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(AsiaGameHub) -   Entain recorded robust online performance across the UK and Ireland. UK.- The London-listed gambling operator Entain is maintaining its full-year 2026 outlook, with a target of 5 to 7 per cent growth for online net gaming revenue (NGR). It projects £1.13bn in group EBITDA (excluding BetMGM fees) and a minimum of £500m in adjusted annual cash flow by 2028. Overall Q1 revenue rose 3 per cent year-on-year, "in line with expectations", fuelled by an 8 per cent increase in transaction volumes. Online NGR climbed 5 per cent, with igaming revenue up 9 per cent while sports betting revenue dropped 1 per cent amid narrower profit margins. The quarter ending 31 March delivered strong results for the UK and Ireland online business, where NGR increased 13 per cent. Combined online and retail NGR grew 6 per cent, as retail NGR edged down 1 per cent. During the quarter, Entain announced plans to close more than a third of its Ladbrokes physical stores in Ireland. International NGR only rose 1 per cent, as a 2 per cent gain in online NGR was offset by a 4 per cent decline in retail performance. Volumes grew 9 per cent, but revenue was impacted by sports outcomes that favoured customers in Italy and Brazil. Australia posted strong growth, with NGR up 13 per cent. Looking ahead, Entain aims to secure three of the 15 igaming licences set to be available in New Zealand from 2027 onwards. In the CEE region, NGR fell 6 per cent, with online down 1 per cent and retail revenue plunging 30 per cent. BetMGM, Entain's joint venture with MGM Resorts, recorded Q1 net revenue of $696m, a 6 per cent increase. igaming grew 9 per cent, while online sports betting rose 4 per cent. Adjusted EBITDA hit $25m. BetMGM has updated its full-year guidance, and now forecasts revenue between $2.9bn and $3.1bn, with adjusted EBITDA at the lower end of the $300m to $350m range. Chief Executive Stella David emphasised the strong start to the year: "We entered 2026 with solid momentum that continued through Q1, marked by strong volume growth across our diversified portfolio. Our more focused strategy and optimisation initiatives reinforce our confidence in delivering sustainable growth and improving cash generation." 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) -   Richard Desmond’s The New Lottery Company has been unsuccessful in its legal claim against the Gambling Commission’s tender process that granted the National Lottery license to Allwyn. UK – Richard Desmond’s Northern & Shell Group’s The New Lottery Company (TNLC) has failed in its legal challenge against the British Gambling Commission’s tender process for the National Lottery. The firm contested the outcome after being beaten by Allwyn for the Fourth National Lottery license in 2022. TNLC cleared the initial phase of the Gambling Commission’s tender, which evaluated applicants’ financial viability. But it was eliminated from the final shortlist of candidates “because of failures to meet mandatory pass/fail requirements”. The pool of applicants was narrowed down to Allwyn and the existing operator Camelot, which has managed the lottery since it launched in 1994. TNLC claimed that the Gambling Commission inappropriately permitted changes to the transition schedule. However, Justice Joanna Smith of the High Court of England and Wales dismissed this claim, stating that the Commission was entitled to make adjustments “in response to delivery risks” and pointing out that transferring such a major contract necessitated “a reduction in the time available to complete the transition” given “ongoing implementation difficulties.” Justice Smith threw out TNLC’s challenge, concluding that the process contained “no material errors” and that TNLC had not met mandatory criteria. Her ruling emphasized that the tender process was structured to prioritize “funding for good causes while upholding high standards of player protection and integrity” and was overseen independently at every step. This ruling marks another setback for Desmond, a former adult entertainment publisher, coming after the Competition Appeal Tribunal rejected the New Lottery Company’s claim last month that Camelot had received an illegal £70 million marketing subsidy. The trial took place from October 9 to December 2 last year, with an extra day added on January 13. Camelot initially filed legal objections to the license decision but later retracted them after Allwyn bought its operations in February 2023. Allwyn assumed control of the National Lottery in February 2024. Gambling Commission response The Gambling Commission has expressed its approval of the High Court’s decision. In a statement, the regulator commented: “This is a significant judgment for the future of The National Lottery that we are pleased to see. The ruling confirms that the Gambling Commission conducted a fair and rigorous competition to award the Fourth National Lottery License, and none of the disputed changes to the license during its implementation were significant or in violation of relevant procurement rules. “The judgment provides strong backing for Good Causes by allowing Allwyn, under the Commission’s supervision, to proceed with its investment plans for The National Lottery without further interruptions. Our main focus continues to be regulating The National Lottery in the best interests of players and Good Causes. “The National Lottery is among the world’s biggest lotteries, and since its launch in 1994, players have together raised over £52 billion for more than 670,000 Good Causes across the UK, changing lives and supporting the arts, sport, heritage and local communities. Allwyn stated in a release: “The Gambling Commission held a fair and legal license competition, correctly granting the Fourth National Lottery License to Allwyn.” The company characterized the ruling as a “clear and thorough judgment” that offers certainty for its management of the Lottery until 2034. Allwyn also said it is now concentrating on innovation and increasing funding for good causes, adding that the decision puts an end to “a long-standing series of claims” regarding the competition’s fairness. 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 presidential decree is anticipated to block certain individuals from accessing online gambling and to establish new regulations for advertising. Brazil.- Nearly two and a half years after enacting the gambling law that enabled the regulated market's start in January 2025, President Luiz Ignácio Lula da Silva is set to issue a decree introducing fresh limitations on online gambling in Brazil. The forthcoming action will be less severe than a full ban on online gambling proposed by other members of Lula's party, though it will still bar some people from taking part. As reported by Focus Gaming News Brazil, journalist Lauro Jardim of the local outlet O Globo states the decree will prohibit online gambling for individuals enrolled in a new government debt refinancing programme. A second provision will outlaw advertising practices considered deceptive or that promote compulsive behavior in users. This move follows an evaluation by the Presidential Palace that the expansion of online gambling has fueled a rise in public debt. Concerns exist that this effect has also damaged public opinion of Lula's government. The initiative aims to curb gambling access and diminish gambling inducements, particularly for those in fragile economic circumstances. The decree is being prepared by the Civil House alongside the Ministries of Finance, Planning, and Justice, with publication expected in May 2026. Authorities have not yet specified the implementation methods for these restrictions or the criteria for identifying advertising that breaches the new rules. 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) -   Scheduled for April 29-30, the event will host senior executives, fraud and security experts, regulatory bodies, and industry pioneers. Press release.- In response to increasing challenges from cybercrime, fraudulent activities, and shifting regulations, SBC Summit Malta will introduce a dedicated ‘Operations and Compliance’ track aimed at enhancing corporate security and operational strength. On April 29 and 30, the summit will unite top-tier leadership, security professionals, and regulators to discuss safeguarding businesses across operational, financial, and reputational sectors. The Risk, Regulation and Resilience segment on Wednesday, April 29, will address cybersecurity, fraud, and illicit market activities through various panels and executive dialogues. On Thursday, April 30, the agenda transitions to Policy in Practice, featuring interactive workshops on the regulatory and operational aspects of AI and SEO. A fireside chat titled ‘Tax Hikes 2026: Market Shocks, Regulatory Risks & Margin Impact’ will analyze how escalating tax demands are impacting operators in major European territories. Participants include Stephen Hodgson (Midnite’s VP of Tax), Sara Haddow (Entain’s Group Tax Director), and Russell Mifsud (KPMG’s Director and Head of Gaming Europe), who will discuss adaptation strategies and the effects on market stability and competition. The panel “The COO Horizon: Challenges and Opportunities in 2026/27” will look at how operational leaders manage rising expenses and compliance requirements. Featuring Ramon Glieneke (COO at Alea), Tom McGovern (COO of Flutter UKI), Tim De Borle (COO at Casumo), and Chris McGowan (COO at Scatters), with moderation by Joe Streeter (Editor at iGaming Expert), the talk will highlight investment priorities and the role of AI in scaling operations. The second day will pivot toward the regulatory and operational nuances of AI and SEO. The ‘SEO Terrorism in iGaming: Surviving Negative Attacks on Your Website’ workshop will tackle the threat of negative SEO. Led by consultant Ivana Flynn (Head of SEO and Strategy), it will cover the mechanics of such attacks, attacker motivations, and early detection methods to provide attendees with actionable defense tactics. The ‘AI in Gaming: Shaping the Industry’s First AI Charter’ workshop will review the implications of upcoming EU AI legislation for operators. Facilitated by Kinga Warda (MGA’s Chief of Policy and Insight) and Francois Piccione (MGA’s Chief Technology Officer), the session aims to clarify compliance standards and process alignment. ‘From AI Tools to AI Embedded in Business Workflows’ will discuss integrating AI into the heart of business functions. With Philippe Guillod (VP of Analytics) and Fraser Dunk (CEO of Jurnii), the session will demonstrate how companies are moving from basic AI usage to full integration to improve decision-making and efficiency. SBC Summit Malta is set for April 28-30 at the InterContinental Hotel. In addition to the conference, the event expects 6,000 participants to visit the exhibition area and engage in various networking activities. 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) -   Industry specialists Chris Bird and Quirino Mancini have joined 1xBet as consultants to help drive global player safety projects and research-based responsible gambling structures. Press release.- 1xBet has confirmed the appointment of Chris Bird and Quirino Mancini as strategic advisors, highlighting the company's dedication to ethical gaming, transparency, and data-backed player security throughout its international operations. These appointments are part of 1xBet’s ongoing strategy to enhance its global integrity and social accountability as the brand continues to operate in more than 35 jurisdictions worldwide. Both consultants will assist in creating long-term frameworks focused on research, policy discussions, and practical resources to improve user safety and encourage sustainable industry standards. Advancing a data-centric player safety strategy The move follows the success of the Player Protection Index Series, an independent research project that evaluates responsible gambling systems in various regions, including Western Europe, Africa, and Latin America. Since debuting last year, the series has gained industry praise for its role in global safety dialogues, fostering transparency, early intervention, and better cooperation between operators, regulators, and research bodies. Bird and Mancini are set to aid the expansion of this research alongside other programs aimed at improving education and responsible gaming habits. Global expertise and industry knowledge Chris Bird offers a wealth of experience in international sports, sponsorship, and strategic growth. Formerly a high-level executive at Manchester City Football Club, he has a background in media and community projects, specializing in partnerships that align business success with social benefits. Quirino Mancini is a leading figure in gaming legislation and currently leads the International Masters of Gaming Law (IMGL). His expertise lies in regulatory compliance and the development of international responsible gambling benchmarks. The duo will collaborate to strengthen 1xBet’s player protection efforts and wider social impact goals. International alliances and community engagement 1xBet’s dedication to ethical engagement is demonstrated through its high-profile sports partnerships and local community work. The brand collaborates with major entities like FC Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), and FIBA, while also funding grassroots programs that promote sports participation and education. Key programs include: 1xCup – A Nigerian amateur football competition involving over 4,000 participants, offering a platform for young talent while adhering to strict ethical marketing standards. Waziri 1xCup is a multi-sport event in Kenya covering football, basketball, and rugby. The 2025 event saw over 6,000 attendees, with 1xBet providing community aid such as food, mobility aids, business support, and sports gear for local teams. 1xBalance – A multilingual educational hub providing tools to encourage safe betting. It includes a betting style assessment, a Safe Bet Calculator, and expert advice to help users manage risks. In 2025, it reached over 289 million people across Africa with content in English, French, and Portuguese. Through these efforts, 1xBet reinforces the idea that gambling should be a pastime rather than a financial strategy, promoting awareness in growing digital sectors. Establishing a worldwide social responsibility structure Bird and Mancini will also help design a comprehensive international social impact framework to unify research, transparency, and industry collaboration. This structure will integrate 1xBet’s research, educational programs, and community work into a single global strategy. Additionally, the 1xPartners affiliate network contributes to this mission by providing partners with the tools and strategies needed for sustainable and responsible audience growth. 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) -   Marco Pequeno explored evolving market trends, methods for external visibility, and the intersection of land-based and online casinos. Press release.— Amusnet’s participation at SiGMA South America went beyond the exhibition floor, as the company engaged deeply in industry dialogues. Marco Pequeno, Amusnet’s country manager for Brazil, was a key figure in these discussions, contributing as both a speaker and a moderator. During the official session titled “Physical or Digital? Boundaries and Convergences in the Casino Industry,” Pequeno offered a market-focused outlook, emphasizing that traditional industry norms have shifted. He noted that high-quality products are no longer the sole factor for success. Instead, a fundamental change has occurred where CRM tactics, influencer partnerships, and streamers are now vital for driving game engagement and visibility on operator sites. Pequeno also pointed out a specific trend in the Brazilian market. Unlike established markets where discovery happens within the platform, Brazil prioritizes external acquisition and digital marketing to drive players to the game selection. This requires providers to be agile across various channels and collaborate more closely with operators on risk-sharing to stay ahead, according to Pequeno. In addition to speaking, Pequeno moderated the panel “Between Successes and Missteps in Markets That Already Operate Land-Based Casinos.” This discussion featured global experts sharing practical insights on regulation, governance, and operational challenges. The panel highlighted the importance of international standards in evaluating operational frameworks and the broader economic contributions of the industry, including employment, tax revenue, tourism, and investment. By bridging local market needs with international expertise, Pequeno provided a comprehensive outlook on the current state and future trajectory of the Brazilian gaming 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) -   Total sports betting handle fell 25 per cent compared to the same month in 2025. U.S. – The Mississippi Gaming Commission (MGC) has published its March sports wagering report. Total handle reached $25.7m, which is a 25 per cent drop year-over-year, but an increase from the $21m posted in February. The regulator splits performance data across the state’s Central, Coastal, and Northern regions. The Coastal region brought in $16.6m in wagers, accounting for more than 60 per cent of the state’s total handle. The Central region generated $5.3m in handle, and the Northern region generated $3.8m. Total statewide taxable sports betting revenue hit $3.6m. In the Coastal region, taxable revenue stood at $1.9m. Basketball produced an $8.8m handle and $534,269 in taxable revenue, parlay cards brought $3m in handle and $809,560 in taxable revenue, and baseball recorded $746,174 in handle and $190,093 in taxable revenue. Taxable revenue in the Central region was $1m. Basketball led the regional market with a $2.8m handle and $196,358 in taxable revenue, followed by parlay cards with $2.3m in handle and $794,281 in taxable revenue, and baseball with $132,770 in handle and $1,883 in taxable revenue. The Northern region recorded $688,682 in taxable revenue. Basketball generated a $2.1m handle and $284,652 in taxable revenue, while parlay cards generated $1.2m in handle and $476,213 in taxable revenue. In March, Mississippi’s casinos generated $214.2m in adjusted gross gaming revenue, down 5.4 per cent year-over-year, but higher than the $200.6m reported in February. 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) -   Welcome to the latest installment of our Focus Gaming News Weekend Conversation Corner, a concise review of the week's most significant headlines that have garnered global attention. We will distill the week's events into a brief summary, highlighting the key stories that have shaped discussions, influenced policy, and ignited debates. Join us as we cut through the noise to offer a condensed overview of the week's important developments, ensuring you stay informed about what truly matters in today's rapidly evolving world. Stay informed, stay motivated, and keep gaming. We wish you a wonderful weekend! Bill to grant English local authorities more power over gambling licensing advances Amendment 305 of the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill is set to empower local authorities by allowing them to conduct Gambling Impact Assessments. This would grant them greater influence over licensing decisions for physical gambling establishments. The amendment aims to introduce Gambling Impact Assessments into the Gambling Act 2005, enabling councils to identify areas where the establishment of new gambling venues could be detrimental. While the existing framework for granting licenses will remain, Amendment 305 would remove the current presumption of approval in identified areas of concern. Local authorities have been advocating for this increased flexibility due to concerns about the proliferation of gambling venues, and Prime Minister Keir Starmer has voiced support for granting councils enhanced powers. However, the bill must still be presented again to the House of Commons, where Members of Parliament could potentially vote to remove Amendment 305. Ukraine gambling regulator opens digital licensing portal Businesses in Ukraine can now apply for gambling licenses online via the Diia portal, eliminating the need for paper documentation or in-person submissions. PlayCity, Ukraine's gambling regulator, has announced the launch of this digital portal, which facilitates license applications for a range of gambling activities. The process involves creating applications within the Diia electronic cabinet and utilizing a qualified electronic signature. The regulator will review all applications and communicate decisions directly through the Diia platform. Furthermore, the government is actively working on legislative amendments to strengthen entry checks for companies, thereby promoting transparency and trust within the market. A new national Online Monitoring System for gambling is also undergoing pilot testing, designed to track all gambling transactions across the country. Additionally, measures are being implemented to restrict military personnel from accessing gambling platforms through a system developed by PlayCity. Gibraltar regulator dismisses ADI Predictstreet licence controversy as “sensationalist” reporting The Gibraltar Gambling Commissioner has defended the swift issuance of a gambling license to ADI Predictstreet, a company owned by Finstreet Limited. This decision was part of Gibraltar's strategy to mitigate the financial impact of increased gaming taxes in the UK. Despite concerns regarding the vetting process, the Commissioner affirmed that a thorough due diligence procedure was followed. While many EU countries have prohibited prediction platforms, the UK classifies them as gambling. Reports concerning ADI Predictstreet had raised questions about key personnel appointments and the speed of the licensing process. The Commissioner characterized the controversy as sensationalist reporting, emphasizing the rigorous scrutiny involved. Gibraltar's action coincides with Malta's ongoing consideration of regulating prediction platforms, a sector perceived to be experiencing global momentum and offering potential for innovation. New bill seeks to ban online gambling in Brazil, barely a year after regulation Brazilian legislator Pedro Uczai has introduced Bill PL-1808/2026, proposing a complete ban on all forms of online gambling, including sports betting, within the country. This proposal extends beyond President Lula da Silva's earlier suggestion to prohibit online casino gaming, aiming instead for the complete repeal of the Bets Law that legalized regulated online gambling in Brazil. The bill seeks to outlaw all aspects of online betting nationwide, from the operation of platforms to financial transactions associated with fixed-odds betting. Despite projections of R$13 billion in gambling revenue for 2026, the bill has garnered support from 68 PT lawmakers who argue it is essential for public health protection and the prevention of economic harm. However, the proposal may encounter opposition from Brazilian football leagues and media organizations that are significantly reliant on betting sponsorships. UK gambling reform advocate backs calls to pause financial risk checks In this article, Dr. James Noyes, a senior advisor at the Social Market Foundation, has voiced concerns regarding the transparency and efficacy of the Gambling Commission's pilot program for financial risk checks. He cautions that the current approach may deviate from the intended vision of "frictionless" and proportionate checks as outlined in the Gambling White Paper. Feedback from the industry has highlighted issues with inconsistent data and unclear outcomes, leading to unnecessary complications. The British Horseracing Authority also opposes these checks, citing public disapproval. Although initially tested for players depositing £500 or more, the threshold was subsequently lowered to £150. Opinions in Westminster are divided, with some advocating for continued live testing while others view the checks as intrusive. Noyes suggests a reassessment of the threshold and a focus on targeted interventions for individuals most at risk of harm. Khalid Ali, IBIA: “Tournaments like the 2026 FIFA World Cup activate the strongest integrity frameworks currently in place” In an exclusive interview with Focus Gaming News, Khalid Ali, CEO of the International Betting Integrity Association, discusses the upcoming FIFA World Cup and the association's preparations. The 2026 World Cup, set to feature 48 teams across three host countries, is expected to attract a substantial audience for sports betting. The IBIA is concentrating on mitigating risks such as match-fixing and illegal betting markets. Their preparations involve enhancing communication with stakeholders and employing advanced technologies like AI for early detection. While North America possesses robust regulatory frameworks, there remain challenges in coordination. The IBIA monitors integrity risks throughout the entire World Cup cycle, not just during the tournament itself, with the objective of achieving successful integrity outcomes by closely observing betting markets and effectively addressing any suspicious activities. 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.