Good Morning. It is just a game. And that is what Australian operators are working now to ensure their clients understand, as gambling harm reduction takes center stage in the nation. Meanwhile, in the Philippines, PAGCOR indicates that it is not in support of an overall ban on online gaming, citing jobs and significant government revenue as cornerstones for its ongoing success, and the reason for the sector to continue to thrive. And over in Macau, labor concerns top the chart, as operators come under the spotlight due to the upcoming shuttering of satellite casinos.
A new report has highlighted the challenges facing Australian gaming operators, as pokies continue to dominate the sphere, prompting concerns over responsible gambling. While the nation has taken significant strides in ensuring operators are up to par in their regulations, some criticize the possible gaps in standards across jurisdictions and the overall influence of the industry on policy, while also noting the difficulties in regulating online gaming.
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CasinoGame, a fast-rising Asia-based Live Casino provider, is proud to announce a successful appearance at iGB Live London 2025, where the team engaged with global operators, platforms, and affiliates in a series of high-level meetings that underscored the brand’s growing international momentum.
Held at ExCeL London from the 2nd to the 5th of July, iGB London brought together thousands of iGaming professionals from around the world. CasinoGame’s presence sparked meaningful conversations with key players across the industry, reinforcing the company’s commitment to expanding its reach and delivering premium live dealer content tailored for diverse global markets.
“Our time at iGB London was incredibly productive,” said Mon Kor, Managing Director of CasinoGame. “The interest in our Asian-rooted live casino offering was strong, and we had the opportunity to explore several exciting partnership opportunities that align with our growth strategy.”
CasinoGame is known for its immersive, culturally nuanced live dealer games, streamed from purpose-built studios with a focus on user experience, stability, and localization. The company continues to attract attention for its modern approach to live casino, combining state-of-the-art technology with the vibrant, fast-paced energy of Asian gaming floors.
Showcase at ASEAN Gaming Summit 2025
Mon Kor continued: “CasinoGame is built on a deep understanding of what today’s players want – authentic, engaging gameplay delivered seamlessly. Our experience at iGB London reflects the global appetite for that vision, and we’re looking forward to bringing more of it to new markets in the months ahead.”
Following a successful run of meetings and networking engagements, CasinoGame is now focused on activating new collaborations across Europe, while further strengthening its presence in Asia and other key regions.
A new academic report highlights the growing tension between Australia’s gambling industry and its efforts to protect vulnerable communities from gambling-related harm.
The study, published in this year’s first Global Gaming & Tourism Research book from the Macau Polytechnic University (MPU) and authored by Professor Li Bingqin of the Social Policy Research Center at the University of New South Wales, outlines the progress, challenges, and future direction of Australia’s responsible gambling policy.
Australia has one of the highest gambling expenditures per capita in the world, with an average annual spend of over AU$1,200 ($800). In 2020, Australians spent over AU$25 billion ($16.7 billion) on gambling, including A$12 billion ($8 billion) on electronic gaming machines (EGMs) alone.
Despite years of reform, the report notes that ‘high-risk groups—including culturally and linguistically diverse communities, low-income individuals and young people—remain inadequately protected.’
Professor Li describes Australia’s responsible gambling policy as having shifted from voluntary, industry-led measures to increasingly mandatory frameworks. Since the late 1990s, state and federal governments have introduced a range of measures, from self-exclusion programs and pre-commitment systems to advertising restrictions and credit card bans.
Victoria, for instance, became the first state to enforce a mandatory pre-commitment system in 2022, requiring gamblers to set spending limits on EGMs. A nationwide self-exclusion register was also rolled out to prevent registered individuals from accessing online and telephone-based gambling services.
However, the report finds major regulatory weaknesses. One is the fragmented governance structure.
‘Multiple levels of governance have led to enforcement gaps and inconsistent standards,’ the report warns. While the federal government oversees online gambling and broad policy coordination, each state or territory regulates land-based gambling independently, resulting in varying levels of enforcement and consumer protection.
Enforcement itself is also limited. Regulators often lack the authority or resources to impose meaningful penalties, and some operators have withheld information from watchdogs. ‘Existing penalties fail to deter operators,’ the report notes, adding that some fines are so low that they are simply treated as a cost of doing business.
Another major concern raised is the political influence of the gambling industry. The report details how gambling companies have used lobbying and political donations to influence decision-making.
For example, a proposed national pre-commitment system was abandoned after heavy industry opposition. The report points out that ‘gambling companies donate to both major parties, ensuring influence regardless of which one is in power.’ In some election years, such as in Tasmania in 2018, gambling interests were among the top campaign donors.
High-risk communities continue to bear the brunt of gambling harm
The report finds that culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) populations—particularly Chinese, Vietnamese, and Cambodian communities—have disproportionately high rates of problem gambling.
In some Chinese-speaking groups, the rate of problem gambling is estimated at over 15%, compared with 0.5 percent to 1 percent in the general population. ‘Many migrants experience language barriers and cultural isolation, making them more vulnerable to aggressive marketing and less able to access support services,’ the report explains.
Casinos and gambling venues have actively targeted these communities with culturally tailored marketing strategies, including language services, ethnic cuisine, and special promotions during traditional holidays like Lunar New Year. ‘Casinos use cultural identity to build loyalty,’ the report notes.
Low-income groups are also heavily exposed. The report cites data showing that the lowest-income decile spends over 10 percent of its income on gambling, while the highest-income decile spends less than 1 percent. Moreover, ‘EGMs are five times more concentrated in poorer communities than in wealthier ones,’ the study finds, especially in states like Victoria and New South Wales.
Young people, meanwhile, face growing risks from digital gambling. Online sports betting, esports betting, and gamified gambling apps have become embedded in youth digital culture. The report warns that ‘young people are particularly susceptible to impulsive decision-making and often underestimate financial risks.’
Between 2019 and 2022, the share of 18- to 24-year-olds who had gambled online rose sharply, with more than 40 percent having participated.
Social media and mobile apps have amplified this trend. ‘Online betting companies use algorithms to target young users with personalized ads, especially during sports events,’ Professor Li writes. Some platforms offer virtual currencies, loot boxes and daily login bonuses—features that obscure real-money risks and reinforce habitual use.
Despite efforts to expand education and treatment programs, gaps remain in early intervention. Unlike countries such as the UK, Australian schools have yet to include gambling risk awareness in their health or civics curricula. ‘The lack of early education means young people often see gambling as entertainment rather than a financial hazard,’ the report states.
Looking ahead, Professor Li argues that the future of responsible gambling policy in Australia depends on tightening regulation, improving consistency across jurisdictions, and investing in more culturally appropriate prevention strategies. She writes: ‘Policymakers must move beyond a focus on individual responsibility and address the structural and cultural risks that fuel problem gambling.’
Emerging technologies, such as AI and data analytics, may help monitor betting patterns and support targeted interventions, but only if accompanied by stronger policy will and enforcement mechanisms.
‘Balancing the economic value of the gambling industry with the imperative to reduce social harm remains the central policy challenge,’ the report concludes. Future reforms are likely to focus on national standardization, stricter digital advertising controls, and improved protection for high-risk groups.
Aristocrat Gaming has announced the release of Buffalo Eclipse, a cutting-edge three-reel stepper poised to eclipse the competition. Blending a classic base game with a dynamic Hold & Spin feature and a captivating metamorphic meter, Buffalo Eclipse delivers an entirely new level of entertainment.
Buffalo Eclipse is a Class 3 game and appears on the Marquis Three-Reel cabinet with spinning reels and a digital top wheel. The game expands upon the player-favorite Buffalo Sunset Wilds by adding multipliers up to 100x. Plus, players can spin the wheel for a chance at the Grand Jackpot, Eclipse Hold & Spin, or credit prizes
Buffalo Eclipse has three exciting features:
With the Eclipse Metamorphic Meter, players fill the meter by landing Eclipse symbols on reels. For added entertainment, the background artwork changes dramatically as they approach completion of the Eclipse.
The Eclipse Feature delivers classic Hold & Spin gameplay, with chances at landing a Sunset Wild symbol.
In the Sunset Wild Feature, landing a Sunset Wild on any winning spin, including within the Eclipse feature, will trigger multiplier reveals for chances to multiply winnings up to 100x.
Buffalo Eclipse by Aristocrat Gaming is configurable as a multi-denom for main floor placements and a single denom for high limit areas. It is a medium volatility lines game with an SSP Grand Jackpot that starts at $10,000, with additional jackpot startups available.
The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) has rejected proposals for a complete prohibition of online gambling in the Philippines, arguing that stricter regulations rather than an outright ban would better serve the country’s interests while preserving substantial government revenue and employment opportunities.
PAGCOR Chair and Chief Executive Officer Alejandro H. Tengco emphasized during a DZMM interview on Tuesday that regulation remains the key to addressing problems within the gaming industry.
The corporation’s position comes in response to recent legislative proposals, including Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri’s bill seeking a total ban on all online gambling activities and Senator Sherwin Gatchalian’s measure to prohibit e-wallet usage in online gambling platforms.
The government currently generates more than PHP100 billion ($1.8 billion) annually from online gambling operations, both directly and indirectly, according to Tengco. This revenue stream supports approximately 32,000 direct employees within the industry, alongside numerous ancillary businesses including security services, transportation companies, restaurants, and other support services that cater to online gaming operations.
Tengco warned that implementing a total ban could result in the loss of hundreds of billions of pesos in revenue for the country. He highlighted Senator Gatchalian’s support for stricter regulation as a viable alternative that would allow the industry to continue operating under proper oversight while maintaining government revenue streams.
The PAGCOR chief identified illegal online gambling operations originating from foreign countries as the primary source of chaos within the gaming industry. These unauthorized operators, which target Filipino customers, currently represent 50 to 55 percent of the entire online gaming market that remains beyond PAGCOR’s regulatory reach.
Unlike regulated platforms that restrict access to players aged 21 and above, illegal operators impose no age restrictions, allowing minors to participate and potentially develop gambling addictions. Tengco noted that PAGCOR regularly receives complaints from players of illegal gambling sites who have not received their winnings or deposits.
To address gambling addiction concerns, PAGCOR plans to establish a 24-hour hotline within the coming months, partnering with specialized foundations and rehabilitation centers. The corporation is also developing artificial intelligence-powered monitoring systems, including self-exclusion buttons and cooling-off periods for players who experience significant losses.
Additionally, PAGCOR is coordinating with the Ad Standards Council to regulate outdoor gambling advertisements and restrict primetime television advertising for online gaming licenses. The corporation aims to sign a Memorandum of Agreement within a week to control the proliferation of large gambling billboards across the country.
Meanwhile, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is exploring better policy options for online gambling, acknowledging the concerns of families affected by gambling addiction.
According to the Philippine News Agency, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro stated that the President sympathizes with families whose household members have become addicted to gambling and is working toward improved policies for the sector.
The President has expressed openness to the Department of Finance’s proposal to regulate and impose taxes on online gaming platforms. The Department of Information and Communications Technology has collaborated with PAGCOR to remove 7,000 unauthorized online gaming sites, according to data released by Malacañang on June 19th.
The Palace encourages the public to report individuals showing signs of gambling addiction to PAGCOR, enabling the corporation to restrict their access to online gaming platforms.
Macau lawmaker Lam U Tou has raised concerns over how gaming companies are hiring local workers through part-time employment arrangements.
He revealed that one human resources company has hired 3,030 local residents who are permanently assigned to gaming operators as part-time workers, effectively supplementing the non-resident workforce.
Macau lawmaker Lam U Tou
This practice contradicts current labor law principles, which stipulate that non-resident workers should only supplement shortages in the local labor market. The arrangement is believed to be a cost-cutting strategy, as employing local workers on a part-time basis allows companies to reduce expenses compared to hiring them full-time, while also avoiding the higher salary levels typically associated with local employees in permanent roles.
Speaking at Tuesday’s Legislative Assembly plenary session, Lam warned that the issue observed in one company may indicate a broader trend. With three major human resource firms operating in Macau, he estimated that over 10,000 workers could be affected by similar arrangements.
He also criticized the persistently high proportion of non-resident workers in senior roles within the gaming sector, expressing disbelief that, despite years of local talent development, operators continue to rely heavily on foreign personnel for top-tier positions.
Government officials did not directly address the specific allegations raised by Lam during the session. However, Secretary for Economy and Finance Tai Kin Yip reiterated the administration’s opposition to approving foreign workers for roles such as dealers, supervisors, and professional drivers.
Under Macau’s laws, only local residents are allowed to be croupiers.
Tai emphasized the government’s commitment to maintaining a high proportion of local management in mid- and senior-level roles across Macau’s six gaming concessionaires.
Balancing local talent and global competitiveness
“The government will continue to create favorable conditions to promote local residents taking up relevant positions,” the Secretary stated. At the same time, he acknowledged that having management with diverse cultural backgrounds in large enterprises could foster multicultural exchange and enhance Macau’s international competitiveness.
Macau Secretary for Economy and Finance Tai Kin Yip
According to Tai, local employees currently occupy about 89.5 percent of middle and senior management roles in the gaming sector. Labor Affairs Bureau Director Chan Un Tong later clarified that, as of May 2025, there were 10,407 local managers compared to 1,187 non-resident employees—an 89.8 percent local share.
Tai added that the government must strike a balance between advancing capable local talent and maintaining international standards, referring to Macau’s strategic role as “one center, one platform, and one base.”
Satellite casino issues
In related discussions, lawmaker Leong Sun Iok raised concerns about satellite casino employees facing job insecurity as several venues prepare to shut down by the end of the year. Labor Affairs Bureau Director Chan assured lawmakers that gaming concessionaires have pledged to absorb all dispatched workers and that venue operators are responsible for employee transition plans.
Chan reported that 4,457 of the total satellite casino workforce—representing 93 percent—are employed through gaming companies, while 355 are hired directly by venue operators. The bureau has managed to contact roughly 43 percent of directly hired staff, with limited outreach attributed to scheduling and operational challenges.
SOFTSWISS, the global tech company offering software solutions for the iGaming industry, has announced the launch of Paid Participation Campaigns, a new feature within its Jackpot Aggregator.
The new functionality enables operators to launch Paid Participation Campaigns – a format in which players contribute an entry fee to join jackpots, prize drops, multi-prizes, or the Prime Network Jackpot. In addition to placing regular bets in the participating games, players voluntarily opt into these campaigns, creating a premium experience with a limited number of participants. This structure increases players’ chances of winning, making the experience more dynamic and personalised.
From the operator’s perspective, Paid Participation Campaigns unlock a new revenue stream, where the fees collected from players are allocated toward funding the prize pool, reducing the operator’s financial exposure. In addition, operators benefit from long-term partnerships with game providers whose titles are featured in these campaigns, driving mutual engagement and promotion.
Angelina Stasiuk, Head of Business Line at SOFTSWISS Jackpot Aggregator
Building on the success of the Prime Network Jackpot, which used a shared prize pool funded by multiple operators, the new Paid Participation Campaigns introduce a sustainable model where the prize pool is financed directly through player contributions.
Angelina Stasiuk, Head of Business Line at SOFTSWISS Jackpot Aggregator, said: “Adding Paid Participation Campaigns expands our Jackpot Aggregator ecosystem with even more flexible engagement tools. Combined with existing mechanics like multi-prizes, drops, and others, operators now have a powerful toolkit to design retention strategies that match their brand goals and player preferences.”
Philippine Senator Alan Peter Cayetano is pushing for e-wallet providers to prevent their platforms from facilitating transactions linked to online gambling.
The Senator had previously filed the ‘Ban on Online Gambling Act’ alongside his sister and fellow Senator, Pia Cayetano.
The official also Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri’s ‘Anti-Online Gambling Act of 2025’- which seeks to ban online gambling in all forms, including the use of e-wallets and credit cards for gambling transactions.
On Tuesday, Senator Cayetano urged the e-wallet platforms: “don’t wait for the guidelines – take action yourselves. After all, most of you are making huge profits”.
The call is just the latest in a series of bills and comments by Philippine lawmakers aimed at eliminating the legal online gaming sector.
The proposals for outright bans on the legal online sector have been met with criticism by experts, noting that the move would likely drive consumers to the black market, while simultaneously depriving the government of tax revenue from the segment.
The Philippine President gave a potentially positive indication against an outright ban recently, indicating that he was in favor of increasing taxation rates and regulatory oversight.
The e-gaming sector contributed over half of the Philippines’ GGR in the first quarter of this year.
Evoplay, the award-winning game development studio, has launched Belfry Bliss Hold and Win, a blazing 5×3 slot that combines retro-inspired visuals with a darker twist on the fan-favourite Hold and Win mechanic.
Set against a backdrop of flames and ringing bells, the game reintroduces Evoplay’s mischievous Devil character, not as a foe, but as a Wild symbol, lighting the way to potential wins. Classic slot icons like sevens, bars and cherries return, but the real action begins when the bells drop.
Landing six or more bonus symbols triggers the Hold and Win Bonus Game, initiating three spins, where the goal is to collect 15 special symbols to win the ULTRA jackpot, offering 1,000x the bet. Additionally, the title comes with two smaller jackpots, SUPER and MINOR, adding to the excitement and win potential.
For those eager to jump straight into the action, a Bonus Buy feature provides direct access to the Bonus Game. With its bold design, atmospheric soundtrack and fast-paced gameplay, Belfry Bliss Hold and Win adds a distinctive edge to Evoplay’s growing Hold and Win portfolio.
Ivan Kravchuk, CEO at Evoplay, said: “Belfry Bliss Hold and Win takes the familiar charm of classic slots and turns up the heat. We’ve given it a bold, fiery personality that blends nostalgia with a darker, more playful twist. The Hold and Win mechanic coupled with the three jackpots takes this game to the next level, with all features designed to keep the energy high and the experience engaging.”
The NOVOMATIC Interactive arm, Greentube, has announced the release of the latest addition to its popular Silver Lux series with Silver Lux Extra Dice, a classic three-reel stepper slot packed with multipliers and progressive jackpot potential.
Played using credits rather than currency, the base game is set at 50 credits per round, with players selecting their own credit value to customise the experience. The traditional design features BARs and lucky 7s and is now enhanced with vibrant red dice symbols across its five paylines.
Players can land wild multiplier symbols worth 2x, 3x or 5x, which substitute for other symbols to complete winning combinations and multiply the resulting win. Landing more than one wild multipliers can supercharge payouts and lead to major rewards.
The Dice feature is triggered by landing three scattered dice symbols. This launches a dice reel spin, where the number shown determines the number of spins the player receives. The feature can retrigger during play, awarding additional spins and increasing the multiplier each time, up to 5x.
Silver Lux Extra Dice also utilises the Silver Lux Linked Progressive Jackpot system, offering both a major and a grand jackpot.
Bernd Baumert, Director of Games Production and Operations at Greentube
Bernd Baumert, Director of Games Production and Operationsat Greentube, said: “Silver Lux Extra Dice builds on the legacy of the Silver Lux series with an innovative dice twist and even more ways to win. With its dynamic wild multipliers, exciting bonus feature and linked jackpots, we’re confident this game will strike a chord with fans of both classic slots and modern features alike.”
This latest entry to Greentube’s portfolio continues the evolution of the Silver Lux family, following the series debut of Silver Lux Big Win Spinner in 2024.
