Category: iGame

(AsiaGameHub) - AffPapa is rolling out four exclusive new categories for the AffPapa iGaming Awards 2026, redirecting part of the spotlight from companies to the individuals driving the industry’s progress. While the awards have historically focused on honoring brands in the iGaming sector, this year’s edition expands that scope to also highlight personal accomplishments and leadership contributions. The newly added categories for the AffPapa iGaming Awards 2026 are as follows: Woman Leader of the Year CEO of the Year Affiliate Manager of the Year Best Employer of the Year Designed to be more selective and targeted, these categories place a greater emphasis on individual contributors and workplace culture, rather than overall company performance. Levon Nikoghosyan, CEO at AffPapa, stated: Behind every high-performing company, there are always teams carrying out core work and keeping operations running smoothly. We wanted to shine more light on that side of the industry this year, as these are the people who also shape its future trajectory. The decision to launch these new categories aligns with the event’s newly adopted theme, “The Test of Time”, which centers on consistency, resilience, and long-term impact, recognizing those who have remained relevant while supporting the industry’s growth. Registration for the AffPapa iGaming Awards 2026 is still open, with affiliates, operators, and B2B providers invited to submit their brands for nomination, including for the new categories. Winners will be announced at the awards ceremony on the final day of the AffPapa Conference Madrid, held from May 18–20. Companies and industry professionals can sign up for the AffPapa iGaming Awards 2026 through the official event website. 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) - EveryMatrix has successfully enhanced its aggregation platform through a partnership with Eeze, enabling its global partners to access Eeze’s live dealer and RNG content portfolio. The two most significant new additions to EveryMatrix’s platform are the recently introduced Fusion Roulette and Eeze’s inaugural slot games. Bjorn Sjoberg, Chief Commercial Officer at EveryMatrix, said: We are delighted to incorporate Eeze’s complete product suite into our aggregation offering. With top-tier live products and an exciting lineup of RNG games in development, we are confident our clients will appreciate the distinctiveness these titles bring to the market. Mikko Hoglund, Partnership Manager at Eeze, added: Collaborating with EveryMatrix is a pivotal moment for us as we aim to introduce our games to a broader player network than ever. We have several exciting product launches planned for the coming months and are confident these games, along with our existing portfolio, will be well-received by EveryMatrix’s client base. Similarly, EveryMatrix has been expanding its footprint in the US market. Last month, it partnered with Ocean Casino Resort in New Jersey, making a vast selection of over 45,000 titles from more than 360 suppliers accessible to players on Ocean Resort’s online platform, betOcean, via EveryMatrix’s casino platform. This marked EveryMatrix’s fifth partnership in North America and third in the United States. The company currently holds licenses in Connecticut, Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia, as well as in Ontario, Canada. Its associates include bet365, BetPark Delaware North, and Pinnacle. Mark Burroughes, Chief Commercial Officer of Casino at EveryMatrix, said at the time: Collaborating with betOcean is a critical step in our growth strategy. Achieving a full aggregation integration in under four months, including regulatory approval, demonstrates our extensive expertise in delivering compliant content in the US. 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) - Bede Gaming has been granted provisional approval by the Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis (AGLC) board for a one-year supplier license. This authorization positions the company as a key participant in Alberta’s forthcoming fully regulated online gambling market, slated for launch later this year. This license, designated for iGaming Goods or Services Suppliers, permits Bede Gaming, a subsidiary of the German Merkur Group, to provide its platform and services to operators preparing for the launch of Alberta’s iGaming market. By securing its status as one of the earliest licensed suppliers in the province, Bede Gaming is poised to capitalize on the initial business opportunities presented by Alberta’s market opening. The company's technology stack, which is SOC 2 certified, includes its proprietary software alongside over 150 third-party integrations. Bede Gaming aims to facilitate market entry for its partners and support their long-term growth. Although the province is scheduled to begin registering operators in January 2026, some industry analysts anticipate that the market's growth trajectory could mirror that of Ontario's iGaming sector. Furthermore, Alberta is increasingly recognized as a significant entry point for international operators into the North American market. Colin Cole-Johnson, Chief Executive Officer at Bede Gaming, stated: Bede is pleased to have received conditional regulatory approval to operate in Alberta, which places us in an excellent position to assist operators with their upcoming expansions within the province. We have a sustained commitment to the Canadian iGaming industry, and I am enthusiastic about the promising opportunities that lie ahead in this new market. As one of the first applicants to be formally recognized by the regulator, Bede offers a genuinely localized service to its partners, and the fact that they are SOC 2 certified will enable them to commence operations immediately upon readiness for launch. 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 significant probe in Chile has identified 910 public employees who engaged in casino gambling despite a legal prohibition. This finding was detailed in the ‘Twentieth Consolidated Circularized Information Report’ released by the Office of the Comptroller General of the Republic (CGR). The breach was uncovered through a data comparison of public servant records from the Superintendency of Gambling Casinos. The audit focused on personnel responsible for managing or protecting state funds, revealing gambling activities that violate national statutes. According to the findings, these employees wagered more than 11.49 billion Chilean pesos between January 2024 and June 2025. Chilean legislation is very specific regarding these restrictions. Under Law 19.995, Article 10 (B): Individuals who, by virtue of their roles, manage or oversee public finances are strictly prohibited from participating in any form of casino gambling, whether directly or via intermediaries. The rationale for this ban is clearly stated: This restriction aims to protect public assets and ensure that those in positions of trust are not exposed to environments that might interfere with their professional obligations. The data indicates that a small minority was responsible for the bulk of the gambling. Specifically, 181 of the 910 identified officials accounted for 96.8% of the total wagers, totaling over 11.118 billion pesos. Furthermore, just 20 individuals were responsible for 5.392 billion pesos in bets. This group included a Chilean Air Force member who allegedly wagered 1.04 billion pesos. The scale of these transactions has sparked concerns regarding potential criminal conduct beyond administrative violations. The CGR remarked: The substantial volume of bets placed by the most active gamblers suggests that criminal offenses may have occurred. Consequently, the CGR has requested that the State Defense Council and the Public Prosecutor’s Office evaluate the necessity of launching criminal investigations. Additionally, 371 government agencies associated with the individuals involved have been notified. These include the Air Force, the national and investigative police, the Treasury, and various municipal governments. The CGR directed: These organizations are required to investigate the conduct of the implicated staff and implement appropriate disciplinary actions, which may include termination of employment. The names of the 910 officials have also been shared with the Superintendency of Gambling Casinos, allowing the regulator to pursue further oversight or legal action as required. This situation underscores the difficulties authorities face in enforcing gambling bans for public servants and could have major implications for government transparency and accountability in Chile. 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) - Splinterlands has forged an official partnership with AtomicHub with the objectives of reviving and upgrading the WAX bridge, boosting visibility for its card NFTs, and simplifying cross-chain access for collectors and players. Splinterlands has previously supported WAX transfers, and its official documentation still lists WAX as one of its longest-standing partners. Good to Know AtomicHub has confirmed that it facilitates NFT trading across WAX, Vaulta, XPR Network, Polygon, Immutable, and Avalanche. Splinterlands’ cards have long been eligible for trading outside of the in-game marketplace, including on WAX via AtomicHub. The immediate priority is a more streamlined WAX bridge and improved discoverability for Splinterlands’ digital assets across marketplaces. Splinterlands and AtomicHub Revive a Familiar Connection Instead of building a new system from scratch, the two parties are building upon an existing prior link. Splinterlands and AtomicHub previously collaborated on a WAX bridge that allowed assets to be transferred for secondary market trading. The current plan is to modernize this existing setup and make transfers more seamless for users seeking additional places to buy and sell their cards. For Splinterlands, liquidity is the central focus. A trading card game’s economy functions more effectively when players can set clear prices for their cards, trade at a faster pace, and connect with buyers across multiple blockchains. AtomicHub provides a broader storefront for this effort, as it already operates across several blockchains and has a long track record in NFT trading. This partnership also aligns with Splinterlands’ core operations. Launched in 2018, the game runs on the Hive blockchain and revolves around player-owned cards that can be traded or rented out. Splinterlands also highlights tournament rewards and a card rental model in its official support materials, making access to external marketplaces far more relevant than it would be for a closed-game economy. Looking further ahead, both teams have plans that extend beyond the WAX blockchain. AtomicHub’s multi-chain support gives Splinterlands a path to reach a wider audience of collectors if deeper integrations are implemented. No timelines or additional blockchains have been detailed as of yet, so the most concrete deliverable for now is the upgraded bridge. FAQ What is the main goal of the Splinterlands and AtomicHub partnership? The primary goals of this partnership are to enhance liquidity for Splinterlands’ assets, upgrade the WAX bridge, and expand access to card trading across blockchain ecosystems. Did Splinterlands and AtomicHub work together before? Yes. Splinterlands previously operated a WAX bridge and has had a presence for its cards on AtomicHub for a long time. Why does liquidity matter for Splinterlands cards? Improved liquidity leads to simpler price discovery, more active trading, and more accessible entry points for players looking to build decks without overpaying. This is an inference based on how Splinterlands’ cards are traded and rented within its native ecosystem. Which blockchains does AtomicHub support right now? AtomicHub has stated that it supports NFT trading across WAX, Vaulta, XPR Network, Polygon, Immutable, and Avalanche. 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) - Officials in Ireland have successfully entered a previously inaccessible Bitcoin wallet associated with a significant criminal forfeiture. This development allowed the Criminal Assets Bureau (CAB) to retrieve approximately 500 Bitcoin, valued at about $35.5 million based on current market rates. Good to Know The unlocked wallet is part of a group of 12 seized in 2019. The entire collection consists of roughly 6,000 Bitcoin. Technical assistance and decryption tools were provided by Europol. Ireland Successfully Accesses One Wallet in Ongoing Bitcoin Forfeiture Case For a long period, the confiscated Bitcoin remained out of reach due to missing private keys. This situation has partially resolved, as the Irish Times reported that CAB, in collaboration with Europol, managed to open a single wallet containing 500 Bitcoin. The assets are linked to the case of Clifton Collins, a convicted drug dealer. The origins of the case date back to 2011 and 2012, when Collins used profits from cannabis sales to purchase Bitcoin. He distributed the funds across 12 separate wallets but recorded the security details on a document that was subsequently lost. Previous reports indicated the codes were concealed in a fishing rod container that went missing during a property clearance. While the specific methods used to open the wallet remain undisclosed, Irish officials noted that Europol contributed sophisticated technical knowledge and decryption capabilities to the effort. Despite this success, the majority of the seized cryptocurrency remains inaccessible. Current estimates suggest the remaining balance is worth hundreds of millions of euros.For cryptocurrency holders, this event highlights the fundamental principle of digital asset custody: possessing the private keys is essential for control. Once these details are lost, regaining access is typically impossible without specialized forensic intervention. Ireland's recent success in recovering a portion of the funds suggests a breakthrough in their investigative approach. FAQ How much Bitcoin was recovered? Authorities gained access to 500 Bitcoin from one of the seized wallets. How many wallets were involved? The total holdings were distributed among 12 wallets. Who was the Bitcoin associated with? The assets were tied to Clifton Collins, an Irish drug trafficker.Why was the cryptocurrency inaccessible for so long? The login credentials were lost after being stored in a fishing rod case that was misplaced. Who assisted in the recovery? Europol provided the necessary technical and decryption support for the operation. 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) - Playson has launched 4 Scarab Coins Hold and Win, a new Egyptian-themed slot built around an all-new Mystic Feature and an expanded bonus structure. The title went live on March 26, retaining the well-known Hold and Win format while delivering more diverse feature options for both operators and players. Good to Know The game runs on a 5×3 grid, with up to four Scarab Coins able to land in a single spin. The new Mystic Feature can unlock up to six extra cells that hold coin or jackpot values. The game’s top Royal Jackpot pays out up to 10,000x the player’s bet. Playson Adds a New Bonus Layer to 4 Scarab Coins The core new addition is the unique Mystic Feature. Red Scarab Coins can open extra cells during the Hold and Win bonus, while Violet Scarab Coins trigger a Multi Feature with multipliers reaching up to 5x, and Blue Scarab Coins activate a Collect Feature that pulls together all values already on the game grid. This gives the slot a far more layered structure than a standard coin bonus game. A Royal Scarab Coin can also launch the Royal Bonus Game, which expands the playing grid to 5×5 and allows one or more Scarab Features to run at the same time. In the standard bonus round, filling 15 cells awards the 3,000x Grand Jackpot. In the Royal Bonus round, filling all 25 cells unlocks the 10,000x Royal Jackpot. There is another extra trigger in the form of the Golden Pot Feature. When it lands during either bonus game, it can transform into colored Scarab Coins, which can either strengthen an active feature or trigger an entirely new one. For casino operators, this type of layered bonus flow typically helps extend player session times, which is clearly a core goal of this new release. This final point is an inference drawn from the game’s design and Playson’s commentary around player engagement.Anton Ivannikov, CPO at Playson, said: “4 Scarab Coins: Hold and Win takes a proven fan-favorite concept and injects it with fresh energy through the introduction of the Mystic Feature. Combined with the expanded Royal Bonus Game, players can expect richer gameplay, more exciting big moments, and boosted win potential across every session. This is a perfect example of how we continually evolve our top titles to stay competitive in the modern online casino market.” This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

(AsiaGameHub) - The development of three full-scale casinos in downstate New York has the potential to create one of the nation's largest regional gaming hubs. According to a new analysis from CBRE Institutional Research, these three projects could generate an annual gross gaming revenue of $4.7 billion in a base scenario, with the potential to exceed $5.6 billion annually in a high-growth scenario once the developments are fully established after 2031. Key Insights CBRE projects a downside scenario of approximately $4.1 billion in annual revenue. Gaming revenue is anticipated to constitute roughly 70% to 72% of the total revenue for these resorts. The three approved projects are Resorts World New York City, Bally’s Bronx, and Metropolitan Park. CBRE Identifies Significant Potential for a Large Casino Market CBRE suggests that the downstate New York market is currently underserved, which supports the expectation that all three projects can achieve substantial casino revenue without immediate oversaturation. Under this outlook, the market would rank second in the United States, trailing only the Las Vegas Strip, once all three venues are fully operational. The participants are confirmed. Genting Malaysia is set to expand Resorts World New York City in Queens, Bally’s Corp will construct a facility in the Bronx, and Steve Cohen, in partnership with Hard Rock International, will develop Metropolitan Park near Citi Field. New York regulators granted approval for these projects in December 2025. Resorts World New York City may have an advantage in launching sooner. Industry reports indicate that table games could be introduced there by mid-2026, significantly ahead of the full development completion target around 2030 to 2031. CBRE also highlights the existing casino infrastructure, accessible transportation networks, and consistent visitor traffic near JFK Airport as factors that could facilitate a quicker ramp-up compared to a new greenfield site.Gaming is expected to be the primary revenue driver. CBRE forecasts that slots and table games will contribute approximately 70% to 72% of the total resort income, with hotels, food and beverage services, retail, and entertainment expected to add over $1 billion annually across the three locations. This suggests a New York model that relies more heavily on casino demand rather than the diversified resort offerings characteristic of Las Vegas.CBRE also notes that the projects are likely to benefit from a dense local population, robust transportation infrastructure, and the significant tourism appeal of New York City, which attracted around 65 million visitors in 2025. Nevertheless, local patronage is still anticipated to be the main source of gaming revenue. 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) - Stakelogic has unveiled Candy Links Bonanza 3, the latest installment in its Candy Links franchise. The slot maintains the series' emphasis on coin collection and multi-layered bonus features, while introducing enhanced functionality for Hot Spots, Free Spins, and jackpot opportunities. The launch was announced on March 26. Good to Know The game operates with 3,125 winning ways. Coin symbols contribute to the Hurricane Links panel, where connected lines can activate cash prizes. Free Spins and Wheel of Fortune jackpots represent the pinnacle of the bonus hierarchy. Candy Links Makes a Comeback With Enhanced Coin Mechanics Instead of overhauling the formula, Stakelogic has preserved the foundational design that distinguished previous Candy Links titles. The new release continues to utilize a 3,125-ways-to-win system, awarding payouts for left-to-right combinations. The gameplay centers on Coin symbols, which integrate with the Hurricane Links panel to generate additional winning potential. This panel serves as the primary mechanism. Accumulated Coins are held there, and when five Coins align horizontally, vertically, or diagonally, their combined worth is awarded. Multiple winning patterns can occur simultaneously. Since gathered Coins remain locked until the feature concludes, the system fosters gradual accumulation rather than fleeting single-spin wins. Stakelogic has further enriched the experience with supplementary features. Hot Spots may emerge on any spin, boosting payouts when Coins or special icons appear within them. Rocket, Chest, and Coin Machine symbols can modify the Hurricane Links panel by inserting Coins or increasing their values, accelerating advancement. This design provides tangible progression for players who prefer dynamic feature growth over monotonous base-game cycles.The Free Spins feature triggers when three or more Bonus symbols appear. Throughout this mode, Wilds and Multipliers may surface, while Hot Spots gain enhanced power by duplicating standard symbols. The bonus sequence culminates in the Wheel of Fortune, offering multipliers and jackpot tiers ranging from Mini to Mega. This launch aligns with Stakelogic's established strategy of revisiting successful franchises and fine-tuning their mechanics rather than developing entirely new concepts. Consequently, Candy Links Bonanza 3 functions more as an evolution than a reinvention, ensuring the popular slot format remains relevant for operators and players alike. This methodology also improves discoverability for keywords like online slots, candy-themed games, coin-feature slots, jackpot slots, Free Spins slots, and Hurricane Links mechanics. The objective is straightforward: maintain brand recognition while supplying operators with a new product to promote. James Jelliffe, Head of Slots at Stakelogic, commented: "Candy Links Bonanza has become a beloved series for us, making this the perfect moment to deliver a more expansive and vibrant third installment. Candy Links Bonanza 3 embraces the whimsical appeal that fans love about the game's universe, while injecting renewed vitality into the franchise." 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) - GGPoker has announced the return of its Bounty Hunters Series, scheduled to run from April 5 to April 28, 2026. This event promises at least $80,000,000 in guaranteed prizes and will focus on knockout poker formats, which continue to be highly popular in the online tournament market. Key Details Bounty Hunters Series Dates: April 5 - April 28, 2026. Total Guaranteed Prizes: Starting at $80,000,000. Daily Leaderboard Prizes: A boosted leaderboard will offer a total of $1,000,000 in prizes. GGPoker Features Bounty Action Throughout April Instead of concentrating on a single main event, GGPoker is distributing the focus across the entire series. The schedule is designed around bounty poker, where eliminating opponents directly results in cash rewards, significantly influencing tournament strategy. This is particularly relevant as progressive bounty and mystery bounty events tend to maintain player engagement, even with modest buy-ins. GGPoker is clearly leveraging this appeal for a comprehensive tournament offering in April. Three key events are highlighted at the beginning of the schedule. The $25 Mystery Bounty Mini Main, with a $2.5M guarantee, will have its Day 2 on April 13. Following this is the $5.40 Bounty Hunters Warm Up, guaranteeing $1M and concluding on April 20. The most significant event is the $108 Mystery Bounty Main Event, boasting a $5M guarantee, with Day 2 scheduled for April 27. GGPoker will also host special Bounty Hunters Series editions daily throughout the festival. An additional incentive is provided through the leaderboard competition. GGPoker has increased the Daily Leaderboard prize pool to $1,000,000 in total, with over $40,000 awarded each day. The top player each day will also earn the title of Daily Bounty King. This offers regular players an additional avenue for rewards beyond individual tournament results and helps the operator maintain player interest throughout the series, rather than solely on a few major days.Ontario will host its own version of the festival, with a dedicated schedule from April 5 to April 27, featuring $2M in guarantees, including a $250K Mystery Bounty Main Event. This ensures the series remains relevant in a regulated market while still being associated with the broader Bounty Hunters brand. This strategy allows GGPoker to pursue multiple promotional avenues simultaneously, encompassing online poker, bounty tournaments, and localized regulated competition.Mystery bounty poker continues to be a significant draw in the current online tournament landscape due to the unpredictable prize potential that arises when bounty envelopes are opened. Progressive bounty events operate differently but create a similar dynamic, as each elimination increases the value of future bounties. GGPoker is not introducing a new format but rather reinforcing a popular structure with substantial guarantees, accessible entry points for key events, and a prominent Main Event.Sarne Lightman, Managing Director at GGPoker, stated:“The Bounty Hunters Series is the ultimate expression of what GGPoker is about – high-stakes action, massive prizes, and an extra layer of strategy that keeps every hand exciting. With $80M in total guarantees and the addition of a boosted $1M daily leaderboard, we’re giving our players more reasons than ever to get in on the hunt. The mystery bounty format continues to be a massive hit, and with $5M guaranteed in the Main Event alone, the potential for life-changing knockouts is higher than ever.” 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 World Series of Poker (WSOP) is set to return to ESPN for its Main Event in 2026, following the finalization of a new multi-year agreement. Coverage is scheduled to commence on July 2 and will be broadcast across ESPN's platforms, culminating in a live three-night finale in early August. Key Details ESPN will broadcast approximately 100 hours of original WSOP programming annually. Coverage of the Main Event will begin with Day 1A on July 2. The final table play will pause on July 13 and then resume live from August 3 to August 5. ESPN Secures WSOP Return with Enhanced Main Event Television Strategy Rather than reserving significant changes for the conclusion, WSOP is structuring its entire broadcast around the Main Event from the outset. Under the terms of the new agreement, each day of the tournament will receive a minimum of six hours of programming. This approach offers poker enthusiasts more than just highlight reels and provides ESPN with a consistent summer sports offering, complete with daily narratives, player spotlights, shifts in chip counts, unfortunate hands, and on-table drama. A notable alteration occurs once the final table is determined. Play will halt on July 13 and then recommence 20 days later for a live conclusion on August 3, 4, and 5, airing from 9 p.m. to midnight EST. During this interim period, ESPN intends to broadcast curated prime-time episodes designed to introduce the finalists and build anticipation before the competition resumes. For the poker community, this means more opportunities to establish finalists as recognizable figures beyond their chip stacks. WSOP is also aiming to elevate its production quality to align with the standards expected in major professional sports. Omaha Productions is a partner in this endeavor, a company recognized for its work on projects such as Monday Night Football with Peyton and Eli, and Netflix series like Quarterback and Receiver. In the context of poker, this could translate to a more robust integration of live action, player backstories, high-pressure moments, and a more cohesive narrative surrounding the Main Event final table. ESPN announced the agreement on Thursday, with WSOP positioning it as part of a broader strategic initiative under its current owner, NSUS Group.The timing of this development is significant for WSOP. The brand transitioned ownership in late 2024 when Caesars completed the sale of WSOP intellectual property rights to NSUS Group for $500 million, with Ty Stewart continuing as CEO. The return of the Main Event to ESPN aligns with this new ownership phase and the objective of exposing poker to a wider mainstream audience. ESPN also has a long-standing relationship with WSOP, dating back several decades, providing the series with a familiar broadcast partner and extensive reach. Ty Stewart, CEO of the WSOP, stated: “The World Series of Poker is a global phenomenon that transcends the gaming category, and our goal is to bring it to the widest possible audience. Returning to ESPN – the home of our most iconic moments since 1987 – allows us to showcase the human drama of the Main Event like never before. With our new ownership’s commitment to growth, this is the perfect time to bring the ‘World Championship’ back to the biggest stage in sports.” Ashley O’Connor, Vice President, Programming & Acquisitions at ESPN, commented: “We’re proud to welcome the World Series of Poker back to ESPN. Poker is filled with unexpected storylines, and nobody is better equipped to showcase the stories that unfold throughout a tournament more than ESPN. Bringing the WSOP back reflects our continued commitment to delivering premium competition and that connects with fans in new and exciting ways.” From an iGaming and poker business perspective, the benefits extend beyond television viewership. Increased live coverage can stimulate interest in online satellites, poker content, brand collaborations, and cross-platform engagement related to the WSOP Main Event. It also offers casual viewers a more accessible entry point into No Limit Hold'em, a format that remains most effective on television when production effectively conveys stack pressure, player tells, and elimination scenarios. This broader exposure has historically been crucial for poker engagement, and WSOP clearly aims to replicate that impact. 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) - Codere is once again back in the spotlight following reports that the group has hired Jefferies and Macquarie Capital to lead a sale process that could value the business at over €2 billion. While the process remains in its early stages, the existing timeline already points to a busy spring and summer for one of the biggest players in Spain’s gambling industry. Good to Know Indicative bids are reportedly due by mid-May, with formal binding offers expected to be submitted by early July. The full transaction is expected to include Codere Online, the group’s digital business unit that is listed on Nasdaq. Codere is Spain’s second largest gambling and leisure operator, placing it just behind Cirsa in market size. Codere Moves Into a New Sale Window Rather than just a basic asset review, the reported process is structured as a full sale of the entire company with a relatively tight deadline. Expansion notes that indicative offers are due by mid-May, binding bids are expected to follow in early July, and the goal is to sign a final deal before the August summer break. Reuters confirmed these broad deal timelines in its own reporting, which adds greater credibility to the disclosed schedule. A shift in ownership is the core reason the group is now up for sale. After a 2024 debt-for-equity restructuring that removed control from the Martinez Sampedro family, Codere is now owned by roughly 84 different investment funds. Davidson Kempner holds the largest single stake at 13.3%, while other major investors include Palmerston Capital, Deltroit, System 2 Capital, and Invesco. A sale at this stage gives these stakeholders an opportunity to cash out following the recapitalization reset. Any potential buyer will acquire a broad, multi-market gambling footprint rather than a business focused on a single market. Founded in 1980, Codere operates across Spain, Italy, Argentina, Mexico, Panama, Colombia, and Uruguay, with business activity in both land-based gambling and online betting. This mix gives the group significant scale, but it also means any bidder must account for varying regulatory frameworks, local consumer trends, and country-specific risks all at once.One key detail stands out above others: Codere Online is expected to be included in the transaction. This matters because the digital unit is publicly listed on Nasdaq, so any full group deal will include a digital business with its own independent public market profile. For buyers, this can either increase the deal’s appeal or add complexity to the transaction structure, depending on how they plan to manage the listed subsidiary. Potential interest in the deal could come from both strategic industrial buyers and financial investors, though the gambling sector still creates limitations for part of the buyout market. Some private equity firms face ESG restrictions that limit their exposure to gambling assets, which may narrow the pool of bidders and give strategic buyers a clearer advantage. In practice, this is likely to leave a shorter but more serious list of qualified bidders as the process nears the July deadline. There is also a key financial backdrop worth noting. According to industry coverage published after the sale report emerged, Codere reported 2024 revenue of €1.346 billion and adjusted EBITDA of €179 million. These financial numbers help explain why investors may test a valuation above €2 billion, even though the final price will depend on bidder appetite and how the online business is structured within the overall deal. This valuation expectation is an inference based on Codere’s reported 2024 performance and the current sale 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.