Asia
Fintechs in Kazakhstan Raises Concerns Over Proposed Gambling Regulation
Fintech companies in Kazakhstan are urging greater scrutiny of a proposed law intended to regulate betting transactions in the country.
The submitted legislation, currently in its final reading, would form a monopoly entity, the Unified Accounting System (UAS), the firms said in a joint press release. The UAS would be used to determine market participants, process payments, maintain a single “electronic wallet” and make settlements with clients. A critical concern is that it could charge up to 1.5% in commissions on all market transactions, within a market where regulated transactions exceed KZT1.2tn ($2.6bn) annually.
Irina Davidenko, a spokesperson for Kazakhstan’s payments industry, commented: “The proposed legislation would be a step backwards for Kazakhstan, harming competition in the country’s vital payments sector and signaling to the outside world that necessary business reform is being driven by shadowy interests, rather than what’s right for industries and consumers.”
The proposal, partly billed as a public health move against problem gambling, resembles a previous initiative, the Betting Accounting Centre (BAC). It was shelved in 2021 after a scandal involving a deputy minister who was dismissed for accepting bribes from BAC lobbyists, according to the press release.
The lack of transparency on the UAS structure and ownership as outlined in the legislation is another aspect of the change that is seen by critics as troubling.
The reintroduction of a UAS model occurred as late as the second reading of the legislation. If passed by parliament, it will become law without the comprehensive impact analysis and scrutiny typical for such significant regulatory change.
Observers argue the new regulation duplicates existing regulatory functions already managed by Kazakh state bodies and was proposed without the cooperation of the National Bank of Kazakhstan. The central bank has previously developed its own reform proposal that avoids introducing a monopolistic entity.
Opponents further contend that the regulation could cause “significant economic damage”. National Bank of Kazakhstan representatives and the payments industry have sounded alarm bells, but the issues have not been adequately addressed, the press release added.
The concerned fintech and payment companies want the legislation to be reconsidered. They are advocating for it to be sent back to the lower house of the legislature for a full regulatory impact analysis and thorough examination to ensure that it does not adversely affect industry or the economy.
Ilya Efimenko, commercial director of the payment organisation PayDala, said: “I appeal to the Senators, who need to know the true purpose of why the UAS has made a comeback in the bill.
“This is a re-emergence of the ‘Betting Accounting Center’ (BAC), a strikingly similar entity that was withdrawn before, and behind which, as the deputy from the Amanat party Elnur Beisenbayev said, are the powerful forces of ‘Old Kazakhstan.’
“Before our eyes, a monopolist, a private operator, is being created. The emergence of monopolies such as the UAS threatens the principles of a Fair Kazakhstan. Now everything is being done to break the financial system of Kazakhstan, recognized by experts as one of the best in Central Asia.”
The post Fintechs in Kazakhstan Raises Concerns Over Proposed Gambling Regulation appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Building on 15 years of success, G2E Asia + Asian IR Expo is set to make its highly anticipated return to Macau from May 7-9, 2025, at The Venetian Macao.
The 2025 show will introduce a range of new initiatives, including 100 exclusive product launches debuting in Asia for the first time. These will be showcased across more than 30,000 sqm and will cover the full spectrum of the entertainment and travel industries.
The leading event in Asia is expected to attract over 10,000 visitors from 80 countries and regions. To maximise opportunities for attendees, the event will feature a series of high-impact networking sessions, along with a dedicated business matchmaking team coordinating over 400 pre-arranged meetings to streamline connections.
This year’s show will also introduce the new Gaming Innovation Forum, featuring three full days of sessions that will dive into the latest gaming trends and technologies, all presented by G2E Asia Awards winners and nominees. Located in the exhibition hall, the forum will be accessible to all event attendees.
The G2E Asia Awards celebrates excellence and innovation within the gaming and entertainment industry. The awards will spotlight five prestigious categories, each evaluated by a panel of renowned industry leaders: Best Slot Award, Best Electronic Table Game Award, Best Table Game Award, Best Casino Supply Award and Best IR Tech Solution Award. All award-winning products will be prominently displayed in the exhibition, giving attendees the opportunity to experience them firsthand.
The expanded Asian IR Expo will feature a new Smart Hospitality Technology Experience Zone, offering an immersive and interactive onsite experience. This space will showcase emerging innovations across three unique areas: Smart Reception, Smart Cleaning and Smart Hospitality, each providing guided tours and live demonstrations.
The post 100 Exclusive Product Launches to Debut at G2E Asia + Asian IR Expo appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
SA Gaming is thrilled to announce the launch of Fish Prawn Crab, a timeless dice game that has captured hearts across Asia for generations. Players can predict the roll of three dice and bet on symbols or combinations to win big.
Different from common dice, the dice in Fish Prawn Crab uses symbols instead of numbers represented by dots. The six faces of a die in Fish Prawn Crab are Fish, Calabash, Tiger, Crab, Prawn and Rooster.
The bet types available include Specific Symbols (betting on a specific symbol appearing face up), Specific Double (a specific combination of two different symbols appearing face up), and Triples of the same color or same symbol.
The post SA Gaming is thrilled to announce the launch of Fish Prawn Crab appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Asia
Team Zero Gravity Triumphs in Indus International Tournament Powerplay, Secures Spot in LAN Finale
SuperGaming, India’s leading game developer, has successfully concluded the Powerplay Phase of the Indus International Tournament (IIT), the country’s premier grassroots-to-global esports showcase for its Indo-Futuristic battle royale, Indus.
The Powerplay Phase witnessed intense competition among professional esports teams from over 100 organizations. Teams battled fiercely on the map of Virlok, delivering high-stakes gameplay, demonstrating exceptional skill and strategic prowess. With ₹25 Lakhs up for grabs in this leg alone, the pressure was high — and performances, unforgettable.
Team Zero Gravity emerged as the champions of the Powerplay Phase, walking away with ₹10 Lakhs in winnings. The squad’s standout performer and Captain [ZG]SGOD – Sandeep Pandey earned the coveted MVP title, racking up 37 kills and 21,747 damage – an impressive stat line. He was awarded ₹1 Lakh for his outstanding performance.
Powerplay Phase Winners Announced:
Following weeks of intense competition, the teams emerging victorious from the Powerplay Phase are:
1. Team Zero Gravity – ₹10,00,000
2. Marcos Gaming – ₹4,00,000
3. Likitha Esports – ₹3,00,000
4. Heatbeast Esports – ₹2,50,000
5. Golden Hornet – ₹1,75,000
6. 4Ever Esports – ₹1,25,000
7. Autobotz Esports – ₹1,00,000
8. Blind Esports – ₹50,000
These 8 teams have now secured their spots in the upcoming Indus International Tournament LAN Finale, competing for the Champions Trophy and a ₹2 Crore prize pool. The LAN event is set for 18th May, 2025 at Drome Arena, Pune.
One Final Shot: The Last Chance Qualifier
For those still dreaming of the LAN stage, SuperGaming has opened The Final Portal. This is a last-chance qualifier offering one additional spot at the LAN Finale. Registrations are open until 16 April, 5:00 PM IST, with matches kicking off on 19 April, 2:00 PM IST.
Interested players can now form their squad, gear up, and register HERE.
Rising Stars. Real Careers.
More than just competition, the Indus International Tournament is becoming a launchpad for a new generation of Indian esports athletes. The tournament structure is designed to nurture grassroots talent and elevate India’s presence in global esports. For many, this is more than a trophy — it’s the start of a real career in competitive gaming.
Roby John, CEO and Co-Founder, SuperGaming, says,
“At SuperGaming, we’re building a gaming and esports ecosystem made in India—for India and the world. With Indus, we’re rethinking the traditional esports playbook by focusing on grassroots tournaments, creator-led events, and co-ownership opportunities that turn players and fans into real stakeholders.
Instead of chasing unsustainable models, we’re building a community-first framework that drives engagement, retention, and monetization—from in-game items to merch and transmedia content. Esports isn’t just a competitive format for us—it’s a storytelling engine where real-world players become heroes as part of the game’s evolving universe.
We believe India has a unique opportunity to lead the next wave of global gaming—and we’re laying the foundation to make that happen.”
Tournament Highlights:
- The Indus International Tournament features four progressive phases: Homegrown, Nationals, Powerplay, and International, designed to reflect India’s diverse player base and competitive ecosystem.
- Homegrown Phase: Showcased rising grassroots talent. Team Rogue, DGE, and Moggers qualified for the LAN Finale.
- The National Phase concluded with Team Esports Battleground and Brazil-based organisation Team 4Magic advancing to the LAN Finale.
- Kadiliman Esports from the Philippines is set to represent international talent at the LAN Final.
- The Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the Indus International Tournament LAN finale will be awarded a custom Mahindra Thar*.
SuperGaming is thrilled with the overwhelming response and the level of competition seen throughout the tournament. With top teams, passionate fans, and leading creators heading to Pune, the Indus International Tournament LAN Finale is set to become one of India’s most defining esports events. This isn’t just a finale — it’s where the country’s next esports champions will rise.
The post Team Zero Gravity Triumphs in Indus International Tournament Powerplay, Secures Spot in LAN Finale appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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