日期: 2026 年 5 月 15 日

(AsiaGameHub) -   Online gambling in Belgium has surged since 2018, despite the implementation of strict advertising restrictions by licensed private operators. Key Facts According to Sciensano, 14.8% of Belgians now gamble online, compared to 7.9% in 2018. 52.6% of Belgians continue to encounter gambling advertisements at least once a week. BAGO notes that both lottery advertising and illegal gambling sites are still able to reach players. The Sciensano Health Interview Survey 2023-2024 reveals a discrepancy between government policy and actual player behavior. Although Belgium imposed significant ad restrictions on licensed private operators in 2023, online gambling participation has nearly doubled over the past five years. The Belgian Association of Gaming Operators (BAGO) is calling for more robust measures against unlicensed gambling platforms. The industry body argues that weekly exposure to gambling advertisements stems not only from regulated private companies but also from other sources beyond their control. Lottery Ads And Illegal Sites Continue To Reach Players Sciensano data shows that 31.9% of Belgians have engaged in gambling within the past year, while 8.0% do so on a weekly basis. Online gambling participation stands at 14.8% of the population, with the highest rate among individuals aged 25–34 at 20.2%. The survey also indicates that 2.6% of the overall population may be at risk of problem gambling using the short-form PGSI assessment; this figure rises to 7.7% among those who gambled within the last year. Gambling advertisements remain highly visible across various media channels. Weekly ad exposure was reported by 51.1% of respondents via television, 47.3% through websites and apps, and 46.4% via social media. Additional exposure occurred through street ads, retail displays, newspapers, and magazines. Licensed private gambling operators in Belgium are prohibited from placing ads on television, radio, newspapers, magazines, social media, email, postal mail, and SMS. Limited advertising opportunities persist through venue-based communications, operator websites, and certain search engine platforms. A ban on sports sponsorships took effect at the beginning of 2025. The National Lottery operates largely outside the scope of the Gambling Act. Sciensano reports indicate it remains the most popular form of gambling, used by 29.5% of Belgians—representing approximately 92% of all gamblers in the country. Crucially, lottery advertisements are still permitted across television, radio, and social media channels. BAGO emphasized that the 52.6% figure for weekly ad exposure “does not originate exclusively from licensed private operators.” The association explained that exposure is “also influenced by entities operating outside the regulatory framework, under transitional arrangements, or in violation of current rules.” Belgium also faces challenges from offshore gambling operators. These unlicensed sites frequently target users through social media, affiliate networks, and influencers, circumventing essential consumer protections such as EPIS self-exclusion tools, weekly deposit limits, age verification processes, and broader player safeguards applicable in the licensed market. This trend extends beyond Belgium’s borders. An analysis by the Italian Football Federation linked the 2018 Dignity Decree advertising ban to an estimated €25 billion annually in unregulated wagers. Similarly, a Dutch study published in 2024 found the size of the illegal gambling market grew from roughly 20% in 2021 to over 35% by late 2023 following stricter deposit and advertising regulations. In contrast, the United Kingdom has adopted a different approach. The UK Gambling Commission recently created a senior position focused on combating illegal markets, while the government allocated £26 million to enforcement efforts after research by the Betting and Gaming Council projected the UK’s black market would reach £16.6 billion in 2025. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

(AsiaGameHub) -   A former federal prosecutor in West Virginia has pleaded guilty to identity theft after prosecutors said she used stolen identities to open and profit from online gambling accounts. Good to Know Monica Dillon pleaded guilty to five counts of identity theft. Prosecutors said the conduct ran from January 2021 to January 2023. No online gambling or sports betting company was named in the case. US District Judge Kenneth E. Bell approved the guilty plea and pretrial diversion agreement on Tuesday. Bell, a judge from North Carolina, handled the case because Dillon spent nearly 20 years as an assistant US attorney in the Southern District of West Virginia. Under the agreement, Dillon avoids prison and must serve two years of probation through the US Probation Office. Without the deal, the charges carried a possible 20-year prison sentence and a $500,000 fine. Gambling Accounts At Center Of Fraud Case Prosecutors said Dillon used five stolen identities to gamble online between January 2021 and January 2023. She made at least $1,000 from three victim accounts, according to a fact sheet filed on April 22.Her restitution requirement is narrower. The plea agreement requires Dillon to pay $30,000 to one person, listed as “Victim 1.” Both online casino gambling and mobile sports betting are legal in West Virginia. Still, no licensed operator was named in the case, and a spokesman for the US Attorney office in the Southern District declined comment to iGB. The case carries an unusual angle because Dillon worked in law enforcement and government service for much of her career. Her LinkedIn profile says she advised the Federal Bureau of Prisons for three years before serving as an attorney in the Southern District from 2005 to 2025. Dillon also worked as deputy chief for the district white collar fraud team from 2021 to 2024. In that role, she said she led eight attorneys handling white collar fraud, health care fraud, environmental, tax, and civil rights prosecutions.Her West Virginia law licence was annulled by voluntary consent in January 2025 after the Office of Lawyer Disciplinary Counsel filed a petition in December 2024. Legal Newsline reported that the rule used for that petition works much like a plea deal, with Dillon acknowledging an investigation and potential charges she could not defend against. The case file does not explain how Dillon obtained the identities or why she used them for gambling accounts. She filed for bankruptcy in 2022, and Legal Newsline reported that case remains pending in federal court. In the plea agreement, Dillon also gave up her right to withdraw the plea if her sentence came in higher than expected. She conceded there was a “substantial likelihood” that incarceration could follow. 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) -   Michael Selig has drawn a clear line between licensed prediction markets and traditional sports betting, saying platforms such as Kalshi and Polymarket operate under a different model. Good to Know Michael Selig chairs the Commodity Futures Trading Commission. He said prediction markets and sportsbooks serve different purposes. His comments come as state gaming officials challenge federally licensed platforms. Selig now sits in a powerful position. He is the only current member of the CFTC board, which usually has five commissioners. That gives him added influence at a time when state gaming regulators and prediction market operators are clashing over sports event contracts. At the center of the fight sits a legal divide. Prediction platforms licensed by the CFTC operate under federal oversight, while sportsbooks answer to state gaming regulators. Federal law can override state law, leaving state officials with limited power unless federal intervention arrives. Selig Points To Markets Instead Of House Odds Selig told Axios that sports betting and prediction markets are “two separate things.” His argument starts with how each product treats users. He said:“They’re different models. The conventional sportsbooks and casinos are entertainment and they have a lot of authority to be able to kick people out when they keep winning. “When you go to the derivatives markets, that’s now allowed. You keep winning? Great. You take your earnings.” He also used Nate Silver as an example. Silver wrote in “On the Edge” that his betting account had been limited after he beat sportsbooks too often. Account limits can cap how much a bettor can wager, which also caps potential profit. Prediction platforms do not use the same approach for winning customers, according to Selig. He also argued that market pricing comes from real-time customer sentiment and supply and demand, rather than house-set sportsbook odds, noting:“What you’re seeing is markets versus entertainment. For those that want the discipline and integrity of a market, it’s a better model. For those that want entertainment, the casinos might be the model for them.” Kalshi and Polymarket remain central names in the wider prediction market debate. Some state officials have tried to block sports event contracts, while prediction operators have resisted those efforts and, in some cases, taken legal action. 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) -   New York's move toward legalizing online casinos is likely to be delayed for another year, as Senator Joseph Addabbo stated that the proposal does not have enough backing to pass before the June 4 legislative deadline. Key Points New York lawmakers are not expected to vote on online casino gaming before June 4. Sen. Joseph Addabbo said Gov. Kathy Hochul remains the main obstacle. Addabbo also wants New York to regulate prediction markets instead of banning them. Senator Joseph Addabbo, who leads the Senate Racing, Gaming and Wagering Committee, noted that an online gaming bill is unlikely to undergo a committee hearing or receive a floor vote in either the Senate or Assembly before lawmakers adjourn in Albany. The Senate and Assembly could potentially approve the measure, but Addabbo emphasized that this would be meaningless without support from Governor Hochul: “We could pass it in the Senate, we could pass it in the Assembly and then the governor would probably not sign it. So I’m not going to waste anyone’s time here.”A spokesperson for Hochul provided a more restrained response in an email to Gambling.com on Monday, May 11. Gordon Tepper stated that the governor “will review any legislation that passes” both chambers. Addabbo Maintains Focus on iGaming For New York to legalize any form of casino gaming, sports betting, or related gambling, full approval from both the Senate and Assembly is required before the bill can reach the governor. Currently, Addabbo sees no clear pathway for online casino gaming in 2026. However, he does not view the issue as whether New York will eventually legalize iGaming. Instead, he sees it as a matter of timing. Addabbo plans to continue advocating for online casino gaming each year until the state takes action. During a video interview with Gambling.com program “The Edge,” Addabbo also discussed prediction markets, sports betting taxes, and prop bets.Prediction markets played a significant role in his argument. Addabbo argued that New York should establish regulations for these markets rather than attempting to prohibit them. In his opinion, regulation would allow the state to collaborate with legitimate operators, generate revenue, and provide residents with a safer alternative. “Every year that goes by that we don’t regulate prediction markets gives me more ammunition and more data and more justification to regulate it in New York,” Addabbo remarked. Additionally, Addabbo opposed a ban on prop bets, pointing out that neighboring states already permit such wagers. He warned that a prohibition would encourage New Yorkers to bet outside the state or travel across state lines. For supporters of online casino gaming in New York, the primary challenge remains securing political support. While Addabbo can keep the iGaming bill active, its passage will likely depend on clearer endorsement from Hochul and broader consensus within the Legislature. 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) -   Rush Street Interactive is monitoring prediction markets, but the parent company of BetRivers prefers to keep discussions centered on other areas. CEO Richard Schwartz explained that competitors' focus on sports event contracts provides Rush Street with greater flexibility to expand its online casino offerings. Key Points Rush Street has not yet entered the prediction market sector. The company views the legalization of online casino as its most promising near-term opportunity. Alberta, Virginia, Maine, New York, and Illinois are among its top expansion priorities. Following closely behind is Alberta, where Rush Street anticipates joining over 30 operators when both sports betting and iGaming launch on July 13. The company revised its revenue guidance upward by $115 million and adjusted the midpoint by $20 million, while also forecasting a $10 million cost impact related to the launch and marketing efforts. Kyle Sauers, president of Rush Street, noted that lessons learned from Ontario will prove valuable, even amid a highly competitive market on day one. He stated: “We’ll remain flexible and consider additional investments if conditions in Alberta perform well. Thanks to our experience in Ontario, we believe we’re better prepared for this launch compared to our entry into Ontario—though it will certainly be competitive, as numerous operators are launching simultaneously.“We’re very enthusiastic about the Alberta opportunity.” Online Casino Takes Center Stage Rush Street perceives a strategic opening within U.S. politics. The emergence of prediction markets through Kalshi and Polymarket, along with similar products from FanDuel, DraftKings, and Fanatics, has introduced increased uncertainty regarding future sports betting revenues. Schwartz believes this environment strengthens the case for regulated online casino. “While others are preoccupied with their sports betting operations and must allocate significant financial resources and leadership attention to them, we’re concentrating on executing and innovating further in the casino-first space,” Schwartz remarked. “This actually gives us a strong advantage to help pass online casino legislation in certain states that fear losing perceived sports betting revenues and face uncertainty about that revenue stream’s future.” Virginia nearly approved iGaming in 2026 after legislative chambers passed bills, but disagreements between the House and Senate delayed final approval, pushing it to 2027. Nonetheless, Sauers still described Virginia as a “significant market” and likened its potential to Michigan, where Rush Street is “approaching a $300 million GGR run rate.”Maine already enacted online casino legalization in 2026, though litigation has temporarily stalled implementation. Rush Street intends to remain “actively involved” in the state once the legal challenge concludes. New York and Illinois continue to represent major objectives. Schwartz highlighted that federal Medicaid changes could prompt states to seek alternative tax sources, with online casino offering a proven solution. He added: “States such as New York and Illinois may see even larger surpluses in this sector, and they recognize that online casinos provide a reliable, substantial means of generating significant tax revenue. Consider Michigan—over the past five years, they’ve generated billions in revenue, representing a transformative contribution to all these states’ finances.” Rush Street continues to hold plans for entering prediction markets. Schwartz emphasized that while the company closely monitors the federally regulated landscape, it will only act when the opportunity aligns with its strategy: “For now, Rush Street remains on the sidelines regarding prediction market ventures, but we’ll never be unprepared. We continuously monitor developments and maintain readiness strategies. Should a suitable opportunity arise, we’ll move forward.” Player retention remains central to the casino strategy. Schwartz stressed that customers remain loyal when operators treat them respectfully, deliver enjoyable and unique experiences, and demonstrate genuine care in product development. 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) -   Ontario online gamblers now have one tool to block themselves from every provincially regulated betting, casino, and poker site in the province. Good to Know BetGuard is live in Ontario in English and French. Self exclusion takes about five minutes to complete. More than 75 regulated iGaming sites fall under the system. BetGuard went live Thursday morning through iGaming Ontario. The new self exclusion site lets Ontarians create an account, verify their identity, and remove access to all regulated online gambling platforms for longer periods. Once enrolled, a person cannot log in to existing accounts or open new ones with Ontario regulated operators. Those operators must also stop sending marketing to anyone on the BetGuard list. Ontario Tourism, Culture, and Gaming Minister Stan Cho said:“The Ontario government is committed to responsible gambling. As online gaming continues to grow in popularity, the launch of BetGuard is an important step forward in helping people play safely and responsibly across more than 75 regulated sites.” One Ban Across The Regulated Market Make the safer choice and play on sites offered by legal and regulated Operators in Ontario. Look for the iGaming Ontario logo, so you can #PlayWithConfidence. pic.twitter.com/o3UqL27P6i — iGaming Ontario (@iGamingOntario) April 12, 2023 Ontario already required each operator to offer self exclusion. However, a player blocked from one site could still use another. BetGuard closes that gap across more than 40 authorized operators and more than 70 sports betting, casino, and poker sites. iGaming Ontario CEO Joseph Hillier said: “BetGuard is designed with one simple principle in mind: If you need to take a break from the entire regulated iGaming market, you can. Player choice is key to the sustainability of our market, and that includes the choice to opt out.” The system uses real time API checks. Operators do not send their own self exclusion lists to BetGuard, and BetGuard does not share its full list back. Instead, operators can check whether a user appears in the system, then block logins, new registrations, and marketing. iGaming Ontario built BetGuard over more than a year with DataWorks Group, formerly IXUP, Integrity Compliance 360, and Ontario regulated operators. The design follows Australia BetStop program. The tool arrives in a large regulated market. Ontario operators have handled billions in wagers, while the province received about $262 million in tax revenue for the fiscal year ended March 31. Since 2018, Ontario has also spent more than $420 million on gambling education, awareness, and responsible gambling programs.Paul Burns, CEO of the Canadian Gaming Association, said the industry supports a central system. “It has been something the industry has been long looking and waiting for, and we are grateful, because this really delivers on the promise of regulated gaming. This is a real demonstration of what that means in terms of consumer protection.” BetGuard is the first tool of its kind in Canada. Alberta plans to open a competitive sports betting and iGaming market on July 13 and wants centralized self exclusion ready from day one. Hillier also wants BetGuard to cover all regulated gambling in Ontario later, including land based casinos, charitable gaming, and horse racing. Horse racing creates extra complexity because wagering falls under federal regulation. He added: “It’s really a matter of time and technical complexity.” 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) -   Polymarket has entered into a partnership with Serie A in the United States, expanding its prediction market offerings to include another top-tier soccer league. Good to Know Polymarket will serve as the exclusive U.S. platform for Serie A prediction markets. The agreement includes access to official Serie A data. Major League Soccer and La Liga are already partnered with Polymarket. Serie A has appointed Polymarket as its Regional Partner in the United States, granting the prediction market platform access to official league data and branding opportunities across U.S. media and digital outlets. This collaboration follows previous agreements between Polymarket and Major League Soccer and La Liga, which were established earlier this year. Rather than diversifying into other sports, Polymarket continues to focus on soccer, real-time fan engagement, and live match-based prediction markets. Serie A Expands Reach to U.S. Fans via Polymarket Lega Serie A views the United States as a key growth market, and Polymarket provides the league with a way to connect with younger audiences who seek more than just scores and highlights.Michele Ciccarese, marketing and commercial director of Lega Serie A, commented: “Our exclusive partnership with Polymarket as Regional Partner in the USA allows us to engage a new generation of fans through a platform that reflects evolving trends. It offers an interactive, real-time experience built on insights and participation, fully aligned with their expectations.” Shayne Coplan, founder and CEO of Polymarket, stated: “Prediction markets empower fans to actively interpret the game in real time, and our partnership with Serie A brings this innovative model to one of the world’s most popular leagues—especially at a time when interest in soccer is surging across America.” 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) -   Wisconsin has introduced new ethics guidelines for employees in the state's executive branch, as prediction markets expand across the United States. Key Points Gov. Tony Evers signed Executive Order #294 on Thursday. The order restricts the use of nonpublic government information in prediction markets. No insider trading cases involving state workers have been reported in Wisconsin. Gov. Tony Evers issued the order to safeguard public trust and prevent government staff from leveraging their positions for personal financial benefit. The rule does not prohibit all prediction market activities by state employees, but it prevents them from using confidential information to gain financially. Executive Order Addresses Use of Insider Information The order applies to all employees within Wisconsin’s executive branch of government. It also extends to individuals who assist spouses, family members, or others in benefiting from prediction market trades. The order states:“All Wisconsin state executive branch employees are strictly prohibited from disclosing or using any nonpublic information obtained due to their public service to personally profit from, avoid loss from, or assist another person or entity, including spouses and family members, in profiting or avoiding loss from participation in prediction markets. Any violation of this order may result in dismissal, referral to the Wisconsin Ethics Commission, or other appropriate sanctions and may be referred to law enforcement.” Wisconsin already required public officials to adhere to standards promoting transparency and integrity. Prediction markets have introduced a new concern because contracts can involve politics, policy, sports, economics, and other events where government workers may access information before it becomes publicly available. Evers stated: “Preserving public trust and confidence in our state government depends on transparency, accountability, integrity, and upholding the core principle of public service—that decisions must serve the public good and not the personal interests of any individual worker.”Prediction markets operate in every U.S. state. One survey found that 15% of Americans have purchased sports-related prediction contracts, indicating potential broader use in other areas as well. The Wisconsin order takes preventive action ahead of any confirmed issues. State officials have not identified any instances of insider trading or suspicious activity by government employees connected to prediction 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.