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ZK International Enters iGaming With Series A Investment Up To $50 Million In Carousel Group To Launch MaximBet
ZK International Group Co., Ltd. is pleased to announce that it has led a $50M Series A funding round in CG Malta Holding Limited (“CGM”), a rapidly-growing, privately-held multi-state and globally licensed sports betting and casino operator, to launch MaximBet.com. MaximBet is a strategic partnership with Maxim, the renowned media brand and CGM.
The Company’s investment in CGM will total $50 Million through two closings. The first closing occurred today in which the Company has acquired a 12% interest for the purchase price of $15,000,000. The second closing anticipated to occur within the second quarter, will result in the Company acquiring an additional 13% for the purchase price of $35,000,000. Upon completion of the two closings, the Company will own a total interest of 25% in MaximBet.
MaximBet will be made up of a market-leading sports betting and casino website at MaximBet.com, and tailor-made native iOS and Android apps that will allow users to bet on sports and casino in the United States and around the world. The new venture will leverage Maxim’s integrated network of print, digital, social and experiential platforms to engage the loyal Maxim community and sports bettors alike.
“Maxim has successfully established itself as a preeminent lifestyle brand over the last 25 years,” said Daniel Graetzer, CEO of CGM. The CEO of CGM continues, “our mutual objective is to provide sophisticated entertainment and VIP experiences to the same customer demographic which makes Maxim the perfect partner for CGM.”
Aside from its currently live operation in Colorado, Carousel Group has also entered into a multi-state, 10 year partnership with Caesars Entertainment, Inc., (NASDAQ:CZR) that will see its online sportsbook made available to customers in New Jersey, Indiana and Iowa, as well as its online casino in New Jersey, pending obtaining necessary gaming licenses. MaximBet intends to capture a significant share of the U.S. online gambling market, which is projected to be an annual $10 billion industry by 2025.
Last month, ZKIN announced the formation of its new wholly-owned subsidiary, xSigma Entertainment Limited, with the intent of acquiring online gaming assets to increase shareholder value by targeting businesses in the growing online casino industry. The Company is thrilled to share that its first strategic investment in the US online gambling industry is with an internationally-recognized brand and a premier operator that boasts a team with decades of experience.
Today’s closing of $15 million in Series A funding marks the beginning of the Company’s innovative approach to add value to its shareholders. Jiancong Huang, Chairman of the Company, states, “We are pleased to act as a capital partner to such an amazing brand and experienced management team. Our Company and shareholders are excited about the future and we are looking forward to adding shareholder value to CGM as MaximBet readies to rapidly scale its operations in 2021.”
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Former WBC cruiserweight champion to appear at PartyPoker Tour UK stops and take part in online activations.
PartyPoker has appointed former WBC Cruiserweight World Champion Tony Bellew as a brand ambassador for the remainder of 2026, with appearances tied to the operator’s live PartyPoker Tour and online poker offering.
The company said Bellew will be “a regular face” at its remaining UK tour stops this season following an earlier appearance at the PartyPoker Tour Birmingham. Bellew will also take part in online activity linked to the PartyPoker schedule.
“I had such a great time at the PartyPoker Tour Birmingham. The atmosphere, the people and the passion for the game were incredible. I’m really excited to be joining the PartyPoker team for the rest of the year, getting involved at the live events, meeting players and seeing where the cards take me,” Bellew said.
PartyPoker said Bellew is scheduled to attend each remaining UK stop on the 2026 PartyPoker Tour: London in July, Glasgow in August, Cork in November, and London in December. The operator also referenced a series of exclusive online events running alongside the live calendar.
The post Tony Bellew signs as PartyPoker brand ambassador through 2026 appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Cease-and-desist letters cite alleged felonies and underage access tied to BetOpenly, Bookmaker, Club WPT Online Poker, Kutt Inc., and Raffle Creator.
The Arizona Department of Gaming said it has issued cease-and-desist orders to five online platforms—BetOpenly, Bookmaker, Club WPT Online Poker, Kutt Inc., and Raffle Creator—after investigations that the Department says involved alleged illegal gambling activity and underage access in Arizona.
In its announcement, the Department said each enforcement action alleges conduct giving rise to three felonies under Arizona law: promotion of gambling, illegal control of an enterprise, and money laundering. The agency cited Arizona’s prohibition on gambling unless specifically authorized (Ariz. Rev. Stat. Tit. 13, Ch. 33) and said the legal gambling age in the state is 21.
“Arizona is taking decisive action against illegal gambling operators that put Arizonans at risk,” said Jackie Johnson, Department Director. “Our top priority is protecting Arizonans and I’m grateful for the efforts of our intelligence unit led by Chief Law Enforcement Officer Doug Jensen to do just that. Through these cease-and-desist orders we are putting operators on notice: their conduct runs contrary to Arizona law and they must stop promoting illegal gambling.”
The Department’s letters describe different alleged violations by operator. For BetOpenly, the Department said peer-to-peer gambling rules prohibit third-party benefit, and alleged the platform benefited via a commission structure while enabling event wagering and daily fantasy sports contests without the required state licenses, including availability to underage Arizonans. For Bookmaker, the Department said its investigation found wagering on horse racing, casino games, and sports betting without an event wagering license or an advanced deposit wagering provider license, adding that online casino games are not legal in Arizona.
For Club WPT Online Poker, the Department alleged the platform enabled individuals under 21 in Arizona to enter pay-to-play online poker tournaments for prizes while using deceptive “no purchase necessary” language; the Department said online poker is illegal in Arizona. For Kutt Inc., the Department said Arizona “social” gambling prohibits third-party benefit and directed the operator to stop allowing Arizona users to deposit money and wager on sports, politics, pop culture, and casino-style games. For Raffle Creator, the Department said the operator did not meet requirements that allow Arizona nonprofits to conduct lawful raffles and alleged it allowed people under 21 to purchase tickets for prize chances.
The Department said the notified entities are directed to immediately stop all gambling operations and activities in Arizona “whether through mobile applications, online, or otherwise,” and to cease any future illegal gambling in the state. It added that future actions may include criminal charges or civil action against entities, principals, and employees, and that operators “may be subject to a potential award of restitution” and forfeiture of monies acquired due to the alleged conduct.
The post Arizona regulator orders five operators to stop alleged illegal gambling activity appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Tony Bellew has officially joined the PartyPoker Brand Ambassador team for the remainder of 2026, strengthening the brand’s growing roster of ambassadors and reinforcing its commitment to bringing poker to a wider audience.
A former WBC Cruiserweight World Champion and one of Britain’s most recognisable sporting personalities, Bellew will play an active role across both PartyPoker’s live tour and online offering throughout the rest of the year.
Speaking about joining the team, Tony Bellew said: “I had such a great time at the PartyPoker Tour Birmingham. The atmosphere, the people and the passion for the game were incredible. I’m really excited to be joining the PartyPoker team for the rest of the year, getting involved at the live events, meeting players and seeing where the cards take me.”
His return follows a hugely successful appearance at the PartyPoker Tour Birmingham earlier this year, where he embraced the atmosphere, spent time with players and immersed himself in the event. After thoroughly enjoying the experience, Bellew will now become a regular face at the remaining UK stops on the PartyPoker Tour throughout the rest of the 2026 season.
As part of his ambassadorial role, Bellew will attend every remaining UK stop PartyPoker Tour in 2026:
- London – July
- Glasgow – August
- Cork – November
- London – December
With four live festival stops and a series of exclusive online events still to come, players will have plenty of opportunities to meet Bellew at the tables throughout the remainder of the 2026 PartyPoker calendar. Look out for opportunities to take him on online, and at the PartyPoker Tour in Glasgow, Cork and London.
Stay Connected PartyPoker
- Instagram: @partypoker
- Twitter/X: @partypoker
- YouTube: partypokeryt
- Facebook: partypoker
- Discord: PartyPoker Tour
The post Former WBC World Champion Tony Bellew Joins PartyPoker as Brand Ambassador appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.
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