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Curacao Gaming Authority sets December deadline for B2B supplier compliance under LOK framework

Frank Schuengel
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Curacao Gaming Authority sets December deadline for B2B supplier compliance under LOK framework

The Curacao Gaming Authority (CGA) has issued a formal announcement clarifying the supplier licensing and registration obligations that will become fully enforceable on 24 December 2026, marking the end of the two-year transitional period provided under the National Ordinance on Games of Chance (LOK).

The announcement, dated 24 June 2026, draws a clear distinction between suppliers established in Curaçao and those operating from outside the jurisdiction. Locally established suppliers providing critical services or goods to gaming license holders are required to hold a valid CGA supplier license and to be registered with the authority. Foreign suppliers are not required to obtain a Curacao supplier license but must complete CGA registration by the December deadline if they supply critical services or goods to holders of a CGA gaming license.

The obligation on the operator side is equally direct. Under Article 5.16(4) of the LOK, holders of a CGA gaming license may not engage suppliers that are not registered with the authority. The CGA is also required under Article 5.16(1) to maintain a public register of qualifying suppliers.

The authority defines critical services and goods to include RNG game manufacturers, live dealer studio providers, poker and peer-to-peer software suppliers, lottery providers, sportsbook software suppliers, bet capture and settlement providers, sports betting line and odds providers, and game aggregators. The CGA notes the list is illustrative and may be expanded or amended.

On timelines, the CGA has urged locally established suppliers that are not yet licensed to submit applications through the CGA Online Gaming Portal no later than 1 September 2026, in order to allow sufficient processing time before the transitional period closes. The registration process for both local and foreign suppliers is expected to open in October 2026.

The announcement represents a significant compliance milestone for the broader Curacao-licensed B2B sector. The LOK entered into force in 2024 and introduced a substantially overhauled regulatory framework for the jurisdiction, which remains one of the most widely used offshore licensing bases in the global iGaming industry. The 24 December 2026 deadline effectively closes the window for suppliers – whether domestic or international – to operate without formal CGA recognition, and places a reciprocal duty on operators to verify the registration status of their technology and service partners before that date.

Galaxy, Sands, MGM and Aristocrat feature on Forbes’ Global 2000

Viviana Chan
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Galaxy, Sands, MGM and Aristocrat feature on Forbes’ Global 2000

Galaxy Entertainment Group stands as the only Hong Kong-listed casino operator on Forbes’ newly published “Global 2000” list of the world’s largest public companies, and one of four Asia-facing gaming names to feature in the ranking.

Galaxy placed 1,436th overall, on sales of $3.8 billion, profit of $1.37 billion, assets of $12.83 billion and a market value of $18.5 billion. It is the only one of the Macau-exposed operators on the list confined to a single jurisdiction, though its strong balance sheet leaves room to extend its gaming footprint beyond the city should opportunities arise.

It was joined by three U.S.- and Australia-listed peers with interests across the region. Las Vegas Sands — now an Asia-only business following the 2022 sale of its Las Vegas properties, and parent of Macau concessionaire Sands China and Singapore’s Marina Bay Sands — was the highest-placed casino operator at 766th, on sales of $13.74 billion, profit of $1.84 billion, assets of $21.18 billion and a market value of $33.9 billion.

MGM Resorts International, parent of MGM China, ranked 1,310th. Despite category-leading sales of $17.71 billion, its profit slipped to $187.7 million — down from roughly $743.7 million a year earlier — dragging it more than 360 places lower. Australia’s Aristocrat Leisure, the slot machine and digital gaming specialist, came in at 1,490th, on sales of $4.16 billion and profit of $973.5 million.

Notably, all four Asia-facing operators stayed profitable for the period, with Sands posting the strongest earnings of any casino name on the list.

Now in its 24th year, the Forbes ranking scores companies on sales, profit, assets and market value. The 2026 edition set records across all four metrics, with the 2,000 constituents’ combined market value jumping 31.8 percent — a surge Forbes attributed largely to investor enthusiasm for artificial intelligence — leaving gaming’s steadiest names as comparatively modest players on the global corporate scoreboard.

SA Gaming secures GLI-19 certification, strengthening compliance in the Philippines

AGBrief Editorial
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SA Gaming secures GLI-19 certification, strengthening compliance in the Philippines

SA Gaming has announced that 12 of its titles have successfully achieved certification under the internationally recognised GLI-19 Standard, reinforcing its commitment to delivering secure, fair, and compliant gaming solutions.

The GLI-19 Standard, developed by Gaming Laboratories International (GLI®), provides a comprehensive framework for the certification of online gaming systems, ensuring they meet strict requirements for fairness, integrity, and regulatory compliance. The certification represents a significant milestone for SA Gaming as it continues to expand its presence in regulated markets.

GLI, the first independent testing laboratory accredited by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), plays a key role in certifying iGaming platforms in the Philippines. Its accreditation positions the organisation at the forefront of supporting innovation while maintaining rigorous compliance standards within the country’s rapidly evolving gaming sector.

With this latest achievement, SA Gaming strengthens its standing in the Philippine market by aligning its Remote Gaming Server (RGS) infrastructure and game portfolio with internationally recognised regulatory benchmarks.

The milestone underscores SA Gaming’s ongoing commitment to responsible gaming and operational excellence, ensuring that its products meet the expectations of both regulators and industry stakeholders. By adhering to globally recognised standards such as GLI-19, the company is well-positioned to contribute to the continued growth and integrity of regulated iGaming markets.

In addition to this certification, SA Gaming continues to build a strong portfolio of licenses and regulatory approvals across multiple jurisdictions, further enabling its partners to expand into new opportunities with confidence.

More information on the full list of licenses and certifications can be found at SA Gaming Licenses & Certifications. For further details, the company encourages interested parties to get in touch to explore new partnership opportunities.

ACMA orders ISPs to block 12 more illegal gambling sites

AGBrief Editorial
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ACMA orders ISPs to block 12 more illegal gambling sites

Australia’s communications regulator has requested that internet service providers block 12 more illegal online gambling and affiliate marketing websites after investigations found they were operating in breach of the Interactive Gambling Act 2001.

The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) said the latest sites include 7Signs, ChromaBet, Donbet, Duospin, Freshbet, Slots Gem, Jacks Club, Lucky Start, Pointsbetz.com, Spinrise, Vinyl Casino and Wildsino.

The regulator noted that Pointsbetz.com was imitating the licensed PointsBet service.

The latest action brings the total number of illegal gambling and affiliate websites blocked since November 2019 to 1,751.

The ACMA also said more than 230 illegal services have withdrawn from the Australian market since it began enforcing new illegal online gambling rules in 2017.

The authority warned that illegal gambling services may appear legitimate but are unlikely to offer important customer protections, leaving Australians at risk of losing their money.

Singapore regulator grants Paradise Entertainment unit approved manufacturer status

Viviana Chan
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Singapore regulator grants Paradise Entertainment unit approved manufacturer status

Hong Kong-listed Paradise Entertainment Limited said its subsidiary LT Smart (Singapore) Pte. Ltd. has been granted Approved Manufacturer status by Singapore’s Gambling Regulatory Authority (GRA), effective June 25th, adding Singapore to the group’s regulated markets as it seeks to expand its gaming technology business beyond Macau.

The company announced the approval in a press release on Thursday, saying the status would support regional expansion, collaborations with industry partners and the international development of its gaming equipment and systems business.

Jay Chun, chairman and managing director of Paradise Entertainment, said the approval in Singapore “affirms our capabilities and commitment to innovation and compliance.”

“Being granted Approved Manufacturer status here opens exciting opportunities for growth and collaboration, and we look forward to building on this achievement to deliver sustainable value for our shareholders, trusted solutions for our partners, and world-class entertainment experiences for players across the region,” Chun said.

Paradise Entertainment is a provider of gaming technology, electronic table and slot games, gaming systems and entertainment solutions across international markets. Its businesses include the LT Game brand, covering the development, sale and leasing of electronic gaming equipment and systems.

The Singapore approval comes after Paradise exited casino management operations in Macau following the closure of Casino Kam Pek Paradise. The group ceased providing casino management services at the venue from December 2nd, 2025, as Macau phased out its satellite casino model.

Paradise Entertainment has since said it is pursuing international opportunities for its electronic gaming equipment and systems, including in the Philippines, Vietnam, Cambodia, Sri Lanka and Malaysia, and opened an office and showroom in Manila in 2025.

Stake appoints Nyjah Huston as first global skateboarding ambassador

AGBrief Editorial
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Stake appoints Nyjah Huston as first global skateboarding ambassador

Stake has announced a new global ambassador partnership with skateboarding icon Nyjah Huston, marking a significant milestone in the brand’s ambitions to continue growing in action sports.

The partnership will see Huston represent Stake globally from June 2026 ahead of this summer’s X Games Summer League Championship.

Widely regarded as one of the greatest skateboarders of all time, Huston has built one of the most decorated careers in the history of the sport.

The announcement follows a landmark period for the sport globally, with skateboarding growing in mainstream popularity following its Olympic debut. In 2024, Huston added to his legacy by claiming an Olympic bronze medal in the inaugural men’s street event at the Summer Games in Paris, France.

In a first for the brand exploring ambassador roles with skateboarders, the partnership also reinforces Stake’s continued investment in skateboarding through existing partnerships with X Games and Street League Skateboarding.

Akhil Sarin, Chief Marketing Officer at Stake, said: “Stake is proud to be home to many world-class and iconic athletes in their respective sports. Adding Nyjah Huston, a true legend of skateboarding, to the Stake family is something we are really excited about.

“We take enormous pride in the calibre of superstars on our roster, and with that comes a genuine responsibility and passion to shine a spotlight on the sports they represent and help elevate them to new audiences. Nyjah is a perfect embodiment of that commitment – a true icon who has done as much as anyone to bring skateboarding to the world stage.”

“At Stake, we’ve always been drawn to sports that are dynamic, high impact and entertaining – the kind that resonate with our community in a real way. Skateboarding is a brilliant example of that, and as a brand, we’re excited to keep exploring and championing sports that reflect those values.”

Stake appoints Nyjah Huston as first global skateboarding ambassador
Nyjah Huston

“This partnership further cements our position as the only casino and sportsbook brand within the action sports ecosystem, and there’s a lot more to come.”

“Nyjah embodies so many qualities which perfectly align with Stake as a brand, and we can’t wait to begin working together in what is set to be an exciting partnership for our followers.”

Nyjah Huston also shared his enthusiasm, stating: “It’s a great sign to see a company like Stake investing into X Games, action sports athletes, and skateboarding. I’ve always thought contest skating needs to get eyes on it, and brands like Stake being involved is a step in the right direction. I’m stoked to be working with them, and I have a feeling we’re going to do some epic things together.”

The announcement adds to Stake’s growing global sponsorship portfolio, which spans sport, entertainment and culture.

GEG continues to lead EarthCheck certification in Macau as Banyan Tree earns first Platinum tatus

AGBrief Editorial
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GEG continues to lead EarthCheck certification in Macau as Banyan Tree earns first Platinum tatus

Galaxy Entertainment Group (GEG) continues to reinforce its leadership in sustainable tourism and green operations, aligning closely with the country’s “dual carbon” goals and the Macau SAR Government’s vision for low-carbon development.

Banyan Tree Macau
Banyan Tree Macau

This year marks a significant milestone for GEG’s portfolio of properties and MICE facilities. Leading the achievements is Banyan Tree Macau, which has attained EarthCheck certification for the tenth consecutive year and has been elevated to Platinum status—becoming the first hotel in Macau to reach this distinction.

The recognition highlights the property’s long-term commitment to environmental management and operational excellence. Meanwhile, Galaxy Hotel™ advanced to Gold Certification, reflecting its continued progress in sustainable practices.

Several other flagship properties also secured EarthCheck recognition. Capella at Galaxy Macau, newly launched this year, along with Raffles at Galaxy Macau, Andaz Macau, Hotel Okura Macau, and the Galaxy International Convention Center (GICC), were all awarded Silver Certification. Collectively, these achievements underscore GEG’s ongoing commitment to integrating sustainability across its operations while setting new benchmarks for the regional hospitality and MICE sectors.

To celebrate these milestones, GEG hosted an EarthCheck Certificates Presentation Ceremony at the Banyan Tree Macau. The event brought together representatives from government authorities, sustainability organisations, and the Group’s senior leadership, highlighting the collaborative nature of driving green initiatives across Macau’s tourism industry.

GEG stays ahead in EarthCheck rankings; Banyan Tree Macau hits Platinum benchmark

Dr. Natasha Montesalvo, Principal Consultant at EarthCheck, emphasised the importance of sustainability as a foundation for modern tourism. She noted that GEG’s achievements demonstrate its adherence to internationally recognised environmental standards while reflecting continuous progress in sustainable development. According to Dr. Montesalvo, these milestones set a strong example for the broader industry.

GEG stays ahead in EarthCheck rankings; Banyan Tree Macau hits Platinum benchmark (2)
Dr. Natasha Montesalvo
GEG stays ahead in EarthCheck rankings; Banyan Tree Macau hits Platinum benchmark (2)
Stuart Deeson

Echoing this sentiment, Stuart Deeson, Senior Vice President of Hotels at Galaxy Macau™, described the certifications—particularly Macau’s first Platinum recognition—as a strong endorsement of GEG’s long-standing commitment to sustainability. He added that the Group will continue to leverage innovation and systematic management to accelerate its low-carbon transition and contribute to the development of a greener Macau.

Beyond certifications, GEG has embedded environmental principles into its day-to-day operations through a wide range of initiatives. Among the most notable is its pioneering “Bamboo as a Substitute for Plastic” programme, which has been fully implemented across all hotels within Galaxy Macau. The initiative replaces more than 22 million plastic items annually through the use of bamboo amenities and large-capacity dispensers, significantly reducing plastic waste.

GEG is also leading innovation in circular resource management. As the first integrated tourism and leisure enterprise in Macau to introduce a landscape resource upcycling model, the company collaborates with local environmental technology SMEs to recycle and repurpose materials generated across its properties. These materials are transformed into display elements used in hotel and MICE services, supporting the growth of a local circular green economy.

Further demonstrating its dedication to global sustainability efforts, GEG took part in the Fifth Sustainable Seafood Festival organised by the Hong Kong Sustainable Seafood Coalition in support of United Nations World Oceans Day.

Looking ahead, GEG remains committed to advancing sustainable development through concrete and continuous action. By integrating innovation, partnerships, and environmental stewardship, the Group is playing a pivotal role in supporting Macau’s transformation into a greener, more liveable city.

SBC Summit to spotlight practical approaches to effective player protection

AGBrief Editorial
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SBC Summit to spotlight practical approaches to effective player protection

As expectations around player safety continue to rise, operators are under growing pressure to identify gambling-related harm earlier and respond more effectively. The Player Protection Symposium at the SBC Summit 2026, taking place on Wednesday, 30 September, will explore how the industry can move beyond compliance towards a more proactive, player-centric approach.

Taking place on Wednesday, 30 September, the symposium will bring together regulators, operators, responsible gambling specialists, and technology providers to examine how the industry can shift from a compliance-focused mindset to a more preventative and player-centric approach.

Through a series of expert-led discussions, the symposium will focus on three key areas of player protection: balancing regulatory objectives with efforts to combat the black market, the role operators play in safeguarding players, and the growing role of technology in identifying and supporting at-risk players.

“Gambling harm prevention is a challenge shared by every regulated market.”

Rasmus Sojmark, CEO and Founder of SBC

“While different jurisdictions may take different approaches, the goal remains the same: protecting consumers and creating safer gambling environments. SBC Summit provides a platform to bring those perspectives together, share lessons from around the world, and help delegates understand what effective player protection looks like in practice. Ultimately, sustainable growth is only possible when player protection sits at the heart of the market.”

The opening session, Innovation in Tech: How Can Technology Keep Players Safe from Harm?, will break down how operators are using the latest technology to enhance player protection. Speakers Scott Burrows (Head of Technical Compliance, Superbet), Rupert Ecker (CEO, Grand Casino Kursaal Bern AG), Paula Murphy (Head of Commercial, Mindway AI), and Larrie York (CEO, CallsU) will examine how advances in AI and data analytics are enabling operators to detect risk sooner and deliver more effective player interventions.

The conversation will then shift to the role of safer gambling responsibility in the panel Whose Shoulders Does Responsible Gaming Fall On?. The session will bring together Matt Burgiss (Head of External Affairs, Gamstop), Christopher Dalli (CEO, L&L Europe), Savvas Iliopoulos (Responsible Gaming Expert, Allwyn), Adam Warrington (Vice President, Responsible Gambling, Underdog), and Peter Wilson (Founder, Peter Wilson Legal) to debate where responsibility should ultimately lie between operators, regulators, and players. The panel will also tackle how industry professionals can assess at-risk players and what actions they should take to protect them.

The theme of responsibility will continue with the session The Ethical Tension in Gaming Advertisements, which explores the growing challenge of advertising gambling responsibly without diminishing its entertainment appeal. Panellists Floris Assies (Founder, Better World Casino), Nicolas Fleiderman (General Manager, Holland Casino Online), Jesper Kärrbrink (Group CEO, Immense Group), Peter Marcus (CEO, Savvy Hill Marketing), and Rian Overy (Responsible Gaming Officer, Allwyn) will examine the advertising strategies used across the industry and debate where the line should be drawn between driving engagement and protecting consumers.

The conversation will then turn to one of the industry’s most persistent regulatory challenges, with the session Regulations are getting stronger: What it means for the black market. Experts Pierre Tournier (Senior Director, EGBA), Ivan Kurochkin (Partner, 4H Agency), Carmelo Mazza (CEO, Betaland), Katie Reynolds-Jones (CEO, Gamstop), and Eric Sjöden (Head of Mission – European and International Affairs, ANJ) will explore whether stricter regulations help strengthen the legal market or risk driving consumers toward unregulated alternatives, and what that means for the future of sustainable gaming regulation.

Attendees looking to dive deeper into the regulatory issues discussed at the Player Protection Symposium can also take part in the Regulatory Meet-ups, a new networking initiative for 2026 organised in partnership with the International Association of Gaming Regulators (IAGR) and the International Masters of Gaming Law (IMGL).

These meet-ups will cover regulatory developments across a broad range of jurisdictions, including Asia, Africa, LATAM, Eurasia, and the Balkans, alongside market-specific discussions focused on the UK, UAE, Finland, Italy, Greece, and Portugal. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage directly with legal experts, regulators, and industry stakeholders on the challenges and opportunities affecting their markets.

Taking place from 29 September to 1 October 2026, SBC Summit will welcome 40,000 industry professionals to the Feira Internacional de Lisboa & MEO Arena for three days of networking, exhibition, and education.

Macau’s The 13 Palace to soft open Saturday after renovation

Viviana Chan
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Macau’s The 13 Palace to soft open Saturday after renovation

The 13 Palace, formerly known as The 13 Hotel, will begin trial operations on Saturday, June 27th, in Coloane after a full renovation, as the property seeks to relaunch with a new image focused on privacy, wellness and high-end leisure travel.

Lui Ka Hei, executive director of Macau The 13 Palace, told Macao Daily News that the team is carrying out final equipment testing, staff training and other preparations ahead of the soft opening. He said the hotel hopes to ‘turn around past stereotypes’ with renewed facilities and higher service standards, while adding a distinctive option to Macau’s high-end leisure tourism market.

Lui said the investment in the renovation was significant, but added that the project’s value should not be measured solely in financial terms. He said The 13 Palace had previously attracted strong public attention and that the trial operation aims to rebuild the hotel’s brand image and draw visitors to experience its full butler service.

The hotel will open in phases. During the initial stage, about 50 to 60 rooms will be made available, as part of an initial rollout of around 100 rooms during the trial period. Management plans to add more than 10 rooms each week and aims for full operations by the end of July. Room bookings have been strong ahead of the summer holiday period, led mainly by mainland Chinese travelers, Lui said.

The hotel is targeting high-end guests from Hong Kong, Macau, mainland China and overseas markets. Lui said the property is not positioning itself solely through luxury hardware, but through privacy and a quiet atmosphere. Facilities include wellness amenities such as a hot spring pool and oxygen chambers, as well as European palace-style design and marble finishes.

The 13 Hotel

The 13 Palace is located in Seac Pai Van, Coloane, an area with a quieter residential setting and nearby non-gaming attractions, including a golf course and the Macao Giant Panda Pavilion. The hotel also plans overseas promotion through social media platforms to attract visitors from Southeast Asia, South Korea and Japan.

The property is listed by the Macao Government Tourism Office as a five-star deluxe hotel. Its official website states that it has 199 independent villa-style suites ranging from 2,000 to 10,000 square feet. The hotel changed hands last year in a transaction reported at HK$600 million ($76.4 million), after years of operational and ownership challenges.

Acesite says only minimal work had resumed before Waterfront Manila rebuild suspension

Viviana Chan
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Acesite says only minimal work had resumed before Waterfront Manila rebuild suspension

Acesite (Phils.) Hotel Corporation said only minimal work had resumed on the reconstruction of the Waterfront Manila Hotel and Casino before its June 11th decision to suspend the project, according to a June 25th reply to the Philippine Stock Exchange.

The clarification follows the company’s earlier disclosure this month that it had suspended the reconstruction due to rising costs and weak tourism prospects. The property, formerly known as Manila Pavilion, was affected by a fire incident in 2018.

‘While initial recovery efforts were initiated, reconstruction works were suspended during the COVID-19 pandemic. To date, only minimal work has resumed,’ Acesite said in its reply.

The company said a comprehensive project review placed the updated estimated budget to complete the restoration of the hotel, including the casino areas, at about PHP3.6 billion ($58.5 million).

Acesite said the budget adjustment was mainly due to higher labor and construction material costs caused by inflationary pressures. It also cited additional structural and civil works, including reinforcements to strengthen the building’s foundation, columns and beams.

The plan also includes a re-layout of public areas, kitchens and storage spaces to improve future operational efficiency and space utilization.

To preserve liquidity and support the eventual restart of the project, Acesite said it has postponed all construction-related cash outflows until 2028. The company also plans to use retained earnings earmarked for the reconstruction, intercompany borrowings for essential operating expenses, and bank financing for the planned restart.

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