(AsiaGameHub) -   Skill On Net has been reprimanded by the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) regarding a sponsored Instagram post that featured a stand-up comedian discussing pistachios. The advertisement for the white label casino operator Gecko Play featured an unnamed comedian performing a routine on stage. During the set, the comic remarked: “Gambling is really like eating pistachios, if you get a good pistachio, you want another good one, if you get a bad one, you want a good one even more,” which drew laughter from the crowd. At the bottom of the video, a GambleAware logo and an 18+ symbol were displayed alongside text reading “Gambling can be addictive please play responsibly,” with #AD appearing in the bottom right corner. According to the ASA, two individuals lodged complaints questioning whether the advertisement promoted irresponsible socially gambling conduct. Skill On Net contended that the comparison drawn between gambling and pistachios was meant to be ‘light-hearted, observational humour regarding the variability and unpredictability of outcomes’. The company further clarified that the post was not designed to ‘encourage persistent gambling, nor to suggest that individuals should continue gambling’ to chase losses. It also noted that the ad did not reference financial loss, raising stakes, risk-free betting, or excessive play. Nevertheless, acknowledging that the advertisement might be perceived in a manner that violates the CAP code, Skill On Net has taken down the post and revised its internal marketing guidelines in light of the complaint. The ASA responded by confirming that the advertisement violated the CAP Code because it trivialised the act of gambling after a loss instead of promoting responsible play. This ruling was made despite the inclusion of the GambleAware logo and the 18+ disclaimer, as the regulator determined these features did not change the ad's general message, ‘which made light of continued gambling following both wins and losses’. The ASA observed that viewers likely interpreted the statement to imply that gambling is ‘compulsive and hard to stop’. Additionally, the remark about wanting a “good one even more” after a “bad one” was seen as a subtle suggestion to place additional bets to recoup losses. The ASA elaborated: “We therefore considered the ad gave the impression that the decision to gamble, even in the face of losses, should be taken lightly and that it encouraged or condoned repetitive or frequent participation in gambling, including after losses. For that reason, we concluded that the ad was likely to encourage gambling behaviour that was harmful and therefore breached the Code. “The ad breached CAP Code (Edition 12) rules 16.1, 16.3 and 16.3.1 (Gambling).” The ASA mandated that the advertisement must not be broadcast again in its current form and that future marketing materials must not ‘portray, condone or encourage gambling behaviour that was socially irresponsible or could lead to financial, social or emotional harm’. For more stories like this, visit the new SBC Media YouTube Channel, the central hub for all multimedia content at SBC. Our team explores the major stories across the sports betting, iGaming, affiliate, and payments sectors. 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) -   Agreegain has expanded its casino suite by adding fresh game content from Endorphina. As part of this partnership, more than 200 slot games from the Prague-based studio will now be accessible to Agreegain’s network of operator partners. Featured titles include King Of Ghosts and Hell Hot 100. Inga Kadyrova, Endorphina’s Partnership Manager, stated: “Partnerships like this help us strengthen our position across the industry, and I am confident our games will be a perfect complement to their existing offerings. We are thrilled to welcome Agreegain as our new partner.” Endorphina holds partnerships with over 5,000 companies globally and holds licenses to deliver game content across 31 jurisdictions worldwide, spanning markets in Europe and Latin America. Agreegain noted that integrating Endorphina into its partner network has enhanced the strength and variety of its content portfolio for its operator partners. Maria Afzaal, Senior Partnership Manager at Agreegain, added: “At Agreegain, we are consistently seeking content that aligns with the regions and markets we prioritize. “Partnering with Endorphina is an exciting milestone that lets us deliver innovative, diverse games that meet the needs of our operator partners across Europe and Latin America. We believe this addition bolsters our content portfolio and provides our partners and players with content that aligns with their preferences and our overall market strategy.” Managing Regulatory Risks Earlier this year, Josh Kingett, Business Development Manager at Agreegain, spoke with iGaming Expert about how content aggregators must adapt as operators continue to pursue international expansion into new markets. Kingett stressed that aggregators must proactively track regulatory shifts across global jurisdictions to ensure the games they offer are either pre-certified or swiftly adjusted to meet new compliance requirements. He added: “Aggregators should manage provider certifications and compliance updates through a central hub, shielding operators from tedious contract management, individual studio negotiations and delays. “Providing modular, jurisdiction-specific configurations via a single API also allows operators to adjust content compliance settings without rebuilding their entire platforms.” This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

(AsiaGameHub) -   Amnesty International has charged Cambodia’s casino regulator with effectively endorsing enterprises involved in severe violations, such as torture, human trafficking, and child labor. The organization has highlighted 12 casinos that the Cambodia Commercial Gambling Management Commission (CGMC) authorized plans for between December 2025 and January 2026, noting that these venues function as scam compounds where documented human rights violations have occurred. Among those listed are three Crown casinos in Poipet, Bavet and Chrey Thum – owned by Anco Brothers Co. Ltd – as well as the Majestic Two and Majestic Hotel & Casino, whose former Chair, Kuong Li, was charged at the beginning of 2026 with illegal recruitment for exploitation, aggravated fraud, and money laundering. According to testimony from victims interviewed by Amnesty International, trafficked workers, often enticed by social media ads promising lucrative job opportunities, are detained against their will and compelled to participate in schemes that have defrauded victims of billions of dollars. Amnesty International utilized site visits and victim testimonies to cross-reference official plans submitted to the CGMG. The organization documented abuses such as workers being subjected to torture and beatings with electric shock batons. “The authorities must explain why casinos with proven ties to trafficking and torture continue to receive official approval,” said Montse Ferrer, Amnesty International’s Co-Regional Director. “Every day that these casinos remain licensed is another day in which people on casino property are at risk of human rights abuse. “Our research establishes a clear link between Cambodia’s licensed casinos and its scamming compounds. At a time when the government claims to be dismantling the scamming industry, the evidence shows it is simultaneously approving plans for casino properties where abusive scamming compounds are run.” Authorities in Cambodia have repeatedly reaffirmed their commitment to addressing scam compounds; Reuters reported that approximately 190 scam centers were closed down in February. Last week, Cambodia’s Parliament also passed the first cybercrime law dedicated to targeting the perpetrators of online scams. Once implemented, those convicted will face between two to five years in prison and fines up to $125,000. Sentences for scams conducted by gangs or against many victims can extend up to 10 years. However, Amnesty International has accused the Cambodian government of “deliberately ignoring a litany of human rights abuses” and police forces in the country of collusion with compound bosses to avoid enforcement action. A report published in June 2025 by the charity identified 53 scamming compounds, and over half were linked to casinos, as gangs often repurpose former casinos and hotels into centers for fraud. “The Cambodian authorities know what is going on inside scamming compounds, yet they allow it to continue. Our findings reveal a pattern of state failures that have allowed criminality to flourish and raise questions about the government’s motivations,” Ferrer said in June. She added that the latest revelations demonstrate that the casino sector requires “investigation and accountability,” and demanded that the Cambodian government immediately suspend the gambling licences of the casinos identified until a “full, independent and transparent investigation into the violations documented at these sites” is conducted. The CGMC and the companies named failed to respond to Amnesty International over the allegations. According to a statement released on 5 April, the CGMC has revoked the licence of the Shang Hai Resort, a casino not named by Amnesty International, after raids found evidence of activity related to scam compounds. Want to hear more stories like this? Check out the new SBC Media YouTube Channel, the new home of all things multimedia at SBC, where our team deep-dives into the biggest stories from across the sports betting, iGaming, affiliate and payments industries. 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) -   France's national gambling regulator has urged casinos to intensify their efforts against underage and problem gambling, stating that some establishments are failing to detect and assist a sufficient number of patrons experiencing gambling-related harm. The authority highlighted that both compulsive and underage gambling rank among the most significant threats within the French market, calling on the industry to re-evaluate its approach to these challenges. Alongside this caution, the Autorité Nationale des Jeux (ANJ) acknowledged the growth in collaborations between casinos and support services, as it assessed operator action plans designed to prevent excessive and underage gambling. Uneven results The ANJ observed that while casinos are enhancing their systems for identifying and assisting at-risk players, some 'are still only detecting and supporting an inadequate number of excessive or pathological gamblers, a figure that does not match their customer traffic levels'. The regulator also mentioned that the improved links between gambling venues and support organizations have facilitated directing identified problem gamblers to treatment, running awareness campaigns, and training employees. Regarding staff training, the ANJ reported that more than 2,200 individuals have utilized the e-learning module since its introduction in November 2024. More work to do Minimizing gambling harm is a central pillar of the ANJ's strategic plan for 2024-2026. Since October 2019, operators have been mandated to submit their protection action plans to the ANJ for assessment, with the goal of bolstering player safeguards. In all, plans were submitted for approval by FDJ United and Pari Mutuel Urbain (PMU), 17 licensed online operators, 210 casinos and gaming clubs, and 231 racetracks. Only one casino's plan was rejected. The ANJ pointed out that industry-wide advancements have occurred but stressed that more work is necessary to achieve the target of reducing gambling harm by 2027. Operators received several suggestions, such as reinforcing their systems, training staff, and giving players essential information. While the ANJ approved the action plans from FDJ and PMU, it indicated two primary issues require attention: Implement a rigorous policy for monitoring retail outlets to ensure compliance with the prohibition on sales to minors. Create methods suitable for physical locations to establish a more efficient system for recognizing and aiding gamblers affected by harm. Strengthening systems Concerning licensed online operators, the ANJ said most have implemented procedures to prevent circumvention of the underage gambling ban, covering registration, information provision to adults, awareness initiatives, and parental controls. Actions to better detect individuals harmed by gambling have also been taken. The count of flagged players increased from 31,000 in 2024 to 89,000 in 2025, following upgrades to detection tools and new metrics. Nevertheless, the regulator expects operators to enhance their identification of potentially harmed players to align it 'with the scale of their customer base and prevalence research'. 'Concrete and quantifiable outcomes' must also be realized in fortifying systems that spot those suffering or at risk, with possible monitoring to confirm these improvements. This push for stronger systems coincides with operators gearing up for the forthcoming FIFA World Cup. The ANJ reminded FDJ, PMU, and other licensed operators earlier this year that they must not surpass their declared total promotional budget for 2026. Racetrack improvements In the horse racing sector, the ANJ recognized work to inform bettors about support resources, train staff, and the ongoing supervision by the National Federation of Horse Racing (FNCH). However, the regulator emphasized the need for a clear separation at venues between family-friendly zones and betting areas, and to ensure content does not indirectly promote gambling. The FNCH was also directed to enhance its processes for identifying and supporting individuals experiencing gambling harm at tracks by persisting with training, as current efforts were deemed 'insufficient'. Want to hear more stories like this? Check out the new SBC Media YouTube Channel, the new home of all things multimedia at SBC, where our team deep-dives into the biggest stories from across the sports betting, iGaming, affiliate and payments industries. 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 Financial Reporting Council (FRC) has concluded its inquiry into KPMG's audit of Entain Plc's financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2022. The UK's statutory body for audit, accounting, and corporate governance has stated that neither KPMG nor Entain will face any disciplinary measures. Launched in November 2024, the investigation focused on KPMG's work on Entain's FY2022 consolidated accounts. This followed the FTSE-listed gambling operator's agreement to a £615m deferred prosecution agreement (DPA) in 2023. This DPA, settled with HMRC and the Crown Prosecution Service, concerned bribery accusations connected to GVC Holdings—Entain's former operating company—and its historical business activities in Turkey. No action needed In its FY2023 results, Entain posted a statutory loss of around £890m, largely due to a £585m provision for the DPA. The full settlement totalled £615m, made up of a £585m penalty, a £20m charitable contribution, and £10m in costs to the authorities. The audited year, FY2022, was characterised as one of robust fundamental performance. Entain recorded an EBITDA of £993m and an operating profit of £103m, buoyed by expansion in the US through its BetMGM brand and persistent demand in UK and European markets, amplified by conditions during the COVID pandemic. The FRC examined whether KPMG had sufficiently evaluated legal and regulatory risks in Entain's accounts, particularly regarding how liabilities from its past Turkish operations were handled. In its decision, the FRC said: “Having reviewed the evidence obtained in the investigation, and having considered all relevant factors, the Executive Counsel has decided not to bring enforcement action.” Since 2024, Entain has consistently asserted that all issues related to the case are now settled, confirming the group has completely moved on from its historical exposure. Operating under an updated corporate charter, Entain now conducts business solely in fully regulated markets, strengthening its compliance and governance structure. Notwithstanding these reforms, financial challenges persist. For FY2025, Entain reported a third straight annual loss, amounting to £680m, even as key performance indicators showed marked improvement in its core UK and Ireland markets, indicating a return to stability in these important regions. A broader restructuring KPMG continues to serve as Entain Plc's statutory auditor, with the end of the FRC investigation eliminating a source of regulatory doubt over its audit services. Nevertheless, the firm is undergoing its own operational overhaul. In early 2026, KPMG disclosed a strategic review of its workforce, confirming intentions to eliminate roughly 440 assistant manager positions in its audit division, in addition to about 120 roles in its advisory business. The firm cited unusually low staff turnover rates as the reason for the necessary workforce changes. The resolution of the Entain investigation, paired with wider restructuring in the audit industry, highlights an evolving environment for corporate governance and audit supervision, where regulators are weighing scrutiny against a more proportionate enforcement strategy. 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) -   Government authorities in the Philippines have announced that the country has now fully eliminated all remaining traces of offshore gaming operations, which are widely known as POGOs. Prior to July 2024, online gaming operators were permitted to set up their headquarters in the Philippines while serving customers based in overseas markets such as China. However, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr reversed this policy during his 2024 State of the Nation Address, announcing that he would ban POGO operations entirely due to their deep ties to a range of criminal activities. He explained that POGOs had “expanded into illegal activities far beyond gaming, including financial scams, money laundering, prostitution, human trafficking, kidnapping, brutal torture and even murder”, and a deadline of the end of 2024 was set for all such operations to cease operations permanently. Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida told The Manila Times on Monday (April 6) that “there are no official POGOs left operating in the country, and no unauthorised illegal POGOs either”, confirming that the government’s sector-wide crackdown has been completed successfully. The close of the POGO era POGO operations first began emerging in 2003, after the Philippines offered a base to Chinese gaming operators that were displaced by the Chinese government’s full ban on all gambling in Mainland China. The sector saw rapid growth starting in 2016, after the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) began issuing operating licenses to POGO providers. At its peak in 2019, the Philippines’ POGO industry counted more than 300 licensed operators, contributed over P100bn (£1.25bn) in tax revenue to the national government, and employed tens of thousands of local Filipino workers. However, as POGOs grew in scale, widespread concerns over linked criminal activity continued to build, leading to repeated calls for a full ban on the sector, demands that President Marcos Jr ultimately answered. One of the most high-profile criminal cases connected to POGOs involved Alice Guo, a Chinese national who was sentenced to life imprisonment in November 2025 on human trafficking charges. The charges followed a 2024 raid on a POGO operation located on land Guo owned in the town of Bamban. Police found more than 700 Filipino and foreign nationals at the site, many of whom reported they had been forced to participate in online scam operations. Further investigations also uncovered that Guo had faked her Filipino citizenship to win election as Mayor of Bamban. A statement from the Presidential Anti-Organised Crime Commission (PAOCC) released after the guilty verdict said: “Guo’s power, wealth and public image were built entirely on human trafficking, online scam operations and a falsified identity.” “This long-awaited ruling is not only a legal victory but also a moral one. It delivers justice to victims, reaffirms the government’s unified stance against organised crime and marks a defining moment in the country’s fight against large-scale trafficking and online scam syndicates.” A new chapter for the Philippine gaming market One year after the official end of POGO operations, the PAOCC is still prosecuting cases linked to members of dismantled POGO networks, which highlights how deeply criminality was embedded throughout these operations. Gambling remains a key economic driver for the Philippine economy, but regulated online gaming is now limited to domestic inland operators (PIGOs) and is overseen by PAGCOR. In 2025, online gaming activity generated P53.3bn (£667.9m) in revenue for PAGCOR. Even so, the regulator recorded an overall 5% drop in total revenue, partially caused by the offshore gaming ban, as the now-banned sector contributed almost P3bn (£37.6m) in revenue in 2024. Following the government’s crackdown on POGOs, policy focus has now shifted to strengthening oversight of the regulated gaming industry, as well as cracking down on the country’s unregulated gambling black market. Want to enjoy more stories like this? Explore the new SBC Media YouTube Channel, the new home for all multimedia content from SBC, where our team delivers deep dives into the biggest stories across the global sports betting, iGaming, affiliate and payments industries. 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, the vibrant iGaming content creator, has expanded its footprint in Italy via a new commercial alliance with Microgame, a top platform provider in the region. This deal bolsters ENJOY's standing in a key European market, while granting Microgame's network of over 50 licensed operator partners entry to a wide-ranging, results-driven game portfolio. This features premium slot titles centered on popular mechanics like Bison Strike and the newest launch Hotfire Diamonds XXL, alongside ENJOY's expanding array of live game shows, such as Enchanted Forest, which are created in its cutting-edge studio. Christos Zoulianitis, Chief Commercial Officer at ENJOY, said: Establishing our presence in Italy marks a significant step forward in our growth plan. Microgame's extensive reach and esteemed reputation in Italy offer the ideal platform for our portfolio, guaranteeing our content resonates with players nationwide and aligns with our long-term objectives for this market. Supported by Microgame's robust local presence, technical expertise, and profound player knowledge, this partnership lays a firm groundwork for ENJOY's sustained expansion within one of Europe's most mature regulated markets. Francesco Cuzzupoli, Gaming & Sales Director at Microgame, added: ENJOY contributes a compelling blend of creativity, high production values, and market insight to our services. Their remarkable game collection will broaden and improve the performance of our casino offering for Microgame's operator partners, and we are excited to generate significant momentum jointly. 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) -   Agreegain, a comprehensive casino solutions provider, is pleased to announce a new strategic partnership with the award-winning casino software supplier Endorphina. Prague-based Endorphina brings more than ten years of iGaming expertise and has established a worldwide reputation for producing outstanding online slot titles. The developer has created over 200 high-quality and captivating games, including titles like King Of Ghosts and Hell Hot 100. Endorphina is relied upon by more than 5,000 global partners and holds licenses in 31 regulated markets throughout Europe, Latin America, and other regions. Maria Afzaal, Senior Partnership Manager at Agreegain, said: At Agreegain, we continuously seek content that corresponds with our key regions and target markets. Aligning with Endorphina is a thrilling move that enables us to provide innovative and varied games that meet the requirements of our operator partners in Europe and Latin America. We are confident this enhancement bolsters our portfolio and delivers content to our partners and players that aligns with their tastes and our strategic market goals. This dynamic collaboration guarantees that Agreegain's operator partners can now integrate Endorphina's inventive slot collection. This adds more robustness and variety for operators, fulfilling the commitment to provide state-of-the-art solutions that foster growth and establish a leading market benchmark. Inga Kadyrova, Endorphina’s Partnership Manager, said: We are delighted to welcome Agreegain as a new partner. Partnerships of this nature contribute to our collective strength within the industry, and I am convinced our games will seamlessly complement their existing 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.