日期: 2026 年 5 月 18 日

(AsiaGameHub) -   Sporttrade will discontinue its online betting activities in the United States after years of attempting to establish a sports trading model within a sector dominated by conventional sportsbooks. Sporttrade will cease operations on May 25. New Jersey residents must withdraw funds by May 25, whereas users in Arizona, Colorado, Iowa, and Virginia have until June 25. The platform will go completely offline on June 26, with outstanding balances sent to the addresses on file. Sporttrade notified customers on Friday that access will be terminated across all active U.S. sports betting jurisdictions. Any remaining account balances will be mailed to customers based on the information provided in their profiles. This move brings an end to a prolonged effort to merge sports wagering with exchange-style trading. Sporttrade began operations in New Jersey in 2022, following its establishment in 2018, offering sports contracts prior to Kalshi introducing similar event contracts for the 2025 Super Bowl. CFTC Plan Ends Before Sporttrade Can Pivot Just three months prior, Sporttrade was pursuing a different trajectory. The company had filed with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission to be recognized as both a designated contract market and a derivatives clearing organization.Alex Kane, Sporttrade’s founder and CEO, expressed optimism following the filing. He stated: “Today marks the opening of an incredibly exciting chapter of the Sporttrade journey.” “The CFTC’s market-based regulatory framework enables Sporttrade to offer market participants a higher level of efficiency, transparency, and consumer protection compared to what has been available to date.” The application process, which commenced last April and spanned nearly a year, required Sporttrade to secure separate approvals for an exchange and a clearinghouse. Meanwhile, competitors in the prediction market sector enjoyed greater latitude to operate on a national scale.This disparity proved detrimental. While Kalshi and Polymarket emerged as prominent figures in prediction markets, Sporttrade remained constrained by state-by-state sports betting regulations. Although Arizona, Colorado, Iowa, New Jersey, and Virginia were active markets, the regulatory structure prevented Sporttrade from achieving the nationwide scope available to CFTC-approved operators.Additionally, Sporttrade encountered a regulatory framework that did not align perfectly. State gaming compacts were designed around standard sportsbooks rather than sports exchanges. Concurrently, the CFTC had opposed sports event contracts until President Donald Trump returned to office at the beginning of 2025.Kane previously remarked: “We had originally constructed our venue under the assumption that the sports trading vertical would follow the trajectory of most other electronic markets, moving toward efficiency and transparency powered by broker intermediation and institutional participation.” For customers, the critical dates are now set in stone. New Jersey users will lose the ability to withdraw funds after May 25. Users in Arizona, Colorado, Iowa, and Virginia have until June 25. Following this, Sporttrade will fully shut down the platform on June 26. 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) -   Prediction market operator Kalshi has committed $2 million over two years to the National Council on Problem Gambling as retail trading in event contracts keeps growing across the U.S. Good to Know Kalshi became the first member of a new NCPG subcategory focused on responsible trading. The $2 million investment will support trader health, safety education and awareness. Sports event contracts tied to the NBA, NFL, MLB and PGA now account for as much as 90% of projected Kalshi trading volume. Kalshi will receive platinum status under the new National Council on Problem Gambling membership subcategory. The category covers financial trading products such as cryptocurrency, equities, options, futures and prediction markets, with a focus on consumer education and risk awareness. For Kalshi, the timing is important. The company gained major attention during the 2024 U.S. Presidential Election after winning a court order that allowed election prediction markets. Since then, Kalshi has added contracts tied to economics, climate, culture and sports. Prediction Market Growth Brings Trader Safety Into Focus Sports now sit near the center of the Kalshi business. Event contracts linked to major leagues including the NBA, NFL, MLB and PGA are projected to represent up to 90% of total trading volume. Annualized trading volume stands at about $178 billion.Kalshi has already added responsible trading features such as self-exclusion, deposit limits and mental health support. The NCPG deal adds a broader education layer around prediction market risks, especially as event contracts start to look more familiar to users who also know sports betting and online casino products. Heather L. Maurer, executive director of NCPG, said: “NCPG’s goal has always been to mitigate harm by increasing education, awareness, and understanding of risky behaviors, while ensuring access to trusted, scientific, and evidence-based information and healthcare resources.” “Innovation and responsibility can and must evolve together. Kalshi’s engagement demonstrates a commitment to mitigating harm before it occurs and ensuring support resources are accessible when they are needed.”NCPG, founded in 1972, works on policies, programs and resources connected to gambling harm. DraftKings and FanDuel are already members, and both brands launched prediction markets in late 2025. Tarek Mansour, co-founder and CEO of Kalshi, said: “At Kalshi, we believe in the power of prediction markets, and we are sensitive to the fact that they, like any financial trading products, come with risks.” “As prediction markets continue to evolve, we are deeply committed to setting a new standard for responsible trading by investing in the tools, education, and protections needed to promote healthy participation and customer safety, and hope that over time all trading platforms with significant retail participation follow suit.” 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.

Plaza Hotel & Casino and The Mob Museum to offer The Wiseguy Getaway (AsiaGameHub) -   The Plaza Hotel & Casino and The Mob Museum, the National Museum of Organized Crime and Law Enforcement, have joined forces to launch a special downtown Las Vegas hotel package called The Wiseguy Getaway. This offering provides guests with an opportunity to explore beyond the Strip and immerse themselves in the storied mob era that shaped Las Vegas. The Wiseguy Getaway was developed by the Plaza and The Mob Museum in response to strong guest interest in Las Vegas’s gangster past. Both venues distinctly celebrate the city’s historical roots—The Plaza, with its iconic glass-domed restaurant featured in the film *Casino*, now named after Oscar B. Goodman, a renowned mob attorney and former mayor of Las Vegas. At Oscar’s Steakhouse, menu items such as No Nose’s Mob Meatballs, Crazy Phil’s Onion Soup, and Joey C’s Filet Mignon pay tribute to Goodman’s notorious associates. A key figure behind The Mob Museum, Goodman helped establish it as one of Las Vegas’s most distinctive attractions and a leading authority on organized crime, law enforcement, and mob history, thanks to its rare artifacts, engaging exhibits, and interactive experiences. The Wiseguy Getaway package includes: 2-night stay (minimum) at the Plaza Hotel & Casino 2 complimentary tickets to The Mob Museum Complimentary appetizer at Oscar’s Steakhouse during happy hour Exclusive autographed photo of Oscar B. Goodman, former Las Vegas Mayor and reputed mob attorney “From being featured in *Casino* to serving clients like those represented by Oscar Goodman, the Plaza has a deep connection to this compelling chapter of Vegas history,” said Jonathan Jossel, CEO of the Plaza Hotel & Casino. “The enduring allure of the mob era fascinates our guests, so we expect this new package will be very well received.” “Las Vegas offers countless unforgettable experiences, and the Wiseguy package brings something truly original to the mix,” said Ashley Miller, vice president of marketing, communications and sales at The Mob Museum. “This downtown adventure blends world-class history, carefully curated dining, and a stay at an iconic hotel into a one-of-a-kind experience you won’t find anywhere else in the city.” Reservations for stays must be booked by December 26, 2026, and completed by December 28, 2026. To reserve your package, visit .plazahotelcasino.com/hotel-packages/wise-guy-room-package/. 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) -   George Pace, Fraud Expert at SEON “The World Cup will represent one of the most significant challenges for fraud prevention teams in the betting and gaming industry. Promotion and loyalty abuse already constitute a major portion of fraud-related losses—and that’s even before accounting for the surge driven by the World Cup. During the event, logins, registrations, and transactions will all rise sharply at once, as operators aggressively compete through welcome bonuses and free bets. “While welcome bonus fraud typically draws the most focus, it represents only a single-instance threat. The greater danger lies in retention abuse, which provides fraudsters with a continuous source of income and often remains undetected for extended periods—particularly during high-traffic events. “When thousands of genuine, high-value players become active simultaneously, fraudsters don’t require advanced tactics. They simply need to mimic typical user behavior, making their activities harder to detect precisely when fraud teams are under the most pressure. “Recent findings indicate that many operators are not ready for this shift. Currently, 57% report that fraud losses are increasing at a faster rate than revenue—a disparity that only grows during peak-volume events like the World Cup. Operators who focus solely on securing the front end will remain vulnerable to attacks from the back.”   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.

The star-studded line-up includes senior leaders from Entain, LeoVegas and Authentic Gaming (AsiaGameHub) -   Executive search and HR advisory firm ESR Group has today announced it has completed filling all positions on its board of directors. The names added to ESR’s non-executive director (NED) roster include: Philip Doftvik – CEO of Qtech Games and former director at LeoVegas Gary Nall – Founder of PlayBook and former managing director at Entain Jonas Delin – Co-founder of Avanti Studios and former founder of Authentic Gaming (acquired by Light & Wonder) These iGaming industry leaders will support ESR’s existing leadership team in developing solutions that address real-world challenges for sector executives, founders, and investors in areas such as talent acquisition and HR, transformational growth, go-to-market strategy and execution, mergers and acquisitions, and investment. ESR Group consists of ESR Talent, which specialises in executive search and embedded HR services, and ESR Solutions, offering strategic, investment, and M&A advisory services. Luke Imeson, co-founder and CEO of ESR Group, expressed his enthusiasm about welcoming these seasoned professionals and their expertise, stating: “This powerful blend of strategic visionaries and innovative minds is a tremendous asset to our already fast-growing business. While I’m not one to boast, I genuinely believe we’re poised to make a significant impact on iGaming companies around the world, especially in the realm of executive search.” Nall remarked: “I met Luke and Helena last year and was impressed by their dedication and authenticity—two essential traits in recruitment. When invited to join their board as a NED, saying yes was an easy decision, as collaborating with individuals of their calibre guarantees I can contribute meaningfully.” Delin added: “I’ve worked closely with Luke and the ESR team for the past seven years. What truly distinguishes them in a highly competitive market is their sincere commitment to solving both major and minor challenges, rather than simply pursuing fees.” Doftvik noted: “We engaged the ESR team to establish and scale our new technology hub in Malaga from the ground up. Their approach was highly strategic and positively influenced our organisation’s growth. I’m now excited to join them as a NED and help advance their business further.” Founded in 2023 by Imeson and co-founder Helena Scone, ESR Group enables iGaming, fintech, and tech startups and scale-ups to grow in a smart and sustainable way by identifying talent that aligns with their cultural and strategic goals. 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.

GR8_TECH unveils a reimagined brand identity designed to reflect the speed, ambition, and scale of today’s iGaming landscape. More than just a visual refresh, this new system embodies how modern technology companies think, operate, and evolve. (AsiaGameHub) -   Positioned as a tech company, GR8_TECH intentionally adopted the language of technology—through a coding-inspired visual style, modular design principles, motion-driven presentation, and structures that align more closely with contemporary digital products than with traditional iGaming branding. Crafted for a digitally native audience, the identity blends precision, confidence, and high-performance aesthetics with the dynamic energy of gaming and entertainment. It features a minimal yet scalable framework that maintains consistency across products, platforms, motion, and future subbrands. “This was never about altering the brand simply for change’s sake. GR8_TECH already possessed strong recognition and character,” said Iryna Ilchanka, Creative Lead at GR8_TECH. “Our objective was to refine it—to develop a system that feels more forward-thinking and better aligned with the level of technology and ambition driving the company.” Built to Evolve Inspired by championship-winning spirit, GR8_TECH was established for ambitious operators and teams who propel the industry forward with confidence, precision, and bold innovation. The redesign reinforces this foundation while equipping the brand with a more adaptable and digitally native visual language. “We did not aim to produce a static brand manual. Instead, we sought to create an evolving framework that grows in tandem with the business,” Ilchanka explained. Beyond its visual transformation, the new branding encapsulates GR8_TECH’s vision of modern championship: confident, disciplined, and propelled by technology and continuous evolution. GR8_TECH. Platform for Champions GR8_TECH is an award-winning provider delivering high-performance sportsbook and iGaming solutions that empower operators to lead and succeed in competitive markets. Its comprehensive suite includes Crypto Turnkey and Hyper Turnkey solutions, GR8_Sportsbook, and Infinite Casino Aggregation. Through a geo-specific approach to solutions, emphasis on practical innovations, and an operator-first philosophy, GR8_TECH enables clients to achieve measurable results quickly and efficiently within their target markets. Trusted by leading operators globally, GR8_TECH has executed over 100 successful projects and earned numerous accolades, including Platform Provider of the Year at the SBC Awards 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.

Building on support for FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and FIFA Club World Cup 2025, Betano returns to international stage as Tournament Supporter of FIFA World Cup 2026 Betano to provide fans with unique and exclusive opportunity to experience FIFA’s hallmark event and engage responsibly with matches at tournament Global bonanza kicks off in less than a month’s time in Mexico City Betano has been named as an Official Tournament Supporter of the FIFA World Cup 2026 for Europe and South America thanks to a new partnership between FIFA and Kaizen Gaming’s lead brand. (AsiaGameHub) -   The international showpiece tournament taking place across Canada, Mexico and the United States from Thursday, 11 June until Sunday, 19 July is set to be the biggest FIFA World Cup in history, as for the first time ever it will feature 48 teams contending for the coveted crown. This is the third time that Betano and FIFA have joined forces. Four years ago, Betano became the first sports betting operator to ever partner with FIFA when it joined as an Official Regional Supporter of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 for Europe. More recently, Betano was announced as an Official Partner of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025. “We are delighted to welcome Betano among the Tournament Supporters of the FIFA World Cup 2026,” said FIFA’s Chief Business Officer, Romy Gai. “Since we first partnered with Betano four years ago, we have seen a genuine commitment to sporting integrity, bringing fans closer to our game and finding new, engaging ways to entertain them. We share these objectives and are glad to have this powerhouse by our side as we look forward to uniting the world through football once again in North America and beyond,” he stated. “Partnering with FIFA for the third time is a proud milestone for everyone at Kaizen Gaming and a clear reflection of our global evolution,” added George Daskalakis, co-founder and CEO of Kaizen Gaming. “The FIFA World Cup 2026 is the ultimate intersection of sport and entertainment, reaching billions of people. For us, it is the perfect stage to solidify Betano as the most trusted brand globally for responsible online sports betting. Our focus now is to deliver a thrilling, innovative and secure experience for fans throughout the tournament.” Owned by Kaizen Gaming, which was recognised in both 2024 and 2025 as Operator of the Year at the EGR Operator Awards and Operator of the Year – Large at the SBC Awards, Betano will provide fans with a unique and exclusive opportunity to experience the excitement of the FIFA World Cup and to engage responsibly with the tournament’s matches. Fans will benefit from a range of responsible gaming tools, enabling them to set financial limits, manage their time and access specialised customer support 24/7. Betano is also organising a number of physical and digital fan engagement activations in Europe and South America to celebrate the FIFA World Cup 2026. 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.

Indian Grandmaster Aravindh Chithambaram earned his spot at the Esports World Cup 2026 by winning the Road to EWC Chess qualifier at DreamHack Atlanta, taking home USD 15,000 (~INR 14 lakh) in prize money (AsiaGameHub) -   S8UL has now officially qualified for its third title at EWC 2026, following successful entries in Fortnite and Honor of Kings S8UL, a leading global esports and gaming content organization, has secured qualification for its third discipline at the Esports World Cup (EWC) 2026 after Indian Grandmaster Aravindh Chithambaram triumphed in the Road to EWC Chess qualifier at DreamHack Atlanta, becoming the first Indian player to earn a place in the Chess main event of the prestigious tournament. The qualifier featured a group stage followed by playoffs, with each series consisting of two games and Armageddon used as the tiebreaker. All games were played at 10 minutes with no increment. The group stage included two double-elimination brackets, with the top four players from each advancing to the playoffs. Aravindh progressed to the Upper Bracket (UB) semifinals from Group B after defeating Kyler Raines, Justin Liang, Oleksander Bortnyk, and Christopher Woo. In the UB semifinals, Aravindh faced Woo again and won 2-1 after the first two games ended in draws, clinching the decisive Armageddon game. He then secured another 2-1 victory over Alexey Sarana in the UB Final to advance to the grand final, where he once more encountered Sarana. The grand final followed a double-match format, with a Lower Bracket (LB) win triggering a single Armageddon decider if necessary. After Sarana claimed the first two games from the LB side, Aravindh demonstrated remarkable composure under pressure, rallying to win the Armageddon decider and claim victory in the qualifiers. With this win, the 26-year-old earned USD 15,000 (~INR 14 lakh) and secured one of eight official spots in the EWC 2026 Chess main event, scheduled for August 11 to 15 with a total prize pool of USD 1.5 million (~INR 14 crore). The achievement also confirms S8UL’s participation in its third EWC 2026 title, following prior qualifications in Fortnite and Honor of Kings. Reflecting on his victory and qualification, Grandmaster Aravindh Chithambaram said, “Qualifying for the Esports World Cup this year is an incredibly proud and exciting milestone for me, especially with so many elite players and organizations from around the globe competing. This format offers minimal margin for error—every move counts when you're playing 10-minute games without increment against some of the world’s strongest opponents. I’m also deeply thankful to the S8UL team for their unwavering support and faith in me since last year. Their commitment to chess and developing Indian talent has been truly inspiring, and I’m eager to represent the organization and deliver my best performance at the main event.” Alongside Aravindh, fellow S8UL Grandmasters Nihal Sarin and Pranesh M are still in the running to qualify for the EWC 2026 Chess event. Nine players will secure their spots via the Champions Chess Tour Leaderboard, where Nihal currently holds a qualifying position. Four additional berths will be awarded through the Last Chance Qualifiers closer to the tournament, and one final slot will be determined by the India Rising event, set to conclude on July 5. “At S8UL, one of our core missions has been to create platforms that enable Indian talent to compete and excel on the world’s biggest stages. Aravindh Chithambaram’s qualification for the Esports World Cup is a landmark moment—not just for our organization, but for Indian chess as a whole. The intensity and pressure of this format are exceptionally high, which makes this accomplishment all the more remarkable. We’ve always believed that India possesses world-class talent, and Aravindh becoming the first Indian to qualify powerfully affirms that conviction,” said Animesh Agarwal, Co-founder and CEO of S8UL Esports. Having been selected for the Esports Foundation’s Club Partner Program for the second year running, S8UL recently launched its most ambitious international esports campaign yet, competing in qualifiers across 13 titles: Apex Legends, Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI), Call of Duty: Warzone, Chess, EA SPORTS FC, FATAL FURY, Fortnite, Honor of Kings, MOBA Legends 5v5, PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS, Street Fighter 6, TEKKEN 8, and Trackmania. This year’s campaign emphasizes strong Indian representation alongside established international talent, ensuring homegrown players are featured across multiple disciplines. That vision is already yielding results: S8UL’s all-Indian Honor of Kings roster qualified for the tournament, and Aravindh became the first Indian Chess player to officially secure a spot in the event. The organization also qualified in Fortnite through its international roster and remains in contention in several other titles. S8UL narrowly missed out on PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS qualification and fell short in the MOBA Legends 5v5 semifinals. The EWC 2026, running from July 6 to August 23, 2026, will gather over 2,000 players from 200 clubs across more than 100 countries vying for a record-breaking prize pool of USD 75 million (~INR 720 crore). With confirmed qualifications in three titles, S8UL aims to keep raising the Indian flag on the global stage while pursuing further qualifications in additional disciplines. 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.