(AsiaGameHub) -   Colombia has continued to play a crucial role in Codere Online's growth, as the country’s President was urged to suspend the 19% emergency VAT tax imposed on the industry. Previously, the operator had maintained a firm position, stating it would pause all further investments in Colombia until the 19% tax introduced by President Gustavo Petro and his Humana government was fully revoked. With Petro now ordered to remove the tax, the Colombian market holds significant potential for Codere Online, particularly as it remains one of the group’s key markets despite ongoing taxation challenges. As net gaming revenue increased for the company, Mexico emerged as its primary growth engine, supported by broader positive trends across the region, especially in major markets including Panama, Colombia, and Buenos Aires. Overall, the period marked a generally favorable performance for Codere Online, with revenue rising 16% compared to the prior period, reaching €60.3 million (£54.7 million). Crucially, the company’s financial trajectory is moving toward profitability, with Marcus Arildsson, Chief Financial Officer of Codere Online, noting "a cle...

(AsiaGameHub) -   Flutter Entertainment’s strong start to the 2026 fiscal year has been tempered by the news that Amy Howe has stepped down as CEO of FanDuel. The company announced a leadership transition in North America alongside plans for a "revitalisation programme" at FanDuel, aimed at addressing its "soft sportsbook" performance to bolster profitability. This strategic shift is considered vital for FanDuel to maintain its leadership in the US iGaming sector and to enter the prediction markets space, where it aims to compete effectively against emerging rivals like Kalshi and Polymarket. The focus on US operations dominated the analyst call for the NYSE/LSE-listed gambling firm, overshadowing the strong performance of Flutter International, which reported a 27% revenue increase to $2.54bn and an EBITDA contribution of $587m. As it navigates changes in the US, Flutter highlighted its "global engine," which is expected to be further strengthened in 2026 by growth in Italy and Brazil. Group CEO Peter Jackson remarked: “Our performance in Italy has been extremely strong,” noting that the new Italian portfolio—comprising SISAL, SNAI, Betfair.it, and Pok...

(AsiaGameHub) -   Renewed speculation about a potential revival of MGM Resorts' bid for Entain sparked skepticism on Friday morning, but a deal may not be as implausible as some assume. M&A activity across the UK gambling sector remains robust as the new taxation framework takes shape and a transformed market landscape begins to emerge. In an interview with iGaming Expert, Ivor Jones, Equity Analyst at Peel Hunt, noted that while rumours of such a deal have surfaced repeatedly over the past five years, this time there may actually be substance behind them. There has been a surge in M&A speculation within the industry, most notably Bally’s apparent attempt to expand its presence through a reported offer for troubled operator evoke. As Bally’s pursuit of evoke becomes increasingly probable—despite seeming irrational—it underscores why it wouldn’t be surprising if MGM Resorts defied conventional logic and pursued its long-rumoured acquisition of Entain in this new regulatory era. Jones explained: “Although acquiring Entain’s 50% stake in BetMGM would be more strategically sound for MGM Resorts, Entain shareholders might prefer not...

(AsiaGameHub) -   FanLabel has also filed comments with the CFTC that lay out a responsible framework for music-focused prediction markets SCCG Management— a global authority in iGaming consulting, business development, and strategic expansion with over 33 years of experience in the gaming sector— extends its congratulations to FanLabel, its partner and portfolio firm, on the official rollout of FanLabel SongPicks. This paid-entry, skill-driven music contest app allows fans to leverage their music expertise to vie for cash rewards. As a shareholder in FanLabel, SCCG Management has backed the company’s growth as a strategic partner, assisting with business development, market positioning, and industry connections. The launch of FanLabel SongPicks marks the newest achievement in FanLabel’s growing ecosystem of music gamification and prediction market entertainment, and it further confirms SCCG’s investment belief that interactive, data-backed fan engagement holds substantial commercial potential across various entertainment sectors. A New Way for Music Fans to Compete FanLabel SongPicks expands on the company’s FanLabel Classic app, which enab...

(AsiaGameHub) -   Wynn Resorts has reassured investors that construction of its Al Marjan Island casino in the UAE will proceed despite the impact of ongoing tensions in the Middle East. As the conflict between the US, Israel and Iran continues, the UAE has experienced increased missile attacks, disrupting various aspects of the country’s economy.  Reports earlier this week from Bloomberg suggested that Wynn would be forced to extend construction beyond the expected opening date of spring 2027. Craig Billings, the company’s Chief Executive Officer, confirmed that there will be a ‘modest delay in our opening timeline’ as Wynn is forced to address ‘logistical and shipping challenges in the region’. Despite this, he remained bullish on the prospects of the multi-billion-dollar project, in which Wynn holds a 40% stake, and the wider ability of the UAE to bounce back as a leading tourist destination. Speaking on Wynn’s first-quarter earnings call, he said: “This is a country that has navigated multiple regional conflicts over the past two decades and has consistently come out stronger. They’ve done that by investing in infr...

(AsiaGameHub) -   The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) has imposed penalties on Relax Gaming and Pragmatic Play. This follows an investigation that found their games on unregulated gambling sites available to players in Ontario. The AGCO has issued monetary penalty orders of CAD$40,000 (around €25,000) to both Relax Gaming and Arrise Solutions, which operates under the name Pragmatic Play. Ontario's iGaming regulator has reiterated its position against suppliers who make their games available to illicit operators. Dr Karin Schnarr, AGCO CEO and Registrar, stated: "Ontario's regulated iGaming market is founded on explicit rules that safeguard players and ensure corporate accountability. "Unregulated gaming sites function outside this system, leaving players without guarantees of fair play, prompt payouts, or effective conflict resolution. The presence of regulated games on these unregulated sites can foster an environment that puts players at significant risk." According to the AGCO, the two companies fully cooperated with the inquiry and moved quickly to block Ontario players from accessing their games on the unregulated platforms. Both Relax Gaming and Arr...

(AsiaGameHub) -   Octoplay has launched operations with bet365 in the United Kingdom, bringing another major global gambling company into its growing list of top-tier partners. This debut signifies the start of a potentially strong partnership between the two entities, beginning within one of the world's most regulated and competitive markets. bet365 joins other top-tier operators like Virgin Bet and BetVictor that have recently onboarded Octoplay in the UK, as the provider establishes itself as a preferred partner for major UK brands. The integration of bet365 coincides with Octoplay's rapid global growth, following recent launches with Paf in Finland, PokerStars in Spain and Italy, and Superbet in Brazil. “Our collaboration with bet365 signifies another milestone in our fast-paced UK growth,” states Ralitsa Georgieva, CEO of Octoplay. “Partnering with a widely recognized industry leader confirms our strategy and builds upon the momentum we have gained through successful integrations with top UK brands throughout 2025.” “We are delighted to collaborate with Octoplay and showcase their game collection to our UK audience,” comments Clement Le...

(AsiaGameHub) -   Groove, the industry’s most dynamic content aggregation platform, has today welcomed KingMidas Games into its fast-growing portfolio. The collaboration introduces the studio’s unique collection of over 150 games to Groove’s operator network, featuring slots, instant-win titles, table games, and arcade-style experiences tailored for today’s players. KingMidas Games has built a reputation as a forward-thinking studio that anticipates market trends. Its games are developed with a mobile-first approach, crafted for sustained engagement, and designed to resonate across international markets without compromising their appeal. The studio’s emphasis on visually compelling, mechanically engaging, and player-centric experiences aligns closely with Groove’s mission to deliver content that generates tangible commercial results for operators. Rachel Tourgeman, Head of Partnerships at Groove, stated: “KingMidas Games adds a distinctive edge to our platform. They merge a strong visual identity with a deep understanding of what drives player retention. In a saturated content environment, that synergy is crucial. We’re delighted...