(AsiaGameHub) -   Gunzilla Games is confronting an issue more severe than player engagement. The primary narrative surrounding the studio has shifted to employee grievances over unpaid salaries, as both current and former staff report payment delays lasting for months. Good to Know Current and former employees have publicly alleged unpaid wages at Gunzilla Games. Some workers said missed payments stretched as far back as August and September, while one former employee claimed five months without pay. At the same time, Gunzilla kept expanding around Off the Grid, GUNZ, and the Game Informer acquisition. Gunzilla Wage Claims Now Overshadow The Expansion Story The most direct way to understand the current circumstances is not through cryptocurrency or game strategy, but through payroll issues. Several employees have stated that Gunzilla did not pay wages for extended periods, and this accusation now overshadows all other company initiatives. A former employee mentioned that the unpaid debt spanned multiple months. Oleksandr Linovichenko stated he was not compensated for August and September. Another former worker, Antron Palii, reported going without pay for five months. Their public statements brought the matter to light. This creates a contradictory picture of the company. While Gunzilla continued to advance significant projects like Off the Grid, the GUNZ blockchain network, the GUN token launch, and the purchase of Game Informer, giving an external impression of growth, internally, staff were reporting prolonged lapses in payment.Off the Grid remains the central component of this narrative, but its context has changed. Decrypt characterized the game as a prominent early access title with blockchain elements still in development; however, the excitement for the game is now rivaled by increasing concerns over Gunzilla's management of its payroll responsibilities. Consequently, the harm extends beyond a single late payment. A game studio can recover from a disappointing launch or a postponed feature. However, ongoing public allegations of unpaid salaries damage trust in the company itself. This affects hiring, employee retention, credibility, and all future propositions regarding Gunzilla's viability as a long-term platform enterprise. 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) -   Developers are creating contingency plans for a potential threat that is likely still years in the future. One approach aims to secure high-value transactions immediately, while another seeks to provide wallet owners a way to verify ownership should conventional digital signatures become vulnerable. Good to Know According to a StarkWare proposal, Bitcoin transactions can be secured against quantum computers now without altering the core protocol, although the technique is costly. Lightning Labs CTO Olaoluwa Osuntokun has demonstrated a functional prototype that allows a user to prove wallet ownership from a seed phrase without disclosing the seed itself. Google announced in March that next-generation quantum systems could potentially break elliptic curve cryptography using significantly fewer resources than previously thought. Currently, there is no inexpensive or swift solution available. Instead, Bitcoin has two preliminary contingency strategies that address the same quantum risk from different angles. StarkWare's approach focuses on securing transactions, whereas Lightning Labs targets wallet recovery. Fix No.1 StarkWare's Avihu Levy introduced a concept called Quantum Safe Bitcoin (QSB). This method bypasses the standard elliptic curve signature process, opting instead for a hash-based computational puzzle. Essentially, the sender repeatedly guesses an input until the output resembles a valid signature. Levy contends that a powerful quantum computer would not have the same mathematical advantage against this method as it would against elliptic curve cryptography. While promising, the compromise is significant. A single transaction could require between $75 and $150 in GPU computing power, with some estimates nearing $200 based on the configuration. Furthermore, QSB is not easily scalable, creates non-standard transactions, and is incompatible with the Lightning Network. Consequently, this design is better suited for large Bitcoin transfers rather than everyday payments.Fix No.2 The second strategy takes a distinctly different path. Olaoluwa Osuntokun developed a prototype enabling a user to demonstrate that a wallet was generated from a specific seed phrase without ever revealing the phrase. This verifies ownership by establishing the wallet's origin, sidestepping the conventional signature method that a future quantum computer could compromise. The prototype's performance is already respectable. Demonstrations indicated that generating a proof takes approximately 50 seconds on a standard laptop, verification requires under two seconds, and the proof file is about 1.7 megabytes. Although there is no deployment schedule yet, the concept has advanced beyond theoretical discussion. Google's recent findings have intensified the focus on this issue. In March, its researchers suggested that future quantum computers might need a much smaller number of physical qubits to break cryptographic systems like those used in Bitcoin. This does not indicate an imminent threat, but it does add a sense of urgency to preparedness efforts. A more complex aspect of the debate involves existing vulnerabilities. Older P2PK wallets, where public keys are visible on the blockchain, are often cited as a weak link in quantum risk assessments. This is a primary reason the community remains divided on solutions like protocol upgrades, coin freezing, or emergency measures. Neither QSB nor the Lightning Labs prototype resolves this fundamental dispute. They simply provide Bitcoin with additional time and flexibility while a comprehensive, long-term protocol solution remains under development. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

(AsiaGameHub) -   Japan no longer frames blockchain gaming as an uncharted new frontier. Instead, it’s integrating the technology into existing successful elements: strong game brands, a large crypto user base, and regulations that are becoming more user-friendly. This shift means less hype and more structured implementation. Good to Know Japan is moving toward a 20% tax system for crypto gains, bringing it closer to the tax treatment applied to stocks. The country has over 12 million crypto users, providing Web3 products with a ready-made audience. Square Enix has already entered the space with SYMBIOGENESIS, showing how existing intellectual property can serve as an entry point. Japan Is Developing Blockchain Gaming Around Familiar Assets The key principle here is not to prioritize crypto first—it’s to prioritize IP first. Japan has manga, anime, and game franchises that already hold audience trust, so blockchain is added as a layer rather than being sold as the entire product. This makes the offering easier to understand and far less dependent on speculation. That’s where major publishers come into play. Square Enix has already used SYMBIOGENESIS as its Web3 test project, while the broader story in Japan keeps circling back to large legacy companies using blockchain more cautiously than the early play-to-earn community did. Regulation is now helping rather than hindering progress. Japan is preparing a 20% tax treatment for crypto gains and aligning digital assets more closely with the financial system, giving companies and users a more streamlined setup than the old high-tax structure. For gaming, this matters because token systems look less like fringe experiments once the policy environment stabilizes. The user side is just as important. Japan already has millions of crypto users, so blockchain gaming doesn’t need to start from scratch. This doesn’t eliminate NFT skepticism, but it does mean the country has a much stronger base for digital ownership products than markets still trying to explain wallets and tokens to new users. So Japan’s model looks quite different from the old Web3 template. Instead of chasing hype, it leans on well-known characters, established studios, and a more formal rulebook. This doesn’t guarantee every project will succeed, but it does make the overall approach appear more durable. 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) -   South Africa is working to simplify the identification of illicit gambling activities before any financial transactions occur. A new public verification portal has been introduced by the National Gambling Board, providing a directory of licensed entities and a straightforward method for users to confirm authorized operators. Key Information The platform was launched on April 8, 2026. It features a searchable database of all verified gambling providers within South Africa. According to the National Gambling Board, the resource is designed to direct consumers away from unauthorized gambling sites. South Africa Increases Transparency for Operator Verification The primary significance of this launch lies in the clear distinction it establishes rather than the site itself. The National Gambling Board emphasizes that any operator missing from this portal lacks the authorization to provide gambling services in the country. This shifts the initial approach for customers, regulatory bodies, financial institutions, and law enforcement. Rather than addressing ambiguity following a scam or dispute, the NGB intends for legitimacy to be verified beforehand via a unified searchable registry developed alongside provincial authorities. The board confirmed the database will be regularly updated and accessible to tax officials, police, and banks. This initiative addresses a long-standing issue in South Africa. The NGB has noted that unauthorized operators frequently pose as legal entities, accepting Rand deposits and utilizing official logos to deceive the public. Furthermore, the board's strategic planning highlighted challenges such as limited public awareness, insufficient enforcement focus, and the use of financial systems for illicit online betting.Consequently, the tool functions more as a screening mechanism than a promotional one. Acting CEO Lungile Dukwana characterized the portal as a "vital move" toward safeguarding citizens from unlawful gambling, noting that it provides a reliable way to verify licenses while enhancing industry-wide accountability and supervision. As Africa's premier regulated gambling market, South Africa's NGB views this portal as part of an extensive strategy to defend the economy and the public by encouraging engagement with locally authorized operators over illegal competitors. 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) -   CoinW's focus in this move is not on its product but on brand awareness. The cryptocurrency exchange has appointed football legend Luka Modrić as its global brand ambassador, linking one of the sport's most acclaimed figures to a broader initiative focused on cryptocurrency education and outreach through sports. Good to Know CoinW revealed Luka Modrić as its global brand ambassador on April 9, 2026. The firm reports it has served over 20 million registered users since its 2017 launch. CoinW previously established football connections via La Liga and the East Asian Football Championship. CoinW Uses Football Status To Broaden Its Crypto Pitch While the agreement can simply be seen as a branding effort, CoinW is also leveraging it as a tool for user acquisition. The company states the collaboration will help introduce football supporters to digital assets via educational materials and campaigns tailored for fans, with increased initiatives scheduled around the 2026 FIFA World Cup. This positions the Modrić agreement as a component of a larger sports strategy rather than an isolated event. CoinW previously entered a regional partnership with La Liga in early 2025 and had also become an official supporter of the East Asian Football Championship. The company then highlights its own narrative alongside this news. The exchange notes it was founded in 2017, expanded despite market fluctuations, and currently caters to more than 20 million users globally. The press release also states that, according to its internal records, there have been no major publicly reported security breaches.Thus, the partnership is presented as emphasizing both prestige and steadfastness. CoinW aligns Modrić's career with principles such as discipline, consistency, and enduring trustworthiness, then reflects these qualities onto its own brand. The company cites his Ballon d'Or victory and six UEFA Champions League triumphs as elements of this narrative. CoinW Chief Strategy Officer Nassar Al Achkar said: “Luka Modrić’s dedication and resilience inspire us to stay true to our mission. We are committed to building a trusted platform that empowers users to confidently enter and explore the world of digital finance.” This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

(AsiaGameHub) -   A recent survey has intensified the debate over affordability checks in the UK. The majority of gamblers state they would decline to submit private financial paperwork to continue betting, lending further credence to industry warnings that stricter checks might drive consumers away from the legal market. Good to Know According to the Betting and Gaming Council, 65% of those surveyed would decline to submit documents like bank statements or pay slips. The Gambling Commission has stated that permanent financial risk evaluations will only be implemented if the pilot scheme demonstrates a seamless process. British horse racing has also increased its resistance, cautioning that the checks threaten funding derived from betting. UK Check Debate Turns On Friction And Trust The core issue has shifted beyond mere policy formulation to one of customer defiance. If a majority of bettors are unwilling to provide pay slips or bank statements, even a system with good intentions is likely to fail at the point of expected compliance. This is the critical tension currently fueling the discussion. The Gambling Commission has attempted to characterize the procedure in an alternative light. Its stance is that more rigorous financial risk checks should only be introduced after a trial period confirms that data-sharing can be seamless for most users. The regulator has also clarified that consumers will not face any impact during the pilot phase while these systems are being trialed and improved. The disconnect between the authorities' statements and the public's response is the reason the dispute continues to escalate. Grainne Hurst commented:“While ministers assured punters of hassle-free checks, the Gambling Commission is proceeding with measures that are the direct opposite. Compelling punters to provide bank statements is not 'frictionless'; it is an invasion of privacy that will push customers towards the black market, which offers no consumer protections.” The racing industry has added its voice to the opposition, approaching it from a distinct perspective. In a recent open letter to Lisa Nandy, the British Horseracing Authority warned that the proposed affordability checks could inflict permanent harm on the sport. A subsequent blog post noted that over 400 individuals from the racing world, along with cross-party MPs and peers, support this plea. 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) -   Italian football authorities contend that the prohibition on gambling advertisements has failed to safeguard the sport, instead serving only to deplete its financial resources. In a report published on April 8, Gabriele Gravina linked the 2019 legislative restrictions to a broader deterioration in club fiscal health, youth talent cultivation, and overall competitive standing. Key Insights Serie A teams report that the ban has resulted in an annual loss of approximately €100 million to €150 million in sponsorship income. Professional football in Italy is currently facing annual operating deficits exceeding €700 million. Italy sits 49th out of 50 leagues regarding playing time for U21 players eligible for the national squad, with a share of just 1.9%. Italian Football Claims the Ban Depleted Revenue Without Delivering Benefits The report’s primary assertion is straightforward: while Italian football suffered a loss in funding, the anticipated reduction in problem gambling failed to materialize. Gravina cited findings from a parliamentary inquiry in Italy, which indicated that gambling activity—including among minors—actually increased following the implementation of the restrictions, alongside a rise in illicit wagering. Consequently, the debate has shifted beyond mere sponsorship concerns to the issue of competitive disadvantage. UEFA statistics indicate that gambling and sports betting firms are the most prevalent shirt sponsors throughout Europe; however, Italian clubs have been forced to operate under a near-total prohibition since the Dignity Decree was enacted. This has left Italian teams at a significant disadvantage compared to their international rivals. Gravina utilized this disparity to highlight a more significant systemic failure. Italy has failed to qualify for the World Cup three consecutive times, and the report argues these outcomes are not coincidental but rather symptoms of structural decline. The domestic system is failing to foster Italian talent, with youth development suffering and club finances under pressure. Players under 21 who are eligible for the national team receive only 1.9% of total minutes, whereas foreign players occupy 68% of playing time in Serie A.Financial instability is at the heart of these issues. Serie A clubs estimate they have lost between €100 million and €150 million in annual sponsorship revenue since the ban was introduced, even as the professional game records over €700 million in annual operating losses. While some clubs have attempted to mitigate these losses through infotainment partnerships—such as Inter’s arrangement with Betsson Sport—these agreements fail to compensate for the value of traditional sponsorships. For this reason, Gravina advocates for the redirection of gambling revenue rather than a total exclusion. His proposal involves repealing the sponsorship ban and allocating a portion of betting proceeds toward youth academies, grassroots initiatives, and infrastructure improvements. As reported by Reuters, Sports Minister Andrea Abodi has also advocated for replacing the decree, characterizing it as an overly simplistic populist measure. Although new legislation has yet to be introduced and opposition remains expected—particularly regarding broader advertising regulations—the federation’s central argument is clear: the ban has damaged football’s financial stability and hindered development without achieving the public health objectives for which it was originally intended. 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) -   Atlantic City casinos avoided a revenue collapse in 2025, but the primary issue arose after the funds were collected. As costs continued to rise and margins narrowed, operating profit trended downward. This occurs just as the market prepares for stiffer competition from New York and renewed discussions about casino expansion within New Jersey. Good to Know In 2025, gross operating profit for Atlantic City casinos and two online-only operators decreased by 3.9% to $681.6 million. Net revenue remained flat, though fourth-quarter net revenue was the highest since 2018, according to James Plousis. New York is still pursuing three downstate casino licenses, which creates additional pressure for Atlantic City. Profit Declines Despite Stable Revenue The most significant figure is profit, not revenue. The nine Atlantic City casinos and two online-only entities reported a gross operating profit of $681.6 million for 2025, a drop of 3.9%, even though annual net revenue remained largely steady. This represents the fifth consecutive year in which escalating expenses have squeezed the market. James Plousis stated it clearly, noting that Atlantic City experienced “flat annual net revenue and lower gross operating profit during 2025, having encountered increased costs and expenses for a fifth consecutive year.” He also observed that the market finished on a stronger note, with fourth-quarter net revenue hitting its highest level since 2018. Focusing strictly on the nine land-based casinos, profits still declined, though the drop was smaller. Their total gross operating profit reached $665.4 million, down 1.4%. This distinction is crucial because online expansion has helped sustain total revenue in New Jersey, even as land-based operators confront higher labor, energy, and product costs.Results were mixed across properties. Borgata led the market with $237.4 million in gross operating profit, an increase of 13.8%. Ocean hit $112 million, up 10.6%, and Golden Nugget rose to $28.2 million, an increase of nearly 57%. In contrast, Hard Rock fell 8.6% to $123.8 million, Tropicana dropped 25% to $61.7 million, Harrah’s declined 12% to $56.5 million, and Caesars fell by over 40% to $34.1 million. Bally’s was the only casino to report an operating loss, shifting from a $2.5 million profit in 2024 to a $2.8 million loss in 2025. Hotel performance offers some insight. Ocean achieved the highest average nightly room rate at $275.87, while Golden Nugget had the lowest at $112.65. Hard Rock recorded the highest occupancy at 83.7%, while Golden Nugget had the lowest at 51.8%. Throughout the city, the average room rate was $175.16 and occupancy was 71.2%, a slight decrease from the previous year. Jane Bokunewicz remarked that operators have attempted to respond to pressure through capital upgrades, marketing, and promotions, but inflation has lessened the impact. Essentially, casinos are spending to maintain demand while trying to reduce expenses, a difficult balance to strike when external costs continue to increase. This would be a difficult situation regardless, but the timing makes it worse. Atlantic City is facing the potential of three New York City casinos, and New Jersey is once again hearing discussions about casino gambling outside of Atlantic City. George Goldhoff stated that the market is dealing with I 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) -   Tommy Tuberville expanded his fundraising lead in Alabama, but the more compelling angle lies beyond the typical campaign finance figures. In a state that still prohibits most forms of gambling, a gubernatorial candidate is accepting funds linked to an online sweepstakes firm—all while a separate initiative in Montgomery aims to let voters weigh in on lotteries, casinos, and sports betting. Good to Know Tuberville disclosed $581,377 in donations during March, which included $30,000 from VGW Luckyland Inc.—the company behind Chumba Casino. Alabama continues to restrict legal gambling mostly to properties owned by the Poarch Band of Creek Indians and is one of just five states without a lottery. Senator Merika Coleman’s SB257 would allow voters to decide on lotteries, casinos, and sports betting—provided lawmakers first approve the measure with a three-fifths majority vote. Alabama’s Gambling Debate Becomes Entangled in the Gubernatorial Race While the donation is just $30,000, its significance goes beyond the dollar amount. VGW Luckyland contributed to Tuberville’s campaign despite Alabama being a challenging market for gambling expansion and sweepstakes casinos facing scrutiny in several states. This is why the donation is notable: it appears less like an investment in the status quo and more like a bet on which candidate might influence future gambling laws. Robert Jarvis put that idea in plain terms. He said: “VGW is looking to the future and hoping to buy good will with a candidate who may in the future be in a position to help change Alabama’s gambling laws.”Jarvis’s statement comes against a well-known Alabama context: the state still lacks a lottery, and legal gambling options are limited. Tuberville has stated that expanding gambling is a legislative matter, not a gubernatorial one, but his campaign did not respond to inquiries about the VGW donation. The company also refused to comment, per reports from Covers and other Alabama media outlets. The political timing also favors Tuberville. The Alabama Daily News reported he raised $581,377 in March, compared to Doug Jones’s $175,387 for the Democratic ticket. This puts Tuberville in a strong lead as the May 19 primary and Nov. 3 general election approach. In other parts of Montgomery, the discussion around gambling is taking a different path. Senator Merika Coleman’s SB257 doesn’t establish a complete gambling framework immediately. Instead, it would require lawmakers to first pass a constitutional amendment to put the question of allowing lotteries, casino gaming, and sports betting to voters. Only then would legislators revisit the issue to draft the specifics, such as compact negotiations and regulatory systems. This approach reveals much about Alabama’s current stance on gambling. Supporters recognize that a comprehensive bill would be difficult to pass, so their initial priority is getting the question on the ballot. Coleman has linked the initiative to budgetary pressures and cited polls indicating widespread support for letting voters decide on a lottery. Alabama last held a lottery referendum in 1999, which failed with 54% against and 46% in favor. A 2024 attempt also came up one vote short in the legislature. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

(AsiaGameHub) -   Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers has signed AB 601 into law, though the real work begins right after his signature. The state now has a clear legal path to roll out statewide mobile sports betting, but tribal nations must first revise their existing compacts with the state and obtain federal approval before any services can officially launch. Key Takeaways AB 601 has been officially enacted as law in Wisconsin. Statewide mobile wagering still cannot go live until tribal compacts are renegotiated and get federal sign-off. All 11 federally recognized tribes in Wisconsin requested that Evers sign the legislation. Evers Approves Bill While Urging Tribes to Adopt a Unified Shared Model The new law does not enable immediate statewide betting operations. What it does is eliminate a longstanding legal barrier and pass responsibility for the next development phase to Wisconsin’s tribes, who now have the authority to build a mobile betting framework that is not limited to operating only on tribal land. Evers made it clear he does not want an uneven split of benefits and responsibilities in this next phase. He wrote: “This legislation marks the start of discussions, not the end of them. The actual work gets underway today. Each of the 11 Tribes must now work diligently and collaboratively to shape the future of sports betting in Wisconsin. What I will not accept is a plan that splits this opportunity into unequal parts, letting some Tribes reap substantial benefits while leaving barely anything for others.”That stance explains why there was earlier uncertainty over whether he would sign the bill at all. Evers had been concerned about inconsistent tribal support, and it was not until Wednesday that all 11 federally recognized tribes sent him a letter urging him to approve the measure. In that letter, they stated: “This legislation was passed with bipartisan backing and has our full support.” While the political hurdle has been cleared, commercial challenges still remain. Major national sportsbook brands such as DraftKings and FanDuel have pushed back against the tribal-led structure, largely because the revenue split required under this framework would leave minimal profit room for outside operators. Covers previously reported that critics from these major brands argued the model could bar them from entering the Wisconsin market entirely. Evers also highlighted the structure he hopes will move forward. He said tribes are already holding discussions in earnest and added that more equitable models for sharing both the risks and rewards of mobile gaming are starting to take form. He then endorsed a single shared setup, writing: “A joint venture where every Tribe contributes, and every Tribe benefits equally, is gaining traction in these discussions, and I strongly support pursuing this or a comparable model.” Even after the governor signed the bill, Wisconsin still has no set launch date for mobile sports betting. The state now has authorization to keep developing its market, rather than having a fully functional finished market. The legislative update came first in this process: first the law was amended, then negotiations begin, and only once those talks conclude successfully will statewide online sportsbooks become a reality. 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) -   Flutter Entertainment's Betfair has not constructed a separate market from the ground up. Instead, it has utilized its existing Exchange engine and applied a new interface known as Betfair Predicts, which is currently in beta with a restricted group of U.K. users. Good to Know Betfair Predicts is being trialed with a limited set of U.K. customers. The product is essentially a visual update of the Betfair Exchange and still utilizes Exchange liquidity. Betfair states that the beta version will evolve based on customer feedback. Betfair Rebrands Exchange Trading Rather Than Creating Something New The key distinction lies beneath the surface. Although Betfair Predicts appears novel, the underlying infrastructure is familiar. Users continue to trade against one another in a peer-to-peer model, and the platform relies on the liquidity already present within the Betfair Exchange. Consequently, this launch focuses more on presentation than on creating a distinct product category. Betfair aims to provide a more straightforward and user-friendly entry point into prediction-style markets, where outcomes are determined by "Yes" and "No" contracts rather than traditional sportsbook odds. This distinction is significant. On the Betfair Exchange, users trade positions that mirror real-time consumer sentiment. In contrast, on the Sportsbook side, bettors face prices set by the bookmaker. Therefore, even with its new appearance, Predicts remains much closer to an exchange than a sportsbook.Betfair is also maintaining a limited rollout for the time being. A spokesperson remarked: “We are continuously testing new innovations, and Betfair Predicts is a prime example of this effort. This is a BETA product that will evolve in response to customer feedback.” The company has also indicated that the long-term trajectory of the platform depends on user reception, although trader feedback to date suggests there is interest in the U.K. market. This timing aligns with the wider discussion regarding prediction markets in the U.K. Matchbook announced last year its intention to launch what it termed the first licensed prediction market platform in the country, while the regulatory framework here differs from that in the U.S. In Britain, the UK Gambling Commission regulates gambling exchanges, and exchange operators may also fall under Financial Conduct Authority regulations concerning financial spread betting and binary options restrictions. 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) -   Bank of America is assigning a huge value to sports event contracts in the United States. According to Bloomberg, the bank projects the annual market will hit approximately $1.1 trillion— a number derived from the scale of the existing sports betting industry and the distinct fee models employed by prediction platforms. Good to Know Bank of America pegs the U.S. sports event contract market at around $1.1 trillion annually. The bank anticipates that roughly 9% of this total— equivalent to some $100 billion in verified transactions— will materialize by 2026. Analysts link this positive outlook to federal regulatory backing, a younger user base, and the absence of gambling-like taxes on earnings. Bank of America Assigns a Significant Value to Sports Contracts While the profit potential is less than the headline figure, it’s still substantial. If prediction platforms retain just 1% of every dollar transacted via fees and comparable charges, a $1.1 trillion market would yield them over $10 billion in yearly revenue— which is why this forecast is notable beyond just the headline volume. The reasoning behind Bank of America’s perspective doesn’t rely on traditional sportsbook economics. Sportsbooks incorporate vig (juice) into their odds, whereas prediction exchanges typically generate revenue via transaction fees and related costs. This structure offers the sector a unique value proposition for users and a distinct margin profile for operators. Regulation is another key component of this outlook. Analysts cite federal support as a major factor driving the potential growth of prediction sports markets. This argument gained traction recently when a federal appeals court decided New Jersey couldn’t ban Kalshi’s offerings, as oversight falls under the CFTC rather than state gaming authorities.This doesn’t mean the path forward is entirely smooth. Nevada has prolonged its ban on Kalshi, and debates persist over whether sports event contracts should be classified as federally regulated swaps or gambling products governed by state laws. Thus, while the upside potential is significant, the legal landscape remains inconsistent. Bank of America also highlighted demand factors outside of regulation. Younger consumers are one driver, and geography is another. While sports betting is legal in numerous states, California and Texas still lack widespread legal sports wagering markets. As a result, prediction products could attract users from regions where sportsbook access is limited. The short-term forecast is also noteworthy. Bank of America predicts that around 9% of the total $1.1 trillion opportunity will be realized this year, translating to approximately $100 billion in verified transactions by the end of 2026. This would leave ample space between the current market size and the long-term target. 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.