraphernalia, including a large betting table, betting chips, dice, dice shakers, and notebooks used to record scores. The authorities also confiscated multiple makeshift food and drink stalls operated by vendors. A Remote Location All individuals taken into custody were brought to a multi-purpose building at the Photharam District Office complex for questioning. None of the suspects immediately confessed to operating the gambling den. Authorities have since charged all those arrested with organizing and participating in illegal gambling for financial gain. Detectives disclosed that the gang paid rent to the owner of the coconut plantation. They chose this remote location because it featured only one access point—a large gate—which allowed lookouts to control entry and exit, making the area difficult to approach. Earlier this month, police in Bangkok froze and seized assets held in several bank accounts totaling more than 500 million baht, or approximately $15.3 million. Officials indicated that these funds belonged to a money laundering network that supported a well-known online gambling operation. 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 operator of the Shambala Casino in Kaliningrad, Russia, has announced it has received approval for a major expansion that will feature a new eight-story structure and a luxury hotel. The company, also called Shambala, disclosed the results of an independent expert review on the state register of construction projects, as reported by the Russian media outlet ABN 24. Shambala first revealed its expansion plans in 2022. The upcoming development will mark the casino’s “second phase,” according to the operator. The company also runs a casino under the same name in the Primorye gambling zone in Russia’s Far East. The proposed Kaliningrad project includes an eight-story casino building housing a five-star hotel, a spa, multiple restaurants, a banquet hall, and a fitness center. The total area of the new complex is projected to span 21,000 square meters. The initiative has already secured approval from the Kaliningrad architectural and urban planning council. Late in 2024, officials reported that the current casino draws approximately 700 visitors daily, with 60% coming from Kaliningrad and 1% from abroad. The operator and its investors believe the expanded casino and hotel will significantly increase visitor numbers and revenue, especially from major urban centers such as Moscow. Central Kaliningrad. (Image: Aleksander Kaasik [CC BY-SA 3.0]) Kaliningrad Casino Expansion to Finally Begin? The timing of the review is significant. The Kremlin is currently working to accelerate the growth of its rapidly expanding casino industry. Russia already hosts five designated gambling zones, including the Yantarnaya zone in Kaliningrad. However, President Vladimir Putin recently approved the creation of an additional zone in the Altai Republic. This new development will be constructed and financed by Sberbank, the nation’s largest commercial bank. Shambala Kaliningrad has been advocating for expansion since the launch of Russia’s first gambling zones in 2015. Although initial approval was granted in 2023, the operator chose to revise its original plans to include a design that officials described as drawing inspiration from Encore Las Vegas. Several major construction challenges have also surfaced. Koleso, an investor in the project, stated in 2024 that developers had already needed to replace the soil at the site. “The land has proven to be far from ideal,” he said. “We are essentially building on a swamp.” Despite these obstacles, both investors and the operator remain committed to moving forward with the project. The operators highlighted that the Archproject Group, a firm led by Kaliningrad’s former chief architect Alexander Bashin, participated in the expert review. Gamblers at the Shambala Kaliningrad casino. (Image: Ekaterina Pobotaeva/VK) A Single-Story Casino According to Shambala’s financial reports, the company recorded 2025 revenues of $29 million, a 7% increase from the previous year, despite a 1.5% decline in net profits. Casino revenues at Shambala have also seen recent growth, rising more than 6% year-on-year in 2025. Revenue growth is evident across most of Russia’s gambling zones. Last year, Shambala’s Kaliningrad competitor, the Sobranie Casino, reported a 13.4% increase in visitors, reaching 415,000. The zone also features the Magic Crystal slot machine hall. Currently, facilities at Shambala Kaliningrad’s single-story casino remain limited, offering few lodging options and restricted dining choices. An event at the Shambala Kaliningrad casino. (Image: Ekaterina Pobotaeva/VK) “At the moment, we only have a small boutique hotel,” said Koleso CEO Nikita Smolentsev. “Currently, gamblers are choosing between Minsk and Sochi. With the launch of the new phase and the larger hotel, I believe people will begin choosing Kaliningrad. The Kaliningrad region is actually a highly promising market.” The Kremlin’s casino expansion strategy may soon extend beyond physical venues. Gaming authorities have expressed support for the Ministry of Finance’s proposal to legalize online casinos and impose an annual tax rate of 30%. 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’s latest sponsorship agreement with UFC champion Nate Diaz prompted us to examine prominent athletes who have publicly supported gambling companies. Our selection features some of the most renowned figures in professional sports, both current and retired, who have achieved the highest level of success in their careers. Important note: This list is limited to athletes based in North America. LeBron James & DraftKings Sportsbook Partnership began: January 2024 LeBron James, a four-time NBA champion and the all-time leading scorer in league history with 43,440 points, entered into a multi-year contract with DraftKings. Under this arrangement, James focused exclusively on weekly football predictions, with any NBA-related content strictly prohibited. Television and online advertisements featuring James alongside comedian Kevin Hart became increasingly common. In our view, this collaboration produced their most entertaining commercial spot yet. DraftKings has effectively leveraged “The King” as a brand ambassador, making this partnership our top choice. Rob Gronkowski & FanDuel Partnership began: January 2022 Few moments are more memorable than Rob Gronkowski’s “Kick of Destiny” marketing campaigns during Super Bowl 2023 and 2024—though he missed both attempts! This innovative promotion allowed FanDuel users to vote “Yes” or “No” on whether Gronkowski would successfully make the kick, with $10 million in Bonus Bets at stake. Those who voted “No” shared in that prize pool. More recently, FanDuel Casino launched a slot game inspired by Gronkowski titled All Gronk, All Gold, ahead of Super Bowl LVII in February. Despite his difficulties with field goals, Gronkowski has significantly boosted FanDuel’s brand visibility as a high-profile endorser. Giannis Antetokounmpo & Kalshi Partnership began: February 2026 This deal sparked controversy amid ongoing NBA betting scandals. NBA superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo acquired an ownership stake in Kalshi through his company, Ante Inc. Antetokounmpo will appear in commercials and at live events promoting Kalshi. Under NBA rules, players may hold passive stakes of less than 1% in gambling-related businesses. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver clarified why the transaction complied with regulations. “We have a rule—agreed upon collectively with the Players Association—that permits players to make what I’d call de minimis investments in sports betting companies, and we’re applying the same standard to prediction markets,” Silver explained. He continued, “In Giannis’s case, as far as I understand, the investment is much smaller than 1%, so it doesn’t violate the rules.” Wayne Gretzky & BetMGM Partnership began: June 2021 Like LeBron James, Wayne Gretzky won four Stanley Cups and holds the record for most career points (2,857) in NHL history. Similar to Rob Gronkowski, Gretzky also has a custom slot game at BetMGM. Gretzky has starred in numerous commercials for “The King of Sportsbooks,” including a recent ad featuring current Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid. Notably, Gretzky also appeared in BetMGM’s Super Bowl advertisement alongside Tom Brady and actor Vince Vaughn two years ago. Although we considered including Tom Brady, he no longer has a promotional deal with BetMGM following his role as a minority owner of the Las Vegas Raiders. The NFL prohibits its personnel from endorsing any form of gambling, including sports betting. In a January study, researchers from Towson University and Notre Dame of Maryland University analyzed YouTube comments on gambling advertisements. While comedian Jamie Foxx drew the most criticism for BetMGM, Wayne Gretzky received four negative comments for every positive one. Commenters argued that it was “a bad look for someone who used to represent integrity in sports” to promote gambling on athletic competition. Despite this backlash, the long-standing relationship between BetMGM and “The Great One” continues to endure. 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 new live-round Stake Original where every player bets on the same outcome – six animals, a 20-tile track, three results per round, and wins up to 1,000x in play. Stake, the world’s largest online casino and sportsbook, has today launched its Zoo casino game, a fresh multiplayer Stake Original that brings all players into the same live round to wager on six animals racing across a 20-tile track. Now available globally on Stake, Zoo is the newest addition to the expanding Stake Originals collection. Zoo builds on the shared-round excitement that has made titles like Crash a staple of Stake Originals, combining it with more intuitive, visually driven gameplay. Each round features six animals – Lion, Cheetah, Elephant, Crocodile, Rhino, and Penguin – displayed on a circular 20-tile track, with each appearing a different number of times to establish distinct volatility levels and payout variations. Players have ten seconds to place bets on one or more animals before the track spins and three result tiles are locked in at the center of the screen. Zoo debuts with a 98% RTP, a maximum multiplier of 1,000x per round, and full auto-bet functionality that allows users to predefine their stake, number of rounds, and selected animals. Designed as a streamlined, visually engaging evolution of classic casino games like Roulette and Sic Bo, Zoo reduces complexity while retaining strategic depth. The rarer the animal, the higher the reward – Lion and Cheetah each appear only once on the track, Elephant and Crocodile twice, Rhino four times, and Penguin ten, giving players a clear understanding of risk and potential payout for each bet. With three tiles drawn per round, winnings are determined by how many times the chosen animal appears across all three. “Zoo embodies exactly what we want Stake Originals to represent – fast-paced, easy to learn, and genuinely enjoyable to play alongside other users online. There’s genuine suspense in watching the three tiles reveal themselves simultaneously for the entire table, and we believe players will quickly develop attachments to their favorite animals,” said Stake’s Chief Marketing Officer, Akhil Sarin. Zoo joins an expanding lineup of in-house multiplayer games on Stake Casino, with the aim of ensuring every Stake Original remains simple to grasp, quick to play, and distinctively different from anything else in the iGaming space. About Stake Stake is the world’s largest online casino and sportsbook, drawing over 100 million monthly visits across its global platforms – more than any other iGaming operator worldwide. Since its founding in 2017, Stake has attracted over 80 million monthly visits and processes more than 100 billion bets annually. The brand is recognized for its leadership in cryptocurrency wagering and its ongoing expansion into regulated local-currency markets, including Italy, Denmark, Brazil, Colombia, and Peru. Stake maintains an extensive global sponsorship portfolio featuring partnerships with Drake, X Games, Everton Football Club, and the UFC. Contact Stake.com press@stake.com This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.