(AsiaGameHub) - The UFC is forging more sponsorship agreements with prediction markets, while Dana White claims President Donald Trump is failing traditional sports betting. Coinciding with Kalshi's announcement of a deal with Nate Diaz, White dispatched a letter to Trump pressing the President to reverse tax modifications affecting gamblers. Kalshi stated its arrangement with Diaz covers sponsorship of his fight shorts, billboards, and a joint social media campaign. Diaz is slated to display Kalshi branding during his comeback fight against Mike Perry this weekend. Kalshi Deal Follows UFC-Polymarket Collaboration This Kalshi-Diaz partnership comes after the UFC declared last November that competing platform Polymarket had become its “Official and Exclusive Prediction Market Partner.” “Kalshi stepped up and showed love and support for me for this fight and my brand overall,” Diaz commented. “It’s good to be in business with them.” “Nate Diaz ranks among the most genuine and fearless competitors in sports,” stated Valeria Vouterakou, counsel at Kalshi. “He is precisely the type of representative we want for our brand.” Prediction markets are securing a growing number of partnerships with sports leagues, teams, and athletes. Beyond the UFC, these firms have allied with MLS, NHL, FIFA, MLB, and, most recently, LIV Golf. UFC Relies on Betting, Says White In his letter to Trump, White asserted that betting is vital to the UFC's survival, notwithstanding several prominent betting controversies. White is urging the President to repeal the gambling tax adjustment enacted as part of Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act last year. The new regulations permit bettors to offset just 90% of their losses against their winnings before being taxed on the balance. While some legislators have pushed to overturn the rule, Trump has hesitated to endorse a rollback. White argued the new policy endangers Trump's “no tax on tips” stance because “gamblers will probably be less generous, if they wager at all.” He further stated the change “renders betting in the United States illogical, as you might owe taxes despite losing or face a tax bill higher than your annual winnings.” “The UFC backs a robust, legal sports betting market to boost fan engagement, broadcast value, and sponsorships,” White wrote in the letter, which was noted by prediction markets analyst Dustin Gouker. “Discouraging legal betting damages the ecosystem we have built over years alongside state regulators and licensed operators. It also weakens the transparency and integrity safeguards that legal betting offers professional sports,” White said. Betting Scandals & Rule Change Impact UFC The UFC has recently experienced a drop in betting volume, potentially due to the tax change or recent betting scandals. “We’ve observed a recent decline in the handle and betting activity for the UFC,” noted Borgata Race & Sportsbook Director Thomas Gable. “It’s probably a mix of factors, with integrity concerns being one of them.” Worries about unusual betting patterns re-emerged around the Sean Brady vs. Joaquin Buckley bout at UFC 328 on Saturday. Pre-fight odds shifted significantly to establish Buckley as the favorite, even though he was the underdog beforehand. However, unlike recent matches featuring Isaac Dulgarian and Michael Johnson, the Brady fight proceeded as scheduled. The heavy betting on Buckley was misleading, as he lost decisively. Tax Change Could Strengthen Prediction Markets Although detractors of prediction markets contend they heighten risks of match-fixing and insider trading, the UFC seems untroubled, as it and fighters like Diaz partner with these operators. The tax hike does not affect profits from prediction markets, since they are not formally classified as gambling. White worries the tax amendment will deter bettors from wagering on the UFC or drive them toward unregulated sites. It may also push gamblers toward prediction markets. Under current rules, if you gained $5,000 on a prediction market and lost $5,000, your tax liability would be $0 because you can net the amounts as capital losses. Performing the same activity at a sportsbook would leave you taxed on $500 (the 10% of losses now non-deductible). A recent survey indicates that bettors still favor sportsbooks, citing DraftKings' overall wagering experience as making it the top platform. This preference may shift, however, as Kalshi increases its sports advertising through sponsorships like the one with Diaz. 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 Mayor of Burr Ridge, Illinois, Gary Grasso, has defended the indicted restaurant owner of Capri Filippo “Gigi” Rovito, Jr. Rovito is one of 22 named in an illegal gambling ring accused of operating a betting business and extorting individuals with gambling debts. The 52-year-old was charged with four counts of extortion last month. According to the indictment, he attempted to collect gambling debts from an unnamed victim. Prosecutors say James Gerodemos, the alleged ringleader of the group, promised Gigi half of the victim’s $30,000 debt if he could successfully collect the money. “FILIPPO ROVITO said he was going to knock VICTIM 2’s lights out and shove his head into a machine,” states the indictment. Mayor Has Dish Named After Him At “Nuts” Rovito’s Restaurant Mayor Grasso has a dish named after him at Capri, Linguini alla Mayor Grasso. He said he frequently dines there with his wife and defended Rovito’s right to continue operating the business. “To my knowledge, there is no specific allegation that Gigi actually threatened or physically harmed anyone,” the Mayor wrote in a letter to the people of Burr Ridge. “There is hearsay about it though. The allegation, so far, as to Gigi is that he is part of this illegal gambling activity in Indiana (not acceptable if true) and that ‘someone said that Gigi said’ he would harm the gambler for not paying his debt.” The indictment states that Gerodemos described Rovito as “nuts.” As the Mayor notes in his letter, Rovito is a convicted double-felon. In 1997, he was sentenced to six years in prison for the sexual assault of a 14-year-old, which added to a six-year sentence for delivery of a controlled substance. Usually, convicted felons are not granted liquor licenses in Illinois, but the Mayor made an exception in Rovito’s case. He claims he “met the standards for rehabilitation under state law.” The license has caused controversy and led to a confrontation at the restaurant. Burr Ridge Village Trustee Zach Mottl, a political rival of Grasso, allegedly questioned how Rovito could gain a license as a convicted felon. “How does a felon get a liquor license?” Mottl said, according to a police report. Rovito responded, “You need an ass beating.” Mayor and Rovito Have Longstanding Ties The Mayor, a qualified attorney, also wrote in his letter that he has defended Rovito in two previous lawsuits against the restaurateur. “Yes, I also represented Gigi in two civil lawsuits where I thought he was wronged; and did so successfully because he was not responsible. It’s still America, isn’t it?” the Mayor wrote. Rovito contributed $5,000 to Grasso’s ill-fated campaign for attorney general in 2018. Grasso returned the money after the contribution became controversial. In 2022, a complaint was filed with the FEC alleging that Rovito had funneled illegal “straw donor” contributions to Grasso’s congressional campaign. The complaint alleged Rovito used his wife and employees to make $11,600 in maximum-limit contributions. The case was later dismissed for lack of evidence. Rovito Allegedly Part of Al Capone Mafia Group Rovito has embraced alleged ties to the mafia and has built a following of over 250,000 on social media. A recent Instagram post shows him with Sopranos actor Joseph R. Gannascoli. Filippo ‘Gigi’ Rovito (right) Img: @capribygigi on Instagram Alongside Linguini alla Mayor Grasso, Capri’s menu also features Wise Guy Meatballs and Chicken “Forget About It.” An article in the Gangster Report last year names Rovito as an alleged member of the Cicero Crew, the Chicago-based criminal organization started by Al Capone. Capri Restaurant was allegedly the scene of a gang fight between the Cicero Crew and Latin Kings in March last year. The report does not say Rovito was involved in the fight, and it is unclear if it is connected to the indictment unsealed last month. Federal court records also show Rovito was allegedly paid to administer a “thorough beating” to a used car dealer who defaulted on a private loan in 2013. Records show Michael “Mickey” Davis gave Rovito a $5,000 down payment for the beating, ultimately promising a total of “10,000 clams.” The FBI then intervened before the debtor was physically harmed, and Rovito was not charged in the case. In the illegal gambling case, Rovito has been released on a $1 million bond. “For now, he is out on bond and presumed innocent until otherwise proved,” stressed Mayor Grasso. Gerodemos remains in police custody as the investigation continues, while his brother, Chris, has also been released on a $1 million bond. The group allegedly made $5 million in proceeds from their illegal gambling business. 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) - Playson, a leading digital entertainment provider, introduces dazzling enhancements to bonus play in 3 Supercharged Diamonds: Hold and Win. The game features three Special Diamond mechanics, alongside an exclusive Collect Diamond function activated only during the Bonus Game, offering players the chance to win up to 1,000x their bet through four progressive jackpots. The reels burst with vibrant energy and classic casino-style symbols, while the beloved 3 Pots mechanic powers the Hold and Win Bonus Game. This feature is triggered whenever green, yellow, or violet Diamond symbols appear together with matching Diamonds positioned above the reels. The specific combination of Diamonds that land on any spin determines which of the following special features will activate: Expand Feature – Activated by the green Special Diamond symbol, this feature expands the grid to a 3×5 layout, increasing opportunities for jackpot wins and Diamond symbol appearances. Multi Feature – Triggered by the yellow Special Diamond symbol, it applies multipliers to reels one and three, starting at 2x. Each new multiplier landing in the same cell doubles the value, reaching a maximum of 32x. Stepper Feature – Unlocked via the violet Special Diamond symbol, Bonus Diamonds remain locked on the reels throughout bonus play. After each respin, they move down one position, allowing them to be collected multiple times and interact with active multiplier cells. During the bonus round, Collect Diamonds can appear exclusively on reel two. Once landed, these Diamonds stay in place for the duration of the feature, gathering the values of all Bonus Diamonds that land before applying the total accumulated amount to the player’s win at the end of the round. In addition, Mini, Minor, Major, and Grand Diamond Jackpots can trigger during the bonus game, awarding respective wins of 15x, 30x, 100x, or 1,000x if landed at any point within the feature. An alternative route to entering the Bonus Game exists through the Extra Diamonds Feature, which is randomly triggered when any Diamond lands during the main game. This results in additional Diamonds being added to the reels—enough to activate the Bonus Game. 3 Supercharged Diamonds: Hold and Win showcases Playson’s continued success in delivering globally appealing gaming experiences through innovative titles from its flagship game series. Anton Ivannikov, CPO at Playson, commented: “3 Supercharged Diamonds: Hold and Win builds upon one of our most iconic mechanics, introducing a suite of dynamic features designed to heighten excitement in every bonus round.” “By integrating the Expand, Multi, and Stepper features with the Collect Diamond mechanism and four distinct jackpot opportunities, we’ve crafted a game that offers strong entertainment value and diverse gameplay experiences for players around the world.” 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) - Just when it seemed Swintt had maximized the potential of fruit-themed slots, the popular software provider has returned this month with an innovative update to the genre in Fresh Fruits Deluxe Diamonds. A new addition to the studio’s renowned SwinttPremium lineup, Fresh Fruits Deluxe Diamonds is a five-reel, 50-payline slot that blends classic symbols like BARs, crowns, and lucky red sevens with an engaging coin feature offering the chance to win four jackpot prizes for instant payouts of up to 6,000x the bet. Triggered by landing six or more coin symbols during the base game, this rewarding bonus round awards players three respins on a fresh set of reels displaying only coins. Each additional coin that appears resets the respins counter, extending the feature, and players receive the combined total of all coin values once all respins are used or no reel spaces remain. Alongside regular coin symbols—which carry values up to 30x the bet—players will also encounter special jackpot coins that award the MINOR, MAJOR, MAXI, and MEGA jackpots. These not only have the potential to deliver substantial payouts but also double the value of every coin when all 15 reel spaces are filled, except for the two MAXI and MEGA jackpots. As an added bonus, players can collect a Mystery Bonus whenever three gem scatter symbols land on reels 1, 3, and 5. In such cases, they receive either one of the four jackpots as an immediate prize or enough coin symbols to automatically activate the feature. Anthony Dalla-Giacoma, Chief Commercial Officer at Swintt, said: “Fruit-themed slots have consistently been a cornerstone of our SwinttPremium catalog, and in Fresh Fruits Deluxe Diamonds, we’ve developed a modern take on the genre that will resonate with both retro slot enthusiasts and new players. Packed with thrilling features that can unlock major jackpot prizes, the slot delivers the ideal blend of nostalgia and contemporary gameplay, making it a highly attractive option for any operator’s portfolio.” 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) - ENJOY Gaming, a leading iGaming content provider, has broadened its live casino lineup with the introduction of Greek Roulette, an automated version of roulette that enriches classic gameplay with exciting multiplier features. Set within a captivating ancient Greek-themed studio, Greek Roulette blends traditional roulette betting with dynamic multipliers through its Lucky Numbers mechanic. Each spin randomly selects between one and twelve numbers, each assigned multipliers of up to x777, introducing an additional level of excitement to the standard roulette experience. Powered by an automated wheel, Greek Roulette accommodates all conventional inside and outside bets, while placing innovative multiplier mechanics at the core of every round. When a straight-up bet lands on a Lucky Number, the regular payout is replaced by the assigned multiplier, making each spin more dynamic and engaging. Greek Roulette is now part of ENJOY’s expanding collection of original automated titles, underscoring the studio’s ongoing dedication to enhancing classic games with unique mechanics, thematic studio environments, and contemporary presentation. Elena Shestak, Art Director at ENJOY Gaming, stated: “Greek Roulette illustrates how classic table games can be revitalized through thoughtful design, reflecting our broader initiative to continually evolve both live and automated offerings. “By integrating Lucky Numbers and dynamic multipliers into a familiar structure, we aim to modernize well-known formats in ways that feel intuitive, recognizable, and unmistakably ENJOY.” 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 provider and aggregator 1X2 Network, known for its player-centric design and innovative mechanics, has revealed a new collaboration with Stake.dk. This agreement will make its gaming titles available to players within Denmark's regulated market. Although it only launched at the beginning of the year, Stake.dk has rapidly become a top online betting destination in Denmark. Its popularity stems from a strong lineup featuring slots, table games, live casino, and sports betting. This collection will now be expanded with all upcoming releases from 1X2 Network’s roadmap starting in 2026. Holding a full license from the Danish Gaming Authority, 1X2 Network successfully launched its initial batch of games on the platform immediately. Currently, 3 Hot Chilli Peppers is trending on the site, while 4 Dragon Pots and Piñata Go Go have also become popular choices among players. Founded on the motto “Gaming Done Great Since 2002”, 1X2 Network has spent over 20 years delivering high-quality content to operators and aggregators through its subsidiary studios and third-party integrations. With a portfolio exceeding 750 titles—including slots, table games, arcade titles, and virtual sports—the company offers one of the industry's most diverse ranges. The group features four multi-award-nominated brands, such as Iron Dog Studio, which creates adventurous slot formats tailored for contemporary gamers. By releasing more than four new titles each month, 1X2 Network stands as an ideal partner to support Stake.dk’s future growth. Alex Ratcliffe, CPO at 1X2 Network, commented: “Seeing Stake.dk emerge as one of the nation's fastest-growing iGaming brands, we are delighted to have our games live on the platform from the very first day. As a DGA-licensed supplier, 1X2 Network is already a recognized and trusted entity in Denmark's regulated market. This high-profile partnership allows us to further solidify our standing as we bring our content to a broader audience.” Peter Eugen Clausen, Managing Director for Stake Denmark, remarked: “Since our debut in early 2026, Stake.dk has rapidly risen to become a leading iGaming platform, driven by our unwavering commitment to customer experience and quality. Stake is constantly redefining large-scale entertainment, and we are excited to welcome 1X2 Network’s games to our platform.” 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 developer based in Sweden, has expanded its presence in Spain following its launch with Casino777.es, the leading online casino operated by Digital Distribution Management Ibérica, S.A. Among the titles now available is Instant Blitz, Gaming Corps’ brand-new scratchcard-style game and the inaugural release in its new Super Scratch series. Engineered for rapid gameplay and immediate rewards, the title features a Prize Pot mechanic, expanding rows, bonus triggers, and multipliers to offer an engaging and fast-paced experience. The rollout also includes 3 Pigs of Olympus, one of Gaming Corps’ most popular franchise games, which brings the studio’s beloved pig characters into a mythological setting filled with high-energy action, familiar charm, and enjoyable gameplay. Also featured is Gates of Hellfire, a high-volatility grid-based slot that immerses players in battles against waves of demons, complete with powerful weapons, epic boss encounters, and Hellfire Spins. Casino777.es has been accessible to Spanish players since 2015 and operates under licenses issued by Spain’s Dirección General de Ordenación del Juego, with its broader gaming portfolio further enhanced by sports betting via sister site Bet777.es. Graham Greensmith, Chief Commercial Officer at Gaming Corps, commented: “Spain is a market where operators require content that stands out not only visually but also in terms of gameplay. Casino777.es has a clear strategic vision for its brand, and this partnership strongly reflects that ambition. We are delighted to collaborate with a team committed to delivering a premium gaming destination for players.” Alexander Stoeckl, Market Lead at Casino777.es, stated: “This dual launch underscores the direction we are pursuing as a brand. Our goal is to be recognized as a benchmark in online gaming within Spain, which means building a platform rooted in quality, variety, and compelling entertainment. Gaming Corps brings fresh energy to our casino offering—from the instant appeal of Instant Blitz to more immersive gameplay experiences—and we are very pleased to integrate this diverse mix into our platform.” 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) - Betable Group has introduced Newshore, a unified payment processing platform tailored for iGaming operators. The company stated that operators using Newshore can process payments through credit cards, bank transfers, and e-wallets via a single solution, eliminating the need to establish multiple accounts or collaborate with various service providers. Newshore is managed by Operations Director Chris Prentice and Product Manager Jonathan Luke. Prentice previously held the role of UK General Manager at Grace Gaming, while Luke has experience in digital fraud and risk management at Rank Interactive and Lloyds. Chris Prentice, Operations Director at Newshore, commented: “We conducted extensive discussions with iGaming operators, and their feedback was clear. Payments have become overly complex, requiring numerous integrations and creating significant operational hurdles. “Newshore was developed to address this challenge. Our platform offers merchants a unified, streamlined interface to access the entire payment ecosystem, reducing the complexity of managing multiple vendors while enhancing efficiency and cost control. The goal is to simplify payments infrastructure, making it more adaptable and prepared for international expansion.” According to Betable Group, Newshore aims to consolidate payment integrations and simplify transaction operations for merchants, as part of the group’s wider suite of platform offerings for iGaming and fintech businesses. 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) - AGS has brought on three gaming industry executives to strengthen its commercial slot sales strategy and operations team. John McColl has been appointed Senior Director of Slot Sales Strategy, Mark Morton as Vice President of Slot Sales Strategy, and Loren Rosenberg as Vice President of Commercial Slot Strategy & Operations. "These hires represent a significant step forward in building a best-in-class commercial organization," said Jackosn Floyd, Vice President of Slots at AGS. "John, Mark, and Loren have each demonstrated an ability to translate strategy into measurable results, and their leadership will help the team sharpen our focus on performance, efficiency, and delivering greater value across our slot portfolio." McColl will lead sales strategy and commercial opportunity, with a focus on expanding market share and driving revenue growth. AGS stated he will develop a data-driven approach to mapping the company’s total addressable market (TAM) to uncover new opportunities. With more than 30 years of experience in casino operations, gaming technology, and enterprise B2B sales, McColl previously held roles at Gaming Analytics, Scientific Games / Bally Technologies, and Harrah’s Entertainment. Morton will concentrate on customer synergy and strategic alignment, streamlining internal sales processes, and broadening enterprise sales opportunities, according to the company. He most recently served as Senior Vice President at Marker Trax and Koin, where AGS noted he led commercial strategy, pricing, and enterprise contract execution for operators including Boyd Gaming, Golden Entertainment, and Penn National. Rosenberg will manage commercial strategy and operations, with responsibility for maximizing value across AGS’ product portfolio and supporting commercial expansion. With nearly 20 years of experience across product, commercial, and enterprise strategy roles, he brings senior leadership expertise from Aristocrat and Everi. Rosenberg began his career at WMS, which was later acquired by Scientific Games, and has held various roles spanning operations, strategy, and commercial functions. 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.