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Investor files case against esports gambling startup Unikrn

Published

7 years ago

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Investor files case against esports gambling startup UnikrnReading Time: 2 minutes

John Hastings, a resident of Las Vegas and one of the investors of Unikrn, a Seattle-based esports gambling startup, has sued the company for violations in securities law in connection with the sale of its cryptocurrency, UnikoinGold. The start-up has the backing of some big names like Ashton Kutcher and Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban.

Unikrn launched its cryptocurrency UnikoinGold, based on the Ethereum blockchain network, last September.  It is marketed as the chosen currency to be used on the Unikrn gambling platform, which allows users to bet on esports titles such as League of Legends, Dota 2, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive and more. During that September offering, Las Vegas resident John Hastings purchased UnikoinGold tokens with 10 Ethereum, worth approximately $2800 at that time.

Hastings filed suit Monday in King County, Washington, against Unikrn, a Bermuda-registered subsidiary of the company and its founders, former Microsoft Ventures general manager Rahul Sood and Karl Flores. In the suit, Hastings is seeking class-action status for all purchases of UnikoinGold. In a statement to GeekWire, Sood acknowledged the lawsuit and said Unikrn has retained Seattle-based law firm Perkins Coie to “vigorously defend” the company.

Hastings argues that statements made by Sood and other Unikrn staff contradict the assertion that UnikoinGold was intended to be used as a method to participate in the Unikrn gambling platform. Hastings alleges that the continuous offering of these tokens to the public, the alleged intent for purchasers to resell them at a later date and a private presale to accredited investors before the coin was offered to the public constitute an investment and that the company thus violated Securities and Exchange Commission regulations.

“Defendants have crafted a flimsy facade that UKG Tokens are not securities by claiming they are utility tokens,” Hastings alleges in the complaint filing, which was obtained by ESPN. “In reality, the UnikoinGold ICO was an offer and sale of securities. Indeed, it is evident that investors were purchasing UKG Tokens with the expectation that those tokens would increase in value and become worth more than the virtual currencies invested.”

In the suit, Hastings also cites an SEC investigative report released in July that states the cryptocurrency DAO Tokens were subject to federal security laws. Hastings argues that the case made by the SEC in the ruling against DAO applies to Unikrn and UnikoinGold.

At the time of the September initial coin offering, Unikrn Bermuda Ltd. filed a notice of exempt offering of securities with the SEC, stating that it offered $20 million and as of Sept. 19 had sold $16.02 million of those shares. UnikoinGold was first listed at 30 cents per token when the initial coin offering launched in September; it now rests at just under a nickel.

In October, Unikrn announced it had raised 112,720 Ethereum, worth approximately $31 million at that time, in a two-phase UnikoinGold initial coin offering that spanned 112 countries. Among the participating buyers in the first phase, an exclusive presale, were Cuban and Ethereum co-founder Anthony Diiorio.

Unikrn launched in November 2014 as one of the first regulated esports gambling sites. In June 2015, Unikrn raised $10 million from Cuban, Kutcher, Binary Capital and a number of high-profile investors. In May, Cuban told ESPN that Unikrn would “benefit significantly” from the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to allow states to legalise sports gambling.

Unikrn has continued to expand its presence across the world. In December, it signed a partnership deal with MGM Resorts International to run esports tournaments in Las Vegas. It also is a shareholder in Berlin International Gaming, a professional esports team with a large foothold in Counter-Strike: Global Offensive.

 

Source: espn.com


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George Miller (Gyorgy Molnar) started his career in content marketing and has started working as an Editor/Content Manager for our company in 2016. George has acquired many experiences when it comes to interviews and newsworthy content becoming Head of Content in 2017. He is responsible for the news being shared on multiple websites that are part of the European Gaming Media Network.

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Boomerang Partners has been included in 3 prestigious industry Awards, which will be presented in January 2026

Published

5 hours ago

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December 11, 2025

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Boomerang Partners, a global Affiliate Gambling & Betting Marketing Agency, starts 2026 with participation in the largest industry awards. The company has been included in the shortlists of several prestigious nominations, notably the International Gaming Awards (IGA), European iGaming Awards, and Global Gaming Awards EMEA. Winners will be announced during the iGB and ICE Barcelona 2026 exhibitions, which will take place from January 19 to 21. Boomerang Partners will participate in the event with its booth, 81-L10.

For Boomerang Partners, this marks a record number of nominations that the company has been included in. Here are the awards it’s competing for:

International Gaming Awards:

  • Affiliate Marketing Campaign of the Year
  • Charitable Community Award (Golden Boomerang Awards – Charity)

European iGaming Awards:

  • Charity Award (Golden Boomerang Awards – Charity)
  • Affiliate Company Of The Year
  • Best Live Event Marketing Campaign (Golden Boomerang Awards)

Global Gaming Awards – EMEA 2026:

  • Affiliate Program of the Year

What’s next

Boomerang Partners will celebrate its fifth anniversary in 2026. The company is approaching this date at the peak of its effectiveness. Its inclusion on shortlists of prestigious awards is a testament to its recognition in the market. Experts have noticed Boomerang’s successes and recognize the contribution the company makes to the industry’s development. It feels strong enough to win most awards and is focused on achieving new milestones on the path to becoming the best sports-focused affiliate program in the world.

Currently, Boomerang Partners has over 3,000 affiliate partners and 13+ brands in its client portfolio. The company is the Official Regional Partner of AC Milan, and the second year of collaboration began in the summer of 2025. In 2024 and 2025, it held a global annual tournament for affiliate teams, the Golden Boomerang Awards. In fall 2025, the Golden Boomerang League, its first sports traffic tournament, took place. Boomerang Partners regularly participates in industry events, showcasing its booth and receiving prestigious awards. Over four years, the company has won 10 awards, including in 2025:

  • ‘Unique Gaming Company of the Year’ at the International Gaming Awards 2025
  • ‘Social Media Campaign of the Year’ at the SBC Awards 2025
  • ‘Rising Star in Sports Betting’ (Operator) at the SBC Awards 2025

And Boomerang Partners affiliate team lead, Kristina Shkredova, won the award for Best Affiliate Manager AskGamblers 2025.

How many awards will Boomerang Partners win in January? – Follow the official website and social media of the company, so as not to miss anything.

About Boomerang

Boomerang Partners is a rapidly growing global marketing agency offering a wide range of services. Boomerang Partners is the Official Regional Partner of AC Milan. In 2024, it launched the inaugural Golden Boomerang Awards — a global tournament for affiliate teams. More than 400 affiliate teams participated in the second season of the tournament in 2025. The agency launched six new products in 2024-2025, contributing to a nearly 1.5-fold increase in product users.

The agency’s client portfolio contains 13+ brands offering affiliate and entertainment services across 40+ markets in compliance with local regulations. These products provide personalized bonuses and 24/7 multilingual support.

The post Boomerang Partners has been included in 3 prestigious industry Awards, which will be presented in January 2026 appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry Newsroom.

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Latest News

Boomerang Partners has been included in 3 prestigious industry Awards, which will be presented in January 2026

Published

5 hours ago

on

December 11, 2025

By

Boomerang Partners, a global Affiliate Gambling & Betting Marketing Agency, starts 2026 with participation in the largest industry awards. The company has been included in the shortlists of several prestigious nominations, notably the International Gaming Awards (IGA), European iGaming Awards, and Global Gaming Awards EMEA. Winners will be announced during the iGB and ICE Barcelona 2026 exhibitions, which will take place from January 19 to 21. Boomerang Partners will participate in the event with its booth, 81-L10.

For Boomerang Partners, this marks a record number of nominations that the company has been included in. Here are the awards it’s competing for:

International Gaming Awards:

  • Affiliate Marketing Campaign of the Year
  • Charitable Community Award (Golden Boomerang Awards – Charity)

European iGaming Awards:

  • Charity Award (Golden Boomerang Awards – Charity)
  • Affiliate Company Of The Year
  • Best Live Event Marketing Campaign (Golden Boomerang Awards)

Global Gaming Awards – EMEA 2026:

  • Affiliate Program of the Year

What’s next

Boomerang Partners will celebrate its fifth anniversary in 2026. The company is approaching this date at the peak of its effectiveness. Its inclusion on shortlists of prestigious awards is a testament to its recognition in the market. Experts have noticed Boomerang’s successes and recognize the contribution the company makes to the industry’s development. It feels strong enough to win most awards and is focused on achieving new milestones on the path to becoming the best sports-focused affiliate program in the world.

Currently, Boomerang Partners has over 3,000 affiliate partners and 13+ brands in its client portfolio. The company is the Official Regional Partner of AC Milan, and the second year of collaboration began in the summer of 2025. In 2024 and 2025, it held a global annual tournament for affiliate teams, the Golden Boomerang Awards. In fall 2025, the Golden Boomerang League, its first sports traffic tournament, took place. Boomerang Partners regularly participates in industry events, showcasing its booth and receiving prestigious awards. Over four years, the company has won 10 awards, including in 2025:

  • ‘Unique Gaming Company of the Year’ at the International Gaming Awards 2025
  • ‘Social Media Campaign of the Year’ at the SBC Awards 2025
  • ‘Rising Star in Sports Betting’ (Operator) at the SBC Awards 2025

And Boomerang Partners affiliate team lead, Kristina Shkredova, won the award for Best Affiliate Manager AskGamblers 2025.

How many awards will Boomerang Partners win in January? – Follow the official website and social media of the company, so as not to miss anything.

About Boomerang

Boomerang Partners is a rapidly growing global marketing agency offering a wide range of services. Boomerang Partners is the Official Regional Partner of AC Milan. In 2024, it launched the inaugural Golden Boomerang Awards — a global tournament for affiliate teams. More than 400 affiliate teams participated in the second season of the tournament in 2025. The agency launched six new products in 2024-2025, contributing to a nearly 1.5-fold increase in product users.

The agency’s client portfolio contains 13+ brands offering affiliate and entertainment services across 40+ markets in compliance with local regulations. These products provide personalized bonuses and 24/7 multilingual support.

Continue Reading

Latest News

SCCG Announces Strategic Partnership with Yellow Elephant Studios to Expand Multi-Channel Gaming Content Worldwide

Published

6 hours ago

on

December 11, 2025

By

SCCG Management, a global leader in advisory, business development, and strategic partnerships for the gaming industry, announced a strategic global distribution partnership with Yellow Elephant Studios (YES), a rising force in casino, charitable gaming, and iGaming content development.

The partnership brings together SCCG’s expansive global operator network with YES’s rapidly growing portfolio of high-performance digital and land-based gaming content. Known for blending classic casino experiences with modern creative design, YES is redefining player engagement through advanced math models, cutting-edge visual design, and player-centric mechanics engineered for regulated casino markets, charitable gaming systems, and iGaming platforms.

A Studio Built for the Next Generation of Gaming

Yellow Elephant Studios is quickly emerging as one of the most innovative content developers in the sector. Their roadmap spans slot-style experiences, interactive entertainment systems, charitable gaming content, and hybrid formats designed for both digital and physical environments. With deep experience across regulated gaming markets, YES creates content that resonates with diverse player demographics while delivering strong performance for operators.

“Our mission is simple: create unforgettable gaming experiences by fusing imagination, technology, and precision,” said Fernando Di Carlo, CEO of Yellow Elephant Studios. “As the industry evolves, players expect more—more interaction, more personality, more ways to win. We’re building the next generation of games for that audience, and SCCG’s global footprint will help us scale that vision faster than ever.”

Accelerated Global Reach Through SCCG’s Network

By leveraging SCCG’s network of more than 120 partners — including tribal casinos, charitable gaming operators, digital platforms, iGaming operators, and emerging interactive entertainment brands — the partnership will accelerate the reach and market penetration of YES content across the most influential global gaming ecosystems.

“Yellow Elephant Studios brings a powerful creative and technical engine to the global gaming market,” said Stephen Crystal, Founder & CEO of SCCG Management. “Their ability to innovate across casino, charitable gaming, and iGaming channels makes them a standout studio ready for scale. SCCG is excited to connect them with operators seeking modern, high-engagement content that delivers real performance across both digital and land-based ecosystems.”

The post SCCG Announces Strategic Partnership with Yellow Elephant Studios to Expand Multi-Channel Gaming Content Worldwide appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry Newsroom.

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