Category: iGame

(AsiaGameHub) - This Friday, SBC’s Charity Boxing Championship will be live-streamed, with 12 white-collar competitors from the gaming industry stepping into the ring to compete for personal pride, company bragging rights, and a meaningful cause. The complete fight card for the evening will be viewable live through a dedicated stream provided by Gr8Tech, with the first fighter entering the ring scheduled for 9pm GMT—enabling those who can’t attend to follow the action as it happens. Taking place at London Hilton Park Lane this Friday, the championship will gather more than 500 guests for an exclusive black-tie affair that includes a champagne reception, three-course dinner, charity auction, and after-party. At its heart, the event supports the Oliver’s Wish Foundation—a charity that funds children’s organizations focused on research and supporting families dealing with loss—with support from Platinum Sponsor Gamingtec and numerous other partners. Rasmus Sojmark, Founder and CEO of SBC, stated: “SBC’s Charity Boxing Championship has become a standout event in the gaming industry’s calendar. It’s not just an opportunity for representatives from different companies to earn bragging rights—we also get to raise funds for the Oliver’s Wish Foundation and its crucial work. “The dedication shown by this year’s fighters has been outstanding. Kudos to each one of them for stepping into the ring. Their readiness to step outside their comfort zones for a worthy cause is what makes this event so impactful.” The 12 fighters are the centerpiece of the event—their months of hard work, dedication, and training will come to a head this Friday as they step into the ring to challenge themselves. The fight card is as follows: Kai Hill (Dennis & Dyer) vs Majid Rodriguez (Product Manager, Super) Ahmed Baker (Chief Commercial Officer, Incentive Games) vs Rory Kimber (Commercial Director, Lucky Streak) Jessica Lee-Green (Partnership Team Manager, Games Global) vs Ferial Abarghooie (Director Of Account Management, G Games) Tamas Kusztos (Co-Founder, SharedLuck) vs Sapar Karyagdyyev (Founder, GamingTec) Ben Cleminson (CEO, Square in the Air) vs Rob Fell (CEO, RiskCherry) Nikki Timmins (Head of Account Management, Blue Sakura Solutions) vs Lex Scott (VP Gaming, ITV) The evening will kick off with a drinks reception and seated dinner, leading up to the first three fights. A charity auction—with all proceeds going to the Oliver’s Wish Foundation—will follow, before the final three bouts take the spotlight. The event will conclude with an after-party. To contribute to the Oliver’s Wish Foundation and learn more about its mission, visit: www.justgiving.com/charity/oliverswishfoundation For additional details—including table bookings—visit sbcevents.com/sbc-charity-boxing-championship or reach out to Paul Mills at paul@sbcgaming.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.

(AsiaGameHub) - James Lovell, co-founder and Director of Welsh bookmaker DragonBet, has strongly criticised the government's recent decision to outlaw greyhound racing. Lovell described the move as "a huge shame," asserting that it was not supported by concrete evidence but rather driven by a political agenda that overlooks an entire sport which has significantly prioritized animal welfare. “For many people, this sport is a way of life, built around people who care deeply for their dogs and have dedicated their lives to them,” Lovell stated. He also accused the government of inconsistency, arguing that the criticisms leveled against greyhound racing could equally apply to horse racing, a sport currently thriving in Wales. Currently, Wales has three active horse racing venues: Bangor-on-Dee, Chepstow, and Ffos Las. In contrast, there is only one operational greyhound track, the Valley Greyhound Stadium in Ystrad Mynach, Hengoed. “At a time when horse racing in Wales is achieving real success and giving people something to be proud of, it is fair to ask where this ends. Today it is greyhound racing – tomorrow, what sport involving animals is next?,” DragonBet’s Director concluded. As a reminder, Wales’ Senedd voted in favor of a proposal to ban greyhound racing, citing animal welfare concerns. The prohibition is set to take effect on April 1, 2027, with a three-year transition period until April 1, 2030, for all stakeholders to adapt to the changes. The decision, like that affecting DragonBet, has faced considerable opposition, notably from the Greyhound Board of Great Britain (GBGB) and its Chief Executive Officer, Mark Bird. Echoing Lovell's sentiments, Bird expressed his disappointment with the government's decision, adding: “The only thing this Bill will do is destroy people’s jobs, family-run businesses and community touchpoints not to mention cause significant loss to the Welsh economy.” Currently, Wales and Scotland are the only two countries in the UK to have officially banned greyhound racing, with both bans being voted on the same day. Greyhound racing has not been conducted in Scotland since its last regulated track in Fife closed in 2019. The GBGB has, predictably, voiced strong opposition to both bans. Commenting on the Scottish ban last week, Bird criticized the bill as ‘unevidenced, illogical and will help no-one in Scotland – least of all greyhounds’. Globally, the sport can still be legally organized in the US, Australia, Ireland, England, and Northern Ireland. New Zealand is also set to ban it in 2025. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

(AsiaGameHub) - Analysts anticipate a surge in casino acquisition and merger activity, following reports that Caesars is considering a takeover bid. A Period of Strong M&A Activity Might Be on the Horizon Caesars is reportedly contemplating selling its business, with Tilman Fertitta and Carl Icahn identified as potential acquirers. In light of this, Barry Jones, Managing Director at Truist Securities, and John DeCree, Director of Equity Research at CBRE, have projected an increase in M&A activity across the broader casino sector. As reported by CDC Gaming, DeCree highlighted that the rumored Caesars takeover remains highly speculative. He noted that individuals familiar with the situation believe that if a deal were to materialize, the existing Caesars leadership would likely remain in place, resulting in minimal operational changes for the company. Jonas commented that a potential Caesars takeover could trigger a period of heightened M&A activity, as other company boards might be motivated to explore similar takeover offers. DeCree concurred that the gaming sector could experience increased M&A, expressing optimism about a Caesars deal due to the company's diverse portfolio and the current "near record lows" in interest rates and spreads for large corporations. Going Private and Investing Abroad Are Viable Options Jonas suggested that some operators might opt to go private, prioritizing long-term success over short-term investor demands. He added that if stock valuations remain stable, more private transactions could occur, noting that many B2B companies in the gaming sector have already transitioned to private ownership. DeCree pointed out that acquisitions of The Mirage and Venetian were made by private entities, but emphasized that such transactions require substantial capital. He also noted that companies with significant capital often find targeting Las Vegas challenging, leading them to focus on emerging markets, citing MGM Osaka and Wynn Al Marjan as prominent examples. Las Vegas Remains of Key Importance Jonas stated that most casino companies would desire a presence in Las Vegas, though the extent of property ownership remains a key consideration. DeCree referenced Hard Rock's redevelopment of The Mirage, which involved a multi-year closure, as a significant recent development. However, Jonas characterized Hard Rock as an "unconventional buyer" and suggested that while redeveloping lower-tier Vegas properties is logical, it requires specific types of buyers. Furthermore, Jonas noted that not all Las Vegas investments yield immediate strong returns, citing the challenges faced by Fontainebleau and Resorts World in achieving their projected performance. Despite any slowdown on the Las Vegas Strip, Jonas indicated that the local market has not been significantly impacted, suggesting that investments in the city remain viable. 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) - Betr, the online social casino platform, has now launched fully across 30 states in the United States amid increasing industry oversight, marking the company's latest product offering. The brand's co-founder and primary promoter, Jake Paul, a YouTuber turned boxer, has been actively marketing the platform and recently verified the announcement via a post on social media platform X. The massive days just keep coming for @betr We just launched the Betr Social Casino in 30+ states https://t.co/eUBwoGgMPB— Jake Paul (@jakepaul) March 17, 2026 The Betr brand has experienced rapid growth and has diversified into multiple verticals over time. The casino product represents the latest addition to its portfolio, joining existing offerings such as Betr Arcade, Betr Social Sportsbook, and Betr Picks. The company appears poised for further expansion, taking inspiration from DraftKings' approach, as Jake Paul has hinted at the development of a super app that would consolidate all products under one umbrella and potentially incorporate prediction markets in the near future. "We've definitely established a first-mover advantage with our super-app approach. Through our social casino, we'll maintain an edge by offering a casino-style product available nationwide. Modern consumers don't want to download five to seven separate apps with different wallets—it's simply too cumbersome," Jake Paul stated during his attendance at the Next Summit: New York, according to media reports. Both social online casinos and prediction markets are encountering significant regulatory and operational hurdles. Minnesota is currently advocating for prohibition of social casinos, with particular focus on the sweepstakes model. Indiana has likewise enacted legislation that outlaws the sweepstakes model. Prediction markets are also experiencing resistance, as evidenced by a recent ruling in Nevada that resulted in the temporary halt of Kalshi products in that state. Although regulators appear to favor supporting the prediction market sector, advocacy groups like Gambling Is Not Investing and proposed legislation such as the Bets Off Act are highlighting the growing resistance to the industry. This represents just one of multiple legislative initiatives targeting the sector. 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) - On Friday, March 20, the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) submitted a formal complaint to a federal court, requesting that DraftKings cease using the “March Madness” branding. The filing contends that the sportsbook should discontinue its use of registered trademarks associated with the NCAA’s men’s and women’s basketball tournaments. NCAA Says DraftKings Uses Its Trademarked Brands The NCAA has identified specific names and branding that DraftKings must avoid, seeking legal prohibition of their use. These include “March Madness,” “Final Four,” “ Elite Eight,” and “Sweet Sixteen,” which refer to different stages of the competition that generates massive overall gambling revenue. The complaint further stipulates that these terms should be prohibited from appearing in the company’s sports betting offerings, promotional activities, or marketing materials. The NCAA elaborated on the matter in its filing: “Just before the Tournaments began, DraftKings intentionally embraced and prominently deployed the NCAA’s iconic basketball trademarks, along with deceptively similar variants, to exploit and appropriate the considerable goodwill, recognition, and consumer confidence those Marks represent at the exact time of maximum public interest.” The NCAA contended that DraftKings lacked any legitimate authority to integrate the tournament branding and imagery into its public-facing websites and applications, thereby “intentionally intensifying consumer confusion and cementing a misleading connection or sponsorship affiliation with the NCAA to persistently profit from the Association’s established reputation.” DraftKings has challenged the complaint and its particular structure, asserting that the company never meant to employ – nor actually utilized – the “March Madness” branding, but instead applied it as “plain text” and as a “ fair use,” making comparisons to how other competitions are presented. DraftKings Objects, Says Fair Use “This constitutes protected speech under the First Amendment and does not infringe upon any brand’s trademark. We are confident the courts will reject this injunction request,” the company maintained. The NCAA has demanded that this usage cease, as it subjects millions of vulnerable sports enthusiasts and, importantly, college students and young adults to the risks of gambling. “[They are] exposed to the false suggestion that the Association has authorized or endorsed DraftKings’ gambling platform,” the NCAA concluded.The NCAA has been seeking to protect athletes from betting-related abuse and minimize opportunities for match-fixing by urging gambling industry stakeholders to prohibit proposition betting on college-level games. 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 Partido dos Trabalhadores (PT) administration in Brazil has appointed Dario Durigan as its new Finance Minister. He will oversee fiscal and tax policy for the continent's biggest economy under President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. This Friday, Brazil's official gazette revealed extensive changes to the Ministry of the Economy and Finance (MEF), prompted by Fernando Haddad's choice to campaign for Governor of São Paulo state. This concludes Haddad's twenty-year role as a prominent member of Lula's PT Party, where he served in several governments and was most recently the designer of its fiscal and taxation reform plans. Rumors had grown in recent months that Lula would support 'Paulista Haddad', a native of São Paulo, to run for governor of his home state—a crucial political arena for the PT's national ambitions. São Paulo is seen as an essential victory in this year's elections. The PT aims to defeat the sitting governor, Tarcísio Gomes de Freitas of the Republicanos party, a major right-wing ally of ex-president Jair Bolsonaro, who currently commands a solid majority in the state. Although Haddad begins the contest as a long shot, his run is anticipated to boost his national standing. Campaigning under the PT flag in São Paulo, he will present himself as Lula's selected candidate to spearhead the government's electoral efforts and strategy across Brazil's 26 states. Dramatic shifts Durigan, the former Executive Secretary of the MEF, assumes the position at a pivotal time for Brazil's economy. He is projected to uphold continuity on "fiscal discipline and tax reform" as the country enters its electoral period this year. In 2026, the PT party's economic policies will likely face challenges from external factors, such as global energy disruptions, ongoing inflation threats, and trade tariffs enacted by the Trump administration. Haddad resigned from the ministry after managing a substantial transition period for the Treasury, guaranteeing the government's fiscal policy matched PT priorities in the wake of the Bolsonaro government's economic measures. As Finance Minister, Haddad was instrumental in creating the Brazil Bets Law (No. 14,790/2023), which established the regulatory structure for online gambling starting 1 January 2025. However, both Haddad and Lula have grown more disapproving of the betting system within its inaugural year. They characterize online gambling as an exploitative sector that preys on Brazilian consumers and weakens broader economic goals. In late 2025, Haddad advocated for doubling the tax on licensed betting operators to 24%, a plan that was derailed by PT ministers in Congress due to opposition from coalition and bloc allies. This failure compelled a rewrite of key elements in the PT government's 2026 Budget, which Lula reluctantly approved. Criticism of the Bets framework has become part of a wider political and fiscal story leading up to Brazil's general election on 4 October. Lula has already started campaigning for a potential fourth presidential term, escalating his rhetoric about raising taxes on "banks, betting, and billionaires"—encapsulated in the PT's "tres-Bs" slogan. Thus, the change in leadership at the Finance Ministry points not just to steadiness in economic management, but also to a wider realignment of Brazil's political scene, as tax policy, regulatory course, and election tactics become more closely linked before a decisive national vote. Currently, Lula is escalating his criticism of the Bets system, continuing to urge Congress and the Senate to alter its framework—mainly via higher taxes, increased licensing fees, and tougher advertising limits. Legislators have already shown their intent, with the Senate consenting to increase betting taxes to 18% by 2028. Meanwhile, discussions have temporarily halted the implementation of the CIDE 'technical services tax', which proponents want to levy on the deposits of betting license holders. Concurrently, suggestions concerning gambling advertising are still pending, varying from complete prohibitions to more specific limitations. Despite 2026 being an election year, the Brazil Bets system is predicted to see more changes, as promised by Congress and the Senate. Yet, the extent and final form of these reforms are still undecided, casting doubt on the regime's long-term path. Who will battle Lula? The electoral landscape is still unclear regarding which right-wing candidate will face Lula. With ex-President Bolsonaro under house arrest and barred from running, Brazil's right wing has not yet united behind a sole opponent. Rio Senator Flávio Bolsonaro, Jair's son, has risen as a frontrunner after obtaining his father's backing to head the Liberal Party (PL) ticket—though doubts persist about his campaign abilities. Rifts exist across the conservative field, with other appeals endorsing Tarcísio de Freitas as a 'unified right-wing candidate' or the unexpected option of Michelle Bolsonaro. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

(AsiaGameHub) - When most people visit a Las Vegas casino, the main things they usually hope for are a fun time and free drinks. But one player scored big by winning two jackpots last Wednesday—on the exact same game. During their session on the Mo Mo Mummy slot machine at the Virgin Hotels Las Vegas casino, the anonymous player won $21,150 with a $2.50 bet. Most people would say to walk away after a nice win—so you don’t lose what you’ve already earned while trying to win more—but it’s a good thing the player stuck around a little longer. Before long, the player hit another jackpot—this time for $34,000—when another jackpot came up on the very same machine during that same session. Total winnings added up to $55,150, and the player finally decided they’d had enough—walking away from the game with a jackpot story that’s easily one of the best to share. 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) - Earlier this month, we reported that xQc earns $200,000 per Stake-sponsored stream—details the 30-year-old Canadian shared during a broadcast with fellow creator StableRonaldo. Now, the Quebec native—who first gained fame as a professional Overwatch tank player—has shared new insights into just how profitable his streaming career has been over the years. In a Single Stream: $57,000 from Ads, $15M from Sponsorship xQc recently disclosed that the highest amount he’s ever made from ads in a single stream is $57,000. That impressive sum, however, is overshadowed by what he’s earned from his gambling streams. xQc shared that one gambling stream alone brought in approximately $15 million, once again highlighting the massive revenue top streamers can generate from niche areas of the platform. Beyond ad revenue, xQc has earned significant income through sponsorships. He revealed his largest deal came from Call of Duty Warzone, which paid him a flat fee of around $1 million. The agreement initially required him to stream the game a few times over two weeks, but xQc completed all obligations in a single 12-hour marathon session. 1.3M Bets with 10% Win Rate Gambling streams appear particularly lucrative for him. In June 2025, xQc revealed he had placed $3.6 billion in total wagers across more than 1.3 million bets, winning roughly 10% of the time. His wealth is further boosted by profitable platform deals. Three years ago, he signed a streaming agreement with Kick reportedly worth up to $100 million over two years—a figure on par with major professional sports contracts, like LeBron James’ deal with the Los Angeles Lakers. Whether from sponsorships, gambling, or ad revenue, xQc has made it clear that streaming can be extraordinarily profitable at the highest level. Despite these big earnings, fellow gambling streamer Trainwreck recently discussed the possibility of returning to regular gambling broadcasts. Trainwreck—who, per a Bloomberg report, received up to $1 million a month to stream crypto-casino content—also talked about his ties to Stake and its leadership, suggesting some creators promoting gambling platforms don’t get the compensation they deserve due to undervalued deals. The streamer hinted that a turning point could be ahead, with creators choosing to build their own platforms instead of relying on established gambling sites. 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) - 888Africa has enhanced its Angolan operations by transitioning to a new platform through a turnkey partnership with EveryMatrix. As part of the deal, the company has moved from its former platform provider to EveryMatrix's core platform for both sports betting and casino gaming services. The operator formerly utilized FSB Technology's platform, which EveryMatrix purchased in 2024. Following a competitive evaluation, 888Africa opted to switch to EveryMatrix's turnkey platform, with the migration finalized last week. While FSB maintained a client base throughout Africa, EveryMatrix has invested heavily in its continental operations, notably by appointing Mark Schmidt as Managing Director for Africa. Sources suggest that 888Africa's decision to adopt EveryMatrix was driven by its expansion into casino offerings, with the platform's solution being described as highly robust. An EveryMatrix spokesperson stated: "The migration was executed progressively, with the Angola launch incorporating specific market requirements such as localization, payment systems, KYC procedures, CRM capabilities, and other regional necessities. Several components were interdependent, making sequential execution crucial." 888Africa maintains a strong presence across multiple established and developing African markets, including Angola, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique,Tanzania and Zambia. Under the leadership of Christopher Coyne, previously an executive at Paddy Power and The Stars Group, the operator aims to secure leading market positions and has strengthened its technological infrastructure to support this objective. In a LinkedIn post, the company's Vice President of Product and Operations Steven McIntosh commented: "Large-scale migrations are extremely challenging. Completing one within 10 weeks makes this achievement particularly remarkable. It involved millions of data points, intricate integrations, compliance requirements, and a cross-functional team working across numerous streams, all culminating in a single launch event. "In reality, this entailed months of planning, hundreds of support tickets, countless development dependencies, numerous edge cases, continuous coordination, and meetings—many meetings. While sleepless nights aren't listed in the project plan, they were certainly part of the process!" Southern African markets have attracted numerous operators in recent years, benefiting from robust regulation and populations familiar with sports betting. Although technology in the region has sometimes been criticized as inadequate, EveryMatrix believes it is driving sector modernization in these rapidly expanding markets. 888Africa anticipates being a primary beneficiary of this technological upgrade. Coyne remarked: "Our focus now is to establish our brand as a market leader in Angola, and that effort begins today. Angola represents a strategic and significant growth market for 888Africa, and we are enthusiastic about the opportunities we can pursue and accomplish there both now and in the coming years." 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) - Agentic AI firm AxiumAI has rolled out its conversational interface AxChat for sportsbooks seeking to scale during international sporting events. The tool merges traditional menu-based navigation with direct natural-language interaction, helping players interpret matches, markets and outcomes in real time. Enabling instant transactions, AxChat offers personalized guidance that includes relevant deep-linked bets and a comprehensive overview of live events – a fit sportsbooks may find ideal for this year’s 2026 FIFA World Cup. AxChat displays contextual insights on games, players and competitions, delivering tailored recommendations for pre-match and in-play moments across all bet types. Paired with a bet builder feature, the solution aims to autonomously meet upsell and cross-sell needs. Looking briefly under the hood, AxChat connects conversations directly to the bet slip and user account, enabling one-click bets and providing a one-stop hub for managing bet history, payments, limits and active promotions. Additionally, AxChat is designed to work seamlessly with AxiumAI’s proprietary engagement engine Verso. AxiumAI focuses on building autonomous agent systems for the gambling sector, using real-time intelligence that can be deployed across an operator’s full stack simultaneously to drive efficient decision-making and execution. Sharing more on the newly launched AxChat, Adam Lewis, Chief Executive Officer at AxiumAI, said: “AxChat introduces a new UX paradigm for sportsbooks. The expanded World Cup brings more matches, unfamiliar teams and a surge in global recreational players – meaning traditional navigation alone no longer inspires audiences or supports confident betting decisions. “By letting players ask questions in their own words and receive instant, context-aware answers, AxChat removes friction when intent strikes. It gives players clarity and confidence, while providing operators a powerful, dynamic engagement layer that boosts interaction, deeper market exploration and higher pre-match and in-play NGR – without relying on bonus spending.” 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) - Sports betting in the United States has undergone a major transformation over the past few years, more precisely, ever since the Supreme Court paved the way for individual states to legalize the activity in 2018. First valued at $7 billion when it launched, the sector steadily expanded to an impressive $167 billion by last year, a surge largely driven by mobile apps that have removed the previous limit restricting betting to casinos or dedicated sportsbooks. Today, nearly all wagers are placed online, making participation far more convenient and efficient for people. States that currently permit sports betting have already seen clear financial benefits, with tax revenues that serve as critical support for public budgets climbing steadily. In the meantime, the federal government only collects a tiny portion of these funds, via a long-standing 0.25% tax applied to every individual wager. This rate has remained unchanged for decades, and discussions around whether it should be adjusted have been growing increasingly prominent in Washington. 5% Tax Would Bring In $100B Over 10 Years Some analysts propose raising the tax rate to 5%, a shift that recent estimates show would generate nearly $100 billion in revenue over the next decade. An even higher rate, such as 10%, could produce as much as $182 billion from fiscal years 2027 to 2036, while reducing the total number of placed bets by 10%. This level of revenue would be enough to make the sports betting tax the second-largest federal excise tax in the country, trailing only the gas tax. The Fixed-Dollar Per-Bet Tax Proposal Apart from the 5% and 10% tax rate options, the Budget Lab "also modeled a more modest, fixed-dollar tax on sports wagers: $0.05 per transaction." The corresponding model notes it would "raise a far smaller amount of revenue, just $1.3 billion from FY2027 to 2036, compared to the 5% ad valorem tax, but over the long term its impact could be more notable by cutting the total number of bets placed." At the same time, proponents argue sports betting should be treated the same as other taxed activities, such as alcohol or tobacco sales, noting that a higher tax level would bring in meaningful revenue while potentially curbing excessive gambling. Wider concerns about the broader impacts of betting have also been raised, including financial hardship for some users and the growing normalization of gambling in mainstream sports culture. Critics, however, warn that higher taxes could drive people toward unregulated markets. Offshore websites and informal betting networks already operate, and stricter rules could make these options far more appealing to users. States that rely heavily on betting revenue have also voiced concerns, as a drop in betting activity would likely reduce their own tax income. Another recent policy change has already caught bettors' attention. Starting in 2026, gamblers will no longer be able to fully offset their losses against their winnings when calculating their tax liability. This means some people may owe taxes even if they break even on their betting activity overall. For now, lawmakers are weighing all available options. The sports betting industry continues to expand, but key questions remain over how it should be taxed and regulated in the years ahead. 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 Nevada court has mandated that the online prediction platform Kalshi halt its operations within the state for a minimum of two weeks, representing a significant intensification in the escalating conflict between regulators and prediction market operators across the United States. Nevada Court Blocks Kalshi in 14-Day Restraining Order The decision from the First Judicial District Court in Carson City establishes a 14-day temporary restraining order that bars the company from providing contracts related to sports, elections, or entertainment events without appropriate state approval. This marks the first time a US state has compelled Kalshi to stop its operations, even temporarily. The legal action originates from an ongoing disagreement that started in early 2025 when Nevada's gaming regulator ordered the platform to discontinue its event-based contracts. Officials contend that these products mirror conventional wagering and should be subject to the state's stringent gambling regulations. Kalshi insists that its products are financial instruments overseen at the federal level. Court filings indicate that the judge determined Nevada regulators were probable to prevail in their wider legal dispute. The order emphasized that the state implements thorough regulations on gambling activities and mandates that all operators secure licenses. It observed that Kalshi's business model, in which users risk money on unpredictable results and the company collects a commission, might satisfy the legal criteria for a wagering system under state law. Temporary Order Against Kalshi Highlights Tensions Between Gambling and Finance Rules The court additionally determined that permitting the company to persist in its operations could weaken Nevada's regulatory structure. Concerns encompassed the lack of ability to oversee participants, block minors from taking part, or guarantee the integrity of events connected to the contracts. Judges concluded that these potential dangers could result in irreversible damage, warranting prompt intervention. Since temporary restraining orders in Nevada are not subject to appeal, Kalshi must adhere to the suspension while the litigation continues. A subsequent hearing is set for early April, during which the court will evaluate whether to prolong the limitations for an extended duration. The ruling arrives amidst mounting legal scrutiny on the company throughout numerous states. Regulators across the country are scrutinizing prediction markets and asserting that they circumvent existing gambling regulations. Concurrently, federal agencies have indicated support for categorizing these platforms as components of the derivatives market, generating a complicated legal landscape. The result of Nevada's case could carry wider consequences for the futureof prediction markets in the US, as courts persist in deliberating whether these platforms should be governed by financial regulations or gambling statutes. 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) - Lucia Gando: SBC Noticias Lucía Gando, Editor of SBC Noticias, delves into the legal and regulatory details behind the Buenos Aires courts’ decision to ban Polymarket and other prediction market platforms across Argentina This ruling marks a setback for prediction market startups and their investors, while also sparking a wider debate about whether these platforms can gain a foothold in South America. On Tuesday, Argentina became the first South American country to enact a full ban on prediction market operations, following an investigation focused specifically on Polymarket. International media outlets have reported that Buenos Aires courts issued a “federal block” of the platform, sparked by a legal case filed by LOTBA, the Buenos Aires City Lottery. Media coverage has characterized this decision as a major blow to the global expansion ambitions of prediction market operators, adding to the growing wave of regulatory controversies across South America. This Argentine ban follows Kalshi’s launch in Brazil earlier this month, a move that was immediately challenged by established betting market players. Both industry groups and Brazilian authorities have stated there is no valid justification for Kalshi to operate in the country. As such, across both Europe and South America, expanding prediction market access has become a critical priority to reaffirm the products’ unique classification as derivative-based financial contracts — a designation made by the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). Buenos Aires Regulatory Intervention Buenos Aires courts have put a stop to the intended growth of prediction market venture backers. The key question the courts are posing is this: Is U.S. regulatory validation alone enough to justify launching prediction markets in South American jurisdictions, and what framework should be used to assess whether these platforms are viable and distinct from gambling operations? The Buenos Aires lottery regulator did not ask the courts to draw a clear distinction between prediction markets and other products; instead, it requested a comprehensive, systemic response to prediction markets and event-based contracts. The regulator’s case against Polymarket centered on the platform’s lack of adequate consumer protections. The authority believes enforcement action is warranted based on the public safety risks of engaging with unvetted digital platforms. LOTBA, acting in its role as a provincial gambling regulator, petitioned the courts to classify Polymarket’s activities as a violation of Article 301 bis of Argentina’s Penal Code, which prohibits the operation of unlicensed gambling services. The regulator’s argument is straightforward: no matter how much financial polish they have, prediction markets replicate the core mechanics of betting — users wager money on uncertain outcomes, prices reflect implied probabilities, and the platform facilitates these transactions. According to LOTBA, these features do more than blur the line between categories; they amplify risk significantly. The absence of effective safeguards, identity checks, age verification, and traceable payment controls turns these platforms into unlicensed gambling operations with minimal accountability and few protections for participants. Regulatory Environment Concerns Most importantly, the regulator did not limit its request to just Buenos Aires. Instead, it sought a nationwide intervention, arguing that a digital product with borderless reach cannot reasonably be contained within provincial boundaries. Fragmented oversight in this context amounts to no oversight at all. Argentina’s response, then, is less a formal rejection of financial innovation and more a practical judgment about the operating environment for these platforms. The question for regulators was not whether prediction markets could theoretically be classified as derivatives, but rather, given their widespread accessibility and total lack of proper controls, whether these platforms can even qualify or function in practice as gambling operations. Argentina’s Ruling Is Not a One-Size-Fits-All Solution Whether Buenos Aires’ regulatory logic will be adopted elsewhere remains an open question. Few South American jurisdictions combine Argentina’s patchwork of provincial licensing, coordinated lottery bodies, and aligned prosecutorial priorities. While the ruling may set a precedent, it will not be easy to replicate. For neighboring markets such as Brazil and Mexico, the dilemma remains unresolved: classify prediction markets as financial instruments and risk allowing regulatory arbitrage, or label them as gambling and risk stifling this emerging form of digital trading. For operators like Polymarket, expanding into additional Latin American markets remains possible — but it has become increasingly challenging and high-risk. Argentina has, at the very least, shifted the terms of the global debate. The issue is no longer just how to classify prediction markets, but how to regulate them within sprawling digital ecosystems. Whether other regions will follow suit will determine whether these platforms take root in Latin America or secure some form of market access, as prediction markets remain a marginalized segment for the time being. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. 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