Category: iGame

(AsiaGameHub) - Evoke, the operator of William Hill, is poised to close approximately 200 of its betting shops across the UK, with the initial closures slated to commence in May. This decision stems from the group grappling with increased operational costs, a more stringent tax environment, and an ongoing strategic review that could still lead to further modifications across the business. Good to Know Evoke intends to shut down about 200 outlets, which constitutes roughly 15% of its retail portfolio. The program for these closures is scheduled to begin in May. The broader strategic assessment might still encompass asset divestitures or other potential alternatives. Evoke Cuts Shops as Tax Pressure Builds The operator informed its staff on Tuesday that around 200 retail locations would be permanently closed. Evoke later confirmed this plan, stating that the closures are part of a wider strategic review that has been underway since December. This review extends beyond just the shops. The group has been evaluating options including a partial sale, a complete sale, and what it termed a “range of potential alternatives.” Consequently, while the closure plan is now clear, the ultimate outcome for the business remains undetermined. Pressure had been mounting for several months. Prior to the autumn budget, retail betting operators had warned that higher taxes could necessitate shop closures. When Chancellor Rachel Reeves confirmed a significant increase to Remote Gaming Duty and Remote Betting Duty, the threat became more immediate. Per Widerström, who served as chief executive at the time, subsequently confirmed in January that closures were forthcoming.One aspect of that tax change became effective today, while the increase in Remote Betting Duty is set to begin in April 2027. Evoke operates approximately 1,300 betting shops throughout the UK, making the planned reduction a substantial cut to the William Hill retail network. The company stated that the stores selected for closure are no longer viable under current market conditions. In a statement shared with iGaming.org, Evoke commented: “Following a comprehensive review and in light of increased cost pressures on the regulated sector, including significant tax increases announced by the government in last year’s autumn budget, we will be closing a number of shops that are no longer sustainable from May. “We are providing our full support to our retail colleagues who are impacted by these closures.“These decisions are never made lightly; however, in the face of rising cost pressures, we must take action to ensure we can continue to invest in our core retail estate, with the right shops, in the right locations.” Retail Betting Continues to Shrink Evoke is not an isolated case. Other major operators had previously cautioned that the tax increase could affect retail estates across the market. Betfred and Entain were among the groups that voiced concerns. Flutter also closed 57 shops in 2025 as the land-based betting sector continued to decline. 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) - Gibraltar has awarded its first license to a prediction markets operator, putting the territory at the forefront of a sector that remains unregulated across most of Europe. The approval was granted to Predict Street Ltd, while officials also signaled their expectation of further growth in this industry vertical. Good to Know Gibraltar granted a license to Predict Street Ltd on 26 March under the 2005 Gambling Act. Minister Nigel Feetham stated that prediction markets could develop into a significant growth area for Gibraltar. Malta is also developing a local regulatory framework, though Gibraltar appears to be the first European jurisdiction to issue a direct license for this type of operation. Gibraltar Takes an Early Lead on Prediction Markets The license was issued prior to the new Gambling Act taking effect, so Gibraltar utilized the older 2005 Gambling Act to secure the approval. During Tuesday’s parliamentary session, Minister for Justice, Trade and Industry Nigel Feetham remarked: “We anticipate this will become a major growth area for Gibraltar.” He further added: “A new license has been granted, notwithstanding that the new Gambling Act has not yet come into force and the new license had to be issued under the prior legislation. This marks record timing for the issuance of a regulatory license in Gibraltar.” Per Gibraltar’s gambling registry records, Predict Street Ltd was licensed as a betting intermediary on 26 March. Predictstreet.io notes that it serves as the official prediction market partner for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup, and displays a countdown leading to its April 9 launch. The platform is powered by ADI Chain, a blockchain services provider based in Abu Dhabi. The timing of this license is meaningful for Gibraltar. The territory has been seeking ways to strengthen its regulatory appeal after changes to UK gambling duties raised pressure on operators based there. Feetham shared that he has taken a more direct role in promoting Gibraltar’s regulatory offerings following those tax policy adjustments. Europe Remains Divided Over the Prediction Market Sector Gibraltar is now widely considered the first European jurisdiction to directly grant a license to a prediction markets operator. Malta is pursuing a similar regulatory path, but has not yet reached this milestone. On 26 March, Economy Minister Silvio Schembri stated that Malta is “actively exploring the emerging prediction market sector, an area seeing rapid global momentum which presents significant opportunities for innovation.” He also noted that any legislative changes would need to be “supported by a clear, forward-looking regulatory framework that enables responsible, large-scale development.” Across the rest of Europe, the regulatory landscape is far more restrictive. Germany and the Netherlands maintain strict limits on novelty-style sports betting markets, while countries including France and the Netherlands have classified prediction markets as illegal gambling or unlicensed financial products. Both nations have blocked Polymarket. This puts Gibraltar in a unique regulatory position. Rather than waiting for unified European guidelines, the territory has moved forward with issuing a license, giving Predict Street a competitive head start as European nations continue to debate how to classify prediction markets. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

(AsiaGameHub) - Gibraltar is exploring a new path to secure growth as it navigates headwinds brought on by the UK’s decision to raise gambling taxes. Nigel Feetham, the British Overseas Territory’s Minister for Justice, Trade and Industry, told parliament that the government had granted a license to a prediction markets firm, describing the sector as a “substantial area of potential growth” for Gibraltar. Gibraltar’s government lobbied intensely against the UK’s choice to increase online gambling tax, arguing the move would directly hit tax revenues and negatively impact the island’s economy. Nevertheless, UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced that remote gaming duty will nearly double to 40%, taking effect from today (1 April). A new 25% general betting duty rate for remote betting will also be rolled out starting April 2027. Feetham stated: “Following the implementation of the recent UK gambling duty hikes, I have taken on more direct responsibility for promoting Gibraltar’s regulatory offering. “There is no space for complacency, nor for unnecessary delays when enabling responsible economic activity in these key sectors. We must keep adapting decisively to a shifting global economic landscape. This is fully aligned with the government’s core strategic goal of economic diversification.” While Feetham has not yet publicly named the licensed firm in question, Predict Street Ltd has been added as a betting intermediary to the official register of approved licensed operators hosted on the Gibraltar government’s website. Per Predict Street’s official site, the company is the official prediction market partner of the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup and is scheduled to launch on 9 April. However, no reference to the company appears anywhere on the official FIFA World Cup website. Prediction market platforms including Kalshi and Polymarket have grown rapidly across the US, providing an alternative to standard online sports betting in states where the traditional vertical is currently prohibited. That rapid rise has been met with controversy, however, as critics argue these platforms are facilitating betting activity illegally. At the same time, a number of countries outside the US, including New Zealand, Australia and the Netherlands, have introduced explicit bans on prediction market operators. As a result, Gibraltar stands out as one of the few jurisdictions outside the US that appears receptive to building a hub for prediction markets, pointing to the significant potential economic benefits the sector can deliver. According to Eilers & Krejcik, prediction markets could see annual trading volumes hit one trillion dollars by 2030, a figure that underscores why Gibraltar is keen to take an open approach to the sector. Want to read more stories like this? Check out the new SBC Media YouTube Channel, the new home for all SBC multimedia content, where our team takes deep dives into the biggest headlines across the sports betting, iGaming, affiliate and payments industries. 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) - Nepal’s Ministry of Communications and Information Technology has initiated steps to enforce the nation's ban on online gambling by blocking access to associated applications and websites. According to reports from The Himalayan Times, these government directives were put into effect over the weekend, with officials implementing previously announced measures. The decision regarding online gambling platforms was finalized during a meeting chaired by Minister for Communications and Information Technology Bikram Timilsina, alongside ministry officials and division heads. Collaborative efforts between the Nepal Telecommunications Authority and the country's internet service providers were instrumental in disabling access to the targeted apps and websites. Crucially, the government is now blocking IP addresses within Nepal to expedite action against any remaining operators, aiming to prevent the growth of a black market under stricter domestic regulations. Prior to this ban, Nepal had a considerable grey market for online gambling, which had been experiencing a rise in user engagement. Reports indicate that this market was expanding at an approximate rate of 10% annually, largely driven by increased mobile phone usage and significant improvements in data quality. This action follows India's recent decision to enact the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gambling Bill 2025, which prohibits the promotion of real-money gaming due to its perceived negative societal consequences. It is suggested that a substantial number of Nepalese individuals engaged in gambling through Indian betting platforms, and the two countries share interconnected payment systems. India also moved swiftly to prevent its residents from participating in illegal gambling, establishing the Online Gaming Authority of India under the Electronics and IT Ministry to oversee enforcement and identify illicit activities. The Indian government has also confirmed that repeat offenders who violate the ban could face imprisonment and fines. Want to hear more stories like this? Check out the new SBC Media YouTube Channel, the new home of all things multimedia at SBC, where our team deep-dives into the biggest stories from across the sports betting, iGaming, affiliate and payments industries. 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 UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) has informed gambling licensees and other interested parties about two approaching deadlines concerning its assessment of regulations. The initial deadline is for the conclusion of the Commission's consultation regarding revisions to the Destination of Regulatory Settlements, set for April 2nd. This consultation is part of the regulator's adaptations subsequent to the implementation of the statutory levy, which is scheduled for April 2025 as a key provision of the Gambling Review's White Paper, High Stakes: Gambling Reform for the Digital Age. A re-evaluation of existing procedures was deemed essential because financial penalties levied by the UKGC are deposited into the UK's Consolidated Fund. Nevertheless, regulatory settlements and payments made instead of formal penalties have traditionally taken a different route, frequently supporting research, prevention, and treatment (RPT) programs independent of central government bodies. This approach has now become outdated due to the cessation of GambleAware's operations and the shift to a statutory levy framework. The levy consolidates RPT funding under designated public entities, bringing in more rigorous supervision, alignment, and assessment of fund distribution. Consequently, the UKGC has put forward a proposal to amend its Statement of Principles for Determining Financial Penalties, aiming to ensure that regulatory settlements correspond with financial penalties. The Commission suggests that all subsequent regulatory settlements should be paid directly into the Consolidated Fund, thereby guaranteeing uniformity, promptness, and governmental scrutiny of funds from enforcement actions. This initiative seeks to prevent the emergence of separate funding mechanisms alongside the statutory levy. In addition to this consultation, the UKGC has also noted advancements in the assessment of the Gambling Act Review (GAR). This evaluation is being carried out by the National Centre for Social Research (NatCen), which reports to the DCMS. Operators have been asked to take part in an online survey and subsequent interviews to offer their insights on how GAR reforms are being applied in practice. Important aspects under consideration include checks for financial vulnerability, limits on stakes for online slots, and incentives promoting social responsibility. The survey concludes on April 10th, and the Commission is urging widespread involvement to assist in shaping future regulatory improvements. Collectively, these two deadlines signify a crucial milestone for UK gambling policy. The consultation on regulatory settlements indicates the concluding stages of harmonizing enforcement procedures with the statutory levy, whereas the GAR evaluation aims to gauge the practical effects of one of the most extensive reform initiatives in the industry's recent past. For the industry, April represents more than just a procedural landmark; it signifies a shift from putting measures into effect to examining them, as regulators and the government start to evaluate the practical effectiveness of the UK's updated gambling framework. 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) - Potential operators have been alerted following Alberta's confirmation that its regulated online gambling sector is set to commence operations on July 13. Becoming Canada's second regulated jurisdiction alongside Ontario, the province has seen several major industry players confirm plans to enter a market projected to generate more than $700m annually. PointsBet and Caesars Entertainment have already initiated pre-registration processes for residents of Alberta prior to the official launch. Simultaneously, operators including BetMGM, DraftKings, FanDuel, and Betway have announced their entry into the market to expand their existing footprint in Canada. For Betway and its parent firm, Super Group, the primary task involves shifting players from their unregulated offerings to the new regulated platform. Before this regulatory framework, Play Alberta was the sole entity legally permitted to provide iGaming products. Nevertheless, it is believed that 70% of Alberta's gamblers participated in the unregulated market. In a February address to investors, Neal Menashe, CEO of Super Group, remarked: “It is known that Alberta is moving toward regulation. We are prepared, having drawn lessons from Ontario regarding the migration of customers from our dot.com operations. “We have improved our offerings for the rest of Canada as well as Ontario. These enhancements will be integrated into our Alberta product. Once the regulations are finalized and we are set to launch, we will proceed in Alberta.” Menashe also anticipated a more cautious strategy from Super Group’s rivals than was seen during Ontario's market opening, which was characterized by significant early marketing spend. Separately, DraftKings has designated funds for its Alberta expansion. Meanwhile, Flutter, the parent company of FanDuel, has factored the Alberta launch into its 2026 guidance for US operations, forecasting a 12% year-over-year revenue increase to $7.8bn. “We are entering 2026 from a position of strength, ready to leverage the sustained robust growth anticipated in the iGaming sector,” Flutter informed its investors. Significantly absent from the roster of confirmed entrants is bet365, which has yet to indicate its plans for the region. However, considering its existing operations in Ontario and its focus on North American expansion, Alberta likely represents a promising prospect for the UK-based operator. The operational framework of Alberta's market will be recognizable to many established operators due to its close resemblance to Ontario's model. A 20% tax on gross gaming revenue will be applied to operators, mirroring Ontario's rate, with the Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis (AGLC) serving as the regulatory body. This contrasts with the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario, which regulates that province. Additionally, the Alberta iGaming Corporation (AiGC) will function as a distinct conduct and management agency, fulfilling a role similar to that of iGaming Ontario. Central regulations for the new market prioritize social responsibility and player safety, implementing stringent rules regarding permissible advertising scope. Upon launch, Alberta players will gain access to a provincial self-exclusion registry as well as tools for setting financial and time limits. “In this new regulated environment, the protection of players and social responsibility are central to our operations,” stated a letter reviewed by iGaming Expert and authored by Dale Nally, the Minister of Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction, who oversees iGaming. “The introduction of a regulated iGaming market marks an exciting milestone for our province. I am confident that by collaborating, we can establish a market that is both competitive and socially responsible. The future of iGaming in Alberta is promising, and with your cooperation, we will ensure its success for all stakeholders.” In addition to the major operators previously noted, domestic and North American-centric brands like BetRivers, the ScoreBet, and NorthStar Gaming have declared declared their intention to apply for registration in Alberta. While many anticipated a market opening in the second quarter of 2026, Nally explained that the decision to delay until July was made in response to operator feedback indicating a need for additional time to meet the new market's compliance standards. 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) - HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) will no longer impose a 10% tax on gross profits earned by land-based bingo venues across the UK. This policy change was rolled out as part of the Budget announced by Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves back in November 2025, and the new rules officially take effect as of today (1 April 2026). HMRC has clarified that bingo operators will no longer be required to file tax returns for profits generated from land-based bingo play, and the department will update its official guidance in due course to reflect these new adjustments. A statement from the agency reads: “Bingo Duty operators currently registered with HMRC will retain the ability to submit any outstanding returns online until April 2030, and notify HMRC of any over-declarations or under-declarations from previous accounting periods.” The elimination of Bingo Duty will soften the financial blow for land-based bingo hall operators, coming into force the same day that HMRC enforces an increase to remote gaming duties (RGD) from 21% to 40% – a change that will impact all wagering on online bingo. HMRC reiterated: “Bingo Duty does not apply to non-profit making bingo, private domestic bingo, or machines that are already subject to Machine Games Duty.” After the Budget announcement in November, Rank Group Plc, the operator of Mecca Bingo, publicly welcomed the decision to remove the 10% tax from land-based bingo halls. The company stated that the change will help support local jobs and investment in the land-based sector, having previously warned that a failure to reform bingo taxation could lead to widespread venue closures. However, the wider response across the industry has been more cautious. Buzz Bingo CEO Dominic Mansour described the abolition of the tax as a “full house win” for local clubs, but warned that its positive impact is being diluted by the near-doubling of RGD. Ahead of the Budget, Mansour stressed that fairer tax treatment was essential to protecting around 2,500 jobs and sustaining the company’s network of 79 venues across the UK. Tensions remain around broader regulatory developments, with the government indicating that the sector needs to provide further assurances on player protection, particularly in higher-stake gaming environments. Frustration also persists over whether the Labour government will implement planned changes to the current 80/20 rule, which sets a limited ratio for category B and C/D gaming machines in high street bingo venues and Adult Gaming Centres (ADCs) This April, DCMS announced that it had intervened to freeze planned changes that would shift the machine ratio to 50/50. Citing pressure from local councils over high street gaming operations, DCMS noted that changes to gaming machine ratios would not be implemented during the current legislative cycle. Instead, DCMS will prioritise White Paper commitments such as the statutory levy and binding online stake limits for UK gambling licences. Land-based gambling trade bodies, including BACTA, as well as major operators, have expressed frustration over the slow pace of reform, arguing that delays are preventing bingo halls from generating the revenue needed to modernise and recover from pandemic disruption and rising operating costs. The Treasury had previously backed targeted reforms for gambling venues as part of a package of measures to ease rising cost pressures on high street businesses. While the abolition of Bingo Duty represents a long-awaited concession for the sector, its overall impact is softened by the broader tightening of gambling taxation, leaving operators to navigate a far more challenging operating environment under the UK’s new 40% RGD era. 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 study by Ygam indicates that social media is playing an increasingly significant role in how students engage with gambling. As unlicensed operators continue to infiltrate social media platforms, 34% of students who participate in gambling identified these platforms as a primary influence on their betting habits. Emily Tofield, Chief Executive Officer of Ygam, stated: “It is evident that the digital environment students inhabit is having a growing impact on gambling behaviors. We must proactively address these emerging risks to ensure students have the education and support necessary to protect themselves.” This follows warnings from the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) regarding the promotion of unlicensed operators on social media, with the regulator highlighting the “very limited progress” made by these platforms. Earlier this year, Tim Miller, the UKGC’s Executive Director of Research and Policy, criticized Meta, noting: “I would be very surprised if Meta, as one of the world’s largest tech companies, is unable to proactively use its own keyword tools to block illegal gambling advertisements. It creates the impression that they are content to ignore the issue and continue profiting from criminals and scammers until they are called out.” During the Illegal Gambling Prevention Summit last week, Rob Mabbett of Better Change cautioned that the UKGC is fighting a solitary battle against the black market and its advertising tactics. He stressed that young people face heightened risks due to content on social media, including interactions with influencers, celebrities, YouTubers, and the broader digital landscape. Mabbett argued for more robust regulation of big tech and social platforms, warning that the regulated sector is currently subject to policy decisions that are neither properly tested nor scrutinized. The influence of social media is clearly growing; in Ygam’s initial student gambling survey from 2022, fewer than one in four students cited it as a factor. Tofield has also urged universities and student unions to treat gambling harm with the same level of urgency as other risky behaviors, such as substance abuse. This aligns with recommendations from the coroner who investigated the 2020 death of Lee Adams, a gambling addict who died from a beta-blocker overdose following a prolonged gambling session. Julian Morris, Senior Coroner for Inner South London, suggested that medical professionals should screen for gambling issues just as they do for smoking or alcohol consumption. Ygam’s data further revealed that some students are spending more on gambling than on food. The charity noted an average gambling expenditure of £50.33. Comparing this to the National Student Money Survey, which reports an average weekly grocery spend of £33.70, Ygam suggests that some students are prioritizing gambling over essential nutrition. The study found that 65% of students have gambled in the past year, a decline from the 78% recorded in the inaugural 2022 Annual Student Gambling Survey. Additionally, the percentage of students reporting gambling-related harm dropped from 24% in 2023 to 18% in 2026. Further survey data indicates that slightly over half of student gamblers are primarily motivated by the desire to earn money. Male students are more likely to gamble than their female counterparts, with the average spend among male gamblers being more than double that of females. These concerns regarding increased spending align with recent figures from GamCare, which reported that the number of individuals seeking financial assistance through its Money Guidance Services doubled in 2025. Meanwhile, reported debt rose from £2.8m in 2024 to £7.2m last year, representing an average debt of £21,269 per person. Rising awareness On a more positive note, Ygam reported that 58% of students who gamble are aware of available support services, and 69% feel confident in their ability to access them. Additional data from GamStop shows that 60,000 individuals under the age of 25 are registered with the service, marking a 75% increase over the past five years. Fiona Palmer, CEO of The Gamstop Group, added: “The Annual Student Gambling Survey highlights a concerning lack of awareness regarding gambling risks and the impact on students struggling to manage their habits, though it is heartening to see greater recognition of the support that is available.” This data release coincides with the UK’s transition to a new NHS-led funding model for gambling harm treatment, supported by the Statutory Levy. However, there is growing anxiety regarding the effectiveness of this new system as charities await confirmation of government funding. The findings from Ygam and GamStop underscore the necessity of maintaining robust gambling harm treatment services to ensure that individuals of all ages can access the support they require. 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 Star Entertainment Group has successfully concluded an agreement with its joint venture partners concerning the Queen’s Wharf Brisbane and Gold Coast resorts. Nevertheless, the Australian casino operator might receive reduced compensation for managing the Queen’s Wharf Brisbane integrated resort after changes were made to the establishment's fixed monthly operator fee. Chow Tai Fook Enterprises Limited (CTFE) and Far East Consortium International Limited (FEC) have signed binding long-term agreements with The Star, which is currently operating under new management after the completion of a A$300m strategic investment by Bally’s Corporation and Investment Holdings late last year. The first phase of the transaction permits The Star to divest its 50% equity stake in the Destination Brisbane Consortium (DBC), which encompasses the Queen’s Wharf resort. The second phase pertains to the Destination Gold Coast Consortium (DGCC) and additional Brisbane properties that are either fully or partially owned by the operator. The Star has acquired full ownership of The Star Gold Coast assets, whereas CTFE and FEC are set to assume control of the Treasury Hotel and the Charlotte Street Car Park, both situated near the Queen’s Wharf resort. Monthly fee set at $1.5m? As stipulated by the transaction documents, the operator has finalized the sale of its 50% equity interest in DBC. Consequently, the fixed monthly operator fee stipulated in the DBC casino management agreement (CMA) has been revised and finalized. Effective immediately, the DBC casino operator fee due to The Star will consist of a fixed annual sum of AUS $18m, paid monthly (A$1.5m per month), as well as a performance-based incentive fee made up of two components, both linked to EBITDAM. The DBC also retains a performance termination right, enabling it to end the CMA under specific performance-related conditions, subject to a minimum of 90 days’ written notice. Apart from these modifications, the essential terms of the transaction remain unchanged in all material aspects. The completion of the first stage, involving the divestment of the Queen’s Wharf resort, fulfills the requirements of the refinancing arrangement The Star secured with WhiteHawk Capital Partners last month. Consequently, the company’s guarantee associated with the Queen’s Wharf debt facilities has been fully released. Regarding the second phase, which involves the DGCC and other Brisbane properties held by The Star, the operator noted that efforts to finalize it are ongoing. The conditions precedent are anticipated to be met during the second half of 2026, and no later than 31 March 2027. The Star aims to ‘strengthen’ in 2026 The Star seems to be honoring its commitments to investors after recently expressing optimism for the upcoming year during its H1 FY26 results announcement in March, following a turbulent end to 2025. The Star recorded A$585m in normalised net revenue for the first half of FY26 and a net loss exceeding A$75m. The new management team has implemented changes to operational and marketing strategies, introduced customer-focused initiatives, and enacted further cost reductions. Bruce Mathieson Jnr, Group Chief Executive Officer of The Star, remarked: “We are streamlining our corporate office, and essential support functions will be handled at the property level in Sydney, Gold Coast, and Brisbane. These changes are designed to bolster our financial position and support long-term success. “We continue to drive appropriate cost-out initiatives and are exploring and implementing measures to draw customers to our venues. We are dedicated to following a transparent, practical, and sustainable path that ensures our remediation plan meets the expected standards, while fostering consistency, embedment, and demonstrable maturity throughout the group. “Our properties hold immense potential, and we are committed to transforming The Star into leading entertainment destinations.” Casino licence suspension prolonged However, the New South Wales Independent Casino Commission (NICC) has recently extended the casino licence suspension for The Star Sydney. Following a pathway-to-suitability submission received by the NICC from The Star Sydney on 12 March, it was confirmed that the operator is not yet seeking a licence determination. The suspension affecting The Star Sydney has been in effect for more than three years, after the operator was deemed unfit to hold a casino licence. This determination followed reviews commissioned by the NICC and conducted by Adam Bell SC in October 2022 and August 2024, which uncovered numerous regulatory failures. Nicolas Weeks was appointed as the manager for The Star Sydney to enable gaming operations to persist at the venue. This latest extension ensures the casino licence suspension remains active, with Weeks’ tenure now extended until 30 September 2026, unless terminated earlier. 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) - For an extended period, African markets have been characterized by sports betting and, to some extent, crash games. However, over the past 12 months, a new trend has emerged, with online casino gaming experiencing a surge across African markets. This trend is particularly evident in South Africa, where a rapidly expanding new market is developing, with online casino serving as a primary driver of growth. A review of Super Group’s most recent quarterly report indicates a 37% year-on-year increase in Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR) for online casino. To delve deeper into this trend, iGaming Expert spoke with Matt Cowan, Commercial Director for EveryMatrix in Africa, to discuss the factors contributing to this shift and how operators can capitalize on evolving user behaviors. What is driving the change among South African players, who are transitioning from primarily sports bettors to increasingly engaging with casino games? The rapid expansion is fueled by both new players entering the market through casino offerings and existing sports bettors who are now also participating in casino games. The addressable market has effectively doubled; casino games tend to be more engaging and, unlike sports, do not have halves or off-seasons, making it unsurprising that casino is swiftly becoming dominant. Does this underscore the importance for operators to implement effective cross-selling strategies, particularly during significant sporting events like this summer's World Cup? Matt Cowan – EveryMatrix Africa. Image Source: EveryMatrix Absolutely. Casino games are available 'always on.' While this summer's Football World Cup represents one of the most effective acquisition opportunities an operator could wish for, casual players might only place bets during the tournament or while games are in progress before churning. Casino games enable operators to retain these players long after the tournament concludes. They also serve as a means to keep players engaged on the platform before, during, and after matches. Developing gamified challenges that span both verticals, encouraging players to explore casino options, is crucial. EngageSuite is currently the leading product on the market for operators to achieve this most effectively. Do you foresee this trend being replicated in other African markets where sports and crash games typically hold the most popularity? This is already occurring in key markets such as Kenya and Tanzania. Sports and crash games still dominate, but as the player base matures and begins to seek more sophisticated and dynamic gaming experiences, the natural progression will be to try slots. It is only a matter of time. What kinds of opportunities does this growing demand for slots present for both operators and game providers, such as SlotMatrix? The quicker operators can bring a diverse range of games to market, the better. The casino sector evolves rapidly, but EveryMatrix moves even faster. Managing numerous commercial agreements, vendor relationships, and integrations can be a significant challenge for operators. Our casino management platform and aggregation services not only resolve these issues but also substantially enhance operational efficiency through their functionality. They offer a single point of access to the most extensive selection of real-money casino content globally. When combined with our localized expertise and exceptional post-sales support, we are the definitive choice for casino aggregation. Are there specific types of content that particularly appeal to South African players? Simple slot mechanics continue to be the most popular. Although South Africa represents the most developed slots market on the continent, it is still relatively nascent in global terms, with players keen to understand their winning potential and the methods to achieve it. Volatility is also a key factor in players' decisions regarding which games they prefer, with a significant portion of South African players favoring high volatility and high maximum win game variations, such as Pragmatic’s Super Scatter games or No Limit City’s titles with a 50,000x maximum win, like Duck Hunters. How is EveryMatrix positioned to capitalize on this increased demand for casino games? With a team of experts possessing decades of experience in the gaming industry, EveryMatrix understands the strategies operators need to implement to maximize their profitability in the casino sector. In addition to our expertise, our product suite solidifies our standing as the leading casino aggregator in Africa. Through our casino management platform and comprehensive content library, we provide operators with access to the world's largest portfolio of games, including exclusive content unavailable elsewhere. Our EngageSuite product also ensures that operators effectively retain players in highly competitive markets. By utilizing bonus campaigns, mini-tournaments, gamification, and CRM tools, we offer solutions to some of the most common challenges faced by operators. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.