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(AsiaGameHub) - The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) has moved to immediately revoke the B2C gaming service licence of Winzon Group, with the decision taking effect retroactively from 11 March 2026. Winzon’s licence was cancelled under the proviso of reg. 10 (2) (b) of the Gaming Compliance and Enforcement Regulations (S.L. 583.06), a legal mechanism that allows the regulator to bypass the standard 20-day show cause notice period. Consequently, the operator has been instructed to cease all activities at once and must: Inform players of the revocation via email and on its websites for a duration of 30 days. Refund all legitimate players and submit a transaction report to the authority, supported by bank statements as verification. Manage personal data in compliance with its privacy policy and relevant data protection laws, ensuring players are notified accordingly. Eliminate all MGA branding and authorisation references from its digital platforms. Settle €46,693.23 in unpaid MGA fees, covering annual licence costs and minimum compliance contributions. Pay €147,080 in administrative penalties resulting from various breaches of the Act and its associated regulatory instruments. The MGA further noted that Winzon remains responsible for all applicable obligations arising from the Act and any other relevant regulatory frameworks. Winzon previously operated more than 40 MGA-approved websites, featuring software from providers such as Tom Horn Gaming, Oryx Gaming, Booming Games, EveryMatrix and Relax Gaming. Updates to Malta VAT and taxation The revocation of Winzon’s licence coincides with updates to Malta’s gaming tax system by the MGA and the Malta Tax and Customs Administration (MTCA). Following the publication of legal notices 84 and 86, these reforms aim to provide greater transparency and predictability for operators. The changes include amendments to the VAT Act, specifically clarifying exemptions and implementing rules for place of supply and input VAT recovery. Revisions will also be made to gaming tax regulations, introducing simplified and fair tax rates for both land-based and online operators providing qualifying gaming services in Malta. This includes merging the gaming tax and device levy into a single, streamlined tax structure based on game type and delivery method. The MGA stated that these updates were driven by industry input and are part of its 2026 budget, with the gaming tax framework designed to maintain a balanced impact on Malta’s gaming sector. “Taken together, these coordinated reforms represent a measured and forward‑looking policy response that strengthens Malta’s fiscal resilience, regulatory clarity and international standing as a leading gaming jurisdiction,” the authority stated. “They provide operators with greater certainty and efficiency, while ensuring Malta remains a stable and competitive base for gaming businesses.” The new measures are scheduled to take effect on 1 October 2026, with additional guidance from the MGA and MTCA expected to be released in due course. Looking for more industry news? Visit the new SBC Media YouTube Channel, the home for all multimedia content at SBC, where our team explores the biggest developments in sports betting, iGaming, affiliates, and payments. 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) - Lithuania's Ministry of Finance has proposed the introduction of a compulsory 'gambler's card' to give authorities direct oversight of citizens' gambling activities. Finance Minister Kristupas Vaitiekūnas supports the initiative, aiming to incorporate it into the country's broader strategy to establish a new gambling framework by 2028. According to Vaitiekūnas, the card would be the central component of a new unified monitoring system, designed to track how consumers interact with the eight operators licensed by the Gambling Control Authority (LPT). He sees the card as a conclusive step to seal any regulatory gaps and guarantee adherence to laws enacted since 2025. “The gambler’s card would be a shared profile within the information system. All gambling companies would access this data, see when a person hits their limit, and prevent further play,” Vaitiekūnas stated, describing the reform's primary goal. The Seimas started rolling out the first phase of Lithuania's gambling rules in 2024. This process commenced with raising the legal gambling age from 18 to 21 on 1 January 2025, accompanied by extensive advertising bans across digital, broadcast, and sponsorship mediums. The Ministry notes that current responsible gambling tools are voluntary, allowing players to set limits per operator, but lack a universal application. The gambler's card aims to address this discrepancy by mandating limits across the board. A specialized 'Gambling Supervision Service' will manage the central registry, offering live data on player actions such as deposits, losses, and wins. This ensures that once a limit is met, gambling is halted on all licensed sites. This action is one element of a larger set of structural reforms, especially concerning anti-money laundering efforts. Starting in 2026, all banks licensed by the Bank of Lithuania must observe gambling-related transactions and alert the LPT to any suspicious activity. These financial entities must also halt payments to blacklisted operators within a day of being notified by regulators. Failure to comply can result in fines reaching €6,000, with increased penalties for subsequent violations. Collectively, these steps represent a synchronized regulatory overhaul intended to boost consumer safeguards and reduce the market presence of unlicensed operators. A staged implementation is planned. The first regulatory adjustments are set for May 2027, with the complete gambler's card system expected to be operational by 2029. This grace period is to allow operators to adjust to new compliance and technical standards. Nevertheless, the proposal has been met with some wariness. Although there is widespread backing for stronger responsible gambling protocols, worries remain regarding the expense and intricacy of setting up a centralized system, alongside debates about potential infringements on civil liberties. 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) - As emerging technology and shifting player expectations continue to transform the iGaming industry, SBC Summit Malta will host sessions dedicated to helping stakeholders confidently navigate the sector’s next phase. Held from 29 to 30 April, the event’s conference programme will offer 6,000 industry stakeholders a focused look at how operators can translate emerging trends and new technologies into practical, competitive casino strategies. The programme follows a two-part structure. Product Visionaries, on 29 April, will unpack the strategic thinking behind the latest casino developments. Product In Practice on 30 April will shift to hands-on workshops, allowing delegates to turn those ideas into actionable frameworks. Sessions will cover key topics such as the rise of crypto casinos, the future of slot and casino content and how casino operators can rank highly across AI search. Rasmus Sojmark, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of SBC, stated: “Casino innovation isn’t just about launching new features, it’s about delivering experiences players actually want to return to. From content and UX to AI and payments, operators need to be far more deliberate in how they build their products. These sessions are about helping them make smarter decisions, faster.” The session, ‘Casino vs Sports: Can Gamification Truly Cross Over?’, will examine how gamification is being used across both casino and sports betting, and whether the two verticals can learn from each other. Experts Alex Tomic (Founder, Alea), Brian Christner (Chief Online Gaming, Grand Casino Baden), Alexis Wicén (CEO, Unibo), Mykhailo Kachanov (CBDO, Slot Catalogue), and Shahar Attias (Founder, Hybrid Interaction) will break down the standout mechanics in each vertical and assess which are most transferable. The panel will also examine whether gamification is genuinely driving player loyalty and engagement, or simply riding the wave of industry hype. The focus will then shift to how slot design is evolving into a more immersive and socially driven experience on the panel, ‘Casino Product Innovation & Content: The Future of Slots’. Experts Janick Bonnici (Principal Gaming Content Manager, Betsson Group), Steve Cutler (CEO and co-founder, KALAMBA), Petr Vonarshenko (Senior Business Development Manager, ELA Games) and Arjan Korstjens (Principal, Casino Marketing Academy) will explore how branded crossovers and release strategies are reshaping player expectations. Discussions will also touch on whether slots can evolve from standalone games into shared entertainment experiences that keep players coming back. Day two will move from insight to application, with a series of workshops designed to help attendees build and refine their own casino strategies. ‘What Will Casinos Look Like in 2036?’ will open the floor to a forward-looking, Ask-Me-Anything discussion on the future of casinos. Led by Korstjens and Dan Phillips (CEO, NEL Advisory), the session will explore how player behaviour, product innovation and operator strategy may shift over the next decade. From AI-driven game development to new mechanics that could disrupt the sector, this audience-led workshop will offer an unfiltered view of where the casino sector could be heading and how operators can prepare now. As AI reshapes how players discover brands, the workshop ‘The Future of Casino Search is Vertical’ will provide practical guidance on how operators can increase their visibility and influence within AI-driven search. Led by Ionut Constantinescu (CEO of Marlin Media), the session will break down how discovery is shifting from rankings to recommendations, and what that means for operators looking to capture attention in a more automated, AI-led environment. Alongside its casino focus, SBC Summit Malta’s agenda will feature dedicated tracks on marketing, regulation and product, as well as two workshop rooms. Workshop rooms will cover topics such as policy & PR, European markets, affiliation and leadership. Secure Your Tickets to SBC Summit Malta Group Pass 3+ (VIP Pass): Available for groups of three or more, this pass grants full access to conference sessions, the expo floor and networking events, all for a discounted rate of €400 per person. Single VIP Passes can be purchased at the full price of €600. Looking for an Expo+ Pass? It’s yours for €150. If you are an operator or affiliate, you can apply for a free pass! Operators can apply for a complimentary pass here | Affiliates can apply for complimentary passes here. 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) - Optimove has entered into an agreement to acquire Smartico, with the deal structured to allow both companies to operate independently. Their respective brands, teams, product roadmaps, and day-to-day operational control will remain separate, and the Smartico founding team will retain full authority over the company’s strategy and daily operations. The transaction was announced on April 6 and is expected to close in the coming weeks, with no financial terms disclosed. Good to Know The founding team of Smartico — Arman Gal, Anton Antropov, Sergey Kobitskiy, and Yuval Mechoullam — will continue to lead the company. Smartico’s product suite encompasses CRM automation tools, gamification features, bonus utilities, AI models, jackpot systems, free-to-play mini-games, and raffle platforms. This acquisition marks Optimove’s fourth, following its purchases of DynamicMail, Axonite, and Adact. Optimove Maintains Smartico’s Independence in New CRM Acquisition Instead of folding Smartico into its existing product stack, Optimove is supporting a dual-brand framework. This choice is significant because both companies compete in the same iGaming CRM market: Optimove focuses on data-driven CRM and AI-powered decisioning tools, while Smartico has built its brand around CRM solutions directly integrated with gamification. Optimove has confirmed that both platforms will continue to compete in the marketplace. The timing of the deal is not arbitrary. Optimove cited that the global online gambling market was valued at $95.3 billion in 2024, with industry forecasts projecting a value of $185.17 billion by 2033, even as operators face increasingly regulated markets and heightened compliance pressures across regions. Smartico is the newer of the two companies. Founded in Bulgaria, its leadership team consists of Arman Gal, Anton Antropov, Sergey Kobitskiy, and Yuval Mechoullam. Its platform combines CRM automation with missions, badges, tournaments, jackpots, free-to-play mini-games, bonus tools, raffles, and AI models all within a single unified platform.Optimove is the more established business. Co-founded by Pini Yakuel in 2012, the company announced in 2021 that it had been bootstrapped for its first five years before securing a $75 million investment round led by Summit Partners. Summit also shared that Optimove has offices in Tel Aviv, New York, and London, and has maintained healthy profit margins while scaling its operations. The Smartico acquisition also aligns with Optimove’s long-term acquisition strategy. After prior deals for DynamicMail and Axonite, Optimove purchased gamification firm Adact in March 2025, meaning this latest purchase strengthens its strategy that has leaned into both mergers and acquisitions and organic product expansion. 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) - Ripple noted that Africa’s digital asset policy is no longer a single unified narrative. It is evolving into a patchwork of national regulatory frameworks, each advancing at its own unique pace, with South Africa, Kenya, Mauritius, and Nigeria leading the majority of current regulatory efforts. Good to Know Ripple reports that roughly eight African nations currently have some form of crypto-specific regulation, with additional countries still developing formal regulatory frameworks. Chainalysis shared that Sub-Saharan Africa received over $205 billion in on-chain transaction value between July 2024 and June 2025, marking a roughly 52% year-over-year increase. Ripple ties this heightened demand to remittances, cross-border trade, mobile-first financial services, and rising stablecoin adoption. Africa’s Crypto Regulations Continue to Take Form This analysis begins with adoption usage rather than regulatory policy. Chainalysis found that Sub-Saharan Africa was the third-fastest-growing crypto region in its 2025 regional study, supported by retail activity, trade flows, and widespread use of digital assets in areas where banking access and cross-border payment options remain limited. Ripple uses this context to argue that clearer regulations are now becoming a key part of the next phase of market expansion. South Africa remains the most prominent example of a mature regulatory framework. Ripple noted that crypto assets are classified as financial products there, and service providers must register and operate under the oversight of the FSCA and FIC. Kenya is at a later stage of development but still making progress, with a legal framework for virtual asset service providers now enacted and still being refined through public consultation. Mauritius has expanded its licensing requirements and added guidance for stablecoins, while Nigeria has integrated digital assets into its securities regulatory framework and relaxed prior banking restrictions on licensed service providers. Beyond that leading group, the regulatory landscape becomes more inconsistent. Ripple shared that Ghana has implemented initial registration requirements, while Botswana, Namibia, and Seychelles are either drafting or implementing crypto-specific regulations. Ethiopia, Morocco, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Uganda are still in earlier review phases, evaluating how digital asset policy can align with local financial priorities. What makes this region so compelling isn’t just its adoption scale, but the types of usage seen. Chainalysis reported that the share of transactions under $10,000 is higher in Sub-Saharan Africa than anywhere else globally, indicating strong retail engagement. The firm also identified frequent high-value stablecoin transfers linked to trade and commercial payments, particularly in corridors connecting Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. Ripple also highlighted mobile money as a key component of this ecosystem. The firm noted that a region already familiar with digital-first payments has a more natural transition to digital assets, particularly for remittances, settlement, treasury management, and access to stable foreign currency alternatives. Ripple summarized the wider argument in a single statement: “Africa remains one of the world’s most compelling regions for digital asset adoption and growth.” 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) - Apple’s foldable iPhone still appears on track for a September debut, even after a Nikkei Asia report raised fresh delay worries during the device’s engineering test phase. Bloomberg noted Apple is still aiming to launch the phone around the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max launch window, though the schedule is not final. Good to Know Nikkei Asia, as cited by Reuters, stated that engineering issues could slow mass production and shipment timelines. Bloomberg reported that Apple still plans to release the foldable model in September, with retail stores possibly receiving the device around the same time as or shortly after the iPhone 8 Pro lineup. Initial supply may be limited, as the device is more complex to manufacture than a standard iPhone. Apple Foldable Launch Plans Remain On Track The first warning came from Nikkei Asia. Per Reuters, Apple has run into engineering snags during testing, and these issues could delay mass production or initial shipments if they take longer to fix than expected. Bloomberg pushed back on that assessment just hours later. Mark Gurman reported that Apple is still on course for a September unveiling, with the foldable model expected to launch alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max or shortly after. Even so, both Bloomberg and TechCrunch noted that the launch is still months away, so the timing could still shift. Apple’s primary focus isn’t just the folding design itself, but the weak points that have held the foldable category back. Bloomberg reported that Apple believes it has improved screen quality and overall durability, and also made the display crease less visible when the phone is opened. This could carry more weight than the foldable label alone. Samsung and several Chinese phone makers have sold foldables for years, so Apple is entering the market late. A smoother screen and better durability would give Apple a clear path to stand out if the device launches in September. 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) - Macau received 172,057 visitors on April 5, the Ching Ming Festival—also known as Tomb Sweeping Day, a holiday based on the lunar calendar. This day was a public holiday in Macau, mainland China, and Hong Kong. Macau’s Visitor Numbers Get a Boost From Holidays Between April 3 and April 7, the total number of arrivals hit 665,918, averaging 133,184 visitors per day. Authorities did not release year-over-year comparison data. The combination of holidays contributed to this trend. Mainland China observed the Ching Ming break from April 4 to April 6. Easter Friday is a public holiday in both Macau and Hong Kong, while Easter Monday is only a holiday in Hong Kong. Easter is not a holiday period on the mainland. 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) - Paysafe is introducing cryptocurrency deposits for U.S. iGaming and daily fantasy sports operators via a new payment option powered by MoonPay. This product, named Pay with Crypto, allows players to utilize USDC, other stablecoins, or major cryptocurrencies, with their deposits automatically converted into U.S. dollars for gameplay where permitted. The process is designed for ease of use. Players can link a crypto wallet or scan a QR code to send funds, with the money appearing in their account without requiring a separate crypto-to-cash conversion step on their part. Paysafe stated that this new functionality is integrated into its Gateway, which already accommodates a range of payment methods including cards, digital wallets, eCash, Pay by Bank, and over 30 regional payment options. The introduction of this feature is driven by market demand. Paysafe reported that approximately 70.4 million American adults own cryptocurrency, and its own research indicated that 83% of U.S. players are interested in using crypto for payments. Operators also have flexibility in how they receive settlements. Utilizing MoonPay's infrastructure, they can choose to settle in stablecoins or fiat currencies. Paysafe announced the launch of this new service on April 7. 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) - Uganda's gambling sector is expanding rapidly, prompting lawmakers to seek a larger portion of the revenue. Interactive gross win figures reached $438.3 million in 2025 and are projected to rise to $995.5 million by 2029, based on H2 Gambling Capital data. Sport betting was the primary driver, generating $328 million in gross win for 2025, while offshore platforms accounted for $114.8 million, representing over 26% of the interactive total. Good to Know Uganda seeks to tax betting at 30% GGR, increasing from the current 20%. A separate bill proposes adding a 15% withholding tax on net winnings from betting and gaming. If both bills are passed, the changes would take effect on 1 July 2026. Uganda Introduces Heavier Gambling Tax Measures In light of this, two new legislative proposals target both operators and bettors. The Lotteries and Gaming (Amendment) Bill, 2026 aims to raise the betting tax rate to 30% GGR, aligning it with the iGaming sector. Simultaneously, the Income Tax (Amendment) Bill, 2026 seeks to impose a 15% withholding tax on net winnings from betting and gaming. These measures were included in Uganda's broader 2026 to 2027 tax package. Currently, Uganda applies different tax rates across gambling activities. Following the 2023 reform, gaming activities, including casinos, were adjusted to 30%, whereas betting remained at 20% due to thinner profit margins. Should the new proposal be enacted, this disparity will be eliminated, bringing betting in line with gaming at the 30% rate. The implementation date is imminent. If approved, both proposals would become effective on 1 July 2026, leaving operators with limited time to adjust to a higher tax burden and leaving players facing a direct reduction in net returns. iGaming Business noted that the harmonized 30% rate would place Uganda among the countries with the highest gambling tax burdens in Africa. Uganda is not the only nation moving in this direction; Kenya introduced a 5% tax on betting wallet withdrawals and a 5% excise duty on deposits last year, and in February 2026, Lagos, Nigeria, also implemented a 5% withholding tax on winnings 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) - Premier League teams are entering a more constrained sponsorship landscape as the prohibition on front-of-shirt gambling agreements takes effect following the current season. This rule was approved in 2023, and clubs now confront a collective deficit estimated at around £80 million leading up to the 2026/27 campaign. Good to Know Nine Premier League clubs haven’t locked in a new front-of-shirt sponsor for the upcoming season. A total of twelve clubs remain without signed deals as the season draws near. Per The Guardian, sponsorship offers for clubs outside the big six have dropped by roughly 50%. Premier League Sponsor Valuations Decline Ahead of Gambling Ban The decline is hitting hardest for clubs outside the top tier. According to The Guardian, shirt sponsorship bids for many teams have fallen from a previous range of £8 million to £12 million per season to approximately half that level. Some clubs are now shifting existing sleeve, stadium, or training ground partners to the front of the shirt at reduced rates. Bournemouth and Brentford are among the examples already mentioned. Both teams have moved existing commercial partners into the main shirt position, but for less money than gambling brands previously paid. “Nearly everyone is losing money,” a senior club executive told The Guardian regarding ongoing negotiations.“Outside the big six, shirt sponsorship offers have dropped by around 50% from a range of between £8m and £12m a season. There may be some exceptions but it is a very diffi­cult market. And with some clubs ­opting to switch sleeve or training kit partners to front-of-shirt, there is a knock-on effect for those deals too.” In April 2023, the Premier League announced that clubs had collectively agreed to remove gambling sponsorships from the front of matchday shirts starting with the 2026/27 season. Sleeve branding and other forms of gambling advertising were excluded from this voluntary restriction. Everton provides one of the clearest examples of how clubs are adapting. Stake, the club’s current front-of-shirt partner, is set to stay involved as a sleeve sponsor even after losing access to the Great Britain market. The Gambling Commission stated in February 2025 that Stake would exit Great Britain, with the site’s final shutdown scheduled for 11 March 2025. For many clubs, the issue is straightforward. Gambling companies had become some of the highest-paying shirt sponsors in football, especially for teams outside the elite tier. Replacing that revenue has proven far harder than swapping the logo on the shirt. 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.