(AsiaGameHub) -   On March 31, 2026, the Swedish government received a full proposal from Spelinspektionen – Sweden’s official gambling licensing regulator – outlining plans to restrict access to unlicensed remote gambling services. The proposal covers both legal and practical enforcement measures intended to more effectively curb unlicensed offshore operators from offering services to Swedish nationals. Under current legislation, enforcement actions are only permitted when an unlicensed operator actively markets its services in Sweden, for example by using the Swedish language and/or offering payment options that accept Swedish Krona. As a result, carrying out enforcement work is very difficult at present. The proposal will revise this existing rule and roll out the “Participant Criteria”. This set of criteria will expand regulatory scope to cover all operators that deliver services via their websites to Swedish residents. As a component of the Participant Criteria, multiple technical measures also need to be rolled out: Geo-blocking to restrict access requests originating from Sweden Sending automated warning notifications to users subject to access restrictions Full service refusal if a user’s location cannot be confirmed In addition to the measures listed above, further limitations include blocking users who attempt to bypass the restrictions by using a VPN or other similar tools. Other methods to restrict access for Swedish citizens include: Removing Sweden from the list of countries whose residents are eligible to register for accounts Blocking Swedish residential addresses, postal codes, and phone numbers with the +46 country prefix Stopping any transactions that involve banks based in Sweden Rejecting deposit or withdrawal requests processed through Swedish financial institutions Operators are required to clearly state in their terms of service that Swedish users are not permitted to access their platforms, but regulators emphasize that legal wording alone is not sufficient without supporting technical enforcement. In addition, all marketing content that can be accessed by Swedish audiences must be halted. The proposed changes are designed to close existing regulatory loopholes and build a more effective system for addressing unlicensed gambling. If put into effect, Sweden will transition to a stricter, technology-focused enforcement model that centers on access controls rather than proof of marketing intent. 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) -   Superbet has officially launched its sports betting and gambling platform in Greece, marking another key step forward in the company's European expansion strategy. The operator has announced that it will prioritize coverage of local sporting events and active interaction with local communities for its Greek operations. To achieve this goal, Superbet has assembled a dedicated local team to handle day-to-day operations, while its "Supersocial" feature will improve user connection and boost engagement during betting activities. John Kalamvokis, General Manager of Superbet Greece, stated: We are only writing the opening chapter of a future success story, which will unfold through high-impact partnerships and community-focused programs. Greece is growing into an increasingly sought-after market for operators, with roughly €1.2 billion (€1,200,000) in gross gaming revenue (GGRs) generated in the market at present, and the figure is expected to keep rising in the future. Greek GGR is expanding at a 15% compound annual growth rate each year, with around 20 licensed brands competing for market share in the space. The leading operator in Greece is OPAP with its Stoiximan brand, which holds nearly 50% of the regulated online sports betting market. In addition, Athens has evolved into a regional iGaming operations hub, hosting a number of top-tier technology, trading and operational teams. Superbet's Greek betting platform provides sports betting options across multiple major sports including football, basketball and tennis, supporting both pre-game and live wagers. The company has confirmed that its gaming products comply with all national regulations and are fully tailored to the local user experience. Adam Lamentowicz, CCO for Central and Eastern Europe at Superbet, commented: This is far more than a standard market entry. It is a long-term commitment to build the most engaging entertainment ecosystem in the country, and to bring people closer through the excitement and shared passion for sporting competitions. 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 recent study by Ygam indicates that social media is playing an increasingly significant role in how students engage with gambling. As unlicensed operators continue to infiltrate social media platforms, 34% of students who participate in gambling identified these platforms as a primary influence on their betting habits. Emily Tofield, Chief Executive Officer of Ygam, stated: “It is evident that the digital environment students inhabit is having a growing impact on gambling behaviors. We must proactively address these emerging risks to ensure students have the education and support necessary to protect themselves.” This follows warnings from the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) regarding the promotion of unlicensed operators on social media, with the regulator highlighting the “very limited progress” made by these platforms. Earlier this year, Tim Miller, the UKGC’s Executive Director of Research and Policy, criticized Meta, noting: “I would be very surprised if Meta, as one of the world’s largest tech companies, is unable to proactively use its own keyword tools to block illegal gambling advertisements. It creates the impression that they are content to ignore the issue and continue profiting from criminals and scammers until they are called out.” During the Illegal Gambling Prevention Summit last week, Rob Mabbett of Better Change cautioned that the UKGC is fighting a solitary battle against the black market and its advertising tactics. He stressed that young people face heightened risks due to content on social media, including interactions with influencers, celebrities, YouTubers, and the broader digital landscape. Mabbett argued for more robust regulation of big tech and social platforms, warning that the regulated sector is currently subject to policy decisions that are neither properly tested nor scrutinized. The influence of social media is clearly growing; in Ygam’s initial student gambling survey from 2022, fewer than one in four students cited it as a factor. Tofield has also urged universities and student unions to treat gambling harm with the same level of urgency as other risky behaviors, such as substance abuse. This aligns with recommendations from the coroner who investigated the 2020 death of Lee Adams, a gambling addict who died from a beta-blocker overdose following a prolonged gambling session. Julian Morris, Senior Coroner for Inner South London, suggested that medical professionals should screen for gambling issues just as they do for smoking or alcohol consumption. Ygam’s data further revealed that some students are spending more on gambling than on food. The charity noted an average gambling expenditure of £50.33. Comparing this to the National Student Money Survey, which reports an average weekly grocery spend of £33.70, Ygam suggests that some students are prioritizing gambling over essential nutrition. The study found that 65% of students have gambled in the past year, a decline from the 78% recorded in the inaugural 2022 Annual Student Gambling Survey. Additionally, the percentage of students reporting gambling-related harm dropped from 24% in 2023 to 18% in 2026. Further survey data indicates that slightly over half of student gamblers are primarily motivated by the desire to earn money. Male students are more likely to gamble than their female counterparts, with the average spend among male gamblers being more than double that of females. These concerns regarding increased spending align with recent figures from GamCare, which reported that the number of individuals seeking financial assistance through its Money Guidance Services doubled in 2025. Meanwhile, reported debt rose from £2.8m in 2024 to £7.2m last year, representing an average debt of £21,269 per person. Rising awareness On a more positive note, Ygam reported that 58% of students who gamble are aware of available support services, and 69% feel confident in their ability to access them. Additional data from GamStop shows that 60,000 individuals under the age of 25 are registered with the service, marking a 75% increase over the past five years. Fiona Palmer, CEO of The Gamstop Group, added: “The Annual Student Gambling Survey highlights a concerning lack of awareness regarding gambling risks and the impact on students struggling to manage their habits, though it is heartening to see greater recognition of the support that is available.” This data release coincides with the UK’s transition to a new NHS-led funding model for gambling harm treatment, supported by the Statutory Levy. However, there is growing anxiety regarding the effectiveness of this new system as charities await confirmation of government funding. The findings from Ygam and GamStop underscore the necessity of maintaining robust gambling harm treatment services to ensure that individuals of all ages can access the support they require. 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 Star Entertainment Group has successfully concluded an agreement with its joint venture partners concerning the Queen’s Wharf Brisbane and Gold Coast resorts. Nevertheless, the Australian casino operator might receive reduced compensation for managing the Queen’s Wharf Brisbane integrated resort after changes were made to the establishment's fixed monthly operator fee. Chow Tai Fook Enterprises Limited (CTFE) and Far East Consortium International Limited (FEC) have signed binding long-term agreements with The Star, which is currently operating under new management after the completion of a A$300m strategic investment by Bally’s Corporation and Investment Holdings late last year. The first phase of the transaction permits The Star to divest its 50% equity stake in the Destination Brisbane Consortium (DBC), which encompasses the Queen’s Wharf resort. The second phase pertains to the Destination Gold Coast Consortium (DGCC) and additional Brisbane properties that are either fully or partially owned by the operator. The Star has acquired full ownership of The Star Gold Coast assets, whereas CTFE and FEC are set to assume control of the Treasury Hotel and the Charlotte Street Car Park, both situated near the Queen’s Wharf resort. Monthly fee set at $1.5m? As stipulated by the transaction documents, the operator has finalized the sale of its 50% equity interest in DBC. Consequently, the fixed monthly operator fee stipulated in the DBC casino management agreement (CMA) has been revised and finalized. Effective immediately, the DBC casino operator fee due to The Star will consist of a fixed annual sum of AUS $18m, paid monthly (A$1.5m per month), as well as a performance-based incentive fee made up of two components, both linked to EBITDAM. The DBC also retains a performance termination right, enabling it to end the CMA under specific performance-related conditions, subject to a minimum of 90 days’ written notice. Apart from these modifications, the essential terms of the transaction remain unchanged in all material aspects. The completion of the first stage, involving the divestment of the Queen’s Wharf resort, fulfills the requirements of the refinancing arrangement The Star secured with WhiteHawk Capital Partners last month. Consequently, the company’s guarantee associated with the Queen’s Wharf debt facilities has been fully released. Regarding the second phase, which involves the DGCC and other Brisbane properties held by The Star, the operator noted that efforts to finalize it are ongoing. The conditions precedent are anticipated to be met during the second half of 2026, and no later than 31 March 2027. The Star aims to ‘strengthen’ in 2026 The Star seems to be honoring its commitments to investors after recently expressing optimism for the upcoming year during its H1 FY26 results announcement in March, following a turbulent end to 2025. The Star recorded A$585m in normalised net revenue for the first half of FY26 and a net loss exceeding A$75m. The new management team has implemented changes to operational and marketing strategies, introduced customer-focused initiatives, and enacted further cost reductions. Bruce Mathieson Jnr, Group Chief Executive Officer of The Star, remarked: “We are streamlining our corporate office, and essential support functions will be handled at the property level in Sydney, Gold Coast, and Brisbane. These changes are designed to bolster our financial position and support long-term success. “We continue to drive appropriate cost-out initiatives and are exploring and implementing measures to draw customers to our venues. We are dedicated to following a transparent, practical, and sustainable path that ensures our remediation plan meets the expected standards, while fostering consistency, embedment, and demonstrable maturity throughout the group. “Our properties hold immense potential, and we are committed to transforming The Star into leading entertainment destinations.” Casino licence suspension prolonged However, the New South Wales Independent Casino Commission (NICC) has recently extended the casino licence suspension for The Star Sydney. Following a pathway-to-suitability submission received by the NICC from The Star Sydney on 12 March, it was confirmed that the operator is not yet seeking a licence determination. The suspension affecting The Star Sydney has been in effect for more than three years, after the operator was deemed unfit to hold a casino licence. This determination followed reviews commissioned by the NICC and conducted by Adam Bell SC in October 2022 and August 2024, which uncovered numerous regulatory failures. Nicolas Weeks was appointed as the manager for The Star Sydney to enable gaming operations to persist at the venue. This latest extension ensures the casino licence suspension remains active, with Weeks’ tenure now extended until 30 September 2026, unless terminated earlier. 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) -   For an extended period, African markets have been characterized by sports betting and, to some extent, crash games. However, over the past 12 months, a new trend has emerged, with online casino gaming experiencing a surge across African markets. This trend is particularly evident in South Africa, where a rapidly expanding new market is developing, with online casino serving as a primary driver of growth. A review of Super Group’s most recent quarterly report indicates a 37% year-on-year increase in Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR) for online casino. To delve deeper into this trend, iGaming Expert spoke with Matt Cowan, Commercial Director for EveryMatrix in Africa, to discuss the factors contributing to this shift and how operators can capitalize on evolving user behaviors. What is driving the change among South African players, who are transitioning from primarily sports bettors to increasingly engaging with casino games? The rapid expansion is fueled by both new players entering the market through casino offerings and existing sports bettors who are now also participating in casino games. The addressable market has effectively doubled; casino games tend to be more engaging and, unlike sports, do not have halves or off-seasons, making it unsurprising that casino is swiftly becoming dominant. Does this underscore the importance for operators to implement effective cross-selling strategies, particularly during significant sporting events like this summer's World Cup? Matt Cowan – EveryMatrix Africa. Image Source: EveryMatrix Absolutely. Casino games are available 'always on.' While this summer's Football World Cup represents one of the most effective acquisition opportunities an operator could wish for, casual players might only place bets during the tournament or while games are in progress before churning. Casino games enable operators to retain these players long after the tournament concludes. They also serve as a means to keep players engaged on the platform before, during, and after matches. Developing gamified challenges that span both verticals, encouraging players to explore casino options, is crucial. EngageSuite is currently the leading product on the market for operators to achieve this most effectively. Do you foresee this trend being replicated in other African markets where sports and crash games typically hold the most popularity? This is already occurring in key markets such as Kenya and Tanzania. Sports and crash games still dominate, but as the player base matures and begins to seek more sophisticated and dynamic gaming experiences, the natural progression will be to try slots. It is only a matter of time. What kinds of opportunities does this growing demand for slots present for both operators and game providers, such as SlotMatrix? The quicker operators can bring a diverse range of games to market, the better. The casino sector evolves rapidly, but EveryMatrix moves even faster. Managing numerous commercial agreements, vendor relationships, and integrations can be a significant challenge for operators. Our casino management platform and aggregation services not only resolve these issues but also substantially enhance operational efficiency through their functionality. They offer a single point of access to the most extensive selection of real-money casino content globally. When combined with our localized expertise and exceptional post-sales support, we are the definitive choice for casino aggregation. Are there specific types of content that particularly appeal to South African players? Simple slot mechanics continue to be the most popular. Although South Africa represents the most developed slots market on the continent, it is still relatively nascent in global terms, with players keen to understand their winning potential and the methods to achieve it. Volatility is also a key factor in players' decisions regarding which games they prefer, with a significant portion of South African players favoring high volatility and high maximum win game variations, such as Pragmatic’s Super Scatter games or No Limit City’s titles with a 50,000x maximum win, like Duck Hunters. How is EveryMatrix positioned to capitalize on this increased demand for casino games? With a team of experts possessing decades of experience in the gaming industry, EveryMatrix understands the strategies operators need to implement to maximize their profitability in the casino sector. In addition to our expertise, our product suite solidifies our standing as the leading casino aggregator in Africa. Through our casino management platform and comprehensive content library, we provide operators with access to the world's largest portfolio of games, including exclusive content unavailable elsewhere. Our EngageSuite product also ensures that operators effectively retain players in highly competitive markets. By utilizing bonus campaigns, mini-tournaments, gamification, and CRM tools, we offer solutions to some of the most common challenges faced by operators. 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) -   After Jiangbo was identified as a major international gambling figure connected to illegal gambling operations, UK authorities have seized a large number of high-value assets that are allegedly acquired with proceeds from criminal activity. Jiangbo has not been charged with any crime in the UK yet, but the investigation into his gambling operations has ordered him to provide evidence proving how he obtained the ownership of these properties. The involved assets include 85 properties located in London, which are reported to have been purchased via “golden passports”. Evidence related to these purchases shows a serious risk of violations within the anti-money laundering (AML) framework. Under UWO legislation, Jiangbo is required to prove the source of the funds used for these purchases, and investigators hold that part of his wealth can be traced back to illegal cross-border online gambling activities operated through offshore networks. A statement released by Cambodia’s Interior Ministry reads: As part of cooperation against transnational crime and in accordance with a request from the relevant authorities of the People’s Republic of China, authorities of the Kingdom of Cambodia have arrested three Chinese nationals Chen Zhi, Xu Ji Liang and Shao Ji Hui, and extradited them to the People’s Republic of China. As reported by OCCRP and The Times, this case reflects how the global illegal gambling black market continues to operate, partly driven by consumer demand in regions where gambling is banned. It is estimated that most of these illegal gambling operations are based in Southeast Asia, including Cambodia and the Philippines. 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 New York State Gaming Commission is considering a series of new regulations designed to significantly bolster protections for sports bettors across the state. Regulators in New York aim to safeguard bettors from developing gambling addiction and to restrict access to the sports betting market for underage individuals. Should these proposals be adopted, licensed betting operators would be prohibited from utilizing artificial intelligence to target and customize betting offers. Operators would be mandated to identify at-risk players and curtail direct marketing towards them, in addition to implementing a formal intervention program. Furthermore, each operator would need to establish a system to automatically flag these players and initiate an intervention process based on specific behavioral indicators, including but not limited to excessive deposits, numerous canceled withdrawals, and an unusually sharp increase in betting activity. Governor Kathy Hochul said: Mobile sports wagering is ubiquitous, luring everyone, including our youth, to place bets without adequately considering the repercussions. We require robust regulatory safeguards to deter those under 21 from gambling, prevent artificial intelligence from exploiting gamblers, and mandate sports wagering operators to implement genuine measures if one of their customers exhibits signs of gambling harm. Regulators are also exploring the potential use of biometric identification to help prevent underage gambling and enhance account security through face recognition or fingerprints. This comes alongside efforts to establish more stringent geolocation controls and impose penalties on individuals who allow underage minors to access a sports betting site or a physical betting location. NYSGC Chair Brian O’Dwyer said in a statement:  As Governor Hochul accurately noted: No other form of gambling has infiltrated our collective awareness quite like sports wagering, and vulnerable youth are continually exposed to the practice. Following her guidance, we have identified further methods to protect our young people, assist those in moments of crisis, and ensure legalized, regulated gaming remains safe for all New Yorkers. We anticipate public feedback on these crucial proposals. The draft regulations are presently open for public comment until 12 PM in mid-May, as New York places player protection at the forefront of its expanding sports betting industry. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

(AsiaGameHub) -   Gaming Realms achieved a robust performance in 2025, with revenue increasing by 10% compared to the previous year, reaching £31.4 million. This growth is attributed to consistent demand in regulated markets and ongoing expansion through the introduction of new partners. The Licensing division was the primary driver of the company's growth, generating £27.6 million in revenue, a 13% increase. This division also saw an improvement in profitability, with adjusted EBITDA rising by 15% to £15 million, and margins expanding to 48%. The company reported a profit before tax of £8.8 million and a 32% increase in cash, bringing its total cash reserves to £17.8 million, positioning it as a debt-free and financially agile entity. Operationally, the Group enhanced its Slingo portfolio by developing 12 new titles internally and creating eight customized versions for specific markets. Furthermore, the Group forged partnerships with 40 new operators across North America, Europe, South America, and Africa. The North American market remained a significant contributor, accounting for 63% of total Licensing revenue, and the number of players participating in the Licensing segment grew by 22%. In addition, the Group made substantial progress in diversifying its product offerings. This included the launch of Lucky Lunar Studio, a new development studio focused on creating traditional slot games, and the expansion of its third-party product range through a collaboration with S Gaming. Concurrently, performance in the UK improved throughout the year, with disruptions from recent regulatory changes beginning to stabilize before the year's end. The company is maintaining its positive trajectory into 2026 with planned market entries in Peru, Nigeria, Ghana, and Kenya, alongside continued efforts to expand into Canada and the USA. Early indications for the year show that Licensing revenues have already surpassed last year's total, benefiting from a strong pipeline of new content and a sustained focus on developing regulated markets. 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) -   William Hill is set to close approximately 200 of its physical betting shops by May 24th of this year, potentially impacting up to 1,500 jobs. This reduction accounts for about 14% of William Hill's total retail presence and signifies the company's response to intensified financial pressures, which have led to higher operating expenses within the UK market. The parent company, Evoke, stated that this decision was made after a strategic assessment, citing increased taxes and operational costs as the primary drivers. Evoke also indicated that support would be provided to affected employees, emphasizing the necessity of concentrating on viable locations. Evoke, the parent company, provided the following explanation: Following a comprehensive review and in light of increased cost pressures on the regulated sector, including substantial tax hikes announced by the Government in last year’s Autumn Budget, we will be closing a number of shops that are no longer financially viable from May. We are committed to offering our full support to our retail colleagues affected by these closures. While these decisions are never made lightly, we must act in response to rising cost pressures to ensure we can continue to invest in our core retail operations, with the right shops in the most suitable locations. In addition to these store closures, new UK tax legislation, effective April 1st, will raise the Remote Gaming Duty from 21% to 40%, with further increases to betting duties planned for the following year. 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) -   Scout Gaming Group has informed the Nasdaq First North Growth Market of its plan to delist, a move that comes after the company sold its entire operating business to a firm named ImpactWin. The sale involved Scout's subsidiary, Scout Holding Ltd, in an all-stock deal valued at SEK 25 million (approximately $2.28 million). In exchange, Scout obtained more than 10.5 million new shares in ImpactWin, equating to roughly 15.2% of the total shares in the combined company. Following the sale of all remaining assets, shareholders approved the delisting of the company's shares during a special general meeting on March 30, 2023. Scout's final action will be to distribute its ImpactWin shares to stockholders before initiating a voluntary liquidation process. This deal marks a quiet market departure for Scout Gaming, a company that has struggled with falling revenues and a declining share price in recent months. 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) -   Global online gaming platform 1win has been awarded the title of “Crypto Casino of the Year 2026” at the Belgrade Web3 & iGaming Awards (BWIGA Awards)—a premier event that brings together specialists from the Web3, blockchain, and iGaming sectors. Additionally, 1win Partners earned two more accolades: “Best Affiliate Program” and “Best CMO,” underscoring the platform’s expanding impact within the global crypto iGaming landscape. This award acknowledges 1win’s commitment to creating a high-performing platform tailored for the crypto-savvy audience. Since its 2016 launch, 1win has refined the balance between premium entertainment and blockchain technology, delivering a product where speed, privacy, and accessibility are integral to the core user experience. As a Curaçao-licensed casino, 1win offers a globally accessible platform with multilingual support and seamless performance across devices, including native iOS and Android applications. At the core of its offerings lies a crypto-first approach. The platform supports a wide range of digital assets, such as BTC, ETH (ERC-20), TRX (TRC-20), BSC (BEP-20), TON, SOL, DOGE, DASH, and XRP, enabling users to transfer funds efficiently across networks. Aligned with its focus on crypto users, 1win features an enhanced bonus system, with up to 600% on crypto deposits. Reacting to the recognition, Mike Danshin, CMO of 1win Crypto, stated: Today, the market no longer competes on bonuses or traffic—it competes for attention. In crypto iGaming, players encounter similar offers across platforms, and the real difference comes from how well a brand understands its audience and builds trust. At 1win, we focus on being a truly crypto-native product. This means clear positioning, tailored communication for different player segments, and a scalable marketing ecosystem that combines global brand presence with local relevance. Receiving this award as the best crypto casino is strong validation of our approach. The Belgrade Web3 & iGaming Awards is a key industry platform in the region, recognizing companies that demonstrate innovation, scalability, and impact across emerging digital ecosystems. This recognition further reinforces 1win’s position as a major player shaping the future of crypto-powered online entertainment. 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 ongoing dispute concerning the implementation of the new statutory levy for gambling harms has intensified, following confirmation from Gamban that it will not receive funding. Gamban, formerly supported by GambleAware, expressed disapproval of OHID's choice to exclude it from the new funding mechanism because of its status as a limited company. Gamban is widely acknowledged as the most effective software for blocking access to gambling platforms and content on all devices. When the shift to the new levy system was confirmed last year, GambleAware declared its intention to stop operating, highlighting the profound nature of this change, given that GambleAware had previously overseen gambling harm treatment programs. Gamban announced that OHID's decision means it can no longer offer its service for free; it will now cost £4.99 monthly or £29.99 annually. Before this, Gamban was available at no cost following a referral from TalkBanStop or certain other referral pathways. The organization criticized OHID's process, asserting that its status as a limited company “was not a justifiable reason to exclude the most effective gambling blocking software from the commissioning process,” and disclosed that it has had to take measures to uphold the service quality its users depend on. Matt Zarb-Cousin, co-founder of Gamban, who had previously advocated for the new levy system expecting it to boost funding for high-quality services, characterized the criteria OHID adopted as ‘perplexing’ and expressed doubts about whether the new system would lead to service improvements. ‘An inevitable outcome’ Mark Conway of Consultancy for Gambling Harms echoed the criticism of the OHID process, calling it a ‘sad inevitable outcome’ stemming from the commissioning approach used for dividing VCSE and LA/NHS Levy funding. He further noted his belief that Gamban's commercial nature would have presented challenges for commissioners even under the previous RET system, and he lamented the insufficient adaptations made during the process, considering Gamban's significance to the industry. Conway, commenting on LinkedIn, attributed the core problem to inadequate preparation or a thorough grasp of the prior gambling harms sector during the shift to Levy funding. Conway characterized it as ‘a rushed transition lacking a genuine continuity plan – merely competitive bidding divided across different service provision categories.’ The Gambling Lived Experience Network (GLEN) also condemned the restrictive nature of the approach and the ‘mismanagement of the levy process,’ labeling it ‘a stark illustration of the consequences when established system experts and stakeholders are left out of strategic planning and decision-making.’ GLEN explained that Gamban finds itself in a predicament similar to when over 10,000 users of the GambleAware App abruptly lost support because OHID opted not to continue backing that particular tool. GLEN further stated: “Our current predicament stems from inadequate planning… and ill-timed circumstances where the most crucial transformation in addressing Gambling Harms in this nation was unexpectedly assigned to State bodies that neither requested, desired, nor possessed the necessary expertise or capability to manage them.” OHID's lack of collaborative effort also drew criticism from other segments of the industry. Jordan Lea, founder of Deal Me Out, disclosed that his group withdrew from the OHID process early on, and he denounced the new process, voicing concerns about the rapid move towards a more assertive and uncompromising public health approach. During his address at the Illegal Gambling Prevention Summit earlier this month, he expressed regret that his initial apprehensions regarding the new process were materializing, leading to substantial job losses and the closure of numerous vital charities. This encompassed GambleAware's exit, which Lea believed was a primary objective for many advocates at the start of the process, driven by a desire to eliminate entities with any past industry funding. Escalating concerns Organizations, including GambleAware, have consistently cautioned that the new funding structure could jeopardize the standard of care for users as treatment becomes fragmented across the UK – a situation highlighted by Gamban's free availability in Wales versus its status in England and Scotland. GambleAware's legacy report, published prior to its cessation of operations today (March 31), declared: “As the system undergoes transition, worries are mounting regarding the potential loss of institutional expertise and advancements within the sector. Concurrently, there is apprehension that disparities in local capabilities might lead to variations in service quality across different areas. Without intentional intervention, these hazards could undermine progress achieved in prevention, early intervention, and fairness of response.” Acknowledging the growing difficulties associated with the new levy's implementation, the UK Government last week introduced the Gambling Levy Transition Fund (GLTF), offering an additional three months of funding to organizations that did not secure initial funding. The Department for Culture, Media and Sport recognized the 'transformative change' ushered in by the funding shift and stated that the GLTF was established to 'guarantee the uninterrupted provision of gambling harm prevention and treatment services in England.' 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.