Locals and Visitors Invited to Join Across Multiple Platforms with the Launch of Countdown Live Zones and Online Broadcasts to Share Wishes Worldwide

(HKTB provides satellite live feed and social media livestreaming of countdown in Central. 
Details on pages 3-5)

New Year Countdown_KV

HONG KONG, Dec. 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — On New Year’s Eve, the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) will usher in 2026 with a brand-new edition of the Hong Kong New Year Countdown at the Chater Road Pedestrian Precinct in Central. Themed “New Hopes, New Beginnings,” the show will feature a blend of live music and a light show. Headlining the star-studded line-up is internationally acclaimed group Air Supply, performing a selection of their hits, alongside local artists Jay Fung and Cloud Wan. Completing the lineup, a children’s choir and the Hong Kong Police Band will also take the stage.

NYCD_Light Show_1_rendering

The façades of eight iconic landmarks taking part in the Immersive Light Show in Central will be transformed into giant countdown clocks illuminated with vibrant light projections to welcome 2026 with on-site spectators. At the stroke of midnight, these landmarks will present a spectacular three-minute light show, themed “New Hopes, New Beginnings,” sending heartfelt blessings to both locals and world audiences.

This year’s Hong Kong New Year Countdown is fully supported by Hongkong Land.

Live Broadcast on Giant Screens in the Chater Road and Nearby Area
The entire HKTB Hong Kong New Year Countdown will broadcast live through multiple channels, allowing both local and global audiences to welcome 2026 together. The public can soak in the festive atmosphere in person on the Chater Road area in Central, where Chater Garden and Edinburgh Place will feature large outdoor screens broadcasting the main event. The police will implement phased road closures around Chater Road starting at approximately 6pm on New Year’s Eve. In view of the countdown event, “Winter Wonderland in Central” will be closed at 4pm on New Year’s Eve.

NYCD_Light Show_2_rendering                  

In Tsim Sha Tsui, the Hong Kong Cultural Centre will project the Hong Kong New Year Countdown show onto its façade. Locals and visitors in the area will also be able to view a giant countdown clock on the façade of the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre in Wan Chai, allowing everyone to share in the city’s countdown moments together.

Multi-Platform Live Broadcasts to Welcome the New Year with Global Audiences
On New Year’s Eve, HKTB will broadcast the Hong Kong New Year Countdown show live via multiple media outlets and platforms, including its official website, DiscoverHongKong.com, and its social media channels. The live broadcast signal will also be made available to media for simulcasting, enabling more people to enjoy the event in real time. Additionally, HKTB will uplink the live signal via satellite for global distribution, enabling audiences around the world to join Hong Kong in counting down to the New Year together.

HKTB One-Stop Information Platform Featuring Citywide Countdown Events
A variety of countdown activities will take place across Hong Kong on New Year’s Eve. HKTB’s dedicated visitor information platforms will showcase a curated selection of these events, helping locals and visitors conveniently plan their itineraries and commemorate this significant moment as they welcome 2026.

Highlights include HKTB’s Hong Kong New Year Countdown, the “New Year’s Eve Countdown Party Moment” in Hong Kong Disneyland, and for the first time, a special countdown concert in West Kowloon Cultural District.

Special traffic and transport arrangements will be implemented on New Year’s Eve to facilitate the events. HKTB urges members of the public to pay close attention to announcements from relevant government departments.

HKTB Hong Kong New Year Countdown Website:
https://www.discoverhongkong.com/eng/what-s-new/events/new-year-countdown.html

Information of Video and Image Download
Download link: https://assetlibrary.hktb.com/assetbank-hktb/action/browseItems?CSRF=wOPp2DhWfdal1ID0dmAQ&categoryId=2287&categoryTypeId=2

• Reference images of Hong Kong New Year Countdown are available for download at the link above.
• Post-event video footage and photos of Hong Kong New Year Countdown will be available for download from 1 January 2026, 03:00 Hong Kong Time (31 December 2025 GMT 19:00).

Information of Social Media Livestreaming and Satellite Live Feed of “Hong Kong New Year Countdown”

1. Details of Social Media Livestreaming:

2. Details of Satellite Feed for Broadcasters:

• For RTMP live streaming signals or other technical support related to live broadcasts and live streaming, please contact the Hong Kong Tourism Board to arrange the necessary services.

Asia Sat 5, 100.5 degrees East (covering Asia, Middle East, Eastern Europe, CIS and Australia)

IntelSat 19, 166.0 degrees East (covering Asia-Pacific region with reach to the Western United States)

IntelSat 34, 55.5 degrees West (covering the Americas)

Eutelsat 7B, 7.0 degrees East (covering Europe)

For media enquiries, please contact:

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at

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GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 9617785

• Record date for the proposed dividend of warrants will be on Jan. 7, 2026
• The warrants are expected to have a striking price of $5.00 per share of Datavault AI common stock (subject to adjustment for recapitalizations, stock splits, stock dividends and similar types of transactions)
• Each eligible participant is expected to be entitled to receive one (1) warrant to purchase one (1) share of Datavault AI common stock for every sixty (60) shares of Datavault AI common stock owned by such participant and is required to open a wallet with Datavault.

PHILADELPHIA, Dec. 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Datavault AI Inc. (“Datavault AI” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: DVLT), a leader in data monetization, credentialing, and digital engagement technologies, today announced that the Company intends to declare a special dividend distribution of warrants to holders of Datavault AI common stock and holders of certain other Datavault AI equity securities. The expected terms of the warrants are described below. The record date for such proposed dividend is set on Jan. 7, 2026, and the related distribution date has not yet been determined. The Company anticipates that it will announce such information on or before Jan. 7, 2026.

Datavault AI currently anticipates that the terms of the dividend and the warrants to be distributed in connection therewith will include:

• Eligible Participants: All record and beneficial holders of Datavault AI common stock and holders of certain other equity securities of Datavault AI (with contractual rights to participate in the dividend) as of the record date are expected to be eligible to participate in the dividend, at no cost.
• Dividend Ratio: Each eligible participant is expected to be entitled to receive one (1) warrant to purchase one (1) share of Datavault AI common stock for every sixty (60) shares of Datavault AI common stock owned by such participant (or deemed to be owned by such participant in the case of other equity securities of Datavault AI for purposes of determining such holder’s right to participate in any such dividend), in each case as of the record date, rounded up to the nearest whole number of warrants. No fractional warrants will be distributed.
• Exercise Price: The warrants are expected to have a striking price of $5.00 per share of Datavault AI common stock (subject to adjustment for recapitalizations, stock splits, stock dividends and similar types of transactions). Datavault AI currently anticipates that the warrants will be exercisable only for cash consideration.
• Term: The warrants are expected to be exercisable at any time (subject to certain conditions) following the distribution date until they expire on the one (1) year anniversary of the distribution date.
• Exercise Conditions: The warrants are expected to be exercisable only by holders holding at least one Dream Bowl Meme Coin II token in a digital wallet with the Company as of the applicable exercise time of such warrants (which ownership will be subject to verification by the Company). This condition and any other conditions to the exercise of the warrants are expected to be set forth in a warrant agreement that the Datavault AI expects to file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on or prior to the distribution date.

The Company announced the record date to be on Jan. 7, 2026, and the related distribution date for the dividend has not been determined by the board of directors of Datavault AI (the “Datavault Board”) and that the warrants will be governed by a warrant agreement that the Company expects to file with the SEC on or prior to the distribution date.

It is also anticipated that, once determined by the Datavault Board, the record date for the dividend may be changed by the Datavault Board for any reason at any time prior to the distribution date, and distribution of the warrants will be conditioned upon the Datavault Board not having revoked the dividend prior to the distribution date, including for a material change to the solvency or surplus analysis presented to the Datavault Board.

The final terms and conditions of the foregoing dividend and warrants to be distributed in the dividend will be subsequently announced by the Company after the Datavault Board formally declares the proposed dividend and sets the record date and distribution date.

No Offer or Solicitation

This Press Release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction.

The distribution of the warrants in connection with the proposed dividend has not been and will not be registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), as the distribution of a warrant for no consideration does not constitute a sale of a security under Section 2(a)(3) of the Securities Act. A Form 8-A registration statement and prospectus supplement describing the terms of the warrants will be filed on or before the distribution date with the SEC and will be available on the SEC’s website located at http://www.sec.gov. Holders should read the prospectus supplement carefully, when available, including the Risk Factors section included and incorporated by reference therein.

About Datavault AI

Datavault AI™ (Nasdaq: DVLT) leads AI-driven data experiences, valuation, and monetization in the Web 3.0 environment. The Company’s cloud-based platform delivers comprehensive solutions through its collaborative Acoustic Science and Data Science Divisions. Datavault AI’s Acoustic Science Division includes WiSA®, ADIO®, and Sumerian® patented technologies for spatial and multichannel wireless HD sound. The Data Science Division harnesses Web 3.0 and high-performance computing for experiential data perception, valuation, and secure monetization across industries including sports & entertainment, biotech, education, fintech, real estate, healthcare, and energy. The Information Data Exchange® (IDE) enables Digital Twins and secure NIL licensing, fostering responsible AI with integrity. Datavault AI’s customizable technology suite offers AI/ML automation, third-party integration, analytics, marketing automation, and advertising monitoring. Headquartered in Philadelphia, PA. Learn more at www.dvlt.ai.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains “forward-looking statements” (within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended, and other securities laws) about Datavault AI Inc. (“Datavault AI,” the “Company,” “us,” “our,” or “we”) and our industry that involve risks and uncertainties. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements because they contain words, such as “may,” “might,” “will,” “shall,” “should,” “expects,” “plans,” “anticipates,” “could,” “intends,” “target,” “projects,” “contemplates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “predicts,” “potential,” “goal,” “objective,” “seeks,” “likely” or “continue” or the negative of these words or other similar terms or expressions that concern our expectations, strategy, plans or intentions. The absence of these words does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking. Such forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, statements regarding future events, whether Datavault AI will proceed with the potential dividend distribution of warrants and Datavault AI’s expectations regarding the terms and/or timing thereof (including that the Datavault Board may change the record date and/or the distribution date), the anticipated timing for announcement by Datavault AI of the record date and the distribution date, the anticipated exercise price, exercise conditions and expiration date of the warrants, the acceptance for trading of the warrants on The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC, and the existence of a market for and the future trading price of the warrants, are necessarily based upon estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by the Company and its management, are inherently uncertain. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these and other forward-looking statements contained herein.

Actual results may differ materially from those indicated by these forward-looking statements as a result of various risks and uncertainties including, but not limited to, the following: risks related to legal proceedings that may be instituted against Datavault regarding the warrants and the dividend distribution thereof to Datavault AI’s eligible equity holders; risks associated with the right of the Datavault Board to change the record date and the distribution date, and/or to revoke the dividend prior to the distribution date; changes in economic, market, or regulatory conditions; uncertainties regarding valuation methodologies and third-party reports; risks relating to evolving regulatory frameworks applicable to tokenized assets; and other risks and uncertainties as more fully described in Datavault AI’s filings with the SEC, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024 and other filings that Datavault AI makes from time to time with the SEC, which are available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov, and could cause actual results to vary from expectations.

The forward-looking statements made in this press release relate only to events as of the date on which the statements are made. Datavault AI undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements made in this press release to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this press release or to reflect new information or the occurrence of unanticipated events, except as required by law. Datavault AI may not actually achieve the plans, intentions or expectations disclosed in its forward-looking statements, and you should not place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. Datavault AI’s forward-looking statements do not reflect the potential impact of any future acquisitions, mergers, dispositions, joint ventures or investments it may make.

Investor Inquiries:

[email protected]

Corporate Communications

IBN
Austin, Texas
www.InvestorBrandNetwork.com
512.354.7000 Office
[email protected]

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 99617726

Innovative Dream Bowl Meme Coin II’s NFL Alumni Health addition will Commemorate the World’s First AI Powered Tokenized Bowl Game

PHILADELPHIA, Dec. 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Datavault AI Inc. (“Datavault AI” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: DVLT), a leader in data monetization, credentialing, and digital engagement technologies, today announced two major developments to enhance and elevate the profile of Dream Bowl XIV, scheduled for Jan. 11, 2026, at AT&T Stadium, of which the Company is a licensing partner and co-sponsor.

First, Datavault AI, in collaboration with Dream Bowl XIV and NFL Alumni Health, proudly announces a strategic partnership supporting the launch of Dream Bowl Meme Coin II. This partnership underscores a shared commitment to advancing player health, wellness, and long-term care for former professional athletes, while elevating the Dream Bowl’s mission of preparing elite college football talent for the next level—both on and off the field.

“We are genuinely excited to be working with Datavault AI on a breakthrough initiative that brings artificial intelligence, digital assets, and real-world impact together for the first time,” said Billy Davis, two-time Super Bowl champion and Co-Director of Healthcare Initiatives for the NFL Alumni Association. “Datavault AI is building something truly innovative—an AI-powered token designed with purpose, transparency, and long-term potential in mind.”

Second, in commemoration of the Dream Bowl XIV and consistent with Datavault AI’s focus on applying artificial intelligence to level the playing field in professional organizations, the Company is highlighting how AI can support football organizations in identifying and evaluating talent across traditional athletics and e-sports. In connection with these initiatives, and to demonstrate how tokenization can make select aspects of the game immutable, interactive and verifiable, the Board of Directors of Datavault AI (the “Datavault Board”) has approved a dividend of the Dream Bowl Meme Coin II token to all eligible record equity holders of Datavault AI common stock and other equity securities. The record date for this dividend is Jan. 7, 2026.

The record date for the dividend may be changed by the Datavault Board for any reason at any time prior to the actual payment date, and payment of the dividend is conditioned upon the Datavault Board having not revoked the dividend prior to the payment date, including for a material change to the solvency or surplus analysis presented to the Datavault Board. Subject to the right of the Datavault Board to change the record date, the payment date for the dividend will be determined by subsequent resolutions of the Datavault Board, which payment date will be within 60 days following the record date (the “Payment Date”).

In order to receive the Dream Bowl Meme Coin II digital collectibles, all eligible recipients will be required to open a digital wallet with Datavault AI and execute an Opt-In Agreement, pursuant to which such holders will agree, among other things, to the payment conditions set forth therein, and acknowledge that such holders understand the process for receiving the Dream Bowl Meme Coin II digital collectibles, that the Datavault Board can change the record date or payment date or revoke the distribution prior to the payment date, and that the Dream Bowl Meme Coin II digital collectibles may not have or maintain any value.

The Company will provide further instructions regarding wallet setup, token access, and distribution procedures to stockholders of record of Datavault AI on the books and records of the transfer agents of Datavault AI in a subsequent communication prior to the payment date.

Datavault AI remains committed to innovative stockholder value creation. Building on the successful distribution of the original Dream Bowl Meme Coin on Dec. 24, 2025, this special Dream Bowl Meme Coin II distribution celebrates the historic NFL Alumni Health partnership and provides additional utility to stockholders. Each exclusive digital collectible will feature enhanced utility, including immutable proof of ownership. The Dream Bowl Meme Coin II will be airdropped to Data Vault® wallets on or after the Payment Date. Datavault AI will provide detailed instructions regarding wallet setup, token access, and distribution procedures in a subsequent communication prior to the Payment Date.

The Dream Bowl Meme Coin II is a digital collectible intended solely for personal, non-commercial use in connection with the Dream Bowl XIV event. The Dream Bowl Meme Coin II does not in and of itself: (i) represent or confer any equity, voting, dividend, profit-sharing, or ownership rights in Datavault AI or any other entity; (ii) provide any right to receive monetary payments, distributions, or appreciation; or (iii) create any expectation of profit or reliance on the managerial or entrepreneurial efforts of Datavault AI or others. The Dream Bowl Meme Coin II is not designed or intended to function as an investment, currency, or financial product, and it is not being offered, sold, or distributed for fundraising or capital-raising purposes. Use of the Dream Bowl Meme Coin II is limited to entertainment, event-access, and digital-collectible functions. Any transferability features are provided solely to support personal digital item portability and not to facilitate or imply investment or speculative use.

About Datavault AI

Datavault AI™ (Nasdaq: DVLT) leads AI-driven data experiences, valuation, and monetization in the Web 3.0 environment. The Company’s cloud-based platform delivers comprehensive solutions through its collaborative Acoustic Science and Data Science Divisions. Datavault AI’s Acoustic Science Division includes WiSA®, ADIO®, and Sumerian® patented technologies for spatial and multichannel wireless HD sound. The Data Science Division harnesses Web 3.0 and high-performance computing for experiential data perception, valuation, and secure monetization across industries including sports & entertainment, biotech, education, fintech, real estate, healthcare, and energy. The Information Data Exchange® (IDE) enables Digital Twins and secure NIL licensing, fostering responsible AI with integrity. Datavault AI’s customizable technology suite offers AI/ML automation, third-party integration, analytics, marketing automation, and advertising monitoring. Headquartered in Philadelphia, PA. Learn more at www.dvlt.ai.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains “forward-looking statements” (within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended, and other securities laws) about Datavault AI Inc. (“Datavault AI,” the “Company,” “us,” “our,” or “we”) and our industry that involve risks and uncertainties. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements because they contain words, such as “may,” “might,” “will,” “shall,” “should,” “expects,” “plans,” “anticipates,” “could,” “intends,” “target,” “projects,” “contemplates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “predicts,” “potential,” “goal,” “objective,” “seeks,” “likely” or “continue” or the negative of these words or other similar terms or expressions that concern our expectations, strategy, plans or intentions. The absence of these words does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking. Such forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, statements regarding future events, Datavault AI’s potential distribution of the Dream Bowl Meme Coin II and the timing thereof (including that the payment date will be determined by subsequent resolutions of the Datavault Board, and that the Datavault Board may change the record date and, as a result, the payment date, once determined), are necessarily based upon estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by the Company and its management, are inherently uncertain. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these and other forward-looking statements contained herein.

Actual results may differ materially from those indicated by these forward-looking statements as a result of various risks and uncertainties including, but not limited to, the following: risks related to legal proceedings that may be instituted against Datavault regarding the Dream Bowl Meme Coin II and the distribution thereof to Datavault AI’s eligible equity holders; risks associated with the right of the Datavault Board to change the record date and the payment date of the distribution of, and/or to revoke, the Dream Bowl Meme Coin II; changes in economic, market, or regulatory conditions; uncertainties regarding valuation methodologies and third-party reports; risks relating to evolving regulatory frameworks applicable to tokenized assets; risks associated with technological development and integration; and other risks and uncertainties as more fully described in Datavault AI’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024 and other filings that Datavault AI makes from time to time with the SEC, which are available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov, and could cause actual results to vary from expectations.

The forward-looking statements made in this press release relate only to events as of the date on which the statements are made. Datavault AI undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements made in this press release to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this press release or to reflect new information or the occurrence of unanticipated events, except as required by law. Datavault AI may not actually achieve the plans, intentions or expectations disclosed in its forward-looking statements, and you should not place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. Datavault AI’s forward-looking statements do not reflect the potential impact of any future acquisitions, mergers, dispositions, joint ventures or investments it may make.

Investor Inquiries:

[email protected]

Corporate Communications
IBN
Austin, Texas
www.InvestorBrandNetwork.com
512.354.7000 Office
[email protected]

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 9617687

NYCD – Air Supply

NYCD – Air Supply

NYCD – Immersive Light Show at Chater Road in Central

NYCD – Immersive Light Show at Chater Road in Central

(HKTB provides satellite live feed and social media livestreaming of countdown in Central. Details on pages 2-5)

HONG KONG, Dec. 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) announced that this year’s New Year Countdown will take place at the Chater Road Pedestrian Precinct in Central. The event will feature a brand-new format combining live performances by renowned singers and a light show, aiming to spread positive energy and heartfelt blessings. Additionally, HKTB has introduced a variety of countdown activities across Hong Kong on its website to make it easier for both locals and visitors to participate and welcome the New Year with new hopes.

A novel countdown showcase combining music and lights

From 11:30 pm on New Year’s Eve to 00:10 am on New Year’s Day, the event will feature a thrilling line-up of music performances. Headlining the event will be internationally acclaimed group Air Supply, performing a selection of their timeless classics, on top of live appearances by renowned local artists Jay Fung and Cloud Wan. There will also be performances from a children’s choir and the Hong Kong Police Band, setting the stage for the countdown moment.

The walls of eight iconic buildings participating in the Immersive Light Show in Central will welcome the New Year with light projections of a giant countdown clock and seasonal patterns. These buildings will present a three-minute light performance, themed “New Hopes, New Beginnings”, sending blessings to both the on-site audience and viewers worldwide as we welcome the New Year.

This year’s countdown event is fully supported by Hongkong Land, the partner for Winter Wonderland in Central.

Large screens will be set up in Chater Garden and Edinburgh Place with live broadcasts of the performances and countdown. Additionally, an outdoor live projection will be displayed at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre in Tsim Sha Tsui. A giant countdown clock will be shown on the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre in Wan Chai, building anticipation as midnight approaches.

The New Year countdown will be broadcast live on a number of media channels, including the official HKTB website, DiscoverHongKong.com, HKTB’s social media channels (Facebook & YouTube). HKTB will simultaneously broadcast the event via satellite to audiences around the world to welcome 2026.

HKTB one-stop website showcases countdown activities across the city

On New Year’s Eve, various countdown activities will take place across the city, including the “New Year’s Eve Countdown Party Moment” in Hong Kong Disneyland, and for the first time, a special countdown concert in West Kowloon Cultural District, as locals and visitors celebrate the arrival of 2026. HKTB’s one-stop travel information portal provides a list of various countdown activities in Hong Kong to help the public plan their itinerary.

International group Air Supply	Chater Road in Central

HKTB Hong Kong New Year Countdown website:
https://www.discoverhongkong.com/eng/what-s-new/events/new-year-countdown.html

Information of Video and Image Download
Download link: https://assetlibrary.hktb.com/assetbank-hktb/action/browseItems?CSRF=wOPp2DhWfdal1ID0dmAQ&categoryId=2287&categoryTypeId=2

• Reference images of Hong Kong New Year Countdown are available for download at the link above.
• Post-event video footage and photos of Hong Kong New Year Countdown will be available for download from 1 January 2026, 03:00 Hong Kong Time (31 December 2025 GMT 19:00).

Information of Social Media Livestreaming and Satellite Live Feed of “Hong Kong New Year Countdown”

1.   Details of Social Media Livestreaming:

2.   Details of Satellite Feed for Broadcasters:

• For RTMP live streaming signals or other technical support related to live broadcasts and live streaming, please contact the Hong Kong Tourism Board to arrange the necessary services.

Asia Sat 5, 100.5 degrees East (covering Asia, Middle East, Eastern Europe, CIS and Australia)

IntelSat 19, 166.0 degrees East (covering Asia-Pacific region with reach to the Western United States)

IntelSat 34, 55.5 degrees West (covering the Americas)

Eutelsat 7B, 7.0 degrees East (covering Europe)

For media enquiries, please contact: 

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/302fc3d0-e504-4514-b9d8-a8ef2af24c76
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/45d97d62-fb50-4ae5-a1fe-eb41726c3dcd

 GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 9616923

WATERFORD, Ireland, Dec. 22, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Minimum Deposit Casinos (MDC), a division of the OneTwenty Group, has issued new commentary on the U.S. Federal Reserve’s proposed “payment account” framework and its potential impact on online gambling transactions. The proposal, officially opened for public comment on December 19, would allow eligible non-bank financial institutions limited access to core Federal Reserve payment systems including FedNow and Fedwire, without granting them full banking privileges.

“The Federal Reserve’s push to open its payment infrastructure to fintechs is a historic shift,” said an MDC spokesperson. “While this aims to promote innovation and reduce friction, the impact on licensed gambling operators could be significant. Faster settlements and direct clearing may improve payout speeds, but they also introduce new risk and compliance expectations. These will not be free.”

The proposed accounts, often referred to as “skinny master accounts,” are designed to modernize how money moves through the U.S. economy. They come with strict limits on balances, access, and risk controls, yet they offer a direct path for payment providers to bypass traditional bank intermediaries. This could fundamentally change how funds are deposited and withdrawn on gambling platforms.

While the proposal is still in the public consultation phase, MDC notes it reflects a broader regulatory trend toward increasing scrutiny over digital payments. If implemented, the framework may lead to new auditing and fraud prevention requirements for payment partners, costs that could ultimately impact platform operations and the player experience.

“This is where the real tension lies,” the spokesperson added. “Low-cost payment systems have helped drive accessibility in iGaming. But with increased operational oversight will come new expense, and that could lead to slower withdrawals, more rigorous verification checks, or higher transaction fees.”

MDC encourages licensed casino operators and their payment providers to closely follow the Fed’s initiative and begin evaluating the resilience and compliance-readiness of their current infrastructure.

About MDC

Minimum Deposit Casinos (MDC), a division of the OneTwenty Group, is a trusted global portal that advocates for transparent, licensed, and regulatorily compliant online casino experiences. MDC focuses on reviewing and recommending platforms that adhere to the highest standards of KYC, responsible gaming, and secure payment processing.

Contact Email: [email protected]

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 1001156294