Category: iGame

(AsiaGameHub) - Louisiana will not prohibit proposition betting and microbetting this year after a financial assessment highlighted worries about a significant loss of state income. Senator Katrina Jackson-Andrews stated she continues to consider the matter serious, but the anticipated budgetary impact compelled her to pause the effort for the time being. Good to Know A financial review indicated the state could forfeit close to $40 million annually if prop bets are eliminated. The proposed legislation focused on prop bets and microbets, which encompass wagers on minor in-game occurrences. Senator Katrina Jackson-Andrews stated her intention to re-examine the matter next year. Revenue Worries Halt Louisiana Prop Bet Proposal SB354, introduced by Sen. Katrina Jackson-Andrews in late February, sought to prohibit prop-style betting and microbetting at legal sportsbooks in Louisiana. These wagers include bets on specific, small events within a game, like the outcome of the first pitch in a baseball at-bat. Jackson-Andrews mentioned that Louisiana Progress, an advocacy organization for low-income and working-class residents, reached out to her regarding the issue. She also cited observations within her own family as sports betting became more prevalent. This combination motivated her to introduce the bill. Subsequently, the fiscal note arrived. After reviewing the figures, Jackson-Andrews withdrew her support.“It is an extremely serious issue that I need to revisit without this type of fiscal note on it,” she remarked about the prop betting bill during a Senate Judiciary B Committee hearing. “I realize the serious nature of what it does to the budget.” The Louisiana Legislative Fiscal Office projected the state's general fund could decrease by $21 million per year. Additional state-supported funds might see a further loss of $17 million. In total, the estimated annual reduction was nearly $40 million if prop bets were eliminated from the legal marketplace. “I try to bring very responsible legislation, and I believe this piece is a responsible piece of legislation, but also, serving on finance, understanding that if this bill moves forward, we will have to find that (millions of lost funding) for the state general fund,” Jackson-Andrews said. Louisiana sportsbooks currently provide major markets, futures, parlays, microbetting, and player props. Wagering on college player props is already prohibited, but legal operators can still offer these markets for professional athletes in sanctioned events.Safety Concerns Remain Under Discussion Despite the bill being stalled, the hearing clarified that the broader discussion is ongoing. Jackson-Andrews characterized prop bets and microbets as inherently “compulsive in nature,” though she confirmed she will not advance the issue until the following year. Judiciary B chairman Mike Reese stated that legislators must still address the societal aspects of sports betting, even if the financial consequences complicate immediate measures. “Senator … you and the other proponents that have spoken today brought up some very important issues, and I hope that the industry that’s present today is hearing what those concerns are from a social aspect, from a mental aspect, from the aspect on the impacts of our youth, many of which you and I would agree are more important to our state than the fiscal impact of the note,” Reese said. He also highlighted an additional challenge. If legal operators lose these betting markets, some gamblers might turn to offshore or illegal platforms. “But you have to balance that with the idea that there’s also this illegal market that could supplant whatever we were to take away from the regulated market makes the whole conversation relatively difficult,” Reese continued. “But I hope that the industry will come to the table and help us address maybe the shortcomings that you’ve pointed out here today.” Data from the Louisiana Gaming Control Board, reported by NOLA.com, shows that prop bets and microbets represent 40% of mobile sports betting handle in the state and 13% of retail sportsbook wagering. This helps clarify why the financial projection was so substantial.The analysis also suggested that consumer demand for gambling would probably not decrease significantly if prop bets vanished. Instead, spending would likely move to other legal gaming options. “Consumer activity is expected to shift to other available forms of gaming rather than be substantially reduced,” it states. “To the degree this happens, the projected negative revenue impacts may be mitigated to an unknown degree.” 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) - Following Washington's lawsuit against Kalshi in state court, Robinhood initiated its own federal case just days later. This new legal action intensifies the ongoing dispute over prediction markets, with state regulators asserting that these products resemble gambling, while operators contend that federal law governs them. Key Takeaways Robinhood filed a federal lawsuit against Washington after the state sued Kalshi in state court. Robinhood stated that Washington presents a "concrete and imminent threat" of enforcement action. This legal situation mirrors a previous case involving Massachusetts. Robinhood Seeks to Preempt Washington's Actions Robinhood's lawsuit was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington at Tacoma. The company's complaint stated, "there is a concrete and imminent threat that Washington will file an enforcement action against Robinhood as it did against Kalshi." This move was anticipated. Robinhood partnered with Kalshi last year, enabling the brokerage to offer prediction market event contracts through this alliance. Consequently, when Washington took action against Kalshi on Friday, Robinhood had clear grounds to believe it could be the next target, especially if the state prevailed or expanded its legal efforts. Robinhood is requesting an injunction from the court, stating, "prevent further harm to Robinhood, the Court should enjoin Defendants from enforcing preempted Washington law against Robinhood in contravention of the United States Constitution."Prediction markets continue to face legal challenges due to their ambiguous nature, which is interpreted differently by regulators and operators. The contracts can bear a resemblance to sports betting or other forms of gambling. State officials, observing this similarity, attempt to apply state gambling laws. Conversely, operators argue that federal oversight, rather than state law, is the applicable framework for these markets. A Recurring Legal Scenario is Emerging This sequence of events is not unique to Washington. The current legal battle closely resembles the situation in Massachusetts. In September, Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell sued Kalshi in state court, alleging illegal sports betting. Within days, Robinhood filed a federal lawsuit against Massachusetts. This repeated pattern offers insight into the industry's trajectory. Over a dozen state and tribal regulators are already engaged in legal disputes with prediction market operators, and the central question remains consistent: Can states utilize gambling laws to regulate these contracts, or does federal law preclude such actions? 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 Downtown Grand in Las Vegas is being prepared for a potential sale following a court-ordered receivership initiated in early January. This action follows a default on a $90 million construction loan, with court documents indicating that the lender is moving forward with recovery efforts. Good to Know The Downtown Grand was placed into receivership on January 5. The legal conflict involves a $90 million construction loan. The hotel-casino remains operational as preparations for a sale proceed. Receiver Initiates Sale Process for Downtown Grand Following a loan default by the owners, Banc of California successfully petitioned for court-sanctioned receivership. The Clark County District Court approved the request on an expedited basis, naming Paul Huygens of Province LLC as the receiver, with an amended order issued on January 6. The court determined that the Downtown Grand and its associated LLCs, which served as loan collateral, should be placed under the management of a third party. Since that time, the receiver has assumed full operational control of the premises. According to court filings, the ownership group originally obtained an $82.5 million loan in 2019 for the construction of a new hotel tower, which was increased by $7.5 million in August 2020. Banc of California, previously known as Pacific Western Bank, claimed that interest payments ceased on March 21, 2025, and that the loan remained unpaid upon its August 19, 2025, maturity date.Furthermore, the lender asserted that the ownership entities have been unable to meet their financial obligations since at least July 2024, characterizing the group as insolvent. Marketing Efforts Underway as Casino Operations Continue A stipulation and order dated March 5, which was noted on March 25, indicates that the receiver has begun the groundwork for a sale. The filing states that Huygens has “largely stabilized operations” with the assistance of additional funding provided by Banc of California. Preparations for the sale are currently in progress. A 53-page confidential information memorandum has been prepared, and an online data room containing over 500 documents has been established. Sale materials were distributed to 162 potential buyers on January 31. By the middle of February, 25 parties had executed nondisclosure agreements to access the data room, and 17 groups had participated in discussions with the receiver’s team. Huygens is anticipated to file a motion in the near future requesting court authorization for a formal sales procedure.The March 5 stipulation permits the receiver to operate under the Nevada Uniform Commercial Real Estate Receivership Act. This legislation allows a receiver to sell assets free and clear of subordinate liens and rights of redemption, a structure intended to streamline future transactions and maximize value. The act also affirms the receiver's authority to oversee contracts, leases, and vendor agreements while the property is under court supervision. The Nevada Gaming Control Board has not clarified whether the receiver requires temporary licensing or specific approvals to continue casino operations. A spokesperson stated that the board “is aware of the situation at Downtown Grand, and we are monitoring it closely,” but declined to provide further comment. At present, the Downtown Grand continues to function under receivership, with existing staff and vendors remaining in place as the sale process advances. Future court filings are expected to outline the bidding process, timeline, and requirements for prospective buyers, including whether a stalking-horse bidder will be designated. 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 Philippines is bolstering casino entry regulations for government workers following a new pact between Pagcor and the Department of Justice. This collaboration adds Department of Justice staff to the registry of individuals barred from gaming venues, providing regulators with an additional level of oversight in one of Asia's most accessible local casino markets. Key Highlights Pagcor and the Department of Justice finalized the pact on Monday Staff from the Department of Justice will be included in the casino exclusion database Pagcor's current restricted list contains approximately 600,000 individuals DOJ Partnership Expands Philippine Casino Restriction List A fresh data-sharing agreement between Pagcor and the Department of Justice is set to improve the enforcement of casino entry protocols in the Philippines. According to the Philippine News Agency, the memorandum of agreement ensures that Department of Justice personnel are now part of the database for restricted individuals. This development is significant for the domestic gaming sector, as the Philippines remains one of the few Asian jurisdictions where casinos are broadly open to both local residents and foreign tourists. However, this access is regulated; current laws already prohibit government officials and employees from gambling, and this new arrangement provides a more robust method for ensuring compliance. Alejandro Tengco, Chairman and CEO of Pagcor, stated that Monday's agreement is the first such partnership between the gaming regulator and a government body. He also noted the disparity between the current exclusion list and the total number of public employees. While Pagcor’s database currently lists about 600,000 names, there are roughly 4.5 million government workers across the nation. The inclusion of the Department of Justice alone adds substantial scale to the initiative. With approximately 60,000 employees across its central offices and linked agencies, adding this group to the registry could improve screening at gaming facilities and strengthen the enforcement of existing gambling bans. Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida characterized the deal as a move to protect public sector integrity. He remarked: “the presence of government officials and employees in gaming establishments, in violation of existing laws and regulations, undermines the ethical standards we are sworn to uphold.” He added: “This data-sharing initiative is both timely and necessary. By enabling a more efficient and accurate identification system, we strengthen enforcement mechanisms and ensure that policies are not only written but meaningfully implemented.” 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) - In 2024, Belgium’s regulated gambling revenue declined, bringing an end to the streak of growth that followed the COVID period. New data from the Belgian gambling regulator links the drop to softer in-person retail activity, weaker online performance, and pressure from regulatory changes introduced starting in 2023. Good to Know Belgium’s total GGR fell 4.86% to €1.61 billion in 2024 Online gambling still led the market, accounting for 57.1% of total GGR Land-based gambling declined faster than online gambling across most industry segments Belgium Gambling Revenue Drops as Retail Slows and New Regulations Take Effect Falling revenue from physical gambling drove most of the 2024 decline, even though online gambling revenue also dipped. Total gross gaming revenue across all licensed operators reached €1.61 billion, down from €1.69 billion one year prior. This marks the first full year of contraction for Belgium’s regulated gambling market since 2020. Online gambling still held the largest share of the national market. Licensed online operators generated €919.10 million, or 57.1% of total GGR, but the figure still fell 2.7% year over year. Land-based gambling hit €690.41 million, equal to 42.9% of the market, after a sharper 7.59% drop. Casino activity bucked the broader industry slowdown. Total casino GGR rose 7.32% to €638.45 million, with online casinos producing roughly three quarters of that total. Both offline and online casino segments recorded growth: offline casino revenue climbed 3.7% and online casino revenue grew 8.7%.All other segments posted weaker results. Revenue under arcade gambling licences fell 11.95% to €384.75 million. Online arcade activity dropped 23.8%, while offline revenue in this segment rose 4.24%. Low-stakes gaming fell 21.71% to €222 million, and cafe-based bingo also declined by 24.7%. Brick-and-Mortar Betting Shops Lose Market Ground Total sports betting GGR came in at €364.3 million, a 6.59% drop. Online betting held up better, slipping only 2.11%, while offline betting fell 13.58%. Traditional betting shops and outlets suffered an even harder hit, with a 17.9% year-over-year GGR decline. Part of this pressure stems from a reduction in active licences. The number of betting shop licences fell from 535 to 408 over two years. Retail outlets posted milder sales drops, and core sports betting products grew 4% in revenue. Meanwhile, horse racing betting and other non-core bets moved in the opposite direction, falling 32.8% and 44.7% respectively. The regulator attributes most of the overall market decline to tighter regulations rolled out starting in 2023. One major change banned cumulative sites, so operators can no longer host products from different licence types on a single platform. Arcade licence holders felt the impact of this change more than most groups. In some cases, operators moved products to casino or betting platforms, which shifted how revenue is counted across different licence classes.Other regulatory changes have added additional pressure. Belgium raised the minimum legal gambling age from 18 to 21. Authorities also banned promotional gambling bonuses, tightened advertising rules, and enforced ID and EPIS checks more strictly. While advertising limits have been a core part of Belgium’s gambling policy, the regulator says it remains unclear whether the changes actually improved player protection. The longer-term industry trend makes the 2024 result even more notable. Belgium’s online GGR grew roughly 60% from 2020 to 2023, including 18% growth in 2023 alone. Against this backdrop, the latest decline shows the market is no longer on a consistent upward growth path. The regulator also flagged another pressing concern. It says urgent research is needed to check whether players have started shifting to unregulated gambling sites. 2024 reporting was also delayed and more condensed than usual due to changes to financial reporting processes and understaffing in the financial control unit. 2025 figures are expected to be released on time. 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) - Seven gaming associations across the Western Balkans have united to establish the Balkan Gaming Federation, a new regional entity designed to foster tighter collaboration regarding regulation, enforcement, and industry growth. The pact was signed in Belgrade at a gathering organized by the Association of Gaming Operators of Serbia, with backing from the Association of Online Gaming and Gambling Operators in Bulgaria. Key Highlights The federation unites associations from Serbia, Bulgaria, Croatia, Romania, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and North Macedonia. The organization intends to prioritize the enforcement of laws against illegal gambling, compliance standards, and the coordination of legislation. A subsequent gathering is scheduled for May 26, taking place during the Belgrade Future Gaming expo. A Regional Group Focused on Enforcement and Coordination The newly formed federation aims to provide a more cohesive voice for the regional gaming sector without supplanting national trade organizations. Rather, it will serve as an overarching platform for operators, suppliers, and technology providers throughout the Balkans. Its initial focus is on practical matters. The group stated its intention to pool expertise and assets to bolster efforts against illicit gambling, combat unfair competition, and exchange regulatory insights across borders. Additionally, it intends to engage in collaborative lobbying regarding legislation, as well as organize regional events, business alliances, and marketing initiatives designed to elevate the Western Balkans' standing in the broader European gaming landscape. During the Belgrade meeting, attendees also examined market statistics, talked about initial contributions, and settled on a tentative brand identity. Furthermore, they established internal communication lines to facilitate smoother coordination of future projects.Diverse Markets, One Common Platform The participating nations represent markets that differ significantly. Serbia and Romania possess substantial online gambling industries that draw major international operators. Meanwhile, Croatia and Bulgaria feature robust land-based casino sectors alongside expanding online presence. Bosnia and Herzegovina's regulatory landscape remains more fragmented, a disparity the federation aims to address. Another topic of discussion in Belgrade concerned the new entity's relationship with EUROMAT, the wider European amusement and gaming association. While certain BGF members are already part of EUROMAT, the consensus was that the Balkan organization should operate as an independent regional cluster while maintaining connections to broader European networks. The roadmap for the near future is established. A further meeting is planned for May 26, with the objective of cementing the federation's governance framework and selecting a president by the fall of 2026. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

(AsiaGameHub) - Habanero has expanded its slot portfolio with another dragon-themed release, Fortune Dragon Joy: a high-volatility 5×3 game built around a Fortune Wheel, free spins, and a persistent multiplier. This slot operates across 28 paylines and offers a top win of up to 174,238x. Good to Know Fortune Dragon Joy is a 5×3 slot game featuring 28 paylines. This game features a Fortune Wheel that can activate randomly. The game’s maximum win potential reaches 174,238x. Fortune Wheel and Multiplier Power the Core Gameplay Fortune Dragon Joy draws on East Asian fortune-themed motifs and pairs them with feature-rich gameplay. The Fortune Wheel can appear at random to award instant cash prizes, multipliers, wild symbols, and bonus rewards. Another key gameplay element comes via Fa symbols, which uncover hidden rewards while building a multiplier. This multiplier carries over into the free spins round, giving players the chance to stack wins throughout their gaming session. Three or more scatter symbols will trigger the free spins mode, where the multiplier continues to grow and unlocks the game’s largest possible payouts. Habanero has also included its standard player engagement tools, including the Jackpot Race and the Buy Feature, which give operators more options for promotions and driving player activity. Toni Karapetrov, Head of Corporate Communications at Habanero, said: “Fortune Dragon Joy captures the energy and symbolic weight of Eastern fortune themes, combining the surprise of the Fortune Wheel with a multiplier system that rewards player progression. The game delivers a dynamic, engaging, and highly rewarding experience.” 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) - According to a new report commissioned by BOS, the Swedish Trade Association for Online Gambling, problem gambling rates in Sweden have dropped over the past two decades, even as online gambling has grown more accessible and been more widely marketed. The report was authored by economist Ola Nevander, who relied on the Problem Gambling Severity Index, or PGSI, to track shifts in rates over time. Good to Know The proportion of Swedish adults categorized as problem gamblers fell from 2.2% in 2008-09 to 1.3% in 2021. This amounts to roughly 57,000 fewer problem gamblers, a 35% overall decrease. As of March 2026, Sweden’s national self-exclusion system Spelpaus counted around 136,000 registered users. Problem Gambling Rates Fall in Sweden Even As Online Gambling Grows The report confirms that the overall rate of problem gambling among adult Swedes has declined over time, while the broader group of at-risk gamblers has also shrunk. The share of people with a PGSI score of 3 or higher fell from 2.2% to 1.3% between 2008-09 and 2021. The total number of at-risk gamblers, defined as people with a PGSI score of 1 or higher, dropped by an estimated 200,000 over the same period. Among adults who gambled online in the year before surveys were conducted, the decline was even sharper. Problem gambling rates in this group fell from 12% in 2008-09 to around 4% averaged across the four years from 2018 to 2021. At the same time, gambling activity itself has not declined in popularity. A separate survey cited in the report found that 18% of Swedes played online casino games in 2025, while 24% placed online wagers. The report puts this downward trend in the context of a much larger, expanded gambling market. Inflation-adjusted spending on gambling marketing grew roughly nine times between 2000 and 2024. The number of available online casino games increased more than tenfold between the mid-2000s and 2019. Internet and smartphone access also became nearly universal across Sweden by 2020. Even with all these changes, severe problem gambling rates stayed relatively stable, ranging between 0.3% and 0.6% of the population across the years studied. A key focus of the report is channelisation, which measures how much gambling activity occurs through licensed operators rather than unlicensed offshore sites. BOS says Sweden’s overall channelisation rate is currently around 85%, though the rate for online casino is slightly lower. The report argues that higher channelisation makes it easier to implement consumer protections such as duty of care requirements, self-exclusion tools, and data-based monitoring. It also compared Sweden to neighboring markets, noting channelisation rates of 91.5% in Norway and 91% in Denmark, while Finland’s rate was far lower at 48% before its upcoming licensing changes. Spelpaus also receives significant attention in the report. The national self-exclusion register had around 136,000 users in March 2026, equal to 1.6% of Sweden’s adult population. Even so, the report notes that survey data and helpline records indicate around half of self-excluded users still gamble, most often through unlicensed sites. On the topic of treatment and prevention, the report says machine learning tools built around transaction data look promising for identifying risky gambling behavior, though long-term outcomes still require more testing. CBT has shown clearer positive results. The report said: “Meta-analyses show that CBT can reduce the scale of gambling, gambling frequency and addiction symptoms when compared with control groups.” Sweden re-regulated online gambling in 2019, introducing a licensing system with defined responsibilities for operators, and the report suggests this framework has helped build a stronger foundation for reducing gambling-related harm. 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) - GR8 Tech has entered a new partnership with José Mourinho centered on Champions Club, the firm's exclusive community for operators seeking growth through discipline. This collaboration connects one of football's most prominent figures with a core message GR8 Tech promotes in the iGaming sector: success is driven by preparation, structure, and execution, not chance. Good to Know The collaboration is centered on Champions Club, GR8 Tech’s premium community for operators. GR8 Tech is connecting Mourinho’s tactical reputation to strategy, data, and execution within the iGaming industry. Additional campaigns and activations are anticipated under the Champions Club brand. GR8 Tech Taps into Mourinho’s Reputation for Discipline and Preparation According to GR8 Tech, the alliance is founded on the principles Mourinho is famous for in soccer: planning, structure, attention to detail, and performing under pressure. This aligns with the company’s proposition to operators, providing tools and platforms designed to enhance scale, efficiency, and competitiveness. Oleksandr Feshchenko, CEO of GR8 Tech, stated: “José Mourinho personifies the conviction that preparation, structure, and execution are the bedrock of sustained success.” He continued: “Just as in football, victory in iGaming stems from meticulous planning and the capacity to deliver when the pressure is on.”Mourinho mirrored this sentiment. He remarked: “The distinction between winning organizations and the others lies in culture—the dedication to preparation and excellence. I saw that instantly in GR8 Tech.” The firm indicated that this agreement marks just the beginning of a broader series of Champions Club initiatives. Operators should anticipate further campaigns and partnerships focused on the same theme of high performance, with GR8 Tech showcasing its technology stack as the tangible realization of this concept. This portfolio includes solutions like Crypto Turnkey, Hyper Turnkey, ULTIM8 Sportsbook, Infinite Casino Aggregation, and Aff.Tech. GR8 Tech also utilized the announcement to reinforce its standing in the market. The company noted it has executed over 100 deployments and secured multiple industry accolades, such as Platform Provider of the Year at the SBC Awards 2025. With Mourinho on board, GR8 Tech now has a high-profile figurehead to amplify its operator-centric sales narrative. 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 National Football League has designated Las Vegas as the host city for Super Bowl LXIII in 2029, with Allegiant Stadium officially named the venue following a vote by team owners at the league's annual meeting in Phoenix. This move returns the NFL's premier event to the city just five years after it first held the Super Bowl. Good to Know Las Vegas is set to stage its second Super Bowl in 2029. The inaugural event in 2024 attracted over 330,000 visitors and had an economic impact exceeding $1 billion. Allegiant Stadium is also scheduled to be the site of the College Football Playoff championship in 2027 and the Final Four in 2028. Las Vegas Builds on a Strong First Super Bowl The selection for 2029 came after an evaluation by the NFL Fan Engagement & Major Events Committee. League representatives emphasized that the success of the first Las Vegas Super Bowl was a key factor in the decision. That game, where Kansas City defeated San Francisco 25-22 in overtime, allowed the city to demonstrate its capacity to manage a huge sporting event, with the Strip, stadium, and ancillary activities all in close proximity. NFL commissioner Roger Goodell stated: “We’re excited to bring the Super Bowl back to Las Vegas and provide our fans another incredible experience in one of America’s greatest sports and entertainment destinations.”NFL executive vice president Peter O’Reilly also referenced the prior game, noting the league considered the 2024 Super Bowl a major success due to the city's impressive scope, vibrant atmosphere, and welcoming hospitality. This performance led to unanimous backing from team owners for a repeat visit. Steve Hill, president and CEO of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, commented: “We’re proud the NFL has selected Las Vegas to host Super Bowl LXIII.” Hill added that the first Super Bowl there illustrated Las Vegas's unique ability to fuse sports, entertainment, and hospitality into a single location.The city's sports schedule is becoming increasingly packed leading up to 2029. Allegiant Stadium will welcome the College Football Playoff national championship in 2027 and the Final Four in 2028. The Athletics are planned to start playing in a new Las Vegas ballpark in 2028, and an NBA expansion franchise may also debut that year. This continuous stream of major events is solidifying Las Vegas's position at the heart of the American sports industry. Mark Davis remarked: “We’re excited that the Super Bowl will be returning to Las Vegas and Allegiant Stadium in 2029.” Hill further noted that the effort to relocate the Raiders to Las Vegas and construct Allegiant Stadium has been “transformational for Las Vegas,” elevating the city's stature and preparing it for additional large-scale international events. In the week before the game, the metropolitan area is anticipated to hold a complete lineup of Super Bowl events, such as NFL Honors, the Super Bowl Experience presented by Jersey Mike’s, and Super Bowl Opening Night Fueled by Gatorade, plus community initiatives like NFL Source. On Location, the NFL's official hospitality partner, has launched a Priority Access deposit program offering fans early opportunities for tickets and hospitality packages. This award also underscores the evolving relationship between Las Vegas and the NFL. For a long time, the city's legal sports betting was a deterrent in the league's hosting considerations. That stance has shifted, and Las Vegas has subsequently become the Raiders' home, hosted the NFL Draft, and now landed another Super Bowl. 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) - Legislators in Tennessee are rapidly progressing with a bill to formally outlaw sweepstakes casinos, intensifying the challenges for the dual-currency model, which has been facing setbacks in multiple states. Good to Know The bill was advanced by a House committee in a 21-0 vote, with one member present who abstained from voting. A corresponding bill previously passed the Senate with a unanimous 32-0 vote in March. Once the law becomes effective in 2026, operators and their third-party vendors may be subject to both civil and criminal penalties. Tennessee Keeps the Bill Moving Without Resistance On Tuesday, the Tennessee House State and Local Government Committee passed the measure without any debate or apparent opposition. The legislation now proceeds to the Finance, Ways and Means Committee, with a subsequent vote by the full House expected. This development brings Tennessee near to finalizing the ban, particularly following the Senate's unanimous approval of a matching bill earlier this month. The proposed law has garnered extensive bipartisan backing and encountered minimal resistance throughout the legislative process. The legislation aims to officially prohibit online sweepstakes casinos that operate on a dual-currency system. It would also provide state authorities with a more defined legal avenue to pursue enforcement against the operators and their associated vendors.Tennessee is already among approximately a dozen states where many leading sweepstakes operators have ceased accepting customers. The current legislative effort seeks to codify this stance into law. Tennessee Keeps Sports Betting but Not Online Casino Play While Tennessee permits legal online sports betting, the state does not authorize physical casinos. It has also not made significant efforts to legalize real-money online slot machines or table games. Consequently, legislators are adopting a stricter approach against sweepstakes casinos rather than establishing a regulated market for online casino gaming. 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) - Sports betting activity in Missouri slowed significantly in February, as betting volume, revenue, and promotional expenditures all decreased compared to January. Despite this drop, the market still surpassed $1 billion in total wagers over its initial three months. Good to Know Missouri recorded a sports betting handle of $277 million in February, a 27.2% decrease from January. Gross revenue declined to $31.3 million, marking a 42% drop month-over-month. State tax revenue reached a new high of $1.2 million due to a reduction in promotional deductions. February Pullback Impacts Handle, Revenue, and Promotions Missouri bettors placed fewer wagers in February, and the decline was substantial. The Missouri Gaming Commission reported a combined retail and online handle of $277 million, down from January’s $380.4 million. Online platforms accounted for $273 million of that total. Gross revenue for the eight mobile and eight retail operators stood at $31.3 million. This was the lowest handle since the market launched in December 2025 and the first time the monthly hold rate fell below 14%, ending at 11.3%. Still, operators have now taken more than $1 billion in bets during the first three months of legal sports wagering, while Missouri’s total revenue has exceeded $180 million. The tax landscape shifted in the opposite direction. Missouri collected $1.2 million in February, its best month to date. December and January both saw tax collections below $600,000 because taxable revenue turned negative after heavy promotional deductions. This changed in February as free-play spending dropped to $11.4 million, down from $33 million in January and $125 million in December.FanDuel distributed $4.6 million in promotional wagers, down from $14.6 million the previous month. DraftKings cut its free-play spending by $6 million to $3.6 million. Fanatics offered over $815,000, less than half its January amount. bet365 was the only other operator with free-play spending above $1 million. DraftKings Leads as Football Betting Wanes DraftKings topped Missouri’s online sportsbooks in February with a handle of $104.9 million and gross revenue of $12.6 million. FanDuel followed with $92.5 million in handle and $11.9 million in revenue, boosted by a 12.9% hold rate nearly a full point higher than DraftKings’. bet365 was the only other operator with a handle over $20 million, taking in $20.4 million and holding 10.8%. BetMGM handled $19.2 million but had a hold rate of just 6.8%. Fanatics maintained a hold rate under 8.5% on nearly $18 million in wagers. Caesars came close to $12 million in handle, but a 6% hold rate kept profits modest. theScore Bet posted a 10.8% hold rate on more than $5 million in wagers, while Circa Sports earned less than $70,000 on a $1.4 million handle. Football betting fell sharply once the postseason schedule thinned out. Super Bowl LX between the Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots generated $11.7 million in wagers. In January, football handle excluding parlays hit $72 million during the NFL playoffs and College Football Playoff.Basketball led Missouri’s betting market for the second straight month with nearly $110 million in handle. Parlays also played a major role, attracting more than $91 million in wagers. 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.