Category: iGame

(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. 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(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.

(AsiaGameHub) - A social media content creator based in Thailand has been handed a prison sentence after being convicted of unlawfully promoting gambling services to her followers. According to reports from Thaiger News, 24-year-old Narumon “Mind”, who has more than 740,000 followers on Facebook, advertised a gambling platform via her social media story posts, while her account also hosted dance videos posted alongside links to gambling sites. The Don Mueang District Court initially issued a six-month prison term to the influencer, which was reduced to three months after she admitted to the offenses, with the remaining part of the sentence converted to a two-month detention order. Thailand’s Police Cyber Taskforce launched investigations into her activities, and authorities have confirmed they are continuing to probe the online gambling network that Narumon promoted. Police Major General Siriwat Deephor also issued a warning to influencers against sharing gambling-related content, noting that anyone who engages in such behavior will face scrutiny from cyber police. In Thailand, nearly all forms of gambling are illegal, with only the national lottery and horse race betting at licensed tracks permitted. The country’s leader, Anutin Charnvirakul, has long been a vocal critic of gambling, and has repeatedly stated that regulatory reforms to introduce looser gambling rules in Thailand will not be rolled out during his time in office. His leadership was formalized last week after his Bhumjaithai Party secured 191 seats in Thailand’s 500-member parliament, and the coalition government formed after the election voted to re-elect Charnvirakul to his post. Last year, the Don Mueang District Court also sentenced another Thai influencer, Aspara “Earn Earn”, to three years in prison for similarly urging her followers to participate in online gambling activities. In other parts of Asia, authorities in the Philippines have also continued their efforts to target influencers accused of working with illegal gambling operators. Earlier this month, the country’s Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Centre (CICC) announced it is taking action against ten influencers in partnership with PAGCOR, the Philippines’ gaming regulator, and Digital Pinoys, a government-supported digital advocacy group. The latest updates from the CICC come after comparable warnings were issued to a group of 30 influencers back in November. At that time, CICC Undersecretary Renato Paraiso stated that the influencers could face charges for violating the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012, Presidential Decree No. 1602, which imposes harsher penalties for illegal gambling, and Article 315 of the Revised Penal Code covering estafa. If they are prosecuted, the influencers could face fines and possible prison sentences under the Philippines’ cybercrime and gaming regulatory rules. 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 bipartisan group of US senators has introduced legislation aimed at prohibiting ‘casino-style games’ and sports-related contracts on prediction market platforms, according to various reports. The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) noted that the bill would apply to entities overseen by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), including prediction platforms like Kalshi and Polymarket. NBC News has also confirmed the bill's introduction to the US Senate. Senators Adam Schiff and John Curtis are co-sponsoring the measure, marking the first bipartisan Senate effort to regulate the prediction market sector. They contend that these markets should be managed at the state level. According to the WSJ, Schiff remarked: “The CFTC is currently authorizing and even encouraging the growth of these markets. Congress must act to shut down this loophole, which bypasses state consumer protections, infringes on tribal sovereignty, and generates no public tax revenue.” If enacted, the legislation would prevent prediction markets from hosting ‘casino-style games’ such as video poker, slots, blackjack, and bingo on their sites. Curtis added: “A significant number of young people in Utah are being introduced to addictive sports wagering and casino-style contracts that ought to be under state oversight, rather than federal authority.” A divisive industry topic Prediction markets show no signs of slowing down, quickly becoming a polarizing subject within the iGaming sector as sports betting and online casinos expand worldwide. While certain operators, including FanDuel and DraftKings, have incorporated this vertical into their business, other industry figures have been vocal in their criticism. Earlier this month, Entain CEO Stella David argued that prediction markets facilitate underage gambling in the US. She pointed out that many CFTC-regulated platforms allow users as young as 18, while most states set the legal gambling age at 21. David stated: “When individuals engage with sports prediction markets, the experience is identical to sports betting in form and function. There should be no confusion: it is sports betting. “In the US, the legal age is 21, yet 18 to 21-year-olds are accessing these markets, often in states where online sports betting is not even regulated.” Some US states are already taking legal action against these platforms. For example, a Nevada judge recently issued a 14-day injunction preventing Kalshi from offering sports event contracts in the state. Global reactions vary; New Zealand recently moved to ban such platforms, and a judge in Buenos Aires, Argentina, has prohibited Polymarket. Conversely, Liberia has established a regulatory framework to authorize prediction markets. Adam Greenblatt, CEO of BetMGM—the joint venture between Entain and MGM Resorts International—contends that prediction markets are currently operating illegally within the US. Greenblatt commented: “Our stance is firm and aligns with nearly 40 state attorneys general, our regulators, and tribal partners. Under current law, sports prediction markets are effectively illegal sports wagering. “Operators in this space are not required to provide the consumer protections that licensed sports betting companies do. They lack responsible gaming standards, self-reporting requirements for compliance issues, and obligations regarding whistleblowing or information sharing.” 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) - Hub88 has embarked on a new content journey by adding titles from iGaming provider Tequity to its aggregation platform. Global operators partnered with Hub88 can now enhance their platforms with Tequity’s titles through a single API, including Tequity’s Originals collection of 17 in-house games described as ‘fast, streamer-friendly and fully customisable’. Crypto Trading games and Publishing vertical content are also included in the Tequity-Hub88 partnership, broadening the range of offerings available to the aggregation platform’s operator partners. Ollie Castleman, Hub88’s Managing Director, stated: “We’re delighted to bring Tequity onto the Hub88 platform. “Their mix of Originals, new Crypto Trading games, and Publishing content provides our operator partners with more options for unique games, backed by a simplified path to launch.” This partnership with Tequity allows Hub88 to further expand the content library on its aggregation platform, building on deals signed earlier this month with companies like 7Rings Gaming, DEGEN Studios and LuckyDraw. Dominic Sawyer, Tequity’s Vice President of Growth, added: “Hub88 is a robust distribution partner for operators and studios looking to scale their operations. “This integration simplifies access to Tequity’s content—including Originals, Crypto Trading games, and Publishing—for Hub88’s operator clients. We’re launching with a clear emphasis on quick deployment and brand control, and several partners are set to join in the upcoming weeks.” Earlier this year, Hub88 also enhanced its insight into player behavior by introducing a new Player Analytics tool. The tool is designed to deliver ‘powerful segmentation, in-depth player insights and advanced risk detection’, compiling player analytics from multiple data silos into a single interface. Castleman observed: “Modern operators frequently struggle with raw data due to high volumes of player activity. The Player Analytics tool lets teams understand player behavior both broadly and in detail, without needing manual processes or specialized staff. “Operators deserve clarity, speed and actionable insights, and through this new tool, they can make more informed decisions confidently.” 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) - Philippine officials have been instructed to step up probes into crimes being carried out via online gaming applications, with Roblox among those under scrutiny. The Philippine National Police's (PNP) Anti-Cybercrime Group has been ordered by PNP Chief General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. to investigate, as he noted that platforms such as Roblox are being exploited to prey on young children. He stated: "Our duty to serve and protect citizens now extends to cyberspace to ensure their safety, particularly for children. "The PNP is collaborating with other agencies to examine how Roblox might be utilized for potential offenses, such as sexual predation, grooming, and the exploitation of minors." The PNP intends to partner with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Centre (CICC) to support its inquiries. Roblox reports that the platform has more than 111 million daily users, with roughly 40% under the age of 13. The platform has repeatedly drawn attention, with critics cautioning that its randomized rewards, loot box-style prizes, and in-game currency systems resemble gambling mechanics. Roblox's terms and conditions indicate that while gambling-related content is permitted on the platform, actual gambling is prohibited. However, a report published last year by the Danish Gambling Authority (DGA) highlighted concerns about third-party sites where the game's virtual currency, Robux, can be wagered and won in betting and casino-style games. A DGA statement noted: "Roblox is especially popular among children and adolescents under 18. Consequently, Robux betting poses a risk as it enables many minors to engage in gambling activities through this currency system. "On nearly all unauthorized Robux betting sites, users can log in with their Roblox credentials. This raises concerns because the Roblox login is linked to the legitimate gaming platform, potentially making it easier for young people to access gambling." 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.