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(AsiaGameHub) - A recent Australian study has examined the influence of gambling marketing on the attitudes of women in Victoria. According to researchers, contemporary advertising, influencer material, sports affiliations, and brand initiatives are normalizing betting and downplaying its associated risks. Good to Know The study involved 525 women in Victoria aged 18 to 40. 79% said they had gambled in the previous 12 months. Researchers said influencer campaigns, women sports sponsorships, and cause-linked promotions were key concerns. Academics from Deakin University and Curtin University reported that many participants perceived gambling as more socially acceptable due to current marketing strategies. The research highlighted indirect methods, such as collaborations with influencers, novelty betting markets related to entertainment, and promotions associated with women's sports or charitable causes, rather than just overt advertisements. Three main themes emerged from the feedback: gambling appeared more normalized, women felt increasingly encouraged to participate, and the risks seemed minimized. Some respondents stated that betting promotions are crafted to "encourage," "attract," and "tempt" new customers, particularly younger women whose lifestyles are intertwined with platforms like Instagram and TikTok. Conducted online between June 14 and July 1, 2024, the survey targeted women aged 18 to 40 in Victoria. The majority (76%) resided in metropolitan Melbourne, and the average age was 31. The study found that 79% of participants had engaged in gambling within the past year.Strong criticism was directed at the tone and framing of the advertisements. Women reported that promotions often present betting as a casual, social, or safe activity. One participant remarked: “I think there is a lot of harm in promoting gambling in this way for anyone.” She added: “It makes an addictive activity appear harmless.” Another participant noted: “They make it seem harmless and can become a light joke.” The study identified influencer marketing as a significant factor in this perception. The survey reported: “Social media influencers were described as ‘relatable’ and ‘desirable’, and their involvement in gambling promotions was seen to make gambling seem glamorous and aspirational.” Researchers also emphasized a strategy perceived by respondents as gender-targeted reputation management by betting firms. Initiatives linked to International Women's Day or breast cancer awareness month were frequently met with skepticism. Nonetheless, some women conceded that such campaigns could foster trust in gambling brands, potentially enhancing the impact of their marketing.A sense of FOMO (fear of missing out) was also evident. Some participants expressed that when betting is integrated into entertainment, sports, and social media, it begins to feel like a standard aspect of contemporary living. In this environment, gambling can appear less hazardous and more like an expected social activity. The paper contextualized these findings within the broader Australian landscape, citing data that indicates annual gambling participation rates among Victorian women are nearly equal to those of men, with approximately half gambling yearly and one-third doing so monthly. The researchers contended that current regulations might be insufficient, as the primary influence now stems from indirect promotion instead of direct advertising. They advocated for stricter controls on influencer agreements, novelty markets connected to popular culture, and corporate social responsibility projects that also function as brand marketing. The authors also supported targeted public education campaigns designed to help women identify these marketing tactics and better evaluate the risks of gambling. At iGaming.org, we advise caution in attributing significant policy weight to a study of this nature. The sample size of 525 is relatively small, the methodology is subjective, and the findings are largely based on qualitative attitudes rather than quantifiable behavioral data. It is also reasonable to question the exclusive focus on women and whether this approach lends the study an authority that the core data may not entirely justify. 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 dismissal of the adviser responsible for an administrative mistake that will cost Estonia €4 million was described as 'unavoidable and necessary' by Chancellery Director Antero Habicht. An error in Estonia's Gambling Tax Act mistakenly exempted online casinos from taxation in 2026 before it was found in January. Despite this, the country is still poised to forfeit significant tax income due to the oversight. This week, the Estonian broadcaster Eesti Rahvusringhääling (ERR) stated the adviser behind the error was fired after disciplinary action. New reports now indicate that Piia Schults, previously unnamed, intends to appeal the decision legally. Responding in writing to the intended appeal, Habicht commented: "Considering all factors, this action was unavoidable and necessary; maintaining a trust-based working relationship was no longer feasible. "Current information suggests the official will seek judicial protection of her rights, and as a result, we deem further public commentary inappropriate." Habicht earlier informed ERR that Schults' dismissal was a consequence of a 'serious breach of official duties', noting the termination 'was not prompted by the error alone, but also by other case-related circumstances uncovered during the disciplinary process'. Estonia is currently phasing in a reduction of its gambling tax rate from 6% down to 4% by 2029, aiming to stimulate investment in its gambling industry and establish itself as a European iGaming center to rival jurisdictions such as Malta and the Isle of Man. ERR reports that a five-page directive from the Riigikogu Chancellery showed the official knew of the mistake on 5 January, yet superiors were not notified until 12 January, when ERR made the news public. In an interview with the outlet, Schults conceded the error was 'truly dreadful' and that it left her 'deeply shaken'. However, she highlighted her 32-year service as an adviser to the Economic Affairs Committee and that this was her first major mistake. Schults also denied Habicht's assertions, framing the situation as a 'question of principles'. She stated: "I must contest this. Maybe it will motivate other colleagues as well. You simply cannot treat someone like this. I will fight this for all of them, considering my colleagues and Estonian society. I believe the public has a right to know what occurs in the government sector. We are not isolated—we all coexist here in small Estonia, where everyone can see each other." Schults further mentioned she has consulted a lawyer and is inclined to pursue the dismissal case in court instead of through a labour dispute committee. 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) - iGP has expanded its content library with new iGaming titles after entering a fresh partnership with game provider Gamzix. Under the agreement, mobile-first titles from the studio will be added to the iGaming aggregator’s platform, with a rollout scheduled across multiple markets. Jovana Popovic Canaki, Chief Executive Officer at iGP, stated: “Operators are under continuous pressure to scale at a faster pace while retaining control over their brands, content, and player engagement. “Our iGaming Aggregator solves this pain point by combining high-speed distribution with in-built tools and real-time visibility. Integrating Gamzix’s content further expands the range of titles available to our partners.” iGP’s iGaming Aggregator provides partnered operators with access to over 12,000 titles from various game providers through a single API. The firm notes that the aggregator enables operators ‘to launch rapidly while maintaining control via multi-brand management, embedded promotional tools, an in-built reporting suite, and real-time data visibility’. James Davies, Head of Commercial at Gamzix, added: “iGP’s focus on speed, control, and scalability is perfectly aligned with our own approach to distribution and long-term performance. “We are excited to bring our mobile-first, engagement-focused titles to a wider network of partners through this collaboration.” Earlier this month, iGP’s Chief Marketing Officer, Michael Baker-Mosley, spoke to iGaming Expert about the significance of time and patience for iGaming integration work. Baker-Mosley explained: “If you want to deliver truly powerful gaming experiences, it requires time. We discuss this topic frequently in B2B spaces, but far less often in B2C. We are seeing growing product homogenisation, where operators now compete on experience rather than core product offerings. “If every operator carries the same top 10 slots globally, you are competing on brand and user experience. So getting that right, and successfully penetrating a new market, demands both time and investment.” 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) - Digitain is strengthening its position in the Bulgarian iGaming market after obtaining both manufacturer and importer licences from the nation's gambling regulator. The manufacturer licence enables the provider to distribute its internally developed products to Bulgarian-licensed operators, with solutions that are fully certified and customized for the local market. Concurrently, the importer licence authorizes Digitain to offer certified third-party products within the Bulgarian market. Digitain stated that the licences underscore "its dedication to regulatory excellence and partner-focused expansion, guaranteeing that operators targeting Bulgaria can access a full range of compliant, premium solutions". Arshak Muradyan, Group Chief Compliance Officer at Digitain, remarked: "Obtaining both licences in Bulgaria represents a significant milestone in reinforcing our footprint across regulated markets. "This enables us to provide both our proprietary solutions and an extensive array of certified third-party products while adhering completely to local regulations. This dual capacity ensures our partners can confidently conduct business and expand within the Bulgarian market, backed by a dependable, fully compliant product portfolio." European growth Digitain has been expanding its footprint across European markets over the past 12 months, finalizing a partnership with KingCasino in Romania to deliver its sportsbook solution and Centrivo iGaming platform to the operator. The company has also previously commended its Malta presence for propelling its European growth strategy, having established a new office there within the past year. Aida Vardanyan, Chief Executive Officer at Digitain Malta, stated: "Our Malta office serves as more than a mere location—it functions as a strategic hub for our European operations. "It enables us to maintain close connections with our European partners, gain deeper insights into local requirements, and deliver more timely support. Operating from this location allows us to cultivate stronger relationships and fulfill our long-term vision of fostering enhanced regional partnerships." 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) - Sportradar is transforming its iGaming services with the introduction of Playradar, a new brand created to unify sportsbook and casino offerings for global operators. Playradar will provide operators with a 'fully-integrated ecosystem of cross-vertical gaming experiences', under the leadership of former Playtech CEO Edo Haitin, who will serve as Executive Vice President of iGaming. The brand will function solely in regulated markets, beginning with an initial launch in the UK, North America, and Latin America. A schedule of game releases is planned for the year, covering classic table games, arcades, slots, and virtual reality, with responsible gaming and integrity built into every product. Carsten Koerl, Founder and CEO of Sportradar, stated: “iGaming is a logical and scalable expansion of our operations, representing a strategic boost to our long-term growth plan. “Playradar’s content is engineered to optimize cross-selling between sports and casinos, assisting operators in enhancing player value and session duration during a period where engagement and retention are vital for sustainability. “With Edo, we have a seasoned and demonstrated leader to advance the business, supported by a committed and enthusiastic team.” iGaming experience Haitin’s two decades of iGaming expertise will be applied to offer live and historical sports data, audio-visual streams, casino games, a 24/7 live experience centre, and premium iGaming content. Sportradar highlighted that Playradar is a natural progression for the firm, capitalizing on its current game studio, sports data, streaming infrastructure, worldwide distribution network, and its marketing and retention technologies to boost lifetime value for partners. The company piloted its iGaming services in Brazil the previous year, using the outcomes to inform the launch of Playradar. Haitin continued: “By merging our unparalleled knowledge in sports data and live streaming with a strong history of product development, we intend to produce hybrid content and gaming experiences to take advantage of the growing trend in sports casino consumption. “Our unique position allows us to effortlessly integrate live and historical sports events, innovative game mechanics, and casino content, and we benefit from the ability to distribute games to an already licensed operator network. “I am tremendously enthusiastic about reinforcing our iGaming division via Playradar and developing it into a leading provider of iGaming content, utilizing Sportradar’s established assets and the expert, skilled team that is already assembled.” 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 Laboratories International (GLI) has been certified as the first gaming testing company by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR). GLI will be tasked with testing and certifying iGaming platforms across the Philippines' gaming market, as PAGCOR continues to strengthen regulatory oversight throughout the industry. In April 2025, PAGCOR announced plans requiring B2B suppliers—such as content partners, aggregators, and payment providers—to secure official accreditation to supply operators nationwide. GLI indicated that this certification will assist the regulator in achieving its 'policy and regulatory objectives'. James R. Maida, GLI President and CEO, stated: "We are thankful to Alejandro Tengco and the entire PAGCOR team for their ongoing trust in GLI. "We are honored to be the first company accredited for iGaming testing and certification, and we anticipate working side- by-side with PAGCOR to fulfill their policy objectives." Businesses have until March 31 to obtain certification from GLI. Operators found to be collaborating with unaccredited vendors will be directed to terminate such partnerships, including via cease-and-desist notices. A recent LinkedIn post by Arden Consult disclosed that the regulator has begun requesting operators to submit lists of B2B suppliers for cross-verification with PAGCOR's records. Alejandro Tengco, Chair and Chief Executive Officer of PAGCOR, remarked: "We are pleased to recognize GLI as the first testing and game certification provider accredited in the Philippines under this new framework. GLI is a global leader in regulatory advisory, iGaming and EGM testing/certification, and data security. "PAGCOR now requires all iGaming B2B suppliers operating in the Philippines to be accredited to ensure adherence to the stringent requirements necessary to protect iGaming players." Tengco emphasized the necessity of a robustly regulated market to guarantee a 'safer and more sustainable gaming industry for all to participate in'. "Regulated gaming markets ensure a safer and more sustainable gaming industry for all to participate in. A regulated market enables compliance with responsible gaming standards and provides tax revenue for reinvestment into the community.," he added. 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) - From compliance experts mimicking Calzaghe to PR directors striking like Pernell Whitaker, the iGaming sector has developed a strong enthusiasm for combat sports in recent times. This goes well beyond simply enjoying a fight. According to the pair who have driven this rapid change, the culture within iGaming has evolved alongside the expanding events schedule. Both Lee McFarland and Julia Weygandt have praised the industry's attitude, a mindset that has allowed them to fast-track the expansion of Behind the Gloves and offer a fresh perspective on sector gatherings. Beginning with a simple pad workout in the park, neither McFarland nor Weygandt could have predicted that the Behind the Gloves project would resonate so deeply with the industry's passion as it does today. McFarland stressed: “What we have observed is the creation of a boxing and fitness community—boxing acts as the driving force—but it is about more than just boxing; it is about the community. You know, the value it provides to everyone, and that is the origin of this initiative. Personally, I understand how it benefits my daily life.” He also disclosed that in his youth, boxing provided him with stability and helped him mature, learning early on that ‘there is nothing more thrilling than trading punches and experiencing the excitement of the battle’. While Weygandt entered the boxing world much later in life, she also discussed ‘the incredible impact it has had on her lifestyle’. Highlighting the varied advantages of the sessions, she commended the effect of morning training and beginning the day on the right foot. Elaborating on her lifestyle change, she shared: “I just thought, I can’t keep doing this, going for a drink almost every day after work. So I got a personal trainer… I gave it a try, and I haven’t stopped since. It totally transformed my lifestyle.” “I woke up at 5 AM every day and went to the gym. I had significantly more energy at the office. I was far more focused and disciplined.” McFarland noted that this enthusiasm spreads throughout the workforce, arguing that ‘a fit and engaged team is happier and performs better’. “I speak frequently with the CEO of Captain Up, and he tells me about what we are doing and the value he sees it bringing to others. As an organisation, we are pleased to see that,” McFarland stated. “That is my surprise. I am surprised that commercial businesses are actually allocating funds to support the well-being of not only their staff but the broader industry.” On a personal level, McFarland added that boxing has consistently been the perfect solution for enhancing his mental health. He remarked: “I deal with daily stress. I have anxiety, like everyone else, so being able to release that in a controlled setting with a great group of people demonstrates just how beneficial boxing truly is.” One notable feature of the Behind the Gloves sessions is the diverse range of participants they welcome, catering to those who wish to spar before a day of meetings as well as those simply wanting to work out before a hectic conference schedule. The business rationale for these sessions lies not only in the productivity boost they provide for the rest of the day but also in the robust, if perspiring, networking opportunities they offer. It was easy to see the various levels of connection forming between industry peers as they traded punches or encouraged one another through burpees. This is a dynamic that many business stakeholders seek, often spending vast sums on traditional networking events. Weygandt remarked: “You encounter people you wouldn’t meet at a party because they avoid those types of events. Plus, you meet the genuine individuals. There are no suits, no business cards, and no makeup.” “Everyone is just there, getting sweaty. It leads to authentic conversations, meeting real people, and fostering a different type of relationship.” McFarland added: “No one attends with the specific goal of doing business. Yet, business has been conducted. People have connected. The community keeps thriving… it enables people to bond through shared effort and challenge.” The diverse audience being served continues to expand as the duo has started incorporating functional fitness classes alongside their boxing sessions. Weygandt did share a humorous story from Barcelona in January, however, where an attendee arrived for functional fitness—mouthguard in, hand wraps on, and ready to fight—only to realize they were in the wrong class and had to quickly adapt. The desire for a healthier lifestyle is palpable across the industry and undeniable—evidenced by the swift proliferation of fitness classes at industry events. Through word-of-mouth among friends and colleagues, an increasing number of industry professionals are arriving to work out before events and leaving feeling much more refreshed. To label the Behind the Gloves sessions merely as fitness classes does them a disservice; they are much more profound—they represent a broader movement toward a healthier and happier industry. This movement would not exist without the relentless dedication of McFarland and Weygandt, who consistently carve out time from their schedules to expand the fitness classes and invite experts to demonstrate a healthier alternative to the industry, applicable to both events and life in general. Weygandt has certainly noticed the shift, emphasizing that ‘in the past year or two, you could clearly see a change in the industry… we heard many people say they didn’t want to go out drinking every night’. “The surprise was the turnout being higher than anticipated, and the speed at which everything expanded.” Such growth would not have been achievable without the numerous sponsors who stepped forward to back the movement and facilitate its expansion, a fact both McFarland and Weygandt were eager to acknowledge. The industry’s passion for development, charitable support, and well-being is driven not just by the demand for 6 AM fitness sessions, but also by the palpable excitement for an event that has become a favorite for many: the SBC Charity Boxing Championships. Scheduled for this Friday, 27 March, the event embodies an industry undergoing a cultural shift and focused on backing good causes. For further details about the event, click 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) - IGT has verified a global workforce reduction of 700 employees, representing roughly 10% of its staff, as a component of business restructuring initiatives aimed at future expansion. An IGT spokesperson informed iGaming Expert that the job cuts are intended to facilitate the company's pursuit of sustained growth and to 'advance with increased focus, agility, and competitiveness'. The IGT spokesperson stated: “While we progress the merger of the former IGT and Everi operations, we are restructuring our organization to hasten innovation, enhance execution, and prepare the company for long-term growth. “To facilitate this upcoming stage, we are reallocating resources and refining our operational framework to concentrate on our most promising growth areas and strategic goals, which will affect around 700 employees worldwide, or 10% of our workforce. “We are grateful for these employees' contributions and dedication to our company, and we pledge to assist those impacted with severance, career placement assistance, and, when feasible, opportunities in other parts of the company. This strategic repositioning enables IGT to progress with heightened focus, agility, and competitiveness.” Employee letter The Las Vegas Review-Journal initially broke the news that CEO Hector Fernandez sent a letter to staff on Monday explaining that layoffs were essential “to match resources with business objectives and optimize operations, guaranteeing we are optimally prepared for future growth”. It is understood that severance packages will be offered to affected workers, though the precise distribution of job losses across different departments has not been revealed. As reported by the Review-Journal, Fernandez commented: “During our first all-company town hall in December after I began as the new CEO, I promised we would act swiftly to assess our business and implement changes to fortify it. “We have honored that pledge over the last few months. We analyzed our areas of focus, our operational methods, and how our organizational design underpins our strategy. This evaluation also compelled us to make some challenging choices regarding our organizational setup, resulting in a hard yet essential measure.” Fernandez further clarified that the layoffs are not a reflection of employee performance, but instead signify “the structural adjustments needed to function as a unified entity, utilize our collective advantages, and compete with concentration and rigor in a dynamic industry”. The CEO explained: “We have recently finalized a significant portion of the foundational work necessary for a more robust and competitive organization. The adjustments announced today are part of this initiative to simplify our architecture, eliminate redundancies, and allow us to operate with improved clarity and velocity.” To generate long-term value and provide superior service to partners, Fernandez indicated that IGT will center its strategy on five Cs: culture, capabilities, content, commercialization, and cash-flow generation. This renewed strategic emphasis is anticipated to help the business seize new growth prospects. “For those departing from IGT due to this action, we are dedicated to offering severance, outplacement aid, and transition support. For those staying, you might experience sorrow for your coworkers, worry about your teams, or apprehension about what lies ahead. Such emotions are understandable in situations like this,” Fernandez added. “Our current focus must be on how we proceed collectively: by supporting each other, concentrating on our key priorities, and persisting with the work that will shape our company's next phase. We united to construct a company capable of leading in a fast-changing industry, and I continue to be optimistic about that potential and the resilience of our team.” Apollo Global Management purchased the Gaming & Digital division of IGT and Everi Holdings last July for $6.3 billion, establishing a new privately-owned global entity in gaming, digital, and financial technology under the IGT name. The transaction merged two prominent iGaming companies into a unified organization with three primary divisions – Gaming, Digital, and Fintech. Upon finalizing the acquisition, it was anticipated that IGT would use its expanded presence to boost efficiency and innovation in both land-based and digital sectors, solidifying its role as a crucial partner for regulated gaming markets and casino operators globally. iGaming Expert has contacted Apollo for a statement regarding the report of IGT's plan to cut 700 jobs worldwide. 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) - India’s government has ongoing efforts to fight the nation’s black market, blocking around 300 websites that promote illegal gambling and betting. Per the Economic Times, online sports betting sites, casino applications, and betting exchanges were among the platforms hit by the government’s move. The government has acted against more than 8,400 websites and mobile apps, reporting that it has blocked 4,900 since the Promotion and Regulations of Online Gaming Bill 2025 was passed in August 2025. The choice to implement such severe measures stemmed from worries about the sector’s societal effects. But the rapid passage of the bill surprised many in the industry. In the days and weeks following the landmark ruling, major local operators including Dream11 and the Mobile Premier League, along with international companies like Flutter, had to pull their RMG operations. For Flutter specifically, the company later disclosed that the ruling resulted in a $556 million impairment charge tied to removing its Junglee product from India, plus a substantial hit to future revenue. After the decision, Flutter expressed worries that the ruling would drive players to the black market, and recent data from the All India Gaming Federation has shown the persistent demand for gaming among India’s people. The organization’s report found that unlicensed betting platforms got more than 1.6 billion visits in a three-month period. While Indian authorities have taken steps to block access to these sites, the latest data shows that these efforts aren’t achieving the intended result. Notably, illegal operators are using mirror websites to help users bypass blocking rules. Researchers proposed that creating a resource that lists legal and illegal platforms might be an effective method to help players better understand if they’ve ended up on the black market. “These lists should be regularly updated and, when feasible, made publicly available in a user-friendly format so consumers can easily tell the difference between legitimate and illegal operators,” the report added. iGaming Expert Analysis: The striking numbers highlight that the Indian government’s severe and sudden regulatory steps last year have opened the door for the black market. Considering the market’s size and the adaptability of unlicensed operators, this will be a difficult and long-fought battle for the government. 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.