Category: iGame

(AsiaGameHub) - Sports betting in the United States has undergone a major transformation over the past few years, more precisely, ever since the Supreme Court paved the way for individual states to legalize the activity in 2018. First valued at $7 billion when it launched, the sector steadily expanded to an impressive $167 billion by last year, a surge largely driven by mobile apps that have removed the previous limit restricting betting to casinos or dedicated sportsbooks. Today, nearly all wagers are placed online, making participation far more convenient and efficient for people. States that currently permit sports betting have already seen clear financial benefits, with tax revenues that serve as critical support for public budgets climbing steadily. In the meantime, the federal government only collects a tiny portion of these funds, via a long-standing 0.25% tax applied to every individual wager. This rate has remained unchanged for decades, and discussions around whether it should be adjusted have been growing increasingly prominent in Washington. 5% Tax Would Bring In $100B Over 10 Years Some analysts propose raising the tax rate to 5%, a shift that recent estimates show would generate nearly $100 billion in revenue over the next decade. An even higher rate, such as 10%, could produce as much as $182 billion from fiscal years 2027 to 2036, while reducing the total number of placed bets by 10%. This level of revenue would be enough to make the sports betting tax the second-largest federal excise tax in the country, trailing only the gas tax. The Fixed-Dollar Per-Bet Tax Proposal Apart from the 5% and 10% tax rate options, the Budget Lab "also modeled a more modest, fixed-dollar tax on sports wagers: $0.05 per transaction." The corresponding model notes it would "raise a far smaller amount of revenue, just $1.3 billion from FY2027 to 2036, compared to the 5% ad valorem tax, but over the long term its impact could be more notable by cutting the total number of bets placed." At the same time, proponents argue sports betting should be treated the same as other taxed activities, such as alcohol or tobacco sales, noting that a higher tax level would bring in meaningful revenue while potentially curbing excessive gambling. Wider concerns about the broader impacts of betting have also been raised, including financial hardship for some users and the growing normalization of gambling in mainstream sports culture. Critics, however, warn that higher taxes could drive people toward unregulated markets. Offshore websites and informal betting networks already operate, and stricter rules could make these options far more appealing to users. States that rely heavily on betting revenue have also voiced concerns, as a drop in betting activity would likely reduce their own tax income. Another recent policy change has already caught bettors' attention. Starting in 2026, gamblers will no longer be able to fully offset their losses against their winnings when calculating their tax liability. This means some people may owe taxes even if they break even on their betting activity overall. For now, lawmakers are weighing all available options. The sports betting industry continues to expand, but key questions remain over how it should be taxed and regulated in the years ahead. 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) - Gaming Corps, a publicly traded Swedish game developer, has entered into a partnership with Welsh operator DragonBet to bring its collection of casino games to what is considered one of the UK's most dynamic independent gaming brands. Under the agreement, DragonBet's player base will receive access to various Gaming Corps titles, among them the seasonal release 3 Pigs of Easter. This installment expands upon the developer's well-known 3 Pigs series, merging its characteristic Hold and Win gameplay with a vibrant spring theme. Additionally, DragonBet users will be able to enjoy Gaming Corps' broader selection of Slots, Plinko, Mine, Crash, and Table games. These offerings incorporate unique in-house mechanics like Smash4Cash, A-Maze-Cades, and X-My-Way, which establish consistency throughout the collection while enabling operators to provide experiences that are simultaneously novel and recognizable. Graham Greensmith, Chief Commercial Officer at Gaming Corps, said: “DragonBet represents a well-known retail betting shop that is developing its digital presence. Its unique character and deep British heritage set it apart in the market, and we recognize a strong synergy between their casino expansion strategy and how our content can serve as both a complement and a leading element of their casino selection. The operator is constructing a platform that merges tradition with contemporary digital amusement, positioning them as an ideal collaborator for us.” Dan Falvey, Casino Manager at DragonBet, added: “DragonBet has consistently valued maintaining its independent approach. Originating from the racetrack betting environment, we have always prioritized infusing our offerings with distinct character and personality in addition to high-quality content. As we broaden our online casino portfolio, collaborations with developers such as Gaming Corps enable us to present games that are both unique and captivating, while continuing to meet our players' entertainment expectations.” 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) - “Studios that endure are those prepared to innovate and explore new avenues, while remaining true to their foundational principles. While trend-following is straightforward, genuine success stems from understanding players, trusting one’s intuition, and consistently delivering high quality.” As the iGaming sector continues its rapid evolution, the imperative for innovation has intensified. However, true and lasting success extends beyond merely adopting the latest industry fads. Ahead of the HIPTHER Prague Summit, where Tom Horn Gaming will participate as a Grand Sponsor, CEO Ondrej Lapides offers his insights into the essential elements for developing games that achieve enduring appeal. In this exclusive discussion with Hipther, we delve into Tom Horn Gaming’s approach to product development. This includes how they balance innovation with familiar elements and design games that resonate across diverse player demographics and markets. The conversation also addresses the growing significance of player-centric design, fostering long-term engagement, and the industry shifts poised to influence slot development in 2026 and beyond. With Central and Eastern Europe increasingly asserting its prominence within the global iGaming sphere, the Prague Summit serves as a timely forum for exchanging ideas, sharing perspectives, and anticipating future industry directions. Tom Horn Gaming has observed numerous trends emerge and recede over its tenure in the industry. From your vantage point, what truly distinguishes studios that achieve lasting success from those that merely pursue fleeting popularity? From my perspective, longevity in this industry is fundamentally about balance and a deep conviction in one’s work. The studios that persist are those willing to experiment and embrace novelty, yet remain firmly rooted in their core values. While it’s easy to chase trends, what truly matters is a profound understanding of players, confidence in one’s instincts, and a consistent commitment to quality. When creativity is combined with discipline and a long-term vision, the resulting products resonate far beyond transient industry hype. Your game portfolio skillfully combines recognizable slot formats with proprietary mechanics such as QuickX. How do you determine when to introduce innovation versus when to refine existing, successful elements? It’s consistently a blend of data, accumulated experience, and intuition. Innovation is crucial, but it must never compromise clarity or player enjoyment. Sometimes, the most effective strategy is to take a proven concept and enhance it further. At other times, market indicators clearly signal that players are ready for something entirely new. Striking this balance is partly analytical and partly instinctive, developed over time through a comprehensive understanding of how players interact with games. Your games frequently integrate modern mechanics with highly recognizable slot characteristics. Why do you believe familiarity continues to play such a significant role in player engagement today? Player expectations exhibit considerable variation across different markets and segments. Some players favor classic slot gameplay that offers immediate familiarity, while others seek more experimental experiences. Our objective is to cater to both preferences by maintaining a diverse portfolio. Familiarity enhances accessibility and comfort, whereas modern mechanics introduce fresh excitement and deeper layers of engagement. Player attention spans are diminishing, yet expectations for engagement and excitement are simultaneously rising. How do you approach game design to ensure titles are instantly accessible without compromising their depth? This challenge fundamentally requires a greater investment of thought and effort into the design process. We allocate substantial resources to meticulously balance gameplay, ensuring the core experience is intuitive from the very first spin, while also sustaining engagement over extended periods. Achieving this equilibrium necessitates close collaboration among designers, mathematicians, and product teams to guarantee an experience that is both intuitive and rewarding. Observing your recent releases, there’s a clear emphasis on replayability over one-off novelty. How critical is long-term player value in the development of new games? Long-term engagement is indeed very important, but once again, it’s about achieving balance. Not every game is conceived with the same primary objective. Some are designed to deliver immediate excitement, while others aim for more prolonged play sessions. A robust portfolio requires both types. The key is ensuring that each game provides genuine value and encourages players to return. From your perspective as a slot supplier, which innovations do you anticipate will genuinely shape slot development in 2026 and beyond, and which current trends are unlikely to endure? We are already observing a growing demand for more layered gameplay and richer feature sets, a trend I expect to continue. Players are seeking more dynamic experiences rather than purely static mechanics. Concurrently, fast-paced formats like crash games have gained significant traction and are influencing expectations regarding immediacy and interaction. Nevertheless, not every trend will prove lasting. Ultimately, the games that succeed will be those that effectively combine innovation with strong fundamental principles and a clear understanding of player preferences across diverse markets. Your recent partnerships have significantly expanded distribution across Europe and Latin America, while also reinforcing a commitment to compliance-focused delivery. How can aggregation partnerships contribute to sustainable scaling across various regulated markets? Achieving scalable growth across regulated markets necessitates the right strategic partnerships and robust technical infrastructure. For this to function effectively, the technical integration must be resilient, seamless, and fully compliant with all regulatory mandates. When such a connection is expertly implemented and continuously optimized, it facilitates rapid content delivery to operators while upholding the reliability and compliance standards demanded by these markets. As Grand Stage Sponsor of the HIPTHER Prague Summit, what core message or perspective would you like operators, partners, and industry leaders to take away from Tom Horn Gaming’s presence at the event? Events like the Prague Summit hold particular value because they shine a light on Central and Eastern Europe, a region that is playing an increasingly vital role in the global iGaming landscape but often receives less attention than larger markets. For us, the true benefit lies in the exchange of knowledge. It presents an invaluable opportunity to discuss the latest industry developments, share practical insights derived from real-world operations, and compare experiences across different jurisdictions. Bringing these diverse perspectives together helps the industry collectively learn and gain actionable insights that can foster future growth and innovation. 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 Nevada court has mandated that the online prediction platform Kalshi halt its operations within the state for a minimum of two weeks, representing a significant intensification in the escalating conflict between regulators and prediction market operators across the United States. Nevada Court Blocks Kalshi in 14-Day Restraining Order The decision from the First Judicial District Court in Carson City establishes a 14-day temporary restraining order that bars the company from providing contracts related to sports, elections, or entertainment events without appropriate state approval. This marks the first time a US state has compelled Kalshi to stop its operations, even temporarily. The legal action originates from an ongoing disagreement that started in early 2025 when Nevada's gaming regulator ordered the platform to discontinue its event-based contracts. Officials contend that these products mirror conventional wagering and should be subject to the state's stringent gambling regulations. Kalshi insists that its products are financial instruments overseen at the federal level. Court filings indicate that the judge determined Nevada regulators were probable to prevail in their wider legal dispute. The order emphasized that the state implements thorough regulations on gambling activities and mandates that all operators secure licenses. It observed that Kalshi's business model, in which users risk money on unpredictable results and the company collects a commission, might satisfy the legal criteria for a wagering system under state law. Temporary Order Against Kalshi Highlights Tensions Between Gambling and Finance Rules The court additionally determined that permitting the company to persist in its operations could weaken Nevada's regulatory structure. Concerns encompassed the lack of ability to oversee participants, block minors from taking part, or guarantee the integrity of events connected to the contracts. Judges concluded that these potential dangers could result in irreversible damage, warranting prompt intervention. Since temporary restraining orders in Nevada are not subject to appeal, Kalshi must adhere to the suspension while the litigation continues. A subsequent hearing is set for early April, during which the court will evaluate whether to prolong the limitations for an extended duration. The ruling arrives amidst mounting legal scrutiny on the company throughout numerous states. Regulators across the country are scrutinizing prediction markets and asserting that they circumvent existing gambling regulations. Concurrently, federal agencies have indicated support for categorizing these platforms as components of the derivatives market, generating a complicated legal landscape. The result of Nevada's case could carry wider consequences for the futureof prediction markets in the US, as courts persist in deliberating whether these platforms should be governed by financial regulations or gambling statutes. 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) - Spanish iGaming firm R. Franco Digital has confirmed its attendance at Colombia's GAT Expo Cartagena, furthering its strategic expansion within Latin America's key regulated territories. From March 24 to 26, the provider will be stationed at the Las Américas Convention Center to exhibit its full suite of solutions and services, tailored specifically for the evolving needs of the Latin American gaming industry. The highlight of the showcase will be the IRIS platform, a robust, GLI-certified open architecture system from R. Franco Digital. Built to offer a unified experience across retail, sports betting, and casino sectors, IRIS provides operators with the necessary security, scalability, and flexibility for efficient multi-market growth. Alongside its technical solutions, R. Franco Digital will introduce its newest high-performing games, featuring titles like Strange Spins, Genie Triple Bonanza, Diamond King Gorilla, Luxury Blast, Zorro: Final Duel, and The Phantom. These games incorporate the localized themes and mechanics that define R. Franco Digital’s offerings, ensuring high engagement and relevance throughout the LatAm region. Javier Sacristán Franco, International Business Director of R. Franco Digital, commented: “Latin America remains a vital part of our international strategy. GAT Expo Cartagena offers a crucial platform for us to engage with partners and highlight how our technology adapts to the region's changing regulatory environment. “We look forward to presenting the newest versions of our IRIS platform and our growing game library, both of which are crafted to provide operational excellence for regulated LatAm operators.” This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

(AsiaGameHub) - Yaspa, a leading fintech focused on payments and identity solutions, has announced Cameron Flood’s appointment as Head of Product for the UK and Europe. In his new role, Flood will supervise all product development and new product launches for Yaspa across the UK and European markets. Flood is a seasoned product leader who most recently served as Head of Product at Shieldpay, a payments fintech that specializes in simplifying transactions for high-value and high-volume markets. In this position, he led product strategy and delivery for the company’s digital escrow and payment solutions, with a focus on streamlining complex financial workflows and securing high-stakes transactions, putting him in an ideal position to lead Yaspa’s product development in European iGaming markets. Before this role, Flood built a solid foundation in product management through a range of positions, including Product Manager at Vocalink, where he concentrated on building and rolling out real-time domestic payment infrastructure in markets such as Peru, the Philippines and Saudi Arabia. His career is marked by deep expertise in the fintech space, specifically in navigating the overlap between regulatory compliance, user experience, and technical scalability. Throughout his professional journey, he has consistently proven his ability to turn complex business needs into customer-centric product roadmaps, successfully closing the gap between engineering teams and commercial stakeholders. This week, Sifted named Yaspa the fourth fastest-growing startup in the UK and Ireland. Over the past 12 months, Yaspa took home the Real-Time Payments Innovation award at the 2025 Payments Awards and earned a spot on CB Insights’ Top 100 Fintechs, a global ranking that shines a spotlight on the most promising, innovative companies shaping the future of financial services. This recognition comes during a period of continuous growth for Yaspa over the past 18 months; the company closed a $12m investment round in July, led by Discerning Capital. This period of growth has culminated in the launch of its new Atlanta office in the US, as well as the opening of its tech hub in Leeds, UK, in August 2025. Yaspa’s CEO James Neville said: “We’re delighted to welcome Cameron to the team. His experience and expertise put him in the perfect position to keep driving product innovation across payments and data solutions in our core markets. Cameron will work closely with Max Collinge, our Vice President of Product who is based in the US; his on-the-ground experience will help ensure Yaspa remains a leader in product innovation in the payment sector for years to come.” Cameron Flood commented: “I’ve been impressed by everything Yaspa has already achieved, building payments solutions that don’t just move money faster, but deliver real-time intelligence that helps businesses grow responsibly. I’m excited to expand our product capabilities to serve even more businesses while upholding the innovation and customer focus that has driven Yaspa’s success.” This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.