Crown Resorts can breathe a sigh of relief, announcing on Tuesday that the Western Australian Government has found Crown Perth suitable to maintain its casino license.
The property was the last to face questions of suitability, after being approved to maintain its casino licenses in both Sydney and Melbourne.
Ciarán Carruthers, ex-CEO, Crown Resorts
In May 2024, then-Crown Resorts CEO Ciarán Carruthers indicated that the company was expecting about a 12-month process before it received a verdict, but expressed confidence that the company’s efforts could prove its suitability to the regulator and the community.
The group’s Melbourne and Sydney properties were deemed suitable to retain their licenses in March and April of last year, respectively, after extensive investigations, remedial efforts, and management shifts.
The group indicates that as part of Crown Perth’s reforms and ‘business wide transformation’ it had invested some AU$200 million ($130.85 million) in reforms, ‘with key areas of focus including harm minimization; financial crime; governance, compliance and risk; and culture’.
The group provided some 8,300 documents to authorities during the monitorship period – overseen by Independent Monitor Paul Steel – since 2022.
David Tsai, President, Crown Resorts
Current Crown Resorts President David Tsai was also tasked with leading Crown Perth’s remediation action plan before his appointment with its parent company in August of last year.
Speaking of the new update, Crown Perth Board Chair John Van Der Wielen noted that “Today’s announcement is recognition that we are a changed business. The community, our team members, our suppliers, and our guests were relying on us to get this right – and we have”.
The property’s CEO, Brian Pereira, noted that “Holding a casino license means holding a social license – and we have a responsibility to operate with the highest level of integrity every day”.
David Tsai, meanwhile, said that “With all three Crown properties now deemed suitable and retaining their casino licenses, we are focused on remaining the safest place to game in Australia”.
This final step should successfully place the issues over AML/CTF, KYC, and due diligence measures firmly in the company’s path, paving the way for Australia’s largest gaming operator to continue to grow.
Good Morning. What a start to the week. Monday kicked off with Thailand’s government saying it would pull the proposed casino bill from discussion in parliament, stomping on hopes of potential investors that the legislation could pass despite the political controversy. Meanwhile, in the Philippines, the president has expressed openness to further regulate and tax the online sector, even as legislators propose bills to ban it. Some good news in Macau though, as July GGR saw an uptick so far, boosted by increased summer visitation and big-name concerts.
Thailand’s exciting effort to push through casino legislation appears to have met a brick wall, at least for now. The government has decided to pull the controversial bill from parliament just ahead of a planned debate on Wednesday, claiming the move is to clear up any public doubts on the issue. The move is likely to upset highly interested investors, who had high hopes to be in on Asia’s next top gaming jurisdiction.
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A United States court has ruled in favor of Genting Americas to dismiss a $600 million complaint case against it linked to its Resorts World Bimini property in the Bahamas.
The ruling in favor of the Genting Malaysia Berhad subsidiary comes after a filing in November of last year to dismiss the case leveled in the United States District Court, Southern District of Florida.
RAV Bahamas has claimed some $600 million in damages, alleging fraud by Genting – claiming that its 78-percent-owned subsidiary used its majority ownership to conceal liabilities incurred at other properties and placed on the books of RW Bimini.
In a filing with Bursa Malaysia, Genting indicated that the court, on July 1st, ‘granted GAI’s (Genting Americas Inc) motion to dismiss RAV’s Compliant in its current form’.
The group furthered that ‘the Compliant is merely a stakeholders’ dispute, and that RAV’s current allegations are baseless and without merit’.
However, it did indicate that ‘the US Court gave RAV one last opportunity to amend its Complaint before it makes its final decision on whether or not to dismiss the lawsuit’.
RW Bimini is owned and operated by BB Entertainment Ltd (BBE), which GENM indirectly holds a 78 percent interest in via GAI.
The AGEM Index recorded a significant year-on-year increase in June, rising 43.1 percent compared to the same period last year.
The Association of Gaming Equipment Manufacturers index grew by 162.11 points from the previous month to reach 1,903.29, marking a 9.3 percent monthly gain. The year-on-year growth reflects a 573.10-point increase, underscoring strong performance across the gaming technology sector.
Of the 12 companies tracked by the AGEM Index, 10 reported monthly stock price increases in June, contributing positively to the index’s overall gain. Only two companies recorded negative movements.
Japanese gaming technology firm Konami Corp. was the largest positive contributor for the month. Its stock rose by 16.1 percent, resulting in an 88.88-point boost to the index.
Australian-listed Aristocrat Leisure Limited also supported the index’s performance, with a 4.4 percent increase in its stock price translating to a 44.83-point contribution.
Conversely, Transact Technologies was the weakest performer in June. Its 3.7 percent drop in share price led to a minor 0.03-point decline in the index.
The AGEM Index’s positive trajectory aligned with broader market trends in the United States, where all three major stock indices posted gains for the second consecutive month. The NASDAQ rose by 5.9 percent, the Dow Jones Industrial Average increased by 5.2 percent, and the S&P 500 advanced 4.9 percent from May levels.
Affilka, the renowned affiliate management software platform powered by SOFTSWISS, has secured the Affiliate Software Supplier title at the prestigious EGR B2B Awards for the second consecutive year.
The consecutive win reinforces Affilka’s growing leadership in iGaming affiliate marketing software. Over the past 12 months, the product has consistently evolved, launching a series of powerful new features.
Among the recent updates is the Cross-Brand Player Duplicate Detection tool, which identifies overlapping player accounts across different casino brands within a single affiliate program. The platform also introduced the new Traffic Report, which provides real-time, click-to-registration and click-to-FTD metrics with multi-dimensional filters. Another new feature allows affiliates to access data on their marketing campaigns and tracking links directly via API, enabling automated data extraction and custom integrations.
At the end of last year, Affilka rolled out the Geo-Distributed Redirect feature, which boosts site visits by reducing redirect times from 1.5 seconds to 300–500 milliseconds, and the Cohort AnalysisReport, which offers deeper insights into player behaviour.
Anastasia Borovaya, Head of Affilka by SOFTSWISS
Anastasia Borovaya, Head of Affilka by SOFTSWISS, commented on the recognition: “Winning this award two years in a row is an incredible achievement for our team. It reflects our hard work, creativity, and deep commitment to the continuing improvement of our platform. What makes this win special is knowing that the tools we build are already helping our partners solve real challenges. Whether refining traffic strategies or making smarter, data-driven decisions, we’re proud Affilka plays a part in their success.”
Thanks to ongoing updates and the introduction of new innovative features, Affilka by SOFTSWISS now supports over 450 brands, 400 thousand affiliate accounts, and 98 million player registrations. Earlier in June, SOFTSWISS won two prestigious trophies at another EGR Ceremony – Marketing & Innovation Awards 2025. The company’s marketing department received the Marketing Team of the Year Award for its bold creative approach and effective use of new technologies and data analytics.
BMM Testlabs (BMM), the globally recognized leader in gaming product compliance and certification, has announced the promotion of Sacha McLaughlin to Vice President of Global Quality Assurance.
With over 18 years of experience in software implementation and seven years in the gaming industry, McLaughlin brings extensive knowledge of both agile and waterfall development methodologies, test planning, project management, and cross-regional team leadership. She is recognized for her ability to build and scale QA organizations that deliver quality, speed, and value to customers.
Sacha McLaughlin joined BMM in 2018 and has held roles of increasing responsibility within the Company, most recently serving as Senior Director of Quality Assurance. Throughout her tenure, she has been instrumental in expanding BMM’s QA capabilities and helping customers launch products into the global gaming market more quickly, with a focus on regulatory compliance, functionality, fairness, and security.
Kirk White, BMM’s President of Land-Based Gaming & Inspections, said, “Sacha has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership, operational excellence, and a customer-first attitude. Her experience and passion will be critical as we continue to grow our QA services to meet the always-evolving needs of the global gaming industry.”
The Philippine government is signaling a tougher approach toward online gambling amid growing concerns from lawmakers, regulators, and the public over its social impact and the proliferation of illegal platforms.
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Monday expressed openness to proposals that would introduce tighter regulations and possible taxation of digital gaming services, as officials weigh strategies to address rising addiction and unregulated access.
Malacanang said that Marcos would not oppose well-researched and carefully crafted policies aimed at restricting online gambling activities, especially if such efforts are intended to protect public welfare. “The President is aware of the possible effects on gambling addicts and will not oppose proposals that are backed by sufficient study,” said Palace Press Officer Claire Castro.
The Department of Finance (DOF) is currently exploring measures to impose further taxes on online gaming platforms as a means to moderate access and strengthen regulatory control. In parallel, authorities are expected to intensify the crackdown on illegal and unregistered operators that continue to thrive despite previous enforcement efforts.
PAGCOR office in Metro Manila
Proposed legislative changes
Lawmakers in the Senate have added pressure on regulators by filing bills ranging from increased oversight to outright prohibition. Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri is spearheading the most aggressive proposal – the “Anti-Online Gambling Act of 2025” – which seeks to ban online gambling in all forms, including mobile applications and locally or offshore-hosted websites.
Under Zubiri’s bill, internet service providers and app platforms would be required to block gambling sites and remove apps within 72 hours of receiving notice from the Department of Justice or the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR). The proposed legislation would also ban the use of e-wallets and credit cards for gambling transactions and impose liability on advertisers and influencers who promote such platforms. First-time violators would face fines of up to PHP20 million ($340,000), with repeat offenses attracting penalties as high as PHP100 million ($1.7 million) and possible license revocation.
Senator JV Ejercito echoed concerns over the growing reach of online gambling, calling it a deeper social threat than the now-largely dismantled Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) sector. “In POGOs, the victims were mostly foreigners. But with online gambling, it’s our own people – workers, parents, even children – who are suffering,” he said.
Ejercito proposed giving families the ability to request blocks on gambling sites through the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC), banning the use of e-wallets as payment channels, and launching a nationwide education campaign on the dangers of addiction. He raised particular concern over mobile apps disguised as casual games, which are easily accessible to minors.
Senator Sherwin Gatchalian
Senator Sherwin Gatchalian filed a separate bill proposing tighter restrictions without a full ban. His measure includes a PHP10,000 ($170) minimum cash-in requirement for bettors, a prohibition on gambling sponsorships for public events and political campaigns, and the allocation of regulatory fees toward addiction rehabilitation programs. Gatchalian cited the increasing number of debt-related crimes and family disputes linked to online betting, pointing to incidents like the case of 34 missing sabungeros allegedly tied to illegal e-sabong networks.
Impacts
As policymakers weigh stricter rules for online gambling, stakeholders in the physical casino sector are assessing how these shifts might affect the broader gaming landscape. Analysts suggest that integrated resort (IR) operators could see modest gains if regulatory barriers push some mass-market players back to land-based casinos. With access to online platforms becoming more restricted, some demand may migrate toward physical casinos as a result. While IRs primarily cater to the VIP segment, they may still benefit from increased foot traffic and gaming volumes from displaced online players.
Listed resort operators such as Bloomberry Resorts and Belle are expected to remain relatively insulated from the regulatory headwinds affecting online gaming platforms. However, the broader gaming sector experienced a market selloff last Friday. Shares of Bloomberry fell 8.72 percent to PHP4.29 ($0.076) per share, Belle Corp. declined 3.75 percent to PHP1.54 ($0.027), and DigiPlus Interactive – a major player in the online space – plunged 23.87 percent to PHP29.50 ($0.52).
DigiPlus operates platforms such as ArenaPlus, BingoPlus, and GameZone. Its heavy exposure to online gaming made it particularly vulnerable amid concerns over looming restrictions. While some investors may look to rotate capital into more stable sectors like banking or conglomerates, others see opportunities for recovery in gaming stocks, especially as it is normal for stocks to experience small upticks during major downturns.
Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri
Consequences and options
Still, there are concerns that aggressive regulation could inadvertently push users toward underground platforms instead of legal, land-based alternatives. Consumers at risk of being excluded due to tighter regulation are more likely to shift to illegal operators rather than established casinos, and banning online gambling outright is unlikely to solve the problem, as similar scenarios in other countries have shown in the past.
Balanced policies that target illicit operations without stifling legitimate businesses are likely the best approach. The evolving regulatory environment in the country will favor companies that are diversified and have the technology and scale to operate responsibly across different segments. Integrated resorts may still benefit by expanding into online, while online players may explore entry into land-based operations.
Regulatory agencies are moving to align with this direction. The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas is expected to release a circular requiring banks and e-wallet providers to implement safeguards against gambling-related risks. Meanwhile, PAGCOR reiterated its commitment to curbing illegal online activity while supporting sustainable industry development.
Macau’s gaming operator, Sands China, successfully concluded its 2025 Sands Cares Disaster Preparation & Emergency Response Kit Programme in June, after packing and distributing 1,500 emergency response kits and hosting disaster preparation workshops at local schools.
Sands China’s annual initiative increases community knowledge of natural disasters and emergencies ahead of typhoon season and provides guidance and supplies for taking vital preparation and response measures.
Dr. Wilfred Wong, executive vice chairman of Sands China Ltd., said: “For seven consecutive years now, Sands China has been proud to collaborate with Macau Red Cross on the Sands Cares Disaster Preparation & Emergency Response Kit Programme, which has benefited 7,400 households since launching in 2019. For this year’s programme, we were pleased to host workshops for the second time at local schools so that students learn disaster- and emergency-readiness from an early age. Our gratitude goes to Macau Red Cross for their years of collaboration on this initiative, the Social Affairs Bureau and the Education and Youth Development Bureau for their support, and our community volunteer team of Sands Cares Ambassadors for their contribution.”
Emergency Response Kits
A total of 38 Sands Cares Ambassadors helped assemble 1,500 emergency response kits at Macau Red Cross headquarters June 4. The kits are custom designed to help the community better prepare for emergency situations and contain items for disaster preparation, emergency response, and personal safety.
Based on its experience in disaster preparation and relief, Macau Red Cross selected the kit’s contents, which Sands China then sourced locally and donated. Each kit contains a variety of items inside a waterproof case, including a first aid pack, disinfectant wipes, whistle, rain poncho, KN95 facemasks, hand towel, glass protection tape, dual-powered (hand-cranked and solar) emergency radio with LED flashlight, and a government emergency response leaflet with useful information about emergency shelters and disaster preparedness. A body-heat-retaining emergency blanket was added to the kit this year to guard against hypothermia.
Sands Cares Ambassadors distributed the completed kits to local schools vulnerable to storm surges in Macao’s low-lying areas, helping cultivate primary students’ awareness of disaster readiness and teaching them how to deal with emergency situations from an early age.
Disaster Preparation Workshops
Sands China held six disaster preparation workshops for primary school students June 16-30, conducted by Macau Red Cross at Ilha Verde Middle School of Macao Chamber of Commerce, Fong Chong School of Taipa, Macau Kung Luen Vocational &Technical Middle School, Sun Wah School (kindergarten and primary sections), Escola Hoi Fai and Escola Oficial Zheng Guanying.
The interactive workshops used games and puppetry to educate the students about the important subject at an early age. The workshop topics covered previous disasters in Macao, the experience and learning gained from them, disaster preparation at home, emergency shelters, channels for reliable emergency information, disaster response and relief, and an introduction to the Sands Cares emergency response kits.
Owen Wong, deputy director of disaster relief affairs for Macau Red Cross, added: “Global climate change has triggered many extreme weather conditions which not only impact the environment, but also significantly affect personal health, economy and society. The Macau Red Cross continues to deepen its disaster prevention efforts by providing disaster preparedness education and conducting emergency evacuation drills in communities, schools, and families. This year, the event introduced disaster prevention education into schools, aiming to enrich teachers and students’ disaster prevention knowledge through diverse approaches, effectively enhance their emergency preparedness capabilities in response to disasters, and collectively build a more resilient and safer Macao.”
Thailand’s government will withdraw a controversial bill to legalize casinos from the current parliamentary session, as growing political instability and public resistance erode support within the ruling coalition.
According to Bloomberg, chief government whip Visuth Chainaroon revealed on Monday that a motion to formally remove the casino bill from the legislative agenda will be raised on Wednesday — the same day it had originally been scheduled for parliamentary consideration.
The bill, which aimed to legalize casino operations as part of integrated entertainment resorts, was set to be a key item following the reopening of the House of Representatives last week. However, the government had already signaled a delay in introducing the proposal, citing the need for further public consultation and efforts to address widespread concerns over problem gambling and potential money laundering risks.
Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Prime Minister of Thailand
The decision to fully withdraw the bill follows a deepening political crisis that has weakened the ruling alliance. The coalition recently lost the support of the Bhumjaithai Party — a key partner that opposed the bill — and is grappling with the suspension of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra over alleged ethical misconduct.
Shinawatra is also facing additional legal scrutiny after a leaked phone call with former Cambodian leader Hun Sen surfaced, during which she appeared critical of the Thai military’s role in an ongoing border dispute with Cambodia. The incident has added to political tensions and further undermined her leadership at a time when unity within the coalition is uncertain.
With its parliamentary majority diminished, the government is expected to face increased difficulty in pushing forward not only controversial proposals such as casino legalization but also essential measures. Lawmakers are scheduled to consider the national budget bill for the upcoming fiscal year — starting in October — in its second and third readings in August.
The shelving of the casino bill underscores the fragility of Thailand’s current political environment and suggests that legislative efforts requiring broad consensus may be delayed or sidelined in the months ahead.
It is also worth noting that major international operators, including Wynn Resorts and MGM Resorts, have already entered into talks with authorities about future entertainment complex projects in the country.
The Thai government has argued that legalizing casino operations as part of broader integrated entertainment complexes could generate substantial economic benefits for the country. Proponents of the bill, including members of the House committee studying the feasibility of such projects, estimate that Thailand’s gross gaming revenue (GGR) could reach up to THB400 billion ($11 billion) annually if casinos are legalized and properly regulated.
These entertainment complexes, modeled after developments in places like Singapore and Macau, are expected to attract multi-billion-dollar investments from both domestic and international operators. The government believes this would stimulate tourism, enhance infrastructure, and drive regional development.
In addition to boosting revenue, the initiative is projected to create significant employment opportunities. Thai politicians, including former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, estimate that each complex could generate 10,000 to 20,000 direct jobs, as well as tens of thousands more indirectly through supporting industries such as hospitality, retail, construction, and transport.
One of the reasons cited by the government is that regulating and taxing gaming activities could help combat illegal gambling, which currently operates in the shadows and deprives the state of potential revenue. Income from legal casinos could also be earmarked for public welfare programs and national development initiatives.
BETBY, a premium provider of innovative sportsbook solutions, has once again reaffirmed its leadership in the global betting industry with the company delivering a strong impression at iGB Live London 2025, one of Europe’s top iGaming events.
The event brought together thousands of industry leaders, innovators, and decision-makers from across the globe. BETBY’s team was at the heart of the action, engaging with partners, operators, and stakeholders to share the latest advancements in its AI-driven sportsbook solution, proprietary esports offering, and tailored content capabilities.
Discussions centered around BETBY’s comprehensive sportsbook ecosystem, which provides operators with the tools to deliver localized and engaging betting experiences. From AI Labs, BETBY’s advanced suite of AI tools is designed to enhance operational efficiency and real-time personalization, to Betby.Games, its exclusive esports feed delivering 24/7 engagement, BETBY’s portfolio enables sportsbooks to adapt faster to evolving player demands.
Crowning the successful week, BETBY was honored for the second consecutive year with the Innovation in Sports Betting Software award at the prestigious EGR B2B Awards. This achievement reflects the company’s ongoing efforts to push the boundaries of sportsbook technology, delivering flexible, data-driven, and market-responsive solutions for its partners.
“Our participation at iGB Live in London this year was about building meaningful connections, sharing our vision for the future of sports betting, and showing how our solution is helping operators succeed in an increasingly competitive market,” said Leonid Pertsovskiy, BETBY’s Chief Executive Officer. “Winning the EGR B2B Award for Innovation in Sports Betting Software is an incredible honor, but our focus remains on pushing boundaries and delivering real value to our partners every day.”
The EGR recognition adds to a remarkable list of industry awards collected by BETBY in the past three months, further cementing its reputation as a leading force in the betting sector. Earlier this year, at SiGMA Americas, BETBY received the award for Best Esports Product.
The company’s success continued at SiGMA Asia, where it was named Best Esports Provider. Meanwhile, the MiGEA Awards turned into a showcase of BETBY’s excellence, with the company taking home Best Sportsbook Provider, Best AI Sportsbook – Innovation of the Year, and Best B2B Marketing Campaign.
