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BETBY crowned Best Esports Supplier at SiGMA Europe Awards 2026

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BETBY crowned Best Esports Supplier at SiGMA Europe Awards 2026

BETBY’s reputation for driving innovation in esports betting has been recognized once again, with the Tier 1 B2B sportsbook solutions provider being crowned Best Esports Supplier at the SiGMA Europe Awards 2026.

This latest accolade highlights BETBY’s continued investment in its proprietary esports feed, Betby Games, which has become a central pillar of the supplier’s sportsbook offering. Built to deliver fast-paced, high-frequency betting content, Betby Games combines 35+ titles with scalable event coverage, engaging market depth, and strong customisation capabilities to help operators strengthen player engagement across both mature and emerging markets.

The award also reflects the continued evolution of the esports strategy, which has expanded beyond standard content to include localised titles, including eKabaddi and eVaquejada, innovative formats, and technology-driven enhancements designed to support operator differentiation. Through Betby Games, the company continues to provide partners with a flexible esports solution that can be adapted to regional preferences, audience behaviours, and market opportunities.

The win marks BETBY’s fifth industry award in less than six months, following recent recognitions at the SiGMA South America Awards for Best Esports Product, the EGR Europe B2B Awards for Best European Marketing Campaign of the Year, the Global Gaming Awards for Breakthrough Company of the Year, and the European iGaming Awards for Sportsbetting Platform of the Year.

Commenting on the achievement, Leonid Pertsovskiy, Chief Executive Officer at BETBY, said: “Winning Best Esports Supplier at the SiGMA Europe Awards is another proud moment for us and a strong recognition of the work our team continues to deliver. Esports has long been one of our key areas of focus, and this award reinforces the strength of our vision, our technology, and our ability to create products that bring real value to operators.

“To receive five major awards in less than six months is a remarkable milestone, but more importantly, it reflects the consistency of our progress. We are continuing to invest in localisation and product depth, ensuring that BETBY remains at the forefront of sportsbook innovation.”

Offshore betting ads surge in India despite real-money gaming ban

Viviana Chan
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Offshore betting ads surge in India despite real-money gaming ban

Offshore betting advertisements have continued to rise in India despite the country’s ban on online real-money games and their promotion, according to data from the Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI).

ASCI’s latest annual report showed that offshore betting advertisements accounted for 72.14 percent of all advertising violations flagged during FY26, making it the largest category of concern for the watchdog. The increase came after the implementation of the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act (PROGA), which prohibits online real-money games and related promotions.

In the 8 months before PROGA was passed in August 2025, ASCI recorded an average of 594 offshore betting advertisements per month. In the 4 months after the law took effect, the monthly average increased to 795 advertisements.

Overall, ASCI identified and escalated 7,927 offshore betting advertisements during 2025, including 6,933 advertisements monitored between April and December. The figures highlight the continued presence of offshore betting promotions despite the new regulatory framework.

Digital platforms were the main source of violations. ASCI said 97.3 percent of all advertising violations scrutinized during FY26 originated online. According to a local media outlet, sponsored advertisements on social media platforms accounted for a large share of digital violations.

Influencer marketing was also identified as a key area of concern. ASCI reviewed 1,609 influencer advertisements during the year and found that almost 97 percent required modification for violating advertising guidelines. More than half of those violations were linked to restricted categories, including illegal betting promotions.

ASCI chairman Sudhanshu Vats said the digital advertising ecosystem is becoming more complex, with misleading claims, manufactured credibility and influencer-led amplification creating new risks for consumers.

ASCI reviewed 11,581 cases during FY26, up 21 percent from the previous year, while the number of advertisements scrutinized rose 37 percent to 9,841. Violations were also found in sectors including real estate, personal care, food and beverages, healthcare and consumer electronics, but betting remained the largest category.

PAGCOR revises e-gaming rules for affiliates, payment providers

Viviana Chan
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PAGCOR revises e-gaming rules for affiliates, payment providers

The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) has amended its regulatory frameworks for electronic gaming operations, revising requirements for gaming affiliates, support service providers, payment providers and gaming venue operators.

The changes were approved by PAGCOR’s Board of Directors on May 21st, 2026, according to a memorandum dated May 26th. PAGCOR said the amendments are intended to improve its rules for electronic gaming operations, address inconsistencies, provide clarity and avoid confusion among existing regulatory policies.

A key part of the amendments covers BSP-Supervised Financial Institutions, or BSFIs, which include banks, digital banks, non-bank financial institutions and electronic money issuers licensed and supervised by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP).

Under the revised framework, BSFIs accredited as support service providers will follow applicable Anti-Money Laundering Council rules relevant to their business activities. Any non-compliance will be reported by the BSP to PAGCOR’s Anti-Money Laundering Supervision and Enforcement Department and may lead to penalties.

PAGCOR also said any preventive suspension, cancellation or revocation of accreditation involving BSFIs will be coordinated with the BSP.

The amendments also simplify accreditation requirements. References to the Personal Disclosure Statement have been removed, while BSFI payment gateway solution and payment channel providers will need to submit valid and applicable BSP-issued licenses.

Marketing and promotional service providers must submit relevant licenses or certifications from regulatory bodies or professional associations, where applicable.

For BSFI applicants seeking accreditation as support service proviaders, a valid BSP-issued license and proof of compliance with BSP fit-and-proper standards may replace third-party probity eligibility requirements.

PAGCOR also removed the requirement for payment channels to provide a link redirecting prospective players to a gaming system administrator’s online gaming platform registration portal.

Separately, PAGCOR introduced a PHP50,000 ($813) processing fee for applications involving the relocation, expansion or reduction of a gaming venue area within the same building, compound or complex.

The amendments will take effect on June 4th, 2026, 5 days after their publication on PAGCOR’s regulatory website on May 30th.

Macau hotel occupancy rises to 90.2% in April, led by 5-star properties

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Macau hotel occupancy rises to 90.2% in April, led by 5-star properties

Macau’s hotel guest room occupancy rate rose year-on-year in April 2026, led by 5-star properties, even as the total number of hotel guests edged lower, according to data from the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC).

The average occupancy rate of hotel establishments stood at 90.2 percent in April, up 2.4 percentage points from a year earlier. The 5-star hotel segment recorded the highest occupancy rate, at 93 percent, representing a year-on-year increase of 2.1 percentage points.

Occupancy at 4-star hotels reached 88.2 percent, up 5.8 percentage points year-on-year, while 3-star hotels posted an occupancy rate of 84.6 percent, a slight increase of 0.2 percentage points.

The number of guests staying in Macau hotel establishments declined by 0.8 percent year-on-year to 1,186,000 in April. Guests from mainland China fell by 1.7 percent to 844,000, while those from the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region dropped by 3.5 percent to 164,000.

International guests, however, increased by 8.1 percent year-on-year to 115,000. Among them, visitors from South Korea rose by 20.3 percent to 31,000, while those from Thailand climbed by 40.5 percent to 12,000. Guests from India and Malaysia declined by 17.5 percent and 21.1 percent, to 8,000 and 6,000, respectively.

Inbound package tour visitors totaled 187,000 in April, up 7.2 percent year-on-year. Package tour visitors from mainland China increased by 4.2 percent to 153,000, while international tour visitors rose by 6.1 percent to 22,000.

In the first four months of 2026, the average hotel occupancy rate reached 91.8 percent, up 2.2 percentage points year-on-year. Hotel guests increased by 1.9 percent to 4,865,000, including 453,000 international guests, up 13.8 percent.

Inbound package tour visitors totaled 624,000 during the period, down 14.1 percent year-on-year, although international tour visitors rose by 13.7 percent to 87,000.

DigiPlus appoints corporate finance veteran Ping Chen as president

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DigiPlus appoints corporate finance veteran Ping Chen as president

DigiPlus Interactive Corp. has appointed global corporate finance veteran Ping Chen as its new president, effective immediately, following the company’s Annual Stockholders’ Meeting and Board of Directors’ Organizational Meeting on Friday, May 29th, in the Philippines.

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Ping Chen

Chen was also elected as a member of the company’s Board of Directors, taking on both executive and board responsibilities. He succeeds Andy Tsui, who stepped down after more than 4 years as president and director.

DigiPlus, the digital entertainment provider behind BingoPlus, ArenaPlus and GameZone, said Chen brings more than 22 years of experience across technology, investment banking, corporate finance, strategic investments and executive leadership in Asia and global markets.

Before joining DigiPlus, Chen served as chief financial officer, chief investment officer and executive committee member of one of Asia’s largest publicly listed technology and services conglomerates. He previously spent 2 decades in global investment banking in Hong Kong and London, including roles as senior managing director at Moelis & Company and positions at Bank of America Merrill Lynch, Citi and Morgan Stanley.

“Bringing Ping Chen on board at this exact moment is a strategic move for DigiPlus,” DigiPlus Chairman Eusebio H. Tanco said. “His extensive global experience, strategic insight, and proven leadership capabilities position him well to help steer the Company through our next phase of expansion and long-term value creation.”

Tanco also thanked Tsui for his tenure, citing his role in advancing strategic initiatives, strengthening organizational capabilities and supporting business growth.

Chen said his mandate is to help design DigiPlus’ long-term strategy, improve financial performance and operational efficiency, and support sustainable growth.

DigiPlus said Chen holds a Master of Philosophy in Financial Engineering from the University of Cambridge and a Master of Engineering in Electrical and Electronic Engineering with Management Studies from Imperial College London.

Blueprint Gaming and bet365 expand alliance with exclusive new offer

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Blueprint Gaming and bet365 expand alliance with exclusive new offer

Blueprint Gaming has reinforced its successful long-term partnership with bet365 through the launch of a major new open account offer featuring a selection of the supplier’s most recognisable slot titles.

Eligible bet365 customers can now access free spins across a quartet of Blueprint’s standout releases upon signup, including Fishin’ Frenzy: Lure Em’ In, Fishin’ Frenzy: Big Catch Gold Spins, Triple Action Cash Strike and King Kong Splash.

The latest collaboration underlines the enduring success of the partnership between the two companies, while also showcasing the continued popularity of Blueprint’s flagship franchises across regulated markets worldwide.

Fishin’ Frenzy remains one of Blueprint’s most successful franchises, with five titles currently sitting within the supplier’s top-ranked games, while the latest release, Fishin’ Frenzy: Lure Em’ In, delivered a record-breaking opening weekend following its launch in April 2026.

Elsewhere, the Cash Strike family continues to rank among Blueprint’s top-performing revenue drivers, alongside King Kong, which remains one of the supplier’s most recognisable and enduring brand mascots.

The open account offer further demonstrates bet365’s commitment to delivering premium gaming experiences to players by leveraging Blueprint’s proven portfolio of feature-rich and highly engaging content.

Jo Purvis, Director of Marketing, PR and Events at Blueprint Gaming, said: “Our partnership with bet365 has gone from strength to strength over a number of years, and this latest open account offer is another fantastic example of how closely we continue to collaborate. Each of the selected games has proven to be a standout performer within our portfolio, whether through strong player retention, consistent revenue generation or long-term brand recognition. We are thrilled to see bet365 spotlight these titles as part of a major promotional campaign and look forward to seeing how players respond.”

Paul Cumbo, bet365 Head of Gaming – UK and Europe, added: “Blueprint Gaming’s portfolio continues to resonate strongly with our players, and we are delighted to bring together a selection of some of its most recognisable and high-performing games as part of this exciting open account offer. The promotion reflects the strength of our longstanding relationship and our shared focus on delivering engaging entertainment experiences to players.”

Evoplay debuts in the Spanish market through Casino777.es partnership

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Evoplay debuts in the Spanish market through Casino777.es partnership

Evoplay, the award-winning game development studio, has secured a partnership with Casino777.es, officially launching in Spain and deepening its European expansion.

The agreement will see Evoplay integrate its portfolio of engaging titles onto Casino777.es’ platform, making fan-favourites such as the Penalty Shoot-out game franchise and Hot Triple Sevens available to local players for the first time, which have already proven popular across regulated European markets.

Casino777.es has been a prominent player in Spain’s online gaming space since 2015 and is known for delivering secure, responsible and high-quality gaming experiences to players across the country.

Evoplay’s entry into Spain further expands the supplier’s geographical reach and underscores its commitment to working with trusted, locally established operators to deliver tailored content that aligns with market-specific regulatory frameworks and player preferences.

Alex Malchenko, Head of Sales at Evoplay, said: “Spain has been firmly on our radar for some time as it’s an established market defined by high standards, strong player awareness, and a real appetite for premium content. We’re bringing games that are designed to stand out through fast-paced mechanics and strong visual identities. Casino777.es gives us the perfect stage to introduce that experience to Spanish players and we are looking forward to the collaboration.”

Alexander Stoeckl, Market Lead for 777.es, added: “Our focus is always on delivering content that feels fresh and engaging for our players, and Evoplay’s portfolio does exactly that. Their games will bring a different energy to our platform and we’re thrilled to be the first operator to introduce their high-performing offering in Spain.”

FIBA 3×3 World Cup 2026: Warsaw hosts the biggest event of the season 

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FIBA 3×3 World Cup 2026: Warsaw hosts the biggest event of the season 

The FIBA 3×3 World Cup is the ultimate stage for national teams in a sport that has evolved far beyond a simple variation of traditional basketball. Following its successful Olympic debut at Tokyo 2020, 3×3 basketball continues to capture a rapidly expanding global audience, with this tournament serving as its crowning event.

From June 1 to June 7, 2026, the tournament will take place in Warsaw, Poland. It will be the country’s debut as host of the FIBA 3×3 World Cup, and FIBA’s choice of the Polish capital was no coincidence. Organizers promise not just a sports competition, but a large-scale urban festival combining elite basketball, street culture, and a vibrant atmosphere right in the heart of Warsaw.

The tournament will be held on an outdoor court, turning every match into a live show – without arena walls, close to the fans, and surrounded by the energy of the city itself.

Format and participants 

The FIBA 3×3 World Cup 2026 will feature 40 teams – 20 men’s and 20 women’s national squads. From June 1 to June 4, they will compete in the group stage, where the playoff matchups will be determined. Then, from June 5 to June 7, the knockout stage begins – the moment when the tournament reaches its highest intensity. Every defeat means elimination, while every victory brings a team one step closer to the final. The culmination will come on June 7, when the gold medals in both categories are decided.

The reigning world champions are Spain in the men’s tournament and the Netherlands in the women’s. Both national teams will defend their titles, but the level of competition in 3×3 basketball is so high that predicting outcomes is nearly impossible. 

In this format, the gap between favorites and underdogs is minimal, and upsets happen regularly. Even established stars of traditional basketball cannot guarantee success in the 3×3 game.

1xBet is the official partner of the tournament 

Among the FIBA 3×3 World Cup 2026 partners is 1xBet, a bookmaker that has long established itself as a reliable sponsor of major international sporting events. Supporting tournaments such as the FIBA 3×3 World Cup reflects the brand’s strategy: to be present wherever top-level sport takes place. For the 1xBet audience, this means complete immersion in the experience – from previews and live broadcasts to up-to-date betting lines on all the key matchups. 

The brand’s partners should also pay attention to the upcoming tournament. 1xPartners offers extensive opportunities to monetize traffic around one of the most high-profile sporting events of the first summer month. The FIBA 3×3 World Cup attracts a global audience, creating significant potential for affiliates in the partner program. 

Why this tournament is worth watching 

3×3 basketball differs significantly from the traditional version of the game. First and foremost, it is defined by its incredible pace and intensity. A match lasts only 10 minutes (or until one team reaches 21 points), and each possession is limited to just 12 seconds. There are no long pauses, slow ball movement, or cautious tactical battles – only pure, concentrated action. Because of this format, even a 5-6 point deficit can disappear within a minute, and underdogs are capable of producing surprises in almost every game.

The discipline also allows much more physical contact than standard basketball. Players must combine elite athleticism with true versatility. Together with the close proximity of fans to the court, the viewing experience becomes genuinely unforgettable.

3×3 basketball is no longer an exotic alternative to the classic game. It is a fully recognized Olympic discipline with established rules, a global ranking system, and professional athletes for whom 3×3 is a full-time career rather than an experiment. The FIBA 3×3 World Cup stands at the very top of this structure. At the beginning of June, Warsaw will become the place where the world’s best national teams gather to find out who is strongest now.

Stay with 1xBet and feel part of the global basketball celebration! 

1xBet named Best Sports Betting Operator 2026 at SiGMA Europe Awards

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1xBet named Best Sports Betting Operator 2026 at SiGMA Europe Awards

Taking top honors in Malta’s capital, 1xBet was named Best Sports Betting Operator 2026 during the SiGMA Europe Awards on May 27, an event that drew iGaming leaders from across the continent to Valletta.

The brand further strengthened its leadership in the region, earning recognition from industry experts, partners, and clients.

Simon Westbury Joins 1xBet to Support Global Expansion and Growth

Simon Westbury, Strategic Advisor at 1xBet, commented on the company’s success at the SiGMA Europe Awards 2026: “To be recognised as Sportsbook Operator of the Year for the fourth time this year across four different geos shows that 1xBet’s sportsbook is clearly the leading sportsbook in the market with global reach and local specifications that ensure the products appeals to our customers wherever they are. To win in Europe is always special and we think Sigma for organising a wonderful ceremony and Betby for sponsoring the award.”

1xBet’s triumph at the SiGMA Europe Awards marks a step forward for the entire iGaming industry. The brand’s victory has established its image as a modern bookmaker with a multifunctional, mobile-first platform and a focus on responsible gambling. Industry experts and players share 1xBet’s values. They were impressed by the variety of bets covering all popular sports and the availability of over 1,000 events in the line. They also praised the brand’s combination of global expertise and regional flexibility.

The 1xBet platform is available in 73 languages and offers more than 250 payment methods, including services from local providers. Moreover, the brand supports important social and sports initiatives in the regions where it operates.

1xBet continues to expand rapidly, demonstrating stable double-digit growth in betting activity of 14.2%. Such an achievement is the result of the company’s openness to innovation. Platform upgrades and AI-driven personalisation have helped attract new users.

1xBet is more than a betting website with a user-friendly mobile app; it is a full-fledged ecosystem of cutting-edge and effective products for work and entertainment in the iGaming industry. Its affiliate program, 1xPartners, has been on the market for over 10 years and has brought together 500,000 partners from 150 countries. It offers real-time analytics to quickly adapt advertising campaigns to market challenges, as well as viral creatives developed with a deep understanding of each region’s local context.

Build your business from the ground up or scale an existing project with 1xBet, the Best Sports Betting Operator 2026, trusted by over 3 million players. Join 1xPartners and experience the power of our premium tools!

PAGCOR extends support with 7 more Patient Transport Vehicles to LGUs

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PAGCOR extends support with 7 more Patient Transport Vehicles to LGUs

Continuing its medical outreach initiatives, the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) distributed seven more Patient Transport Vehicles (PTVs) to LGUs and other agencies on Tuesday, May 26, pushing its total vehicle donations to 189.

The newest PTV recipients are the City of Dumaguete in Negros Oriental; the municipalities of Narra in Palawan, Manay in Davao Oriental, and Sibalom in Antique; as well as the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), the Bureau of Corrections, and the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority.

The turnover ceremony was held at the PAGCOR Corporate Office in Pasay City.

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digiplus
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PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro Tengco has earlier said the PTV donations are part of the agency’s efforts to strengthen the government’s emergency response, especially in situations where every second counts.

He added that the PTVs will help ensure faster and safer transport of patients during medical emergencies and disaster response operations.

MMDA Road Emergency Group Head Edward Gonzales welcomed the donation, noting that the additional unit would help boost their operational capability.

“Malaking bagay ito sa amin. We respond to 8 to 10 emergencies daily, at mas mapapabilis ang pag-pick-up namin sa mga pasyente hanggang sa maihatid sila sa ospital. Nagpapasalamat kami sa PAGCOR sa pagkakaloob ng PTV na ito,” Gonzales said.

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