分類: iGame

Hawk Tuah Girl States HAWK Crash Traumatized Her

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(AsiaGameHub) -   Hailey Welch has spoken out about the aftermath of the HAWK memecoin’s collapse, connecting the incident to months of public backlash, threats, and legal scrutiny surrounding the unsuccessful token launch. Good to Know HAWK was launched in December 2024 and temporarily hit a market capitalization exceeding $490 million. The token plummeted by over 91% the following day, sparking online allegations of a rug pull. A lawsuit filed by investors targeted the team and organizations behind the launch, though Welch was not included. Hailey Welch States HAWK Aftermath Left Her Traumatized Hailey Welch, commonly referred to online as the Hawk Tuah girl, shared that the collapse of HAWK and the subsequent public response took a significant personal toll. In an interview with Andrew Callaghan on Channel 5, Welch mentioned she was drawn into a crypto project she didn’t fully comprehend. “I got talked into doing something that I didn’t know anything about, really, but you’ve got to be really careful what you put your name on,” Welch told Andrew Callaghan of the Channel 5 YouTube channel on Friday. Welch stated she collaborated with an FBI investigation in 2025 and was exonerated of any misconduct. She added that she received none of the launch funds and lacked the technical expertise required to develop or manage the memecoin.Despite this, public outrage targeted her. Welch revealed she received death threats and remained out of public view for months as tensions escalated over the failed launch. “I was starting to get death threats and everything else. People telling me I owe them all this money, and I’m like, ‘I didn’t do this.’ I’m sitting here, and I’m the one getting hit for this. It’s rough. It’s one of those things where if you come out of the house, you put your head down.” HAWK launched in December 2024 and quickly reached a market cap of over $490 million within hours. By the next day, the token’s value had fallen to approximately $41 million—an over 91% collapse. This drop led to widespread rug pull claims across crypto social media platforms and kept the project in the spotlight across gaming, influencer, and digital asset news. Welch also noted that the actual losses incurred by retail investors were lower than many people believed during the backlash. Per her attorney, the total losses for individual investors amounted to around $200,000.Additionally, a lawsuit filed by investors in December 2024 alleged that the team and entities behind HAWK’s launch sold unregistered securities. Welch was not a defendant in the case. 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.

PENN Confirms Hollywood Casino Aurora Opening for June 24

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(AsiaGameHub) -   PENN Entertainment intends to launch Hollywood Casino Aurora on June 24, pending regulatory clearance. This new land-based venue in Aurora will succeed the enduring riverboat establishment on the Fox River, introducing an expanded entertainment scope to the greater Chicago area. Good to Know Hollywood Casino Aurora is scheduled to take the place of the existing riverboat casino on the Fox River. The new facility will feature a hotel, a retail sportsbook, a spa, an event center, and upwards of 1,200 gaming positions. PENN indicates the location will hire approximately 700 employees, almost twice the size of the existing workforce in Aurora. PENN Gets Ready for a Larger Aurora Casino and Resort PENN is preparing to transition Aurora gaming operations to a freshly constructed facility near Interstate 88, opposite Chicago Premium Outlets, moving away from the outdated floating casino model. This shift is significant as land-based casinos typically offer operators greater capacity for accommodations, dining, entertainment, and year-round events compared to older riverboat configurations. The project is valued by PENN at $360 million. Upon its debut, Hollywood Casino Aurora will become the company's second newly constructed venue in the Chicagoland area, following the August 2025 opening of Hollywood Casino Joliet. This provides PENN with a modernized retail casino presence in a Midwest market where operators continue to depend significantly on in-person gaming, hospitality, and sportsbook visitors. “We are just months away from unveiling another premium entertainment hub in the greater Chicago region,” stated Jay Snowden, CEO and President of PENN Entertainment. “We are excited to build on the successful launch of Hollywood Casino Joliet last summer with another new land-based site, reinforcing our retail footprint in the Midwest and strengthening our community ties.”Gaming represents just one component of the offering. The upcoming Aurora facility will boast 226 hotel rooms, over 1,200 gaming positions, a retail sportsbook, a spa, an outdoor entertainment area, and a 12,000 square foot event center. Additionally, PENN anticipates the site will employ roughly 700 staff members, almost doubling the staffing numbers associated with current Aurora operations. Dining is also receiving significant focus. PENN announced that celebrity chef Giada De Laurentiis will launch Sorella by Giada, an Italian California fusion eatery. Boulevard Food & Drink Hall will introduce concepts from Stephanie Izard and other collaborators, providing the casino with a blend of local favorites and new culinary choices. For regional casino operators, food and beverage offerings can help increase time spent on-site and expand the demographic beyond traditional gamblers. Rafael Verde, PENN Senior Vice President of Regional Operations, remarked: “These celebrated restaurateurs will offer our guests exceptional dining experiences at the new Hollywood Casino Aurora. Combined with our hotel, event center, spa, and other amenities, visitors will enjoy a lively atmosphere at this new local destination.”Meetings and live events form another key element of the strategy. PENN noted that the event center is already accepting reservations for conferences, weddings, and entertainment acts, with public event disclosures anticipated shortly. This strategy aligns with a comprehensive casino resort model where gaming, lodging, dining, sports betting, private functions, and live shows operate cohesively under a single roof. Regarding the project's backing, Gaming and Leisure Properties Inc. is projected to supply $225 million in financing at a 7.75% capitalization rate around the opening. The City of Aurora is providing $50 million, and PENN stated the remaining $21 million is expected to be finalized by the end of the year. Concurrently, the firm is collaborating with the Illinois Gaming Board to move operations from the existing riverboat Hollywood Casino Aurora to the new land-based location. FAQ When will Hollywood Casino Aurora open? PENN Entertainment has indicated that June 24 is the scheduled opening date, contingent on regulatory authorization. What is replacing the old Aurora casino? The existing riverboat casino on the Fox River will be succeeded by the new land-based Hollywood Casino Aurora. Where is the new property located? The location is situated near Interstate 88, directly across from Chicago Premium Outlets. What features will the new casino include? The venue will feature 226 hotel rooms, over 1,200 gaming positions, a retail sportsbook, a spa, an outdoor entertainment area, and a 12,000 square foot event center.How many jobs will the property support? PENN projects that the new Hollywood Casino Aurora will employ approximately 700 individuals. What dining options are planned? PENN confirmed that Sorella by Giada, led by Giada De Laurentiis, will launch at the venue, accompanied by Boulevard Food & Drink Hall concepts featuring Stephanie Izard and other partners. How is the project being financed? Gaming and Leisure Properties Inc. is set to contribute $225 million, the City of Aurora is adding $50 million, and the remaining $21 million is anticipated by year's end. 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.

Allwyn Seeks Alternative Sportsbook Technology After Novibet Deal Collapses

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(AsiaGameHub) -   Allwyn is seeking alternative methods to develop its own sportsbook technology following the termination of its agreement with Novibet. This development was shared during the group's FY25 earnings call, where company leaders also highlighted PrizePicks as a valuable resource for prediction markets and attracting new customers. Good to Know Allwyn abandoned the Novibet acquisition following input from the Hellenic Competition Commission. Executives stated that proprietary sportsbook technology continues to be a strategic objective. PrizePicks provides Allwyn with a substantial customer base and a unified application for DFS and predictions. Allwyn Looks Elsewhere for Sportsbook Tech After Novibet Deal Falls Apart Allwyn continues to pursue its own sportsbook technology, despite the failure of its Novibet acquisition. On the FY25 earnings call, CEO Robert Chvátal confirmed that sportsbook technology is still a focus and that the company has begun evaluating other possibilities. The Novibet deal was announced earlier this month but was subsequently called off after the Hellenic Competition Commission provided feedback. “This interest in the sportsbook technology remains on the radar of Allwyn,” Chvátal stated.Chvátal stated. “We have already started exploring other opportunities when it comes to sportsbook technology, to maybe solidify our sportsbook position in some markets of Allwyn.” CFO Kenneth Morton emphasized that internalizing sportsbook technology is a definite priority. He noted that while Allwyn already manages the majority of its lottery technology, which is crucial for user experience and sustained success, sports betting is the final component not yet handled in-house. “Sports betting is the one bit that we don’t currently have in-house, which we do think is strategically important. So we certainly see benefits to having it in-house, but as Robert said, there are many other ways that we can achieve that.”PrizePicks was another major topic of conversation. Allwyn secured a deal last September to purchase a 62.3% share in the DFS operator for an initial $1.6 billion, with additional payments contingent on performance across three years. The transaction was finalized in January, and Morton indicated the company is well-placed to pursue expansion in the US prediction market. Morton explained that PrizePicks holds an advantage as it does not require the same level of expenditure on customer acquisition as some competitors. He added that integrating DFS and predictions into a single application improves the user experience and reduces the cost of acquiring customers. “A number of operators have launched actually with three apps, so DFS, OSB and predictions in separate apps,” Morton added. “Essentially, to some extent you’re having to acquire the same customer three times. “That’s not the case for PrizePicks. On day one they went live with predictions within their DFS app, which is obviously better for the user experience, but it’s also much better from the customer acquisition cost perspective.” Allwyn also announced FY25 net revenue of €4.1 billion, a 4% increase compared to the previous year. Adjusted EBITDA also grew by 4%, reaching almost €1.6 billion. The company anticipates finalizing its merger with OPAP this month, following shareholder approval in February, which will form a combined entity worth €16 billion. 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.

Nevada Court Temporarily Blocks Kalshi Event Contracts

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(AsiaGameHub) -   A Nevada court has provided state regulators with a recent victory in the ongoing dispute concerning prediction markets. Following a temporary restraining order issued on Friday, Kalshi is now prohibited from offering contracts related to sports, elections, and entertainment events in Nevada. A subsequent court hearing has been scheduled for April 3. Good to Know A Nevada court issued a temporary restraining order preventing Kalshi from offering sports, election, and entertainment event contracts within the state. According to the Nevada Gaming Control Board, the decision means that all known unlicensed prediction markets are now restricted in Nevada. A hearing to determine if a longer-term injunction will be imposed is set for April 3. Nevada Cuts Off Kalshi as Prediction Market Fight Keeps Growing Although Kalshi previously secured an early victory in Nevada, the situation has now reversed. The Friday order prevents the company from offering or enabling sports, election, and entertainment event contracts in the Silver State. This strengthens the position of Nevada regulators after months of legal battles over whether these contracts constitute unlicensed gambling. State regulators have consistently contended that Kalshi is operating without the gaming license mandated by Nevada law. In the court order, Judge Jason Woodbury stated that the Nevada Gaming Control Board has a reasonable likelihood of success. Reuters reported that the judge determined Kalshi's event contracts linked to college basketball, professional football, and elections fall under a Nevada I This is significant because Kalshi has persistently argued a contrasting position. The company maintains that federal oversight by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission places its event contracts beyond the reach of state gambling control. Nevada has dismissed this perspective, and the judge concurred, at least for the time being, permitting the state's case to proceed.The Kalshi case is also part of a broader conflict playing out across multiple states. Nevada has already compelled other operators to accept state-specific limitations. Court documents from Nevada indicated that Crypto.com ceased offering sports contracts to Nevada residents, while Robinhood agreed to halt offering sports event contracts in the state pending an appeal. 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.

R. Franco Digital to present its premium portfolio at GAT Expo Cartagena 2026

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(AsiaGameHub) -   Spanish iGaming firm R. Franco Digital has confirmed its attendance at Colombia's GAT Expo Cartagena, furthering its strategic expansion within Latin America's key regulated territories. From March 24 to 26, the provider will be stationed at the Las Américas Convention Center to exhibit its full suite of solutions and services, tailored specifically for the evolving needs of the Latin American gaming industry. The highlight of the showcase will be the IRIS platform, a robust, GLI-certified open architecture system from R. Franco Digital. Built to offer a unified experience across retail, sports betting, and casino sectors, IRIS provides operators with the necessary security, scalability, and flexibility for efficient multi-market growth. Alongside its technical solutions, R. Franco Digital will introduce its newest high-performing games, featuring titles like Strange Spins, Genie Triple Bonanza, Diamond King Gorilla, Luxury Blast, Zorro: Final Duel, and The Phantom. These games incorporate the localized themes and mechanics that define R. Franco Digital’s offerings, ensuring high engagement and relevance throughout the LatAm region. Javier Sacristán Franco, International Business Director of R. Franco Digital, commented: “Latin America remains a vital part of our international strategy. GAT Expo Cartagena offers a crucial platform for us to engage with partners and highlight how our technology adapts to the region's changing regulatory environment. “We look forward to presenting the newest versions of our IRIS platform and our growing game library, both of which are crafted to provide operational excellence for regulated LatAm 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.

Cameron Flood Takes the Helm as Yaspa’s Head of Product

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(AsiaGameHub) -   Yaspa, a leading fintech focused on payments and identity solutions, has announced Cameron Flood’s appointment as Head of Product for the UK and Europe. In his new role, Flood will supervise all product development and new product launches for Yaspa across the UK and European markets.  Flood is a seasoned product leader who most recently served as Head of Product at Shieldpay, a payments fintech that specializes in simplifying transactions for high-value and high-volume markets. In this position, he led product strategy and delivery for the company’s digital escrow and payment solutions, with a focus on streamlining complex financial workflows and securing high-stakes transactions, putting him in an ideal position to lead Yaspa’s product development in European iGaming markets. Before this role, Flood built a solid foundation in product management through a range of positions, including Product Manager at Vocalink, where he concentrated on building and rolling out real-time domestic payment infrastructure in markets such as Peru, the Philippines and Saudi Arabia.  His career is marked by deep expertise in the fintech space, specifically in navigating the overlap between regulatory compliance, user experience, and technical scalability. Throughout his professional journey, he has consistently proven his ability to turn complex business needs into customer-centric product roadmaps, successfully closing the gap between engineering teams and commercial stakeholders. This week, Sifted named Yaspa the fourth fastest-growing startup in the UK and Ireland. Over the past 12 months, Yaspa took home the Real-Time Payments Innovation award at the 2025 Payments Awards and earned a spot on CB Insights’ Top 100 Fintechs, a global ranking that shines a spotlight on the most promising, innovative companies shaping the future of financial services. This recognition comes during a period of continuous growth for Yaspa over the past 18 months; the company closed a $12m investment round in July, led by Discerning Capital. This period of growth has culminated in the launch of its new Atlanta office in the US, as well as the opening of its tech hub in Leeds, UK, in August 2025. Yaspa’s CEO James Neville said: “We’re delighted to welcome Cameron to the team. His experience and expertise put him in the perfect position to keep driving product innovation across payments and data solutions in our core markets. Cameron will work closely with Max Collinge, our Vice President of Product who is based in the US; his on-the-ground experience will help ensure Yaspa remains a leader in product innovation in the payment sector for years to come.”  Cameron Flood commented: “I’ve been impressed by everything Yaspa has already achieved, building payments solutions that don’t just move money faster, but deliver real-time intelligence that helps businesses grow responsibly. I’m excited to expand our product capabilities to serve even more businesses while upholding the innovation and customer focus that has driven Yaspa’s success.” 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.

Aviatrix Unveils Second Chance as the iGaming Metaverse Springs to Life

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(AsiaGameHub) -   Aviatrix has unveiled its second game—fittingly named Aviatrix Second Chance—as the well-known provider enters a new era as the world’s first iGaming Metaverse. Last month, Aviatrix announced plans for the upcoming iGaming Metaverse launch, following over three years as a single crash game offering. Second Chance builds on Aviatrix’s success with a fresh mechanic: 50% of players per round receive a unique opportunity to keep their plane flying even after it would normally explode. This means players can land large wins even after missing the first cash-out opportunity, making it an ideal fit for exciting, high-volatility gameplay. Anastasia Rimskaya, Chief Account Officer at Aviatrix, said: “The launch of Aviatrix Second Chance is a truly defining moment for us. For more than three years, Aviatrix was known globally as a single, award-winning crash game. Second Chance represents the point where that success evolves into something much bigger. “Second Chance combines classic Aviatrix mechanics with the chance to hit big wins even if you miss the first cash-out opportunity. We know players are going to love it.” The launch marks Aviatrix’s expansion into a multi-game ecosystem, where players can maintain one profile, loyalty system and progression across multiple titles. Aviatrix will next grow its portfolio into new verticals, including slot games and instant games. 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.

QTech Games enhances live-casino offerings with advanced AI realism from Sentient Gaming Group

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(AsiaGameHub) -   Top distributor enhances its live-dealer offerings with AI-driven content from an up-and-coming player; unveils a QTech-exclusive world premiere QTech Games, a leading game aggregator serving emerging markets globally, has revealed a ground-breaking collaboration with Sentient Gaming Group. This partnership grants its platform clients access to a cutting-edge live-casino collection that delivers the world’s first interactive AI live-dealer experience. Sentient elevates the realism of digital live-casino gaming to a new standard. By merging advanced artificial intelligence with real-time gameplay, players can now engage directly with AI dealers and characters in immersive casino environments, creating a more focused, personalized journey that fosters deeper engagement. The company’s debut release, AI Roulette with Amanda, introduces a fully interactive AI croupier that interacts with players while providing a classic European roulette experience. This game is currently making its exclusive world premiere via QTech Games, bringing this innovative category of AI-powered casino entertainment to operators and players worldwide. Sentient Gaming Group is already expanding its portfolio with additional AI characters, new casino games, branded experiences, and multilingual options, with many more releases on the horizon. Each new dealer will be infused with a unique personality and specialization, delivering authentic casino experiences powered by cutting-edge AI. The collective goal is to create and showcase a new breed of smarter, more captivating, and interactive croupiers—their machine learning algorithms allow them to refine their performance based on specific interactions with individual players, resulting in a more realistic and personalized UX. The partnership’s five key selling points include: World’s First AI Live Casino: The inaugural fully interactive AI-driven live casino, launching an entirely new gameplay category. Industry’s Most Engaging, Intelligent Croupiers: A new generation of AI croupiers designed to be more visually appealing, smarter, and more interactive than traditional live dealers—creating a more personal and immersive casino experience. Exclusive Global Launch via QTech: AI Roulette with Amanda will debut exclusively on QTech’s platform, delivering the world’s first AI dealer product to operators. Real-Time Responsive AI Dealers: Players interact directly with AI dealers that react dynamically to chat, bets, and gameplay. Customizable AI Experiences: Operators can request branded AI dealers, localized characters, and tailored casino experiences built specifically for their brand and player base. Sentient Gaming Group will soon offer a range of customizable live-dealer games (including Roulette, Blackjack, Baccarat, and more) that blend timeless classics with innovative features, giving fresh takes on traditional formats. The popular live-dealer segment continues to gain momentum from an ever-growing global fanbase. Sentient Gaming Group’s AI-powered table games will accelerate this trend, creating a new type of online gambling experience. Accordingly, this provider now joins the progressive portfolio available to QTech Games, its partners, and the culturally diverse preferences of their players. As a defining aggregator for emerging markets, QTech’s platform boasts one of the broadest gaming portfolios available, localized for each region, with native mobile apps, powerful reporting and marketing tools, and 24/7 local-language support. Incorporating this evolving lineup underscores QTech Games’ diverse range of gaming options, solidifying its position as a definitive one-stop shop—now the go-to solution for international operators across developing territories. Kapil, AI Leader at Sentient Gaming Group, said: “Live-dealer games are in high demand worldwide, but Sentient Gaming Group’s next-gen croupier offering is taking this vertical to new heights, encouraging real-time player interaction for a higher level of engagement. Our unique blend of authentic AI experiences, roleplaying, and personalized real-time interactivity makes us a game-changer in this critical live-dealer space. This world-first rollout of AI Roulette with Amanda with our partners at QTech will serve as an instructive example. “This agreement will organically expand Sentient’s geographic reach, targeting emerging markets from Africa to Asia and Latin America, and generating new revenue streams. Moreover, we are dedicated to delivering a series of high-quality, customizable live-dealer solutions with bespoke AI-driven tables to help any platform partner deliver a complete brand experience that players enjoy and return to, driving deeper engagement and brand loyalty. Don’t hesitate to reach out to learn more.” Philip Doftvik, CEO of QTech Games, said: “Sentient immediately stood out as a pioneer in the live-dealer experience with this revolutionary AI-powered croupier solution—dealers that are always available, never miss a beat, and learn from interactions to foster a more personalized UX. It’s all about focusing on the player journey and building stronger connections through that journey, thanks to a new level of AI-inspired authenticity that tailors the experience to each player. “We can’t wait to launch AI Roulette with Amanda as an exclusive industry-first for QTech, and monitor how this breakout game performs across a range of new audiences.” 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 Upgrades Platform to Optimize Performance for World Cup

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(AsiaGameHub) -   GR8 Tech is rolling out platform-wide upgrades to help operators maximize performance during the year’s biggest sports event. The tournament is projected to generate massive traffic, repeated betting spikes, and fierce user acquisition competition as operators compete for the same pool of players, so the company is upgrading the areas that most directly impact operator results. These updates will help partners convert more traffic, retain more players, and unlock greater value at every stage of the World Cup journey. “World Cup traffic alone does not guarantee better results. What matters is how effectively operators can turn that attention into acquisition, conversion, retention, and long-term player value,” said Denys Parkhomenko, Chief Product Officer at GR8 Tech. “That is exactly where our focus lies right now. We are refining the sportsbook experience, expanding engagement and loyalty tools, and advancing our crypto capabilities to help partners get the most out of the year’s biggest industry opportunity.” The upgrades are centered on three core areas: Sportsbook: GR8 Tech is updating its sportsbook with redesigned navigation that makes event discovery easier and improves campaign visibility, alongside enhancements to Bet Builder, quick access and player-specific markets, and new Odds Boost functionality to support both player attraction and margin management. Engagement and retention: The company is expanding its loyalty, bonus, and user segmentation capabilities with a VIP-focused program, automatic bonus mechanics, more flexible bonus selection options, richer engagement mechanics for both casino and sports-related offerings, updated tournament settings, and new game content. Crypto: GR8 Tech is enhancing its crypto offering with earlier player segmentation based on wallet transaction history, more flexible VIP and risk processing before a player’s first deposit, and smoother wallet-based payments through features such as ramp payments and direct top-ups via WalletConnect and other crypto wallets. Across the entire platform, the company is rolling out a broad set of improvements to help operators extract more value from the year’s biggest opportunity. More detailed updates will be shared in upcoming releases, each taking a closer look at specific products and the developments shaping GR8 Tech’s World Cup-ready platform. 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.