分類: iGame

(AsiaGameHub) -   The Esports Foundation has appointed National Team Partners across over 100 countries and territories for the 2026 Esports Nations Cup. The tournament will make its debut in Riyadh between November 2 and November 29, 2026, with a format centered on national teams instead of club competitions. Good to Know Over 630 applications were submitted from 150 countries and territories. This event will take place every two years and run concurrently with the annual Esports World Cup. Nations without a designated partner will receive support through regional frameworks. Esports Nations Cup Establishes a National Team Framework A core pillar of this initiative is local autonomy. Rather than imposing a single standardized structure across all markets, the Esports Foundation noted that partners will oversee team formation, mobilize local communities, and establish the necessary systems for participation and sustained growth. This sets the project apart from traditional club-focused esports circuits. National teams will originate from local governing bodies, clubs, or combined alliances, tailored to the existing operational landscape of each market. In some regions, this will involve established groups such as the Korea Esports Association and the Saudi Esports Federation. In other areas, it will mean club-led coalitions in Brazil and the United States, or hybrid public-private models in Germany, Canada, and the United Arab Emirates. “The Esports Nations Cup brings something esports has never seen before: a global national team system at an unmatched scale,” said Ralf Reichert, CEO of the Esports Foundation. “The feedback we received from across the globe shows that communities are ready for this next phase. Together with our partners, we are building the frameworks that will allow players to represent their nations and compete on esports’ biggest stage. With over 100 nations now part of this system, the Esports Nations Cup has moved from concept to reality — cementing national esports as a lasting part of the global competitive gaming landscape.” The Esports Foundation explained that the partner roster mixes long-established esports groups with emerging forces driving competitive gaming forward. In markets including Malaysia, Turkey, and Thailand, partners include federations closely tied to grassroots gaming communities. In Indonesia and Mongolia, development support will help shape national team representation for the global stage. For fans, the most notable change may revolve around national identity. National teams add a layer that club-based esports does not always offer. South Korea can lean on its long-standing record in League of Legends, Brazil brings a robust Counter-Strike culture, Japan has deep roots in fighting game esports, and parts of Southeast Asia remain leading hubs for mobile gaming competition. India was also highlighted for its chess esports scene. Riyadh will host the inaugural edition in November 2026, after which the tournament will shift to a rotating host city model. This biennial setup is intended to complement the annual Esports World Cup and provide players and industry stakeholders with a more consistent pathway for national team investment. 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) -   DigiPlus Interactive Corp has expressed its support for a comprehensive regulatory revamp of the Philippine online gaming industry as government legislators and Pagcor increase their supervision of the sector. Good to Know DigiPlus stated it is participating in a technical working group that is crafting new laws. The firm anticipates more stringent regulations, rather than a complete prohibition of online gaming. DigiPlus also mentioned that prediction markets are in preliminary discussions with Pagcor. DigiPlus Backs Tighter Rules as Philippines Gaming Debate Builds Although some market speculation has centered on the possibility of the Philippines shutting down certain online gaming activities, DigiPlus anticipates an alternative result. President Andy Tsui confirmed that enhanced regulation is a primary focus, but he also stated the company is confident that an outright ban is not probable. “We are involved in the working group and are actively contributing to those conversations,” Mr. Tsui remarked. “We are very confident that a total ban will not occur, and instead, the sector will face stricter regulations,” he continued. “This will be beneficial for building a sustainable, long-term industry.”DigiPlus endorsed a "new, all-encompassing regulatory framework" designed to elevate standards throughout the industry. The company reported that the technical group's efforts are concentrated on bolstering consumer safeguards, imposing stricter controls on payment channels, and increasing restrictions on marketing. Chairman Eusebio Tanco described the initiative as a method to maintain licensed operators in the market while simultaneously elevating compliance benchmarks. “As a licensed and prominent online gaming operator, we consistently welcome cooperation and active engagement in dialogues with the Philippine government to reach our mutual objective of improving industry standards.” He further stated: “By strengthening a market that permits only those operators who follow the highest compliance standards, we guarantee that the advantages of our industry—from employment generation to crucial tax income—are maintained for the benefit of the Filipino people.”DigiPlus currently operates multiple gaming brands in the Philippines, such as BingoPlus, ArenaPlus, and GameZone. Concurrently, the company highlighted its implementation of player protection measures, including a surety bond program and expanded over-the-counter payment choices via Bayad and Pay&Go. Prediction markets represent another topic being explored. Mr. Tsui mentioned that DigiPlus has initiated preliminary talks with Pagcor concerning this segment, although the work is in its nascent stages. “We are still in the testing phase… but this type of offering has not yet been launched in the Philippines,” the DigiPlus president observed. He added: “We aspire for it to become an additional service we can introduce in the future.” Legal uncertainties persist regarding this product category. A legal analysis by attorney Marie Antonette Quiogue indicated that Philippine law classifies wagering on outcomes that involve any element of chance as gambling, which implies that any local launch would require official legal approval and a license from Pagcor. 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) -   Tether announced it has engaged a Big Four accounting firm to conduct an independent financial audit related to USDT. The assessment is scheduled to encompass reserve support, financial management, reporting, and broader operations associated with the stablecoin business. Good to Know Tether stated that USDT holds a market value exceeding $184 billion. The firm noted that over 550 million users globally depend on the stablecoin. The audit will evaluate digital assets, conventional reserves, and tokenized liabilities. Instead of restricting the review to cash support alone, Tether indicated the audit will assess a wide range of reserves and systems connected to USDT. This includes digital assets, traditional reserve holdings, tokenized liabilities, internal processes, financial reporting, and general operations. The company characterized the process as among the largest inaugural audits in financial markets. Given USDT's size, the scope is significant. Tether reported that the stablecoin currently has a market capitalization surpassing $184 billion and serves over 550 million users globally. For years, the quality of reserves and transparency have been key concerns regarding stablecoins. Against this background, Tether is positioning the audit as a direct evaluation of how its systems perform under external scrutiny by one of the world's largest accounting networks.Paolo Ardoino said: “Tether’s mission has always been to establish trust through actions, not just words. Trust is fostered when institutions are ready to fully subject themselves to examination. This audit reflects years of effort to enhance our systems, enabling Tether to meet the highest standards used in global finance. For the hundreds of millions of individuals and businesses that depend on USDT daily, this audit is more than a compliance task; it is about accountability, robustness, and confidence in the infrastructure they rely on.” 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 Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill wants Atlantic City casino smoking regulations resolved by the Legislature, rather than being left to the courts. Her remarks draw fresh focus to two bills that would either eliminate indoor smoking or allow it to continue with stricter restrictions. Good to Know One bill would prohibit smoking throughout Atlantic City casino floors. Another would permit smoking solely in enclosed, individually ventilated spaces. Casino workers continue to be divided over jobs, health, and the long-term impact on revenue. Casino Smoking Fight Returns to New Jersey Legislature Legal proceedings are ongoing, but Sherrill stated that lawmakers still must take action. In an interview with The Press of Atlantic City, she noted the issue belongs in the legislative process and that hearings are necessary to balance worker health against economic risk. Per current regulations, casinos may permit smoking on up to 25% of the gaming floor. However, smoke doesn’t remain confined and can waft into nonsmoking areas. Two bills are back under consideration. S212 would fully ban smoking in Atlantic City casinos. S698, sponsored by Sens. John Burzichelli and Michael Testa, would retain smoking but restrict it to enclosed, separately ventilated areas engineered to prevent air from flowing into nonsmoking spaces. This bill would also prohibit managers from mandating employees to work in smoking sections and establish a 15-foot buffer zone from live-dealer table games.Sherrill stated: “There’s ongoing litigation, but they truly need legislation,” She also mentioned she intends to discuss the timing of long-delayed proposals with legislative leaders. Pressure has been mounting for years. Casino workers have spent approximately five years demonstrating and lobbying for change, and ban supporters claim they have support from around two-thirds of the Legislature. Nevertheless, bills have repeatedly gotten stuck. One measure passed a Senate committee over two years ago but expired when the legislative session concluded. The debate among workers has split into two camps. CEASE has advocated for a complete ban, asserting that secondhand smoke poses long-term health risks to casino employees. Unite Here Local 54 has taken the opposing stance, cautioning that a ban could reduce revenue, lead to job losses, and even put some casino operations at risk. Atlantic City casino operators have echoed these concerns. Pete Naccarelli, a dealer at Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa and a CEASE representative, expressed approval of the governor’s remarks. He stated:“We’ve lost far too many colleagues because of the Legislature’s inaction over the past 20 years. “No worker wants to inhale toxins for eight hours a day. With majority backing in both chambers, we implore the Legislature to heed the governor’s call for action and at last close the two-decade-old casino smoking loophole before more of us perish.” Sherrill also highlighted external pressures on Atlantic City. She noted that three planned casinos in New York City are anticipated to impact customer traffic and revenue, so any decision must take into account jobs and the local economy alongside worker safety. Ban supporters dispute the claim that smoke-free casinos inevitably lose business. They cite studies they say demonstrate smoking bans no longer ensure revenue drops. Meanwhile, workers advocating for a ban have also turned to state court, creating a parallel process as legislation remains unresolved. Public health trends add another dimension to the debate. Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Health Interview Study, cited by advocates, revealed that 9.9% of U.S. adults reported smoking cigarettes in 2024, a decrease from 20.1% roughly 20 years prior. FAQ What did Mikie Sherrill state about casino smoking? She said the issue should be addressed via legislation instead of being left to the courts.What would S212 accomplish? S212 would prohibit smoking in Atlantic City casinos. What would S698 do? S698 would permit smoking only in enclosed, separately ventilated spaces with additional worker safeguards. Why are workers split? Some workers want a complete ban for health purposes, while others are concerned about revenue losses, job cuts, and potential casino shutdowns. What is the existing smoking regulation for Atlantic City casinos? Smoking is permitted on up to 25% of casino floor space, though smoke can spread beyond those areas. What external factor did Sherrill reference? She highlighted three planned casinos in New York City as a competitive challenge to Atlantic City. 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) -   India has blocked around 300 additional illegal betting and gambling websites and apps as officials continue to tighten enforcement of online gaming regulations. Good to Know Authorities stated that the total number of blocked sites and apps has now reached approximately 8,400. Targeted platforms included sports betting sites, offshore casinos, betting exchanges, satta, matka, and real-money gaming apps. Current legislation prohibits online money games while still making room for esports and online social gaming. A new round of enforcement in India has taken down roughly 300 illegal betting and gambling platforms, expanding on a far larger national blocking campaign already in operation. Officials noted that many operators were reaching users through mobile apps and mirror sites while operating without authorization. Rather than focusing on a single market segment, authorities adopted a broad approach. The latest crackdown covered offshore casino sites offering games like slots and roulette, online sports betting platforms, peer-to-peer betting exchanges, and satta and matka networks. Real-money card and casino gaming apps were also part of the sweep. Authorities report that around 8,400 illegal gambling and betting sites and applications have been blocked so far. The latest action aligns with a broader enforcement push that accelerated after the Online Gaming Act was passed last year.Under this law, India imposed a sweeping ban on online money games. Games of chance are restricted, but so are games of skill and hybrid formats when money is involved. In practice, regulators are not distinguishing significantly between different formats if cash wagering is part of the activity. The regulations extend beyond the games themselves. Advertising, promotion, and facilitation are prohibited, and financial channels linked to the platforms face restrictions as well. Banks and payment systems are barred from processing related payments, giving regulators another avenue to pressure illegal operators out of the market. Meanwhile, the policy framework retains space for sectors the government aims to support. Esports and online social gaming remain part of this focus, with officials emphasizing innovation and growth in these categories over money-based gambling products. 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 NBA has initiated the official process for potential teams in Las Vegas and Seattle, following owners' approval of a market review on Wednesday. Key Details All 30 owners cast affirmative votes, despite only 23 being required. Individual franchises are estimated to fetch between $7 billion and $10 billion. This vote marks the commencement of the process; however, no team has been granted at this stage. NBA Starts Formal Expansion Review Discussions spanning several years have now transitioned into an official procedure. The league announced that PJT Partners will provide counsel on market viability, potential ownership consortia, proposed arena facilities, and the broader economic impact of expansion. “Today’s vote reflects our Board’s interest in exploring potential expansion to Las Vegas and Seattle – two markets with a long history of support for NBA basketball,” stated NBA Commissioner Adam Silver. “We look forward to taking this next step and engaging with interested parties.” Financial considerations are central to this initiative. Initial projections estimate each new franchise's value at $7 billion to $10 billion, with both cities anticipated to be among the league's highest-revenue markets. This prospect seems to have alleviated worries regarding the distribution of shared revenue among 32 teams rather than 30.Las Vegas previously encountered opposition due to Nevada being the sole state permitting legal sports betting. This situation evolved following the repeal of PASPA in 2018, with legal wagering now permissible in over three dozen states. Significant interest is anticipated for Las Vegas. Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo has reportedly engaged in discussions with Silver and also conferred with Magic Johnson regarding potential ownership, as per the Las Vegas Review-Journal. “I’m very excited to see the NBA advance this process toward a Las Vegas expansion team,” Lombardo remarked in a statement. “Today’s vote by the NBA Board of Governors is a testament to the incredible growth we’re seeing in Southern Nevada and our state’s business-friendly environment.” Additional potential bidders encompass Bill Foley and prominent ownership entities like Fenway Sports Group, Kroenke Sports & Entertainment, and Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment. Recent franchise transactions further elucidate the valuation prospects, with the Los Angeles Lakers achieving a $10 billion valuation and the Boston Celtics selling for $6.1 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) -   The Isle of Man Gambling Supervision Commission has launched a consultation on proposed legislation that would enable regulators to impose fines on senior gambling industry personnel for anti-money laundering shortcomings. The measure increases scrutiny on individuals rather than solely on licensed operators. Good to Know The consultation period ends on May 25. Potential sanctions may apply to directors, compliance officers, and other senior staff members. A recent enforcement action against Shelgeyr Limited has brought compliance deficiencies back into the spotlight. Isle of Man Considers Individual AML Penalties Proposed legislation in the Isle of Man would significantly expand gambling enforcement reach. Rather than restricting penalties to operators, regulators are seeking authority to levy civil penalties on individuals who contribute to compliance failures through "consent, connivance, or negligence." The draft Gambling Legislation (Amendment) Bill 2025 would expose directors, compliance officers, and other senior employees to potential financial sanctions. Essentially, the Gambling Supervision Commission aims to establish dual accountability—one layer for the corporate entity and another for individuals overseeing compliance frameworks. This move coincides with the jurisdiction's ongoing assessment of its financial crime risk exposure as "medium high," a classification maintained since 2020. Officials have also identified gambling as among the sectors most vulnerable to money laundering and terrorist financing threats.The timing reflects recent regulatory action. In the previous month, the Commission imposed a £200,000 penalty on Shelgeyr Limited following an examination that revealed deficiencies in customer due diligence, enhanced due diligence, and continuous monitoring. Regulators noted that certain accounts remained active or were reopened without adequate documentation. The examination also uncovered inadequate verification of fund sources, shortcomings in screening for politically exposed individuals, and documentation issues that compromised audit trails. Additionally, regulators highlighted substandard risk evaluations related to geographic risk and virtual currency exposure. Governance deficiencies also featured in the case. The Money Laundering Reporting Officer and Compliance Officer were deemed to possess insufficient expertise and authority, while training materials had not been refreshed for over a 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) -   Wealthsimple is poised to enter Canada's prediction market sector, having secured regulatory clearance to provide specific event-based contracts. While the proposed platform will enable users to trade on real-world results, significant restrictions remain in place. Good to Know Wealthsimple obtained CIRO approval for contracts linked to economic indicators, financial markets, and climate patterns. Under the terms of the approval, contracts related to sports and elections are excluded. The company must still secure authorization from every province and territory prior to any localized launch. Wealthsimple Secures Entry into Canadian Prediction Markets Sports and elections will not be included. Nevertheless, Wealthsimple has advanced significantly towards introducing a prediction market trading platform in Canada, having already obtained regulatory approval for a more restricted range of event contracts. Rather than venturing into the most popular categories, the Ontario-based investment firm gained authorization from the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization to offer contracts linked to economic factors, financial markets, and climate developments. This approval provides Wealthsimple access to a segment of the Canadian market that is still rigorously regulated.The timing is notable given that Canada has not historically been receptive to short-term event contracts. A 2017 ruling largely deemed short-term binary contracts unlawful within the nation. Despite this context, an exemption applies to firms regulated by CIRO, a category Wealthsimple now falls into. Matthew Burgoyne, a partner and chair of the digital assets and blockchain practice at Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP in Calgary, commented: “(The limitations establish) a secure environment for Canadian residents to engage in trading these kinds of contracts,” Consequently, while numerous firms are still excluded, CIRO-regulated entities can still participate due to exceptions acknowledged by the Canadian Securities Administrators. Wealthsimple is now the second company to achieve this, after Interactive Brokers Canada, which secured CIRO approval last April. However, national industry-level approval does not imply immediate trading access for Canadians. Wealthsimple must still obtain distinct approval in every province and territory before local consumers can engage with these markets. The Ontario Securities Commission informed The Globe and Mail that it would not disclose specifics on individual situations.An additional perspective is also relevant. Interactive Brokers Canada primarily caters to seasoned traders and institutional clients. Wealthsimple, conversely, is anticipated to target a wider retail demographic, potentially expanding the consumer base for prediction markets in Canada should provincial approvals materialize. Currently, no live Wealthsimple prediction markets are available for Canadian users. Nevertheless, the approval provides the sector with an additional entry point and contributes to the momentum of a market framework that remains restricted, regulated, and confined to particular contract categories. 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) -   WEMADE is set to roll out the global edition of Legend of YMIR on Steam at 10:00 AM KST on April 7, 2026. This launch expands the company’s PC distribution reach as it aims to grow the MMORPG’s global player base. Good to Know Legend of YMIR is scheduled to debut on Steam on April 7, 2026. A new class named Rune Fighter will be available alongside the launch. WEMADE is leveraging Steam to increase global accessibility and build a more sustainable long-term player base. WEMADE Aligns Steam Launch with Broader YMIR Expansion Strategy Instead of viewing Steam as merely another storefront, WEMADE is integrating it as a core component of Legend of YMIR’s global strategy. The company stated that the platform will help it reach more PC gamers, enhance accessibility, and foster a more resilient user base over time. The Steam edition will also include a major content update. WEMADE is introducing the Rune Fighter, a new combat class centered on rune abilities and a more adaptable fighting style. This addition is designed to offer new players an alternative entry point while providing existing users with fresh content. Put simply, WEMADE is combining distribution expansion with gameplay updates simultaneously. This makes the launch more impactful than a standard platform release and helps position Legend of YMIR as a more prominent global PC franchise.Michael Kim, Head of Game Business Division at WEMADE, commented: “Our goal is to provide a premium PC gaming experience that lives up to the standards of the Steam community. Launching on a new platform alongside the ‘Rune Fighter’ expansion marks the beginning of a new era for our players.” For WEMADE, the Steam launch is also significant because PC gaming platforms with large built-in audiences can help MMORPG publishers keep acquisition costs low while boosting long-term visibility. With Legend of YMIR, the company is clearly targeting broader reach, stronger player retention, and a more established presence in the global PC gaming market. 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) -   STS has become a member of the International Betting Integrity Association, bringing one of Central Europe’s largest regulated sportsbook brands into the broader integrity network. The agreement connects STS to IBIA’s Global Monitoring and Alert Platform and expands coverage in Poland and neighboring markets. Good to Know STS is Poland’s leading sportsbook operator. IBIA’s monitoring network includes over 200 betting brands. The platform monitors more than $300 billion in annual betting turnover. IBIA has added another major European operator, as STS now contributes to its Global MAP system. This provides the integrity organization with greater visibility into regulated betting activity and gives STS an additional way to report suspicious betting patterns. Established in 1997, STS developed its business through both online and retail betting. It now ranks as Poland’s top sportsbook brand and one of Central Europe’s most prominent names. Due to this scale, the partnership enhances the IBIA network’s market coverage in a meaningful way. For STS, the agreement aligns with its broader emphasis on safer, more secure betting operations. The company stated that the partnership will assist in detecting and reporting unusual activity while fostering closer collaboration with other stakeholders in regulated betting.Radim Haluza, CEO of STS, said: “Collaborating with the International Betting Integrity Association reflects STS’s long-standing commitment to protecting the integrity of sport and ensuring a secure betting environment for our customers. We recognise the importance of proactive integrity monitoring and close cooperation with stakeholders across the regulated ecosystem. Through IBIA’s Global MAP, we are strengthening our ability to identify and report suspicious activity and contribute to the wider fight against betting-related corruption.” IBIA noted that STS brings both scale and market expertise to the platform. Global MAP already features over 200 betting brands and monitors more than $300 billion in annual sports betting turnover, so adding a major operator focused on Poland extends the system’s reach in Europe. Khalid Ali, CEO of IBIA, said:“We are delighted to welcome STS to IBIA. The operator brings significant scale and expertise to our Global MAP and reinforces IBIA’s position as the leading integrity body for the regulated betting industry. We look forward to working closely with STS to safeguard sport, protecting customers and support regulated betting 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) -   Sportradar Group AG has introduced Playradar, a fresh iGaming brand designed for operators seeking to integrate sports content and casino offerings into a unified platform. This launch marks a significant expansion of Sportradar's iGaming strategy, with a rollout planned through 2026 across the UK, North America, and Latin America. Key Highlights Playradar integrates sports data, audiovisual streams, virtual sports, and casino gaming. Edo Haitin has been appointed to head Sportradar’s iGaming division. Playradar will exclusively serve regulated markets. Sportradar Revamps iGaming Portfolio with Playradar Sportradar is moving to bridge the gap between sportsbook and casino offerings. By leveraging live and historical sports data, streaming capabilities, and casino mechanics, Playradar aims to provide operators with hybrid gaming products centered on sports engagement. A core feature is the 24/7 Experience Centre, which allows users to view live streams and engage with games simultaneously on one screen. Sportradar notes that this format is designed to foster both general engagement and real-money wagering, while enabling real-time interaction among players. Furthermore, Playradar will provide hybrid content that transforms live and historical sporting events into event-driven gameplay. The platform will also feature a live prediction tool powered by Sportradar’s real-time data, alongside a suite of virtual sports, slots, table games, arcade titles, and crash games.Sportradar has tapped Edo Haitin, the former CEO of Playtech Live, to lead its iGaming operations. Haitin brings over two decades of expertise in senior leadership, operations, and live casino management. Carsten Koerl, Founder and CEO of Sportradar, stated: “iGaming is a logical and scalable progression for our company and a strategic move to accelerate our long-term growth. Playradar’s content is crafted to optimize cross-selling between sports and casino environments, assisting operators in boosting player value and session duration during a period where retention and engagement are vital for operational success. In Edo, we have a seasoned industry leader to guide this business, backed by a dedicated and enthusiastic team.” With an existing infrastructure that includes a game studio, sports data tools, streaming technology, and a global distribution network, Sportradar is well-positioned to help its clients—many of whom already operate in both sportsbook and casino sectors—enhance player value and engagement through Playradar.Edo Haitin, EVP of iGaming, added: “By merging our extensive expertise in sports data and live streaming with our proven product development capabilities, we intend to build hybrid gaming experiences that tap into the growing demand for sports-themed casino content. We are uniquely equipped to integrate live and historical sports events with innovative mechanics and casino products, while benefiting from our ability to distribute these games to an existing network of licensed operators. I am thrilled to be expanding our iGaming footprint through Playradar and to establish it as a leader in the space, utilizing Sportradar’s robust resources and our highly skilled team.” 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) -   On Tuesday, a jury based in Santa Fe ordered Meta to pay $375 million in civil penalties following a six-week trial examining child safety practices on Facebook and Instagram. The ruling secured a win for New Mexico under the state’s Unfair Practices Act, and counts as one of the most severe courtroom setbacks Meta has faced in a case connected to harm experienced by young platform users. Key Details Jurors found Meta liable for both claims that New Mexico filed against the company. The fine was set at $5,000 for each individual violation, the highest amount allowed under New Mexico state law. The second phase of the case is scheduled for May 4, and may result in additional penalties as well as changes to platform policies. New Mexico Jury Delivers a Major Legal Defeat to Meta While the monetary sum is notable, the greater significance may lie in what the ruling represents. In a press release distributed immediately after the verdict, the office of New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez stated the ruling was a “watershed moment for every parent concerned about what could happen to their kids when they go online,” Torrez structured the case around the gap between Meta’s internal knowledge and its public communications. He stated: “Meta executives knew their products harmed children, disregarded warnings from their own employees, and lied to the public about what they knew. Today the jury joined families, educators, and child safety experts in saying enough is enough.” During the trial, New Mexico’s legal team drew on evidence from a 2023 undercover operation that used decoy Facebook and Instagram accounts set up to appear as if they belonged to users under the age of 14. Per the state’s findings, these accounts were sent sexually explicit content and received sexual solicitations from multiple men located in New Mexico. Law enforcement arrested those men in May 2024, with two taken into custody at a motel where they believed they were meeting a 12-year-old girl. State attorneys also used internal company records and testimony from former Meta employees to argue that repeated warnings from staff and child safety experts failed to result in adequate action from the firm. Some of the most impactful testimony came from Arturo Béjar, a former engineering and product leader at Meta, who told jurors he attempted to raise alarms after his 14-year-old daughter received unsolicited sexual advances on Instagram. He also outlined the dangerous functionality of the platform’s recommendation systems. “The product is very good at connecting people with interests,” Béjar said, “and if your interest is little girls, it will be really good at connecting you with little girls.” Another former executive, Brian Boland, testified that safety did not appear to be a genuine priority for the company’s senior leadership. Boland, who worked at Meta for nearly 12 years before leaving in 2020, said he “absolutely did not believe that safety was a priority” for CEO Mark Zuckerberg and then-COO Sheryl Sandberg. Jurors were also shown a recorded deposition from Zuckerberg. In the recording, he described research investigating whether the platforms are addictive as “inconclusive.” New Mexico’s legal team pushed back on this claim, pointing to internal research that found certain product features were designed to trigger dopamine responses and extend the amount of time users spend on the apps. When asked if a parent had a right to know if a product their child uses is addictive, Zuckerberg responded that there was a lot to “unpack in that.” Meta has announced it intends to appeal the ruling. A company spokesperson said the firm “works hard to keep people safe” on its platforms and that it “respectfully disagree[s] with the verdict.” The New Mexico case is not the only legal battle Meta is currently facing. A separate trial in Los Angeles also centers on allegations that social media platforms are addictive and caused harm to young users. That case was filed by a California woman identified as K.G.M. TikTok and Snap reached settlement agreements before the trial started, while Meta and YouTube remain defendants in the case. Jurors for that trial are still deliberating, and the judge recently instructed them to continue discussions after they indicated they were having trouble reaching a verdict for one defendant. The next stage of the New Mexico case will launch on May 4. That phase is a bench trial focused on public nuisance claims, meaning a judge rather than a jury will determine the outcome. New Mexico is arguing that Facebook and Instagram caused broader harm to the health and safety of state residents, and this portion of the case could lead to additional penalties, age verification requirements, and stronger protections for minors. This article is provided by a third-party. 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