Philippines to Enhance AML Measures Targeting Online Gambling

(AsiaGameHub) -   Philippine lawmakers are aiming to bolster the nation’s anti-money laundering legislation via a new amendment that could bring stricter enforcement against online gambling operators. Senator Joel Villanueva has filed an amendment to the Anti-Money Laundering Act (AMLA), asserting that updates are required to respond to the shifting financial landscape and growing adoption of digital financial services and virtual assets. Should it be put into effect, the new measure will broaden the range of businesses obligated to meet enhanced AMLA compliance standards to include online gambling operators, virtual asset service providers, and more. The amendment would also add extra customer due diligence and reporting rules, along with stricter penalties for companies found in violation of the new regulations.  Regarding the reforms, Villanueva stated: “Ongoing reforms are essential not just to stay in line with international standards, but also to protect the credibility and stability of the Philippine financial system. “Money talks, but dirty money whispers usually through complicit entities. We need a tougher law to catch up with the criminals trying to cover their illicit financial tracks.” The Philippines was placed on the Financial Action Task Force’s (FATF) grey list in June 2021 and was ultimately removed in February 2025 after completing its action plan to address gaps in its AML enforcement approach. Villanueva has contended that the changes would address FATF’s focus on the need for more robust investigative capabilities, oversight of companies covered by a nation’s AML laws, and quicker enforcement after violations. Under the proposals, the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) would receive expanded authority to monitor and act on suspected illegal activities—including the power to issue orders suspending transactions and freezing assets when appropriate. Heightened black market focus Reducing illegal gambling activity has been a key priority for Philippine senators, especially after agencies like the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Centre (CICC) faced criticism for failing to shut down illegal gambling operations. After a Senate hearing last month that examined proposed changes to the Philippines’ online gambling laws, the CICC confirmed it has partnered with the Presidential Anti-Organised Crime Commission (PAOCC) to enhance enforcement. The Philippine News Agency reported that the CICC has been tasked with creating case files for the PAOCC—the primary authority responsible for combating the black market in the Philippines. The CICC said in a statement: “This partnership proclaims CICC and PAOCC’s commitment to spearheading the abolition of illegal online practices nationwide, persisting with the goal of purging the digital landscape and bringing the perpetrators to justice to a reputable and guarded online environment.” 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.

2026-03-20

Vegangster on AI, LTV, and the economic future of iGaming

(AsiaGameHub) -   The iGaming sector is navigating a landscape defined by artificial intelligence, escalating expenses, and rigorous regulations. These forces are transforming the industry's financial models and compelling operators to reconsider the fundamental approaches to building, scaling, and managing their casino offerings. Max Chertkov, the CEO of Vegangster, discussed with iGaming Expert the movement within the sector toward sustainable operations and greater discipline. He detailed how Vegangster's modular, fully integrated platform provides operators with adaptable, data-informed control, empowering teams to identify and address critical operational issues directly through the admin interface. Chertkov commented on the market's present condition, which he views as having reached maturity. As rapid launches and aggressive user acquisition become less viable, he states that "the emphasis is slowly moving from growth by any means to sustainable economics, operational discipline, and long-term player value." According to the industry veteran, mounting regulatory strictness and increased tax burdens are directly affecting profit margins. This reality positions total operating costs as the primary determinant of profitability, moving beyond customer acquisition costs alone. A further market evolution involves Lifetime Value (LTV) control emerging as the new central lever, supplanting the previous focus on traffic growth. He explains, "While Cost Per Acquisition (CPA) was once viewed in isolation, the LTV-to-CPA ratio is now emerging as a crucial metric." Chertkov asserts that for companies to achieve sustainability, they must account for not just CPA, but also bonuses, customer support, payment processing, and infrastructure, which collectively represent the genuine total cost. AI as an operational backbone As artificial intelligence becomes pervasive in iGaming, he anticipates it will form a fundamental operational layer for contemporary casinos. AI can function as LTV infrastructure by managing initial support and repetitive tasks, especially those related to payments, verification, and bonus inquiries. By offering immediate responses and 24/7 availability, AI minimizes friction at pivotal points in the player's experience. This reliability aids in sustaining user activity and promotes extended player lifecycles, all without the need to continually grow support staff. Nevertheless, human oversight continues to be vital for atypical or contested situations, as well as circumstances requiring empathy and nuanced judgment. "An escalation model is the optimal approach: assign the first level of interaction to the AI, and then have your human team intervene when more complex solutions are necessary. Execution, UX and the value of discipline The CEO of Vegangster contends that immediately after a player is acquired, the value derived from that traffic enters a critical phase. Significant value can be eroded by friction during the sign-up process, confusing product discovery, and delayed responses to payment or verification questions. These problems can disrupt the new player's journey, diminishing engagement before routines are established. "The industry is transitioning from basic game libraries to curated user experiences," he remarks. More intuitive navigation, quicker discovery, and enhanced visual interfaces assist players in grasping the product instantly and enrich their initial gaming sessions. Concurrently, prompt support and recognizable UX designs facilitate the return of inactive users, while also allowing operators to present targeted promotions that transform re-engagement into lasting activity. Chertkov observes that modern casino platforms have reached a stage of functional maturity, indicating that most operators are no longer hindered by a lack of essential features. "The actual difficulty resides in execution. Teams frequently attempt to implement every tool at their disposal, which generates operational clutter," he notes. In the view of Vegangster's CEO, superior outcomes are achieved through methodical planning and concentrating on the limited number of elements that truly drive performance. Given the current environment, he identifies a long-term perspective as the foundation for any successful new casino venture. Operators who approach the product as an enduring enterprise and develop it systematically are in a stronger position to mitigate risk and achieve profitability. He also highlights technology's significant role in this procedure. Technologies like AI assist in revealing operational deficiencies, enabling teams to enhance systems and better manage player lifecycles progressively. Looking ahead, Chertkov expresses confidence in Vegangster's ability to adapt swiftly and assist partners with its agile solutions. He also foresees greater AI integration in the future, with the objective of further streamlining operations for larger-scale 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.

2026-03-20

SBC Summit Tbilisi 2026 to Attract 2,500+ Participants, Highlighting Robust Regulation and Sports Emphasis

(AsiaGameHub) -   SBC, in partnership with SMH Global, has announced the highly anticipated SBC Summit Tbilisi 2026, set to take place on July 15–16 at the Sheraton Grand Tbilisi Metechi Palace. Building on the success of the 2025 event, which drew over 2,000 delegates from 44 countries, the 2026 summit aims to attract more than 2,500 attendees, further solidifying its standing in Eastern Europe and Central Asia. The summit will feature over 70 distinguished speakers who will address critical industry topics, including regulations, operations, technology, affiliate marketing, and cross-industry collaborations. Sports will continue to be a significant focus of the agenda, with dedicated sessions exploring fan engagement, sponsorship opportunities, media partnerships, and the evolving relationship between sports organizations and betting operators. A key highlight will be the SBC Regulators Summit, convening regulatory leaders from Central and Eastern Europe, the Balkans, the Baltics, the Caucasus, and Central Asia. This summit will concentrate on compliance, responsible gaming, and adapting regulatory frameworks to keep pace with technological advancements. Rasmus Sojmark, CEO & Founder of SBC, expressed his enthusiasm: “Following the benchmark set in 2025, SBC Summit Tbilisi 2026 is targeting over 2,500 attendees and will feature more than 70 renowned speakers delving into operations, technology, affiliate marketing, and synergies with sports and adjacent industries. The SBC Regulators Summit will be a central platform, fostering strategic dialogues for progressive policies. Additionally, keep an eye out for a special guest reveal, which will make this July event essential for anyone invested in the future of iGaming in the region.” Lasha Machavariani, Founder of SMH, commented: “Sports will be a cornerstone of SBC Summit Tbilisi 2026. Last year, we were honored to host football legend Alessandro Nesta, generating significant excitement and valuable discussions on leadership, performance, and the connection between sports and betting. “For 2026, we are intensifying the sports focus with more in-depth conversations on fan engagement, sponsorship strategies, club partnerships, and the business aspects of sports. We are preparing another high-profile guest and are eager to deliver even greater value to the region.” Networking opportunities will include evening events at premier Tbilisi venues, complemented by the SBC Connect App for business matchmaking and content access. The exhibition floor will offer direct engagement with operators, providers, affiliates, and technology companies. Early bird registration will be available soon, and organizers are urging industry professionals to secure their participation in what is anticipated to be a premier iGaming and sports betting event in the region. 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.

2026-03-20

Ezugi Extends Bally’s Intralot Partnership Through UK Launch and Branded EZ Marble Race

(AsiaGameHub) -   Ezugi, Evolution's live casino brand, has broadened its partnership with Bally's Intralot by launching a selection of its live casino and RNG titles on the Bally Bet Sports & Casino platform in the UK, which reinforces its position in the North American market. This deployment provides UK players with access to various Ezugi games including live dealer Ultimate Roulette, Unlimited Blackjack, Horse Racing Auto Roulette, among others. Simultaneously, Ezugi introduced a Bally's-branded edition of EZ Marble Race, representing the company's first customized game version developed specifically for a partner platform. Furthermore, this expanded partnership has also enabled Ezugi to collaborate with Bally's North America Interactive in regulated jurisdictions like Ontario and New Jersey. These markets, which form part of Ezugi's North American expansion strategy, have been instrumental in building its regional footprint. Bally's Intralot, an iGaming and lottery solutions provider, was established following the divestiture of Bally's International Interactive Business in October 2025. The company is publicly traded on the Athens Stock Exchange. It merges Bally's consumer-focused digital assets with INTRALOT's deep expertise in lottery operations within regulated markets. Through Bally's Intralot, customers gain access to a wide range of products and services including online gaming, lottery eLottery, and sports betting. Christel Marioni, VP Commercial Partnerships at Bally’s Intralot, said: Ezugi's games have been part of our Ontario and New Jersey iGaming offerings for some time, and our players have responded very positively to them. Expanding our entertainment options by incorporating distinctive Ezugi content into our UK online platform was a logical next step. The Bally's-branded EZ Marble Race game stands out as a particularly unique and innovative title that aligns seamlessly with Bally's heritage while supporting our contemporary goal of delivering exceptional, immersive entertainment experiences for our players. The Bally's-branded EZ Marble Race is a marble racing game inspired by pinball, featuring five marbles racing along a track enhanced with arcade-style components. The title integrates visual elements that reference Bally's legacy with Ezugi's marble racing gameplay, which utilizes random sequences to determine results. James Robert Smith, Head of Commercial (EU) & Strategy at Ezugi, added: Launching our first exclusive, branded version of EZ Marble Race represents a milestone moment for Ezugi, and partnering with the legendary Bally's brand to do so is a tremendous honor. It's also remarkable that the Ezugi and Evolution brands, along with our group's online slots portfolio featuring NetEnt, Red Tiger, and Big Time Gaming, play such a significant role in Bally's online expansion strategy across the UK and North America. 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.

2026-03-20

William Hill seeks return of funds after jackpot error

(AsiaGameHub) -   William Hill has contacted players who withdrew funds and is asking for the money to be repaid. The operator's issue occurred within the Jackpot Drop opt-in pool, leading players to mistakenly believe they had won the jackpot. Many of these players shared news of their jackpot wins on social media, which were later revealed to be false. Circulating screenshots on X showed one account with a balance of £236,000 and another with £142,000. Additional posts indicated that large sums were temporarily credited to accounts before being manually corrected. The accounts involved were subsequently frozen for investigation, and the Jackpot Drop game was temporarily removed from the website. William Hill is now attempting to reclaim the money that was withdrawn during the window after the erroneous credits were applied but before the accounts were locked. William Hill Online has provided customers with its bank details, including sort codes and account numbers, and has formally requested the return of the funds. The correspondence read: During a routine review of platform activity, we identified an issue affecting the Jackpot Drop game which resulted in incorrect sums being credited to players’ balances and withdrawals being processed incorrectly. As a consequence of this issue, funds were incorrectly credited and, in some cases, withdrawn from a number of customer accounts, including yours, that were not generated through valid or properly functioning gameplay. Our review has confirmed that certain balances credited to your account and subsequently withdrawn did not arise from valid gameplay and are attributable to the issue affecting the Jackpot Drop game. William Hill points to clause 8 in its Terms and Conditions, which permits the company to void transactions, modify account balances, and recover any funds paid out in error due to a technical fault or game malfunction. As a gesture of goodwill, the bookmaker has offered customers the chance to retain 11% of the withdrawn amounts. It remains unclear if this is a standard offer for all affected clients or if it depends on the sum withdrawn. Customers have been given a three-day deadline to return the money and must also sign a settlement agreement to resolve the matter formally. A spokesperson said: During a routine review of platform activity, we identified an issue affecting the Jackpot Drop game which temporarily resulted in incorrect sums being credited to players’ balances and withdrawals being processed incorrectly. Whilst we quickly identified and resolved this issue, for a short period of time funds were erroneously credited to some customer accounts that were not correctly generated through valid or properly functioning gameplay. We have contacted relevant customers to clarify the issue, and are in the process of retrieving the funds in line with our standard terms and conditions. We have been grateful for our customers’ understanding on this matter. The error could prove highly damaging for William Hill, potentially resulting in a significant financial loss if a large portion of the user funds is not returned or is kept under the goodwill terms. Some angry customers have threatened legal action to keep what they believe are their legitimate winnings, which could lead to a protracted dispute. The company's terms and conditions are expected to be a critical factor if the situation escalates. Similar cases have arisen in the UK before. In 2021, the High Court ruled that Betfred must pay a player a £1.7 million jackpot, despite the bookmaker's refusal based on a game defect. Likewise, in March 2025, a judge permitted a gardener to keep a £1 million jackpot after Paddy Power contested the payout citing a computer error. Even if the matter is settled out of court, the operator could still face a substantial financial impact from either completely unrecovered withdrawals or the amounts deducted under the goodwill agreements. 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.

2026-03-20

KSA imposes strict ad targeting rules on Dutch casino operators

(AsiaGameHub) -   Kansspelautoriteit (KSA) has launched a new compliance checklist that requires licensed operators in the Netherlands to strictly narrow the target of their advertising campaigns, or face enforcement action that includes possible suspension. This new guidance is built on the July 2023 ban on mass-market gambling advertising that targets broad groups of people, which was put in place following amendments to the Remote Gambling Act (KOA). The KOA reforms opened the Netherlands' regulated online gambling industry back in 2021. After the new guidelines come into effect, all of operators' marketing activity must be aimed exclusively at people aged 24 and older, with at least 95% of all their marketing outreach reaching individuals who meet this 24+ age requirement. Operators will be mandated to roll out reliable age verification systems, advanced audience segmentation, and accurate, trustworthy targeting algorithms. If these measures cannot guarantee reasonable accuracy in reaching only the intended audience, operators must pause all marketing for the relevant products and services until all requirements are fulfilled. The gambling regulator has confirmed that compliance with these rules is not a one-time requirement; compliance and the effectiveness of measures will be monitored on an ongoing basis. Operators must regularly review the performance of their marketing campaigns, reassess their risk factors, and update their marketing tactics to reflect changes in technology and user behavior. Operators must provide a clear, functional opt-out option across all marketing channels, so that users can easily opt out of receiving gambling promotions without needing to complete any registration process. In addition to these core requirements, operators must use "best available measures" to prevent vulnerable individuals from being exposed to gambling-related advertising, including strict age limits, behavioral targeting tools, and regular assessments of the reliability of advertising systems. Since 2023, the KSA has issued roughly €400,000 in total fines to operators including Bingoal, bet365, TOTO, BetEnt, and JOI Gaming for violations of advertising rules. State Secretary Claudia Van Bruggen is currently leading work to refine the national regulatory framework, balancing stricter compliance obligations with broader consumer protection objectives. 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.

2026-03-20

FeedConstruct Secures Exclusive Rights to East Asia Super League Basketball

(AsiaGameHub) -   FeedConstruct has established a premier partnership with the East Asia Super League (EASL), obtaining exclusive rights for data, streaming, and betting. The multi-year deal, which includes the ongoing season, enables SoftConstruct’s partners to access matches from leading basketball leagues in Japan, South Korea, and Mongolia, among other nations. Narek Harutyunyan, FeedConstruct CEO, said: East Asia is a rapidly developing sports region with robust fan engagement and a growing need for high-quality content. Via this alliance, we strive to supply our partners with stable access to EASL events through our global infrastructure. Henry Kerins, EASL CEO, said: The need for official, superior sports data is increasing at an exceptional speed, and we feel that partnering with an entity of FeedConstruct’s distinction and global renown helps advance our objective to raise EASL’s profile worldwide. With this deal, FeedConstruct looks to deepen its roots in Asia and extend its international reach in sports data and wagering services. Given the rising popularity of EASL, this cooperation is set to offer fans and partners improved reliability and engagement via diverse platforms. 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.

2026-03-20

1spin4win teams up with Alea to broaden its classic slot collection

(AsiaGameHub) -   1spin4win has entered into a partnership with Alea to widen the distribution of its popular online slot games, reinforcing its status as a premier iGaming studio in the market. This agreement will integrate more than 190 classic titles from 1spin4win into Alea's platform, which features a library of over 17,000 games. This will provide a global player base with a blend of both well-known and novel gaming options. The game studio launches four to five new games each month, spanning classic fruit machines, slots with adventurous themes, no-line slots, and seasonal titles tied to holidays like Saint Patrick’s Day, Valentine's Day, Oktoberfest, Halloween, and Christmas. Alea, a top-tier game aggregator, acts as a bridge between game developers and online casinos via a single API. This allows operators to offer thousands of games from more than 250 content providers without any additional technical integration. Jaime Carvajal, Business Development Manager at 1spin4win, said: Partnerships of this nature are fundamental to our long-term international expansion plans. Alea has established a robust platform that links studios with operators, and we are thrilled that our games will connect with new players through this collaboration. Eduard Verdaguer, Partnerships Manager at Alea, added: 1spin4win has earned a strong reputation for providing classic slot experiences founded on solid mathematical models and clear mechanics. Adding their portfolio to our platform equips our operator partners with a unique content style that consistently engages players in diverse markets. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

2026-03-20