(AsiaGameHub) -   The Arizona Department of Gaming (ADG) announced a rise in tribal gaming contributions during the third quarter of FY26. This uptick coincides with the state ramping up its legal battle against sports prediction markets, claiming these platforms engage in illegal gambling. In the latest quarter, the ADG received more than $33 million from tribal gaming sources—an 8.3% jump compared to the same period last year. In a public statement, Jackie Johnson, Director of the ADG, noted: “Tribal gaming contributions offer essential backing for state and local programs that help maintain safe, robust, and prosperous communities throughout Arizona.” More than $16 million of these funds were allocated to the Instructional Improvement Fund and Education initiatives, while the Trauma and Emergency Services Fund got approximately $8 million. Both the Arizona Wildlife Conservation Fund and Tourism Fund each received $2.3 million, and slightly over $600,000 was directed to problem gambling education, treatment, and prevention efforts. Tribal Funds Support Legal Battle Against Kalshi The ADG was directly allocated over $3 million from these funds for operational expenses. A portion of these costs covers legal fees related to its court disputes with prediction market platform Kalshi. Johnson is being sued by Kalshi over the ADG’s efforts to bring charges against the company. Earlier this week, the ADG and its Chief Law Enforcement Officer, Douglas Jensen, were removed as defendants in the case, leaving only Johnson and Attorney General Kristin Mayes as remaining parties. In the wake of the lawsuit, Mayes took an unprecedented step by filing criminal charges against Kalshi. The company faces 20 counts, including betting and wagering offenses as well as election wagering violations. “Kalshi may brand itself as a ‘prediction market,’ but what it’s actually doing is running an illegal gambling operation and taking bets on Arizona elections, both of which violate Arizona law,” said Mayes. Tribal Nations Join Legal Case Against Kalshi On April 1, 28 tribes—six based in Arizona—submitted an amicus brief to support the ADG in its case against Kalshi. Arizona has emerged as one of the country’s top tribal gaming regions, where 16 out of its 22 federally recognized tribes run 26 casinos in the state. These establishments generate roughly $3 billion in annual gaming revenue. The tribes contend that Kalshi’s sports market offerings violate Arizona’s gaming compacts, which remain in effect until 2046. “Kalshi, without any license or approval by the Arizona Tribes or the State, brazenly entered onto state and tribal lands to conduct unregulated gaming with its so-called ‘legal sports betting’ app,” said the filing. “In doing so, Kalshi is siphoning vital tribal and state government revenue into its owners’ pockets. For tribes, gaming is not just a commercial endeavor but an existential one.” Arizona is among several states pursuing legal action against Kalshi and other prediction market platforms. Crypto.com has agreed to exit Arizona, but to date, only Nevada has managed to successfully impose restrictions on Kalshi. Kalshi Denies Allegations, Yet Identifies Its Service As Gambling In response to the charges, Kalshi told CasinoBeats, “These state-court charges are seriously flawed. It’s gamesmanship.” The company maintains that it operates legally as a platform licensed by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). “As other courts have recognized, Kalshi is a regulated, nationwide exchange for real-world events, and it’s subject to exclusive federal jurisdiction. It is very different from what state-regulated sportsbooks and casinos offer their customers. We are confident in our legal position,” said a company spokesperson. In legal proceedings, Kalshi claims its product is distinct from gambling. However, when applying to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office last year to trademark the term “prediction market,” it requested that its proposed intellectual property rights include the gambling sector. As reported by Sportico, in its November filing, Kalshi also stated that its prediction market product is linked to “bookmaking services, including providing information related to sports betting; organizing, arranging, and conducting sports betting and gambling tournaments, competitions, and contests.” 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 recent archaeological discovery indicates that Native Americans participated in games of chance as early as the Ice Age, approximately 12,000 years in the past. This positions them as the earliest known people to take part in such pursuits. The research was released in the publication American Antiquity. Robert Madden, an archaeologist from Colorado State University, examined archived records of Native American artifacts to identify the most ancient dice in the nation. His focus was on items scholars believed were connected to gaming or dice. “The results suggest that dice, games of chance, and gambling have been a persistent feature of Native American culture for the last 12,000 years, with the earliest dice appearing in Late Pleistocene Folsom deposits in Wyoming, Colorado, and New Mexico,” wrote Madden. Were Americans First Humans To Gamble? While Colorado still discusses the definitions of skill-based and chance-based games, the proof implies North Americans were wagering long before other populations. Earlier studies uncovered evidence of artifacts like dice and lottery-style games dating from roughly 5000 to 6000 years ago. This seems to be a widespread human practice, with analogous finds in ancient Egypt, China, ancient Greece, and Rome. For his quest to find the earliest dice, Madden applied specific standards. First, Native American 'dice' were two-sided. Also, the artifacts needed to be marked on at least one face and small enough to hold in a hand. They also could not possess holes, as that might suggest use as adornment. Madden identified 565 objects fitting these parameters and concluded at least 94 were probable gaming pieces. These items came from 57 archaeological locations spread over 12 states, all within the Great Plains and western U.S. The majority were from 2,000 to 450 years old, but a minimum of 31 were from 8,000 to 2,000 years ago, and at least 14 originated as far back as 12,000 years ago. Native Americans and Gambling Madden further stated that “the findings presented here place prehistoric Native American groups at the forefront of the invention of dice, games of chance, and gambling.” Researchers had earlier noted more contemporary two-sided objects with distinct 'heads' and 'tails' sides, similar to coins used in modern betting games. Upon reaching the continent, early European colonists witnessed Native Americans partaking in these games. According to Madden, the events “were often raucous affairs with huge groups of people around.” In more modern times, tribal gaming saw a resurgence in the U.S. about five decades ago. The Seminole Tribe of Florida launched the first high-stakes bingo hall in 1979. The tribe maintains sole gambling rights in Florida, where other unauthorized gaming operations face legal action. A 1987 Supreme Court win for the Cabazon Band of Mission Indians in California prompted the passage of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA) in 1988. Tribes in California keep upholding their authority to provide the only legal gambling in the state. They are at the forefront of opposition to prediction markets, claiming they violate their gaming agreements. Although critics of tribal exclusivity contend an open market would generate increased employment, tax income, and drive innovation, the new find reveals the connection between Native Americans and gambling could be much more ancient than earlier understood. 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) -   During a March 31 address at New York University Law School, David Miller—recently appointed Director of Enforcement at the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC)—told the audience, “the era of regulation by enforcement is over,” marking a major shift in the commission’s strategy.  In his speech, he emphasized that under the CFTC’s current leadership, the commission will focus on its core mission of “policing fraud, abuse, and manipulation” rather than setting policy.  He also issued one of the clearest warnings to date for prediction market traders, stating the commission will “aggressively detect, investigate, and, where appropriate, prosecute insider trading” in these markets.  Miller underscored that using inside information to trade on prediction markets isn’t a victimless crime and carries “serious consequences for market integrity and trust.” Miller Affirms Prediction Markets Are Not Exempt From Insider Trading Rules Miller used his NYU speech to outline five key enforcement priorities for the CFTC, with insider trading and market manipulation at the top of the list.  He specifically called out what he described as a “myth in the mainstream media and social media” that prediction markets are exempt from insider trading laws, noting those claims are “wrong.”   Miller explained that the Commodity Exchange Act and Rule 180.1—both modeled after federal securities laws—allow the agency to treat certain types of insider trading in commodity and swap markets as fraud.  A trade comes under scrutiny when it involves information someone was obligated to protect, he said, stressing that regular informed trading isn’t a problem and the agency targets those who “tip or trade with misappropriated information.” Prediction market exchanges also have a responsibility to protect their platforms, according to Miller, who called them the “first lines of defense” against insider trading and manipulation. He noted exchanges have a statutory obligation to “protect markets from abusive practices” and only list contracts that aren’t “susceptible to manipulation.”Former CFTC regulator Carl Kennedy explained these responsibilities to CasinoBeats in a February interview, saying:  “The CFTC is a mighty strong agency, but it’s a few people,” which is why Congress gave it the authority to let exchanges “help the agency regulate these markets.” He added, “If you are a registered exchange … one of your roles is also to be a regulator deputized by the CFTC to police your own market.” As part of their duty to police their own markets, Miller said exchanges have “an obligation to have appropriate surveillance, compliance practices and procedures” in place to “promote fair and equitable trading.”  During his speech, Miller also highlighted a recent case involving Kalshi, where a MrBeast editor used job-related information to place trades on the platform.He also pointed to the CFTC’s new information-sharing agreement with MLB as an example of the agency’s proactive approach to integrity risks in event contract markets.  Washington’s Pressure on Insider Trading in Prediction Markets Grows Miller’s NYU remarks come as the CFTC and prediction markets face increased pressure from Capitol Hill to stamp out insider trading.  On March 29, Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), along with 41 other lawmakers, sent a letter to CFTC Chairman Michael Selig and the Office of Government Ethics calling on them to issue formal guidance to federal employees, warning against using inside information to trade on prediction markets.   In that letter, lawmakers point to suspicious trading ahead of the January capture of Nicolás Maduro by U.S. Armed Forces, well-timed bets that appeared to anticipate March’s joint U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran, and speculation over former Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem’s job status.  Congress is also using legislation to target insider trading on prediction markets, introducing several bills since the start of the year, including: The PREDICT Act: Prohibits members of Congress and senior federal officials from trading on political event contracts.  The Public Integrity in Financial Prediction Markets Act: Bans federal officials from trading when they hold material nonpublic information obtained through official duties. The End Prediction Market Corruption Act: Bars the president, vice president, and members of Congress from trading event contracts entirely. Given the focus on insider trading in Miller’s speech, it seems the CFTC is trying to send a message before the next scandal breaks: while prediction markets may be new politically, the agency doesn’t see insider trading as a legal gray area and has the power to pursue traders who misuse nonpublic information.  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 technical fault in a William Hill online slot has been linked to a player suffering a heart attack. John Riding, aged 76, experienced cardiac arrest shortly after finding that his £285,000 ($376,000) winnings had vanished from his account. The error took place on the Jackpot Drop game last month. During that time, the platform distributed 35,072 jackpots, a significant increase from the 518 awarded during the same period the week before. Some users, like Riding, saw their balances credited with six-figure amounts. After celebrating the win at a local William Hill branch and telling his family, Riding was notified by the operator that the funds were issued by mistake. In a statement, the company explained, “A routine check of our platform's activity revealed a glitch with the Jackpot Drop game, which caused incorrect amounts to be temporarily added to player accounts and led to errors in withdrawal processing.” Stress and Disappointment Linked to Health Decline “I was completely crushed. It felt as though my dreams were destroyed,” Riding remarked to the Mirror. “I wasn't officially told it was a mistake, just that a ‘manual adjustment’ occurred. While the £285,000 is gone from my balance, the system still claims I am £285,000 ahead this month.” According to his family, Riding was in good health until he became stressed while trying to access and withdraw his funds. “The shock has been impossible to handle,” his son, Adam, stated. “It isn't just the money; it's the treatment. It feels like a major injustice, and the resulting stress has taken a toll on his health.” His daughter added that her father expressed an inability to cope with the pressure. “I attribute the heart attack to the stress. We all do!” A spokesperson for William Hill commented, “We are saddened to hear about Mr. Riding’s health issues and hope for his quick recovery.” Potential Group Legal Action The betting firm is now facing potential litigation. Paul Kanolik from Ellis Jones solicitors noted that about 50 affected individuals have reached out regarding a possible group lawsuit. The firm is encouraging other impacted users to contact them. Their website states, “At Ellis Jones, our legal team specializes in gambling claims, frequently assisting clients in recovering funds lost due to operator errors.” Last year, a similar legal battle was won against Paddy Power. The operator tried to cancel Corrine Durber’s £1 million ($1.3 million) win by claiming a system glitch. Following a five-year dispute, she was awarded the full sum. The judge noted, “It seems unreasonable for a trader to shift all the risk onto the consumer for its own negligence, errors, or poor digital testing.” Ellis Jones also highlighted the Andrew Green v Petfre case involving Betfred. Green won £1.7 million ($2.25 million) because of a technical error and was eventually paid after a judge found Betfred’s terms too ambiguous to deny the claim. With approximately 35,000 jackpots affected, William Hill is seeking cooperation from its users. “We have reached out to the customers involved to explain the situation and are recovering the funds according to our terms. We appreciate our customers' patience and apologize for the trouble,” the firm stated. William Hill’s future remains uncertain as its parent firm, Evoke, conducts a strategic review that could result in the split of the group, which also owns 888. 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) -   Evoke, the operator of William Hill, is poised to close approximately 200 of its betting shops across the UK, with the initial closures slated to commence in May. This decision stems from the group grappling with increased operational costs, a more stringent tax environment, and an ongoing strategic review that could still lead to further modifications across the business. Good to Know Evoke intends to shut down about 200 outlets, which constitutes roughly 15% of its retail portfolio. The program for these closures is scheduled to begin in May. The broader strategic assessment might still encompass asset divestitures or other potential alternatives. Evoke Cuts Shops as Tax Pressure Builds The operator informed its staff on Tuesday that around 200 retail locations would be permanently closed. Evoke later confirmed this plan, stating that the closures are part of a wider strategic review that has been underway since December. This review extends beyond just the shops. The group has been evaluating options including a partial sale, a complete sale, and what it termed a “range of potential alternatives.” Consequently, while the closure plan is now clear, the ultimate outcome for the business remains undetermined. Pressure had been mounting for several months. Prior to the autumn budget, retail betting operators had warned that higher taxes could necessitate shop closures. When Chancellor Rachel Reeves confirmed a significant increase to Remote Gaming Duty and Remote Betting Duty, the threat became more immediate. Per Widerström, who served as chief executive at the time, subsequently confirmed in January that closures were forthcoming.One aspect of that tax change became effective today, while the increase in Remote Betting Duty is set to begin in April 2027. Evoke operates approximately 1,300 betting shops throughout the UK, making the planned reduction a substantial cut to the William Hill retail network. The company stated that the stores selected for closure are no longer viable under current market conditions. In a statement shared with iGaming.org, Evoke commented: “Following a comprehensive review and in light of increased cost pressures on the regulated sector, including significant tax increases announced by the government in last year’s autumn budget, we will be closing a number of shops that are no longer sustainable from May. “We are providing our full support to our retail colleagues who are impacted by these closures.“These decisions are never made lightly; however, in the face of rising cost pressures, we must take action to ensure we can continue to invest in our core retail estate, with the right shops, in the right locations.” Retail Betting Continues to Shrink Evoke is not an isolated case. Other major operators had previously cautioned that the tax increase could affect retail estates across the market. Betfred and Entain were among the groups that voiced concerns. Flutter also closed 57 shops in 2025 as the land-based betting sector continued to decline. 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) -   Gibraltar has awarded its first license to a prediction markets operator, putting the territory at the forefront of a sector that remains unregulated across most of Europe. The approval was granted to Predict Street Ltd, while officials also signaled their expectation of further growth in this industry vertical. Good to Know Gibraltar granted a license to Predict Street Ltd on 26 March under the 2005 Gambling Act. Minister Nigel Feetham stated that prediction markets could develop into a significant growth area for Gibraltar. Malta is also developing a local regulatory framework, though Gibraltar appears to be the first European jurisdiction to issue a direct license for this type of operation. Gibraltar Takes an Early Lead on Prediction Markets The license was issued prior to the new Gambling Act taking effect, so Gibraltar utilized the older 2005 Gambling Act to secure the approval. During Tuesday’s parliamentary session, Minister for Justice, Trade and Industry Nigel Feetham remarked: “We anticipate this will become a major growth area for Gibraltar.” He further added: “A new license has been granted, notwithstanding that the new Gambling Act has not yet come into force and the new license had to be issued under the prior legislation. This marks record timing for the issuance of a regulatory license in Gibraltar.” Per Gibraltar’s gambling registry records, Predict Street Ltd was licensed as a betting intermediary on 26 March. Predictstreet.io notes that it serves as the official prediction market partner for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup, and displays a countdown leading to its April 9 launch. The platform is powered by ADI Chain, a blockchain services provider based in Abu Dhabi. The timing of this license is meaningful for Gibraltar. The territory has been seeking ways to strengthen its regulatory appeal after changes to UK gambling duties raised pressure on operators based there. Feetham shared that he has taken a more direct role in promoting Gibraltar’s regulatory offerings following those tax policy adjustments. Europe Remains Divided Over the Prediction Market Sector Gibraltar is now widely considered the first European jurisdiction to directly grant a license to a prediction markets operator. Malta is pursuing a similar regulatory path, but has not yet reached this milestone. On 26 March, Economy Minister Silvio Schembri stated that Malta is “actively exploring the emerging prediction market sector, an area seeing rapid global momentum which presents significant opportunities for innovation.” He also noted that any legislative changes would need to be “supported by a clear, forward-looking regulatory framework that enables responsible, large-scale development.” Across the rest of Europe, the regulatory landscape is far more restrictive. Germany and the Netherlands maintain strict limits on novelty-style sports betting markets, while countries including France and the Netherlands have classified prediction markets as illegal gambling or unlicensed financial products. Both nations have blocked Polymarket. This puts Gibraltar in a unique regulatory position. Rather than waiting for unified European guidelines, the territory has moved forward with issuing a license, giving Predict Street a competitive head start as European nations continue to debate how to classify prediction 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.

(AsiaGameHub) -   The year’s first golf major is here, as The Masters gets underway next week at Augusta National. Rory McIlroy is the defending champion, having completed his career grand slam last year. DraftKings Odds for The Masters Take a look at the odds for top contenders to win The Masters at DraftKings: Scottie Scheffler +405 Jon Rahm +850 Rory McIlroy +1000 Bryson DeChambeau +1075 Xander Schauffele +1800 Ludvig Aberg +2000 Cameron Young +2350 Tommy Fleetwood +2500 Matt Fitzpatrick +2600 Collin Morikawa +3100 Justin Rose +3600 Jordan Spieth +3800 Brooks Koepka +3800 Hideki Matsuyama +3900 Russell Henley +4200 Chris Gotterup +4300 Patrick Reed +4400 Robert MacIntyre +4600 Viktor Hovland +4600 Si Woo Kim +4700 Min Woo Lee +5400 Justin Thomas +5500 Patrick Cantlay +5700 Adam Scott +6200 Akshay Bhatia +6500 Sepp Straka +6700 Jason Day +6800 Tyrrell Hatton +6800 Jake Knapp +6900 Shane Lowry +7000 Scottie Scheffler, as usual, is the betting favorite. He’s aiming for his third green jacket after winning in 2022 and 2024. Top Picks for the 2026 Masters Champion Favorite Pick: Ludvig Aberg (+2000) Ludvig Aberg is competing in The Masters for the third time. The skilled Swede made a splash at Augusta National in his 2024 debut, finishing as runner-up. Last year, Aberg was tied for the lead with McIlroy and Justin Rose late in Sunday’s final round. Regrettably, he bogeyed the 17th hole and suffered a triple bogey on the 8th, dropping to seventh place by the end. The question isn’t whether Aberg will win The Masters, but when and how many times. We’re optimistic about his chances this year, given his tied-for-third finish at the Arnold Palmer Invitational and tied-for-fifth at The Players Championship. Sleeper Pick: Russell Henley (+4200) Russell Henley is still chasing his first major title, but he’s on the cusp of a breakthrough. The Georgia native finished tied for fourth at the 2023 Masters—his best result in a major tournament to date. He also notched a solo fifth-place finish at the 2024 Open Championship and a tied-for-seventh at the US Open that same year. Henley earned his fifth PGA Tour win at the 2025 Arnold Palmer Invitational earlier this year. If he finds himself in contention again on Sunday, it wouldn’t be surprising to see him wearing a green jacket. Photo by Kris Johnson Longshot Pick: Adam Scott (+6200) Do you remember Justin Rose at Augusta National last year? Only McIlroy’s inspired playoff performance kept him from claiming the green jacket. Adam Scott could be this year’s version of Rose—he won The Masters in 2013 and was runner-up in 2011. At 45, both players are still playing some of the best golf of their careers. Scott is making his 25th career start at The Masters, with five top-10 finishes at Augusta National under his belt. With his long drives and deft touch on the greens, Scott has the game to win here again. His recent form includes a fourth-place finish at Riviera and a tied-for-11th at the Arnold Palmer Invitational. 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) -   Authorities in Macao have taken a self-proclaimed Chinese gambling expert into custody following an inquiry into suspected embezzlement and fraud. While investigators withheld the individual's name, TDM, a Macao media outlet, reported that the suspect is a 31-year-old man from Mainland China. According to police, the individual swindled a middle-aged woman out of roughly 255,000 patacas (nearly $32,000) by offering to instruct her in gambling techniques. Law enforcement noted that the "guru" first encountered the woman last November and scheduled a gambling trip to Macao shortly thereafter. To establish credibility regarding his supposed expertise, the man reportedly showed the victim a WeChat Pay balance totaling 1.8 million yuan (exceeding $260,400) on multiple occasions before they began gambling, police said. Upon arriving in Macao, the pair met near the Hengqin Port checkpoint and reportedly visited two local casinos. A government building located in Macao's Hengqin Port district. (Image: Enviro2800 [CC BY-SA 4.0]) Gambling Expert Apprehended at Border Crossing Officials stated that the man secured two loans from the victim under the guise of demonstrating his gambling prowess. His reputation as a skilled player was quickly debunked when he proceeded to lose the majority of the borrowed funds, police noted. The suspect allegedly told the woman he was unable to pay her back immediately, citing daily transfer restrictions on the electronic payment platform. The man subsequently fled the scene and attempted to return to the mainland, but was intercepted and arrested at a border checkpoint on March 24. During the ensuing interrogation, investigators determined that his claims of possessing over $260,000 in his digital accounts were entirely fabricated. Police concluded that the suspect lacked the necessary funds to reimburse the victim for the borrowed money. Ongoing Enforcement Efforts Macao law enforcement is maintaining its push against crimes linked to the gaming industry. On March 30, the Judiciary Police announced the arrest of a 32-year-old Mainland Chinese national at Macao International Airport. This individual, along with a suspected partner, is accused of tricking an unauthorized currency exchanger out of casino chips valued at more than $2,760. The woman who was targeted in the scam will also face charges for her involvement in an illicit currency exchange ring, according to police. Authorities observed that unregulated currency exchange activities are prevalent in the vicinity of Macao's casinos. Earlier in January, the Public Security Police Department detained a man suspected of conducting thousands of dollars worth of unauthorized currency trades involving Hong Kong and Mainland Chinese tender near major gaming venues. 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 former Caesars Palace staff member has filed a lawsuit against the casino, claiming his race was the primary reason for his firing. Felton Davis, who is African-American, worked at the Las Vegas-based Caesars Palace hotel and casino for 13 years, spanning from May 2012 through October 2025. The casino suspended and subsequently fired him last year, citing claims that he was taking “unlimited breaks.” Other Staff Members Spared Disciplinary Action The lawsuit notes that Davis refutes these claims. It further argues that even if Davis had taken breaks, his colleagues were doing the same. “Davis’s coworkers, Melissa Mara and Jason Lee, participated in identical or comparable overtime habits but faced no suspension, disciplinary measures, or termination,” the complaint alleges. Furthermore, the filing mentions that his suspension stemmed from “a shift during which his colleague Melissa Mara departed early, while Davis remained to clean and restock his mobile bar.” HR Refuses to Show Camera Footage During a disciplinary meeting, Human Resources representative Anna Gutierrez claimed she had observed Davis taking unauthorized breaks. When Davis requested to view the surveillance footage, she denied the request. The lawsuit asserts that this refusal serves as evidence that the grounds for his termination were manufactured and that the decision was actually racially motivated. Although Davis was the most senior of the three employees, the lawsuit does not identify this as a factor in his firing. Instead, it contends, “There was no valid business justification for firing Davis while keeping less senior staff members who participated in the same behavior.” “Caesars engaged in intentional racial discrimination against Davis by firing him while keeping non-African American employees in similar positions who performed the same actions,” the complaint states. Another Casino Employee Alleges Racial Discrimination A comparable legal action was initiated in Pennsylvania this past February. In that instance, however, the plaintiff alleged he was “repeatedly demeaned for being white.” Similar to Davis, that employee alleged that Mount Airy Casino fabricated claims to orchestrate his termination. Both individuals have since secured new jobs. Nevertheless, Davis is pursuing damages from Caesars, noting that his current position as a security guard at Allegiant Stadium “does not offer the same level of pay or benefits he earned at Caesars.” Beyond the financial impact of his termination, he asserts that the firing has resulted in “emotional distress, mental anguish, and physical symptoms, including migraine headaches.” This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

(AsiaGameHub) -   The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office executed a raid on an illicit gaming arcade, confiscating 66 slot machines and taking two people into custody. Amid ongoing crackdowns across Florida, former Osceola County Sheriff Marcos Lopez made a court appearance regarding allegations of aiding illegal gambling operations in the state. Authorities from the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office reported the Monday arrests of Mohamed Belyaqout and Mabielka C. Cumbrera. Officials state the pair face charges for operating a gambling house and possessing slot machines. Belyaqout was apprehended at Slot 24/7 on 5709 S. Beneva Road in Sarasota. In addition to the slot machines, an undisclosed sum of money was seized. The business had been served a cease-and-desist order by the sheriff's office the previous year, which it disregarded. “Our collaboration with the FGCC will persist to ensure these unlawful gambling operations are held responsible and closed,” stated Sheriff Hoffman. The Florida Gaming Control Commission (FGCC) maintains its vigorous campaign against unlawful gaming statewide. Last month, the agency headed Operation Reel of Fortune, which saw the confiscation of 625 slot machines and more than $350,000 in cash. Patrons Allege Harassment From Staff The establishment seems to have been running for a period, though under different identities. The address is listed on Google as The Spot Social Club. Google reviews from as far back as two years allege harassment by staff during gameplay. One reviewer stated she spent between $200 and $500 daily at the arcade before employees told her to leave for “touching the machines on the screens and tapping them softly.” She claims the owner brought on a new employee who consistently harassed patrons. The review further noted, “This man is very controlling about how he prefers to instruct people on playing and spending their money.” A different user lamented being “Kicked out for playing a machine that was left unattended.” It is unknown whether management has shifted since these reviews were posted two years ago. The fight against illegal gaming in Florida has been likened to a game of whac-a-mole, with operations often resurfacing at the same addresses under fresh names. Sheriff Lopez Appears in Court As an illustration, Hot Seats, a venue closed during the operation that resulted in Sheriff Lopez's arrest, promptly resumed business. It was targeted again in a January raid. Lopez is alleged to have enabled an illegal gambling scheme that produced up to $21 million. He appeared in court on Tuesday for the first time since being released on bail last year. Two witnesses for the state, Kyle Henry and Douglas Ford, were questioned. Ford, once a driver for Lopez, allegedly “winked at the former Sheriff Tuesday before testifying.” Lopez Faces Charges as Others Agree to Plea Deals Ford testified that he and Henry served as a “protection detail” for the illegal gambling enterprises. He was arrested on separate charges in 2024, accused of hacking into the criminal justice academy’s camera system to surveil his girlfriend. He accepted a plea deal in that matter, resulting in an initial 24-month probation sentence, which was subsequently dismissed. Whether this deal required testimony against Lopez remains uncertain. Henry, for his part, was arrested last year on charges of unauthorized access to an electronic device. His case is still open. It is also not clear if he has arranged a deal to serve as a witness. Five other individuals have accepted plea agreements in the case, among them Lopez's estranged wife, Robin Lopez. She likewise received a 24-month probation sentence. The ex-Sheriff is now the sole defendant. Prosecutors claim Lopez personally obtained between $600,000 and $700,000 in cash from the illegal gambling profits. He has entered a plea of not guilty. Florida legislators have put forward tighter rules for gaming centers intended to bolster the FGCC's efforts against such businesses. SB1580 appeared to be advancing, having passed the Senate and then the House with changes. Yet, the Senate did not have sufficient time to reconsider the revised bill, causing it to expire last month. 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) -   Legislators in Tennessee and Maryland have been reviewing bills this week aimed at explicitly prohibiting sweepstakes casinos. In Tennessee, a House committee has greenlit a bill that will now advance to a final committee before a full chamber vote. Meanwhile, in Maryland, a Senate committee held a hearing—without taking a vote—on a bill that has already cleared the House. Tennessee House Committee Approves Ban Tennessee’s House State & Local Government Committee approved HB 1885 in a 21-to-0 vote, with one representative abstaining. Last month, the House Departments & Agencies Subcommittee voted unanimously in favor of the bill. It will next move to the Finance, Ways & Means Committee; if approved there, it will proceed to a full vote on the House floor. The legislation defines an online sweepstakes game as a platform that utilizes a virtual-currency system allowing players to engage in “gambling of any kind, including, but not limited to, casino-style gaming such as slot machines, video poker, table games, lottery games, bingo, or unlicensed sports wagering,” which can later be exchanged for “a prize, award, cash, or cash equivalent.” Should the bill pass, violators could face a fine of up to $15,000 per violation. Maryland Senate Hearing on HB 1226 In Maryland, the Senate Budget and Taxation Committee held a hearing on HB 1226. The House approved the legislation with minimal opposition on March 23, in a 135-1 vote. The bill similarly defines sweepstakes games as “a game, contest, or promotion that:(1) Utilizes a dual–currency system of payment allowing the player to exchange the currency for any prize, award, cash or cash equivalents, or chance to win any prize, award, cash or cash equivalents; and(2) Simulates any form of gambling, including:(3) Casino–style games, including slot machines, video poker, and table games such as blackjack, roulette, craps, and poker.” The committee has not yet scheduled a vote on the bill. A similar piece of legislation was introduced in the Senate in January, but it also stalled after an initial hearing. Maryland has taken steps to crack down on sweepstakes casinos. The City of Baltimore filed a lawsuit against five major operators last month, alleging the platforms are already violating state law. The bill would increase potential penalties, with offenders facing up to 3 years in prison. The Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency supports the stricter rules. The agency has previously sent cease-and-desist letters to operators, including VGW. However, the company—which runs Chumba Casino, Luckyland Slots, and Global Poker—failed to comply, leading to a second round of letters being sent in November. Even so, the platforms still appear accessible in the state. Most Platforms Block Access in Maryland & Tennessee A total of 33 operators, including some of those sued by Baltimore (High 5, Stake, Pulsz, and McLuck), have exited Maryland. Tennessee has also largely driven out operators, following a wave of cease-and-desist letters from the state’s Attorney General last year. Yet, some remain active. If the bills pass in both states, it would further empower gambling regulators to take action against any companies that continue to operate. 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.