(AsiaGameHub) - Nevada’s upcoming Governor election has entered a new phase after Aaron Ford announced he plans to eliminate one of the state’s longest-running labor laws if he wins office. During an appearance on a union-supported podcast, Ford said he would sign any bill that would repeal Nevada’s “right-to-work” statute. This position could be a decisive factor for his campaign, as Nevada is home to some of the most well-known labor unions in the United States.
Ford Holds a Staunch Pro-Labor Stance
First enacted in 1953, this law bars employers and unions from forcing workers to join a labor organization or pay dues as a requirement of employment. Supporters maintain that the rule protects individual choice, while opponents argue it undermines labor unions by letting workers receive union-negotiated pay and perks without contributing financially to the organization.
Ford supports a more aggressive expansion of union powers. He has put this issue at the heart of his campaign as part of a broader push to bolster collective bargaining rights. Per Ford’s statements, repealing the law would restore workplace balance and give workers more bargaining power when discussing pay and benefits with employers.
Nevada’s world-class workers built the middle class. I will honor their hard work for our state by being the most pro-worker Governor in our state’s history.
Aaron Ford
Per a recent Nevada Independent report, labor union leaders have spoken positively of Ford’s position and pledged their support for his campaign. For unions, this policy debate directly affects their capacity to fund their operations and retain members in a state where organized labor still holds substantial sway, particularly in the hospitality industry.
Any Bill Must Overcome Substantial Hurdles
Though it has earned support from unions, Ford’s proposal could face resistance from business associations and conservative voters. The Las Vegas Chamber and other groups have long advocated for keeping the law, claiming it helps attract employers by keeping labor costs predictable and maintaining hiring flexibility. They caution that repealing the rule could leave Nevada less competitive relative to nearby states.
Recent labor actions have only escalated existing tensions. Prominent unions including the Culinary Workers Union Local 226 have negotiated high-profile contracts in Las Vegas and held public demonstrations to call for better wages and benefits. These moves have strengthened labor’s visibility and political clout across state politics.
Governor Joe Lombardo, who is widely expected to compete against Ford in the election, has shown no interest in changing the existing law, and is instead focusing his agenda on business expansion. This stance creates a clear policy divide between the two candidates. Even if Ford secures victory, repealing the law would not be simple. Previous attempts to repeal or adjust the rule have failed repeatedly, meaning the effort will first require support from state legislators.
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(AsiaGameHub) - The NBA has reportedly notified its 30 general managers of a proposed reform to combat tanking in the draft lottery, dubbed the “3-2-1 lottery.” This name reflects the number of lottery balls allocated to teams, and the system would expand the lottery to encompass 16 teams.
NBA to Allegedly Implement New Team Lottery System
According to circulating reports, the NBA office has held several significant meetings in recent weeks with the Board of Governors, the competition committee, and all 30 general managers. These discussions have focused on refining a single proposal before a final vote by owners scheduled for May 28. While minor modifications to the plan are still possible, the fundamental structure is understood to have the support of a majority of teams.
Sources indicate that all involved parties have dedicated months to developing and assessing various concepts before arriving at this 16-team format. Senior NBA officials are of the opinion that the proposal will diminish the motivation to lose games by including all 16 eligible teams in the lottery process. It is also anticipated to foster greater competitiveness towards the end of the season, as teams at the bottom will strive to avoid the lowest draft positions. Concurrently, those teams situated just above them will aim to secure better draft placement.
The discussions surrounding the new format followed an announcement made late last year, when the NBA declared its intention to increase oversight on the types of wagers that could be offered on its games. This new policy also included an updated Fan Code of Conduct designed to enhance the protection of NBA players, coaches, and other team personnel, alongside measures aimed at preventing tanking.
How Will the New System Work?
Under the proposed “3-2-1 lottery” system, the draft lottery pool will be expanded from 14 teams to 16. Teams that do not qualify for the playoffs or the play-in tournament, and finish outside the bottom three positions (specifically, positions 4 through 10 in the draft order, referred to as the “relegation zone”), will each receive three lottery balls.
The three teams with the worst records in the league will each receive two lottery balls but will be guaranteed a draft pick no lower than the No. 12 selection. Meanwhile, the remaining lottery teams could fall as far as the No. 16 pick. The teams that finish as the No. 9 and No. 10 seeds in each conference will each be allocated two lottery balls, while teams that lose in the 7–8 play-in games will receive one lottery ball each.
The proposal also includes a sunset clause, meaning the new system will automatically cease to be in effect after the 2029 draft unless the Board of Governors votes to extend or replace it. The NBA's current collective bargaining agreement is slated to remain in effect through the 2029–30 season. Furthermore, the league will be granted expanded authority to enforce rules against tanking. This includes the ability to adjust lottery odds and/or modify draft positions for teams found to be in violation of these guidelines.
In separate NBA news, former star player Gilbert Arenas faces a potential prison sentence of up to 5 years if convicted of operating an illegal poker scheme in California.
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(AsiaGameHub) - The Gambling Commission’s executive director has stated that discussions surrounding financial risk checks have become increasingly toxic.
UK.- Speaking at the Ethical Gambling Forum held at Flutter Entertainment’s Leeds headquarters, the British Gambling Commission’s Executive Director, Tim Miller, used a substantial portion of his speech to justify the regulator's investigation into financial risk assessments (FRAs). Despite ongoing criticism from the industry and a campaign by the racing sector, he maintained that the checks would be “frictionless for the vast majority of customers”.
These checks were first suggested in the Gambling Act review White Paper in April 2023 by the former Conservative government. The Gambling Commission initiated a six‑month pilot program in August 2024. The industry has consistently criticised the pilot's outcomes, claiming the checks proved more intrusive than planned for many customers and that results varied significantly between different credit agencies.
Addressing industry representatives, Miller expressed regret that the debate had “become more high-pitched – more toxic”. He emphasised that no decision has been made regarding the implementation of the checks, but also contended that the pilot's findings offer “more evidence that makes clear the status quo can’t hold.”
He stated: “We have identified a group of vulnerable customers that current methods are failing to detect. Participants in the pilot were between two and four times more likely to be on a debt management plan and between two and five times more likely to have had a default in the past year compared to similar individuals in the general population. While some of these customers might be identified and assisted by operators currently, a significant number are being overlooked.”
Miller reported that only a “very small proportion of active accounts” would need an assessment and be unable to complete it seamlessly.
“The white paper anticipated that approximately 0.6 per cent of active accounts would be in this category. The pilot indicates the figure is actually 0.1 per cent,” he explained. “This means just one in a 1000 accounts would be unable to have a frictionless assessment. Furthermore, this number could be lowered even more if operators fulfil their existing obligations at the outset of the customer relationship by verifying customer details and identities correctly.”
Miller also sought to correct what he called “other misconceptions running wild“.
“The proposed thresholds for an assessment are not limits or caps on how much a customer can spend,” he clarified. “They are not ‘affordability checks’ under a new name – the checks we are piloting do not try to determine what a customer can afford to gamble. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, there would be no requirement for document checks after a financial risk assessment. In fact, if implemented, these checks would enable us to issue clear guidance to operators that they must not ask consumers for documents to assess financial risk following such an assessment.
“To reassure the industry, our compliance approach would also guarantee that not asking for documents after a financial risk assessment would not trigger regulatory action. Requesting financial documents in these situations would lack a legitimate regulatory purpose, and consumers would be within their rights to decline such requests.”
Miller announced that the Gambling Commission will present recommendations on the next steps to its board in the “near future”. He added: “Our Board will be the decision-maker on this matter, and no one should attempt to pre-judge the outcome. Our Board will need to be convinced that there is a strong evidence base for any further action on financial risk checks and that the Government’s public policy stance still supports such a move.
“However, if the decision is made to roll out these assessments, we will collaborate closely with DCMS, the industry, and credit reference agencies to form an implementation group. This group would work together to create the specifics of a practical implementation plan and schedule. It would also assist in developing guidance for operators to ensure they adopt a proportionate method for engaging with customers when a financial risk is detected.”
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(AsiaGameHub) - The Mega Millions jackpot has gone unclaimed for yet another drawing, as have the game’s Match 5 prizes. The game is currently in a temporary slump, though this isn’t particularly surprising given that two jackpots were won in March.
Mega Millions Jackpot Still Unclaimed
The Tuesday Mega Millions drawing had no winner, as no players matched all six winning numbers to claim the game’s top prize. No one matched the five white numbers alone either, though some players did match four white numbers plus the gold Mega Ball, earning themselves five-figure prizes.
The winning numbers for the April 28 drawing were 14, 36, 41, 47, and 66, along with the gold Mega Ball 15. If someone had matched all these numbers, they would have won $163 million via the annuity option (for the full amount) or $72.9 million through the one-time lump-sum payout.
Matching just the five white numbers (without the Mega Ball) yields a prize between $2 million and $10 million, based on the ticket’s multiplier. This marks the fourth consecutive drawing where no one has won this prize.
That said, four players did match four white numbers and the Mega Ball, taking home different five-figure prizes: two won $20,000 each, one got $30,000, and another received $40,000.
The jackpot now stands at $178 million, with a cash option of $79.6 million. The next drawing will happen this Friday at 11 pm ET.
Two Mega Millions Jackpots Claimed in 2026
The first two Mega Millions jackpots of 2026 were claimed in March. The first was won by a lucky Illinois player who matched all the winning numbers; a few days later, she stepped forward to collect her $536 million prize, which is truly staggering.
Just two drawings later, another player in Ohio won a $60 million jackpot on St. Patrick’s Day. The winner was revealed to be the Happy Trails Trust, which sent a representative earlier this month to claim the prize money.
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(AsiaGameHub) - Stravroulas characterizes the new role as a "major move outside his comfort zone" as he readies for a "rapid global expansion across ten nations and three continents."
Greece.- Novibet has appointed Yiannis Stravroulas as its Chief Technology Officer. He is tasked with utilizing artificial intelligence and other modern technologies for the Greek gaming firm.
Novibet is a leading operator in Greece and Cyprus, while also maintaining an international presence in countries such as Brazil, Chile, Ecuador, Mexico, Canada, Ireland, and Finland. Allwyn, which recently acquired the Greek lottery OPAP, had intended to purchase Novibet, but the deal was canceled due to regulatory concerns.
In its announcement, Novibet noted that Stravroulas will be instrumental in its goal to become a “global GameTech company.” Formerly the COO of the Greek IT company Cognity, he will now be responsible for improving Novibet’s tech framework, product innovation, user experience, and overall growth strategy.
On LinkedIn, Stravroulas remarked: “Joining Novibet is a major step outside my comfort zone. I approach this with the strength of my experience and a genuine excitement to grow alongside the company—which is seeing roughly 30 percent annual growth and a rapid international expansion across 10 countries on three continents!”
He further stated: “In this environment, technology is not just a support function; it is a fundamental part of the core business. With a strong and proven team, it is the engine driving the company forward.”
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(AsiaGameHub) - The IBA has responded to criticism from FDJ United’s Premier Lotteries Ireland.
Ireland.- The Irish Bookmakers Association (IBA) has opposed calls for a ban on lottery betting within Ireland. Premier Lotteries Ireland, the Irish National Lottery operator owned by FDJ United, recently urged for action, estimating that lottery betting results in approximately €289m a year in lost ticket sales for them.
The lottery operator stated that an additional €81m could have been allocated to community initiatives, including sports and the arts, in 2024 if customers had not been able to place bets on the lottery through bookmakers instead of purchasing official tickets.
See also:Eurasia Sports to enter Irish gambling market with focus on “pro bettors”
Charity lottery operators have supported this call for either legislative or regulatory measures to address this ambiguity, as the new Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI) assumes responsibility for overseeing the sector. The GRAI has commenced accepting applications for the first new Irish gambling licences.
However, the IBA refutes this criticism and advocates for a balanced perspective that acknowledges the long-standing presence of lottery betting. Chairperson Sharon Byrne stated: “We fundamentally disagree with the National Lottery’s argument. Our customers have been betting on lotteries with their local bookmaker for over 30 years. Betting on the outcome of a lottery is no different to betting on the outcome of any event, and it’s an established product for many shops, which are already facing new rules and regulations under the upcoming licensing regime.”
The new regulations implemented under the Irish Gambling Regulation Act 2024 encompass advertising restrictions and the establishment of a new Social Impact Fund to support programs aimed at addressing gambling-related harm.
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(AsiaGameHub) - The ONJN has allocated financial resources to support non-profit projects.
Romania.- The national gambling authority ONJN has announced the distribution of €5m in grants to combat problem gambling in Romania. This funding, sourced from the ONJN’s 2026 budget, is part of the “Conscious and Free” public interest initiative established in the government gazette in December 2025.
The non-reimbursable grants will support non-profit projects promoting responsible gaming. The funding is divided into three primary categories: €3.6m for prevention, education, minor protection, treatment, research, digitalization, and awareness; €1.2m for the creation or expansion of specialized treatment centers (restricted to public authorities); and €200,000 for impact assessments and studies to inform future strategies.
Grant applications must be turned in by May 11, with eligibility outcomes published on May 15. Appeals can be submitted between May 18 and 20, followed by the announcement of final compliance results from May 21 to 26.
An independent evaluation report is scheduled for publication on July 8, with a window for challenging preliminary results open until July 13. Final results will be released on July 28, and contracts will be signed between July 29 and 31. Projects are set to start on August 3 and continue through December 2026.
Vlad-Cristian Soare, President of ONJN, underscored the importance of the program and the collaborative effort required for its launch. He mentioned that the ONJN worked in partnership with the Ministry of Finance and UEFISCDI, the Executive Agency for Higher Education, Research, Development and Innovation Funding. The initiative involved legislative updates to restructure the ONJN’s responsible gaming division, including two presidential orders.
“I promised these projects would materialise,” Soare stated. “Despite past challenges, these initiatives will proceed and, most importantly, provide aid to vulnerable individuals.”
“We are providing the first funding in the history of ONJN for this type of initiative. Simultaneously, the necessary regulatory framework has been established to support funding in future years.”
The ONJN has also issued its annual activity report, which details its enforcement actions against illegal gambling in Romania over the last year following its receipt of new regulatory powers.
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(AsiaGameHub) - The Category 1 horse track casino license has been renewed for a further five years.
United States – The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) has voted unanimously to renew the Category 1 horse track casino license for Greenwood Gaming and Entertainment, which operates Parx Casino in Bucks County. The regulatory body found that the operator had met all obligations under its prior license and was eligible for a five-year renewal.
A public hearing took place in April 2025, during which Parx Casino staff submitted exhibits and provided testimony. Members of the public were also invited to share their views on the casino and its impact on the community, and the board received input from local government officials, community organizations, and the Pennsylvania State Police. A second public hearing was held in Harrisburg to allow board members to ask additional questions of the operator’s representatives.
Per the regulator, Parx Casino has generated $10.2 billion in gross revenue from retail slot machines, table games, sports betting, and online gaming since its launch in December 2006. It has also produced $4.59 billion in tax revenues, assessments, and fees.
Parx Casino runs 2,981 slot machines, 155 traditional table games, 12 hybrid table games, and a sportsbook. It employs over 2,300 individuals.
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(AsiaGameHub) - The establishment features 600 slot machines and 30 live table games.
United States – Happy Valley Casino in Pennsylvania has launched following two public trial days. The new venue at Nittany Mall in State College boasts 600 slot machines and 30 live table games, along with a full-service restaurant, a fast-casual dining option, and the Center Bar. It operates daily from 10 a.m. to 2 a.m.
Eric Pearson, general manager of Happy Valley Casino, stated: “This is an extremely thrilling moment for our team and the entire community as we open the doors to Happy Valley Casino.” He added, “We’re proud to introduce a lively new destination where guests can enjoy top-tier gaming, delicious food, and rewarding experiences. From day one, our focus has been on creating an atmosphere that’s welcoming, energetic, and full of opportunity—and we can’t wait for our guests to be part of it.”
The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) recently reported that the combined revenue from gaming and fantasy contests in March totalled $602.4 million. That’s a 4.9 percent year-over-year increase. Tax revenue stood at $259.2 million.
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(AsiaGameHub) - Yggdrasil is welcoming players to take center stage in its latest TV game show-inspired release, Gemstone Jam. This new 3×3 slot title aims to recreate the nostalgic atmosphere of a classic mechanical machine while offering participants the chance to win significant prizes.
Gemstone Jam Statistics
Rows: 3
Reels: 3
Paylines: 9
RTP: 94%, 90.5%, 92%, 96%
Volatility: Super High
Min/max bet: 0.10/10
Max win: 10,000x
A Retro Feel for the Contemporary Market
Gemstone Jam is crafted to make players feel like they have been selected from a live audience to compete for big rewards. According to the developer, the experience is high-stakes, where players can either “Win Big” or walk away with nothing.
The game combines modern aesthetics with a sense of nostalgia, featuring sharp graphics and a 3×3 grid that pays homage to traditional slot machines. Players will encounter classic symbols including BARs, diamonds, sevens, and cherries.
The immersive environment is completed by a cheering audience and an enthusiastic hostess who celebrates every winning spin.
Enhanced Features for Bigger Wins
Two primary mechanics, The Nudge and The Big Win Countup, are included to improve payout opportunities. The Nudge feature can activate at random following a spin, shifting the reels up or down by one position to help form winning combinations.
Additionally, landing a sequence of three diamonds triggers the Gemstone Jam event, providing players with the chance to secure the game’s maximum jackpot of 10,000x.
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(AsiaGameHub) - Former NBA player and assistant coach Damon Jones is the first person in an ongoing gambling conspiracy probe to plead guilty to two counts of conspiracy to commit fraud connected to insider sports betting and rigged poker game schemes.
Jones Acknowledges Guilt
After entering his guilty plea in the sports betting case, Jones read a pre-prepared statement to the court, admitting that he conspired with other people to defraud betting companies by using insider information gained through his professional connections as a former player. He said he wanted to extend a sincere apology to the court, his family, his peers, and the National Basketball Association.
A native of Galveston, Texas, Jones earned more than $20 million across an 11-year playing career from 1999 to 2009, competing for 10 different teams. He was teammates with LeBron James in Cleveland from 2005 to 2008 and later worked as an unofficial assistant coach for James’ Los Angeles Lakers during the 2022–2023 season.
Jones’ guilty admission is not a surprise, as he announced a couple of weeks prior that he would change his plea from “innocent” to “guilty.” He admitted his actions violated both the NBA’s code of conduct and the terms of service of sports betting platforms. Jones also explained that the conspiracy, which operated from December 2022 to March 2024, aimed to profit off sportsbooks by leveraging private insider knowledge. According to prosecutors, this information included nonpublic details about injuries to star NBA players.
What Role Did Jones Play in the Two Schemes?
At his second hearing, Jones acknowledged he was paid to act as a “face card” for poker games in Miami and the Hamptons, using his NBA celebrity status to draw high-stakes bettors to the table. Per his statement, Jones said that based on conversations with his co-conspirators before and after the games, he knew the games were rigged and other participants were being cheated.
According to the official indictment, in one instance, Jones received $2,500 for joining a game in the Hamptons, where he was instructed to help cheat by closely monitoring other people involved in the scheme. Prosecutors said he was told to fold his hand any time he was uncertain about the play.
Prosecutors confirm they are pursuing additional charges against a co-defendant in the sports betting case, former Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier, who has pleaded not guilty. Jones was arrested last October alongside Rozier, Portland Trail Blazers head coach and Basketball Hall of Fame star Chauncey Billups, and multiple other people, including a bettor accused of profiting from private injury-related information. Jones was one of three individuals charged in both the poker and sports betting schemes.
Currently, Jones remains free on bail, and he is not scheduled to be sentenced until January 6, 2027. He is expected to face a longer prison term for the rigged poker case than for the sports betting case. For the sports betting charge, he is projected to receive a sentence of 21 to 27 months.
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(AsiaGameHub) - US-based online gaming and wagering operator Rush Street Interactive (RSI) has released its first-quarter financial report for the year, noting double-digit growth for both revenue and EBITDA. These strong performance metrics helped the company set new all-time records, highlighting the robustness and growth potential of its core business.
Q1 Delivered Solid, All-Round Performance for RSI
According to the published report, RSI recorded total revenue of $370.4 million, up 41% year over year. This figure also marks a new quarterly high for the operator. For reference, RSI posted $262.4 million in revenue in the same quarter of the previous year.
Meanwhile, net income stood at $26.2 million, representing another quarterly record, alongside a staggering 134% year-over-year increase. For context, RSI reported $11.2 million in net income for Q1 2025.
Adjusted EBITDA hit $60.2 million, notching yet another quarterly record for the firm. This number represents an 81% year-over-year rise compared to the $33.2 million recorded in Q1 2025.
RSI further noted that its sales and marketing expenses for the period were $46.2 million, equal to 12.5% of its total revenue.
Total monthly active users (MAUs) for the quarter reached 839,000, a 51% year-over-year increase. MAUs in North America and Latin America grew by 46% and 54% respectively. On average, North American MAUs spent $317 in Q1, while Latin American MAUs spent an average of $54 over the same period.
In its report, RSI lifted its full fiscal year 2026 revenue and adjusted EBITDA guidance, stating it expects full-year revenue to land between $1.49 billion (a 31% year-over-year rise) and $1.54 billion (a 36% year-over-year rise).
For adjusted EBITDA, the company’s updated forecast projects a range of $230 million (up 50% year over year) to $250 million (up 63% year over year).
Customer-First Strategy Fueled RSI’s Strong Results
Richard Schwartz, CEO of RSI, commented on the results, praising his team for delivering record-breaking performance in Q1 2026. He expressed particular enthusiasm for the accelerated revenue and player growth, as well as the ongoing expansion of the business.
Schwartz attributed the strong quarterly performance to the company’s customer-centric operating approach and continuous improvements to the player journey. He added that he is highly optimistic about RSI’s future prospects.
Schwartz said: “Looking ahead, we have tremendous confidence in our trajectory. We’re executing well, growing our player base rapidly and profitably, and preparing for an exciting new market launch in Alberta. We remain committed to delivering exceptional player experiences while creating long-term value for our shareholders.”
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(AsiaGameHub) - Revenue grew 41 percent year-over-year.
US.- Rush Street Interactive (RSI) has released its financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2026. Total revenue hit $370.4m, which is a 41 percent rise compared to the same quarter in 2025, and marks a new quarterly record.
Net income and adjusted EBITDA also notched new quarterly records. Net income came in at $26.2m, a 134 percent increase, while adjusted EBITDA reached $60.2m, up 81 percent. Adjusted sales and marketing costs totalled $46.2m, which accounts for 12.5 percent of total revenue. Monthly Active Users (MAU) rose 51 percent to around 839,000.
Richard Schwartz, chief executive officer of RSI, said: “We are happy to report another strong quarter of performance, setting new records once again for revenue, net income and adjusted EBITDA. The ongoing acceleration we have seen in revenue and player growth is especially exciting. We have now achieved accelerating year-over-year player growth in each of the past four quarters, which reflects the underlying strength of our business.
“Across our North American online casino markets, MAUs grew an impressive 62%, outpacing the 51% growth we recorded in the fourth quarter of 2025. We also hit a new record for first-time depositors this quarter while keeping disciplined marketing spending, highlighting our growing brand awareness and the efficiency we have built into our customer acquisition and retention model. These results confirm the customer-centric approach that has consistently driven our strong performance.
“Looking ahead, we have great confidence in our growth trajectory. We are executing well, growing our player base rapidly and profitably, and preparing for an exciting new market launch in Alberta. We remain committed to delivering top-tier player experiences while building long-term value for our shareholders.”
In Q4 2025, revenue hit $324.9m, a 28 percent increase from the same period in 2024. Net income was $19.1m, up from $6.5m in Q4 2024. Adjusted EBITDA came in at $44.1m, up 44 percent year-over-year.
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(AsiaGameHub) - Lexis reports to Jeff Hook, Hard Rock’s chief operating officer (COO).
United States – Hard Rock International has announced that Morgan Lexis has been promoted to the role of senior vice president of global sales. She reports to chief operating officer (COO) Jeff Hook.
Lexis will oversee global sales for 35 Hard Rock properties and lead worldwide marketing efforts for meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE) as well as travel industry sales (TIS). She will also manage the development of sales teams and strategies for new property openings, including the upcoming Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Las Vegas.
Based in Las Vegas, Lexis is a Certified Meeting Professional with over 20 years of sales experience in the hospitality industry. She has been part of the Hard Rock team for four years, most recently serving as VP of sales at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Las Vegas. Previously, she held the position of VP of sales at The Mirage Hotel & Casino and also took on sales leadership roles at Luxor Hotel & Casino, Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino, and Bellagio Resort & Casino.
Jeff Hook, COO, stated: “Morgan’s promotion reflects her exceptional contributions to Hard Rock and her proven ability to create outstanding experiences for our guests. Her expertise in sales operations, combined with her deep knowledge of our portfolio and long-standing presence in the Las Vegas market, has positioned her to lead our global sales strategy into the future.”
Lexis commented: “I’m honored to step into this expanded role and continue growing alongside such an incredible team and brand. Hard Rock’s key differentiators set us apart in the meetings and events landscape, and I look forward to sharing that unique experience with audiences around the world—driving meaningful growth across our iconic properties, including the highly anticipated Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Las Vegas.”
In February, Seminole Gaming and Hard Rock International announced leadership appointments and transitions across their hotel and casino portfolio. The new executive roles include three new presidents and an SVP and general manager for various U.S. resorts.
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(AsiaGameHub) - ITV Win, a real-money gaming platform owned by a major UK broadcaster, is scheduled to close just months after its debut. The shutdown follows financial difficulties experienced by its operating partner, Richmond Atlantic, stemming from the UK's new tax regulations.
ITV Win Prepares to Shut Down
ITV Win commenced operations in January, aiming to leverage the increasing consumer interest in gaming products. The brand was launched in collaboration with Gibraltar-based Richmond Atlantic and utilized technology from Malta's Gaming Innovation Group (GiG).
However, Richmond was unable to obtain outside investment, resulting in financial challenges that were worsened by the UK's new gaming tax. Consequently, the operational partner for ITV Win has chosen to downscale its activities. This move includes the planned layoff of approximately 40 employees.
Furthermore, Richmond verified that it will be discontinuing the ITV Win brand. The company identified Britain's new tax system as a primary factor behind this choice. To provide background, the tax rate on UK online slots surged from 21% to 40%, creating significant disruption within the gaming sector. Despite objections from numerous operators, legislators moved forward with enforcing the new tax.
The New Tax Regime Made Business Unsustainable
In a statement to NEXT.io, a spokesperson for Richmond stated that the company's attempts to counter the effects of the UK's new tax rules have been inadequate, making it impossible to sustain the business under the new fiscal conditions.
The spokesperson also mentioned that every alternative was considered, such as a potential sale of Richmond to another operator targeting the UK market. Unfortunately, a sale did not materialize, compelling the company to proceed with the tough choice to cease operations.
A spokesperson for ITV verified the impending closure of the ITV Win website, confirming that all users have been notified. Current players are being advised to remove any remaining funds from their accounts. Individuals who do not withdraw their money within the specified timeframe will receive a manual follow-up contact.
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(AsiaGameHub) - This new event is designed to confront the escalating high-load infrastructure and engineering issues encountered by the igaming sector.
Press release.- SOFTSWISS is introducing the Tech Race Summit 2026, a new conference focused on high-load technology that aims to resolve engineering and infrastructure challenges within the igaming industry. It is scheduled for September 10, 2026, in Warsaw, Poland. Announced speakers feature experts from Amazon, Gcore, and Fastly as well as technology heads from igaming and other sectors dealing with high-load systems.
The summit addresses a distinct void in the current event market. The igaming industry's rising complexity means its infrastructure needs are now comparable to other data-intensive fields. However, the majority of sector events continue to focus on business growth and commercial connections. The engineers, CTOs, product leaders, and technology decision-makers responsible for constructing and operating these platforms have lacked a specialized venue for profound technical dialogue, strategy comparison, and learning from counterparts who face analogous challenges from various perspectives. The Tech Race Summit is intended to be that venue.
The event's foundation is cross-industry panel discussions. These conversations prioritize the sharing of knowledge, uniting technology leaders from igaming with specialists from areas like fintech, cybersecurity, cloud computing, and more.
Sergey Kastukevich, Chief Technology Officer at SOFTSWISS, commented: “The igaming sector has achieved a degree of technical sophistication that requires its own dedicated dialogue and community. We consistently heard from CTOs, engineers, and tech leaders throughout the industry that they desired a forum for in-depth exploration: genuine architecture debates, candid post-mortems, and valuable insights from individuals tackling comparable large-scale problems. Since that forum was missing, we created it.”
The summit will offer three distinct tracks – the Main Track, the Engineering Track, and the VIP Track – ranging from public keynotes and panels to intimate roundtables and private meetings for executives. Topics will cover high-load systems architecture, large-scale AI deployment, cybersecurity, cloud and edge infrastructure, platform strategy, and the technological choices influencing the modern landscape.
Early bird registration is currently open on the Tech Race Summit website.
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(AsiaGameHub) - Stake is enhancing its platform by introducing a new integrated verification system, enabling players to confirm the authenticity of their games.
This aptly named Stake’s Provably Fair (PF) technology aims to guarantee the legitimacy of various game outcomes. While the platform inherently provides this assurance, players are now also empowered to conduct their own verification.
Stake Elevates Transparency with New Technology
This technology has been rolled out to 1,200 slot games across both Stake.us and Stake.com, a development announced by co-founder Eddie Craven on his social media.
Craven noted that the results from games currently utilizing this technology will be publicly accessible for examination, thereby reinforcing the platform's commitment to fairness and transparency.
Rather than depending on the Random Number Generator (RNG) technology within games, players can now directly verify the outcomes of real money games.
The technology explicitly details “Every possible result, the exact probability of each outcome, and the full mechanism behind how results are selected.”
Craven pointed out that outcomes are generated and published beforehand, emphasizing that Stake displays this information in real-time, eliminating any uncertainty regarding its authenticity.
“Players should never have to wonder if a game is fair or how the result distribution works. They should be able to access and prove it,” Craven stated, further remarking that the RNG model was an opaque system, not comparable to the PF technology now employed by Stake.
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(AsiaGameHub) - Jay Snowden, Penn Entertainment’s chief executive officer, is set to receive a substantial pay cut after the company’s shareholders rejected its 2025 compensation plan.
Penn Reduces Target Value of Its CEO’s Compensation
To provide additional context, a Monday regulatory filing indicates Snowden will be eligible for up to $17.4 million in 2026, a 31% reduction from the previous year’s proposed compensation package. Under the prior pay plan, the Penn Entertainment CEO could have earned $25.3 million.
The most notable adjustment is a 41% cut to long-term incentive plan (LTIP) compensation. As a result, LTIP pay now makes up just 37% of Snowden’s overall total compensation.
Reduced the target grant value of the CEO’s 2026 equity awards by $7.87 million, which equals a 41% cut to LTIP eligibility and a 31% reduction in total targeted direct compensation relative to 2025, effectively resetting his overall target pay back to 2023 levels.
Penn filing excerpt
This revised compensation proposal comes after a majority of the company’s shareholders (60%) voted against the 2025 pay plan. Penn Entertainment noted that the adjustment was made with Snowden’s full support and consent.
Per the filing, the pay packages for other members of the C-suite will remain unchanged.
This pay cut aligns with Penn’s prior commitment to engage with its shareholders regarding executive compensation. Last year, shareholders voiced strong opposition to Penn’s broader compensation framework, calling for pay packages that more accurately reflect the company’s actual performance.
Though Penn previously noted that Snowden’s actual pay over the last several years has been less than half of his total potential compensation, the latest adjustments appear to show the company is now meeting its shareholders’ requests.
Penn’s First Quarter Saw Strong Results
The move to cut Snowden’s pay comes just after the company released its financial results for the first three months of 2026. Penn’s first quarter financials showed encouraging outcomes, even with a net loss of $2.8 million over the period.
In contrast, the company’s revenue and adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (adjusted EBITDA) rose to $1.78 billion and $265.8 million respectively. The Interactive segment saw notable gains in adjusted EBITDA, which highlights Penn’s fast-paced digital growth.
CEO Snowden stated that he was highly satisfied with the first quarter’s performance, describing the period as a “solid quarter.” He also noted that Penn Entertainment is excited to launch operations in the Canadian province of Alberta once the local market goes live.
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(AsiaGameHub) - BETBY has entered into a strategic agreement with QTech Games, granting the aggregator's global operator network access to its comprehensive sportsbook solution. This move substantially widens BETBY's footprint throughout Asia and other developing regions.
Press release.- Leading sportsbook supplier BETBY has confirmed a new alliance with QTech Games, a prominent game distributor and rapidly expanding aggregator in crucial emerging markets. Under the deal, BETBY will supply its complete sportsbook platform to QTech's worldwide network of operators.
This partnership allows QTech's partners to utilize BETBY's full sportsbook suite as their exclusive provider, featuring over 500,000 monthly events, bespoke AI-powered tools, and the Betby.Games esports feed. Accessed through a single, straightforward API integration, this offering provides QTech's operator base with instant availability, greatly extending BETBY's market reach. It also allows partners to deploy a high-quality sportsbook with minimal complication and a swift launch timeline.
The integration specifically tackles major hurdles operators face when starting a sportsbook, notably the technical intricacies and expense of handling numerous platform integrations. By using QTech's aggregation platform, operators—particularly those primarily focused on casino—can effortlessly integrate a fully scalable sportsbook solution without significant development costs. This speeds up their foray into sports betting and preserves operational effectiveness.
This alliance furthers BETBY's plan to grow its Asian operations, a region where QTech Games has robust distribution networks and local market knowledge. It also aids BETBY's wider expansion into emerging markets like Latin America and Africa. Merging BETBY's sportsbook with QTech's extensive reach will empower operators to provide more competitive, tailored, and captivating betting experiences to their users.
Stefanos Karakidis, business development director at BETBY, stated: “Teaming up with QTech Games is a logical progression for BETBY. They have become a key aggregator in Asia, with powerful distribution channels and extensive local insight, all while growing into other high-potential regions. QTech possesses a keen grasp of local player preferences and operator requirements. Collaboratively, we can offer a top-tier, mobile-optimized sportsbook experience that meets the specific needs of their target markets.”
Philip Doftvik, CEO at QTech Games, added: “We are thrilled to incorporate BETBY's acclaimed sportsbook into our platform. Their product is contemporary, adaptable, and built for rapidly expanding markets, matching what our operator partners seek. From AI-based tools to a comprehensive esports lineup, BETBY introduces a degree of innovation that enhances our portfolio and furthers our goal of supplying the finest content to emerging igaming markets worldwide.”
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(AsiaGameHub) - The Southern Nevada Health District has confirmed two cases of Legionnaires’ disease linked to stays at Wynn Las Vegas. The district is encouraging anyone who visited the property on or after September 1, 2025, to complete an anonymous health survey to aid inspectors in understanding the extent of the disease.
Cases Detected Quickly, Property Responds Decisively
Although the two cases occurred several months apart, the SNHD advises screening for all visitors. One case was reported in September 2025, and the second in February 2026. Both individuals have since recovered, and the property has initiated a prompt, thorough, and comprehensive remediation of its water system.
Legionnaires’ disease is a waterborne illness caused by Legionella bacteria. These bacteria were previously identified in several water samples from the property. However, the most recent samples collected by the SNHD did not detect any traces of the bacteria.
According to the SNHD, the completion of the health survey is particularly valuable for health authorities.
Information from the Public Critical to Health Authorities
“Completing this survey is critical to the investigation and helps public health officials quickly identify any additional cases and ensure appropriate follow-up. Those who are currently experiencing symptoms should seek medical attention and inform their primary care provider of the potential exposure,” stated the SNHD.
The health survey can be beneficial even for individuals who experienced only mild symptoms or recovered quickly.
While Legionnaires’ disease is treatable, it is highly contagious and can be fatal in some instances. In February, the estate of Gary Curtis Jones filed a lawsuit alleging negligence by the South Point Hotel Casino and The Grandview in protecting guests from the disease. Last March, another lawsuit, also related to a guest's death, was filed against Harbor Island Apartments, now known as The Harmon at 370, and Coast Hotels and Casinos, which manages The Orleans Hotel and Casino.
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