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Anjouan releases additional information about new B2B License Recognition Program ahead of July 2025 compliance deadline

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Following its recent announcement, the Anjouan iGaming regulator has released further clarification and key updates regarding its new B2B License Recognition Certificate – a regulatory mechanism aimed at formalizing and streamlining the role of third-party service providers working with Anjouan-licensed operators.

The program is now officially live, and the regulator is inviting applications from B2B providers already licensed in well-regarded jurisdictions such as Malta, the Isle of Man, Romania, Sweden, and other internationally recognized markets. Those granted a Recognition Certificate will be permitted to legally supply services – including platforms, content, software, and more – to Anjouan B2C licensees without holding a full local B2B license.

Anjouan Gaming

The regulator has confirmed that from July 1st, 2025, the Recognition Certificate or a full Anjouan B2B license will be a mandatory requirement for all B2B entities working with Anjouan-licensed operators. This includes software developers, platform providers, RNG and game suppliers.

To ease the transition, a 90-day grace period will be in place from the enforcement date, giving existing providers time to regularize their status. Compliance support will be offered throughout the period, and early applications are encouraged to avoid processing delays.

In response to industry feedback, the annual cost of the Recognition Certificate has also been reduced by EUR700 ($800), reinforcing the regulator’s stated goal of building a trusted, cooperative, and globally compatible licensing framework.

The initiative reflects Anjouan’s continued push to enhance integrity and accountability within its licensing ecosystem, while recognizing the role of credible, established B2B providers in maintaining a safe and transparent iGaming market.

Macau economic and tourism officials meet with owners of hotels impacted by satellite casino closures

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Macau economic and tourism officials have met representatives from about 20 hotels located in the Outer Harbor Reclamation Zone (ZAPE) in order to discuss measures to alleviate the impact of the incoming closure of several satellite casinos in the ZAPE area.

At least nine of the 11 satellite casinos are expected to cease operations by December 31st 2025, coinciding with the end of a three-year grace period granted under transitional agreements between the operators and their licensed partners.

Most of them are located in the ZAPE or Outer Harbour New Land Reclamation (NAPE) areas of the city.

The meeting involved representatives from the Office of the Secretary for Economy and Finance (GSEF), the Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO), and the Directorate of Economic and Technological Development Services (DSEDT).

As the gaming industry prepares for the closure of satellite casinos by gaming concessionaires later this year, concerns have arisen regarding the potential impact on nearby hotels and retailers.

Currently, some 5,600 local workers are employed at satellite casino operations—venues owned by third-party investors but operating under official gaming concessions. Of these, around 4,800 work under the umbrellas of Galaxy, Melco, and SJM, while the remaining 800 are employed directly by the satellite operators themselves.

The Macau government indicated it aims to implement various measures to attract visitors to ZAPE, encouraging them to experience local accommodations and shop in surrounding communities.

Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes, MGTO Director, emphasized the government’s commitment to developing ZAPE.

“This meeting is a vital opportunity to gather ideas and feedback before we implement initiatives that address the needs of the hotel sector,” she stated, adding that the goal is to collaborate effectively to increase visitor numbers and enhance the overall business environment.

During the meeting, the MGTO presented preliminary measures focusing on four key areas: the introduction of internationally recognized intellectual property (IP), the extension of economic benefits from concerts, the optimal use of spaces for activities, and improvements to the area’s environment.

Additionally, tourism authorities encouraged hotel operators to seek out new visitor sources and launch complementary tourism products or accommodation promotions, fostering a diverse and enriching experience for both tourists and residents.

Industry representatives were said to have largely supported the government’s preliminary measures, providing feedback on how to enhance ZAPE’s vitality and attractiveness, ultimately facilitating the transformation and growth of commerce in the area.

The MGTO now plans to maintain ongoing communication with the tourism sector and develop promotional strategies to revitalize the local economy in ZAPE.

The same day, over 70 businesses held a meeting to protest the satellite casino closures, asserting that the government underestimated the economic impact and demanding a halt to the closures that could protect livelihoods.

US forfeiture complaint ties $225M crypto laundering ring to Southeast Asia scam compounds

A recent civil forfeiture filing by the US Department of Justice has exposed a massive cryptocurrency laundering operation tied to Southeast Asian scam compounds, with a Manila-based firm connected to the gambling industry emerging as a potential enabler.

The case, filed in the District of Columbia, seeks the forfeiture of approximately $225 million in USDT (Tether) that was allegedly laundered through a network of at least 144 accounts on Seychelles-based crypto exchange OKX. The accounts are believed to have been operated by organized crime groups involved in so-called “pig butchering” schemes – confidence scams targeting victims worldwide via fake online investment platforms.

Victims were duped into transferring crypto assets to 93 deposit addresses controlled by scammers, who then funneled the funds through hundreds of intermediary wallets and high-frequency transactions designed to obscure the money trail. The funds were ultimately consolidated into seven crypto wallets, now frozen by US authorities.

US forfeiture complaint ties $225M crypto laundering ring to Southeast Asia scam compounds
DOJ press conference

Critically, the US Secret Service and FBI traced multiple accounts to a company identified as ITECHNO Specialist Inc, a call center in Manila. The company, which previously posted job listings for Mandarin-speaking customer service staff, appears to have recruited foreign workers and offered to sponsor travel to the Philippines. While the complaint stops short of alleging direct involvement in scam operations, photos of staff wearing ITECHNO-branded lanyards were found among Know-Your-Customer (KYC) documents used to open fraudulent OKX accounts.

Sources within the compliance sector told Asia Gaming Brief that ITECHNO had previously been associated with providing BPO (business process outsourcing) services for gaming-related firms in Manila’s offshore industry. While no licensed operator has been named in the US filing, the reference to ITECHNO raises fresh questions about the blurred lines between BPO providers serving legitimate gaming clients and those co-opted by criminal networks.

The DOJ notes that many of the IP addresses used to access the suspicious OKX accounts originated from the Philippines, while the identification documents used to open the accounts were Vietnamese – a pattern consistent with known trafficking routes for labor used in illegal gambling and scam operations across the region.

Manila, Philippines, POGO ban
A Manila based company is being named in the complaint

The complaint also documents staggering volumes of movement: over 263,000 transactions involving $2.94 billion in virtual currency over a one-year period. Though gambling companies are not named as perpetrators, industry observers say the findings are a wake-up call for all operators and service providers involved in cross-border payments or who engage third-party marketing agents in Southeast Asia.

The US action is one of the largest of its kind targeting crypto-based fraud, and comes amid mounting pressure on exchanges, tech platforms, and payment processors to clamp down on transnational scam syndicates.

Macau sees 25.3% surge in visitor arrivals in May 2025

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Visitor arrivals to Macau surged by 25.3 percent year-on-year in May to over 3.37 million, driven by strong growth in same-day tourism, according to data from the Statistics and Census Bureau (DSEC).

From January to May 2025, total visitor arrivals reached 16.33 million, marking a 15.2 percent rise year-on-year.

Macau

Same-day visitors grew 26.4 percent to over 9.57 million, while overnight visitors edged up 2.4 percent to 6.76 million. The average length of stay for all visitors over the five-month period dropped by 0.1 day to 1.1 days. However, the average stay for overnight visitors increased slightly to 2.3 days.

The number of same-day visitors jumped 39.2 percent to nearly 2 million, while overnight visitors rose 9.4 percent to around 1.38 million. However, the average length of stay dropped slightly to 1.1 days, down 0.1 day from a year earlier, reflecting the increased proportion of short-stay travelers. The duration of stay remained unchanged at 0.2 day for same-day visitors and 2.3 days for overnight guests.

Macau sees 25.3% surge in visitor arrivals in May 2025
Macau visitor arrivals May 2025

Mainland China remained the largest source market, with arrivals rising 31.4 percent to approximately 2.44 million. Among these, visitors entering under the Individual Visit Scheme rose sharply by 46.5 percent to over 1.3 million.

Notably, 166,602 mainland tourists came under the “one trip per week” policy, while 48,626 and 17,867 entered via the “multiple-entry” and “tourist group multi-entry” schemes respectively.

Visitor numbers from the nine Pearl River Delta cities in the Greater Bay Area soared 42.5 percent to over 1.32 million, spurred by a 66.1 percent increase in arrivals from neighboring Zhuhai. Arrivals from Hong Kong and Taiwan rose 6.7 percent and 14.3 percent, reaching 621,106 and 78,828 respectively.

International tourism also showed solid growth, with overseas arrivals rising 25.6 percent year-on-year to 232,211. Among Southeast Asian markets, the Philippines led with 57,018 visitors, up 59 percent, followed by Thailand (up 43.1 percent) and Indonesia (up 11.3 percent). In contrast, arrivals from Malaysia and Singapore fell by 3.5 percent and 9.8 percent, respectively.

South Asian tourism showed modest gains, with Indian arrivals up 7.4 percent to 14,774. Northeast Asian markets recorded growth. Arrivals from South Korea were up 22.8 percent and from Japan up 36 percent. Long-haul markets also saw gains, as visitors from the United States climbed 12.1 percent to 11,241.

Macau visitor arrivals per country 2025
Macau visitor arrivals per country 2025

By mode of entry, land checkpoints accounted for the vast majority of arrivals—82.5 percent or nearly 2.78 million—up 32.4 percent year-on-year.

The Hengqin port saw traffic surge by over 70 percent, while arrivals by sea rose 4.5 percent to 347,388, while air arrivals declined 5.9 percent to 243,787.

Pressure mounts on Victorian Premier over delayed poker machine reforms

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Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan is facing increasing pressure from her Labor colleagues as delays in implementing proposed reforms to poker machine operations continue.

Initially part of a comprehensive strategy to modernize gambling controls, these reforms included a pilot program for cashless gaming, which has now been indefinitely postponed.

According to the Sydney Morning Herald, the repeated delays have sparked frustration among members of Parliament (MPs), who argue that the government’s hesitation stems from the significant revenue generated by poker machines across the state.

As other states push forward with their own reforms, these delays are becoming a contentious issue within the party.

The planned cashless gaming trial, originally set to launch in mid-2025, has stalled with no clear timeline for its rollout. Critics within the party believe this sends a negative message about the government’s commitment to reforming the gambling sector. Many had anticipated that the trial would serve as a model for future legislation.

However, concerns over potential losses in state revenue appear to have overshadowed policy momentum. Internal sources report that several MPs have voiced their frustrations during recent party meetings, warning that ongoing delays could erode public trust and provide ammunition for opposition parties ahead of the next state election.

Victoria is among the Australian states most reliant on poker machine revenue, with local councils benefiting from licensing agreements. Critics argue that this economic dependence is a major factor behind the government’s reluctance to pursue reforms.

In 2024, poker machines generated over AU$3 billion ($1.86 billion)  in revenue for the state. While some MPs advocate for modernization and accountability, others remain concerned about potential short-term fiscal impacts, creating a rift within the Labor party.

Betr launches takeover offer for PointsBet, challenging MIXI bid

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The battle for control of PointsBet has intensified, with Betr Entertainment announcing its intention to launch an all-scrip, off-market takeover offer for the wagering company.

The offer, which it says is equivalent to AU$1.22 ($0.79) per PointsBet share, is positioned by Betr as a superior alternative to the AU$1.20 ($0.78) per share all-cash offer currently on the table from MIXI Australia.

Under Betr’s proposed terms, PointsBet shareholders would receive 3.81 Betr shares for each PointsBet share held. The implied value of the offer is based on a Betr share price of AU$0.32 ($0.21), the same price at which the company recently completed an oversubscribed AU$130 million ($84 million) capital raise.

The proposal includes a selective buy-back mechanism to offer short-term liquidity to PointsBet shareholders. Subject to shareholder and regulatory approvals, Betr plans to buy back up to AU$80 million ($52 million) worth of newly issued Betr shares at an equivalent of AU$1.22 ($0.79) per PointsBet share.

This buy-back pool could expand to AU$200 million ($130 million) if Betr secures a 90 percent stake in PointsBet and proceeds to compulsory acquisition.

PointsBet responded to Betr’s announcement, noting that – based on Betr’s closing share price of AU$0.285 ($0.19) on June 19th, 2025 – the implied value of the offer stands at only AU$1.086 ($0.70) per share—well below the AU$1.20 ($0.78) cash offer from MIXI.

The company emphasized that the MIXI offer remains materially superior in both certainty and immediate value. This assessment was formally released by PointsBet’s Company Secretary earlier today.

Betr’s bid distinguishes itself by offering no minimum acceptance condition, a move designed to provide greater execution certainty for PointsBet shareholders. The offer is, however, subject to a number of conditions, including shareholder approval, ASX quotation for new shares, and clearance from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC).

In contrast, the MIXI offer—announced previously as a combined scheme of arrangement and off-market takeover—requires a higher level of shareholder support to proceed but delivers cash upfront, offering more immediate and certain value.

Betr asserted that the combined entity would bring together top-tier industry experience, board strength, and operational leadership, aiming to create a formidable competitor in Australia’s highly competitive wagering sector.

Sands China empowers young filmmakers by sponsoring the International Film Camp 2025

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At a press conference Friday at The Langham in Hong Kong, the Asian Film Awards Academy announced that the second edition of the International Film Camp (IFC) will be held at Sands China’s integrated resorts from Sept. 11–15, 2025.

Sands China empowers young filmmakers by supporting the International Film Camp 2025

The Academy also announced the opening of applications for the camp, which is aimed at nurturing the new generation of Asian filmmakers. It is open to applicants now until July 20.

IFC 2025 is organised by the Asian Film Awards Academy with the patronage of the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau of the Hong Kong SAR Government and the Cultural Affairs Bureau of the Macao SAR Government, sponsored by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDAHK), the Film Development Fund (FDF) of the Hong Kong SAR Government, and Sands China Ltd., and with Shaw Studios as the official post-production partner.

The International Film Camp 2025 offers a platform for young filmmakers from Macao, Hong Kong, and other Asian regions to exchange ideas and equip themselves with the knowledge and skills needed to create feature-length works and develop careers in the film industry. 

IFC brings veteran Asian film professionals to give individualised guidance to the participants, focusing on both creativity and the industry’s business aspects. Through masterclasses and panel discussions, the camp will help nurture young filmmakers by enriching their creative potential, increasing their industry knowledge, and sharpening their practical skills.

While building a solid foundation for a future in the cinema industry, camp participants have a chance to gain sponsorship to fund their productions and an opportunity to screen their creative works at film festivals worldwide through the Asian Film Awards Academy.

This year’s camp has invited John Chong, a renowned Hong Kong filmmaker, to be the chief mentor. Chong has made over 100 films, including “Cloud Atlas,” “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart,” “Initial D,” and the “Infernal Affairs” series. Applicants are asked to submit an original script on the theme “My Best Friend.” The esteemed panel of judges, led by Chong, will then review, evaluate, and conduct interviews to select this year’s 16 finalists for the five-day intensive programme in Macao.

Sands China empowers young filmmakers by supporting the International Film Camp 2025
Hong Kong filmmaker John Chong

Participants will receive one-on-one mentoring with well-established industry professionals, attend exclusive masterclasses, and pitch their final project for the opportunity to become one of the eight winners. Winners then receive HKD 300,000 (approx. US$38,000) in funding to carry out their creative vision for a chance to showcase their short films at film festivals around the world.

Sands China empowers young filmmakers by supporting the International Film Camp 2025
Dr. Wilfred Wong

Dr. Wilfred Wong, chairman of the Asian Film Awards Academy, said: “With the collective support from different sectors, the first IFC was well-received. I would like to extend an invitation to all film enthusiasts and people interested in the film industry to join the second edition of IFC, as I believe that participants can inspire each other with creativity through their journey in Macao – a place where diverse cultures converge.”

Sands China empowers young filmmakers by supporting the International Film Camp 2025
Grant Chum, CEO & Executive Director at Sands China

Grant Chum, CEO and Executive Director of Sands China Ltd., added: “Films are the best medium to tell a city’s story, and the most direct form of promoting cultural tourism. By making Macao an epicentre for movie productions, the synergy between film arts and the tourism industry not only attracts tourists to experience the charm of the city first-hand but also comprehensively enhances its visibility, allowing it to shine more brightly on the international stage. For this reason, we are very honoured to be a sponsor of the International Film Camp for the second consecutive year.”

Sands China’s sponsorship of the International Film Camp 2025 aligns with its commitment to support the development of local artistic talent under the Macao SAR government’s strategy for moderate diversification, as well as the ‘tourism+’ and ‘culture+’ initiatives.

BetConstruct announces Ortak Future Confidence Conference London 2025

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BetConstruct has announced that the next destination for the Ortak Future Confidence Conference (OFCC) will be London, England.

Scheduled for Tuesday, July 1, 2025, the Ortak Future Confidence Conference (OFCC) will take place at the prestigious Park Hyatt London River Thames and promises a day of high-impact insights, strategic networking, and forward-thinking innovation.

As part of BetConstruct’s ongoing global tour, OFCC London represents a pivotal moment in reinforcing the company’s position as a leader in the iGaming industry. The conference will gather a distinguished network of international operators, innovators, and visionaries to engage in meaningful discussions on the future of the digital gaming landscape.

OFCC continues to serve as a platform for demonstrating BetConstruct’s commitment to innovation, particularly through groundbreaking technologies such as the Ortak NFT Marketplace. This solution is redefining digital ownership and interaction within the iGaming ecosystem. The London edition presents a key opportunity to further establish BetConstruct as a driving force in the Web3 and blockchain evolution, reflecting its ongoing investment in tools that power growth and elevate industry standards.

BetConstruct ready to showcase full portfolio of solutions at iGB L!VE 2025

More than just a forum for knowledge sharing, OFCC London is designed to generate real impact. Through focused dialogue and high-level networking, the event aims to create space for transformative ideas and lasting collaborations that will shape the future of the industry.

Spots are limited, and registration is required to attend; early confirmation is strongly encouraged.

BetConstruct looks forward to welcoming leading figures from across the sector and strengthening its collaborative approach to building a more connected, innovative, and sustainable future for iGaming.

Games Global & Stormcraft Studios release Immortal Romance Vein of Gold

Games Global’s exclusive partner, Stormcraft Studios, has launched Immortal Romance Vein of Gold, the latest fascinating release in the legendary Immortal Romance franchise.

Set across six gothic-style reels, this new evolution of Immortal Romance introduces a suite of innovative features, including a dynamic cash collection mechanic where gilded blood drop symbols award instant cash prizes of up to 20x the bet.

When these symbols appear on reels one and six, they trigger a Respin feature, setting the stage for the game’s signature Rising Rewards Jackpots.

The game’s evolving jackpot system invites players to climb toward one of four persistent Rising Rewards Jackpots, triggered through coin collection in both base and bonus games. Players may also encounter the Jackpot Feature, a unique experience where collected symbols yield cash prizes and potential jackpot wins.

Further enhancing the gameplay is the Rising Rewards Bonus Multiplier, which can scale up to 5x and applies to both Free Spins and Vein of Gold modes. As players navigate the base game, bonus scatter symbols progressively increase this multiplier, unlocking higher win potential.

The Bonus Choice feature gives players the power to shape their fate, choosing between electrifying Free Spins with compounding Wild Multipliers or the Vein of Gold super spins, where instant cash prizes and special +1 retriggers keep the gameplay dynamic.

For those looking to dive straight into the action, the Bonus Buy feature offers immediate access to these powerful features.

Games Global & Stormcraft Studios release Immortal Romance Vein of Gold

Elevating the immersive experience even further is the game’s original electronic soundtrack, composed specifically to enhance the emotional depth and atmosphere of each moment. Available on Spotify via Stormcraft’s official artist account, the music adds a whole new dimension to gameplay, merging audio and visual artistry in signature franchise style.

Stormcraft Studios is driven by the core values of innovation, craftsmanship, and entertainment, and is guided by decades of experience with an impressive portfolio of titles that have gone on to become industry blockbusters.

Terence Igesund, Executive Producer at Stormcraft Studios, said: “Immortal Romance Vein of Gold builds on the enduring power of the Immortal Romance brand, delivering a familiar yet exciting new experience. With bold visual elegance and a supercharged soundtrack, this game elevates the energy and atmosphere in ways this franchise has never explored before.”

Andy Booth, Chief Product Officer at Games Global, added: Immortal Romance is a landmark franchise in the world of online gaming, with a fiercely loyal fanbase and a legacy of innovation. Stormcraft Studios continues to raise the bar with Immortal Romance Vein of Gold, delivering a title that blends bold new ideas with everything players have come to love about the series. The game’s sophisticated mechanics and rich atmosphere are sure to captivate both long-time fans and newcomers alike.”

MGM backs UM students in educational visit to Las Vegas resorts

This year, MGM once again supported a group of faculty and students from the University of Macau (UM) in visiting hotel properties operated by MGM Resorts International in Las Vegas, USA.

In support of Macau’s moderate economic diversification and its development into a “World Center of Tourism and Leisure”, MGM remains dedicated to empowering local talent and supporting the city’s long-term growth through education and training.

The study tour, which focused on the theme of “Tourism + Sports”, included 35 participants from the UM’s Faculty of Business Administration, and aims to broaden the international perspective of students aspiring to pursue careers in the hospitality and tourism industries, thereby equipping them with the competitiveness to shape the future of Macau’s tourism landscape.

MGM has long been committed to nurturing tourism talent in Macau and has supported similar study tours for UM faculty and students for more than a decade. As a world-renowned resort destination, MGM Resorts International runs leading sports venues and features world-class entertainment offerings. It presents an ideal platform for students to gain valuable exposure to the operational models of global tourism enterprises.

MGM backs UM students on educational tour to Las Vegas

Wendy Yu, Executive Vice President of Human Resources of MGM, said: “Talent is the driving force behind Macau’s transformation into a World Centre of Tourism and Leisure. At MGM, nurturing young talent is a core part of our mission. Through international exchange, professional training, and hands-on internship opportunities, we are committed to helping the next generation connect with the world and gain leading industry insights. We firmly believe that by continuously creating a supportive environment for youth development, we can cultivate a competitive workforce that contributes to Macau’s diversified economic growth. Looking ahead, we will continue to strengthen industry-academic collaboration and provide robust support for young people’s career development.”

The itinerary included guided visits to several properties under MGM Resorts International, including Bellagio, The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, MGM Grand, and Mandalay Bay. A key focus of the tour was the sports, convention, and entertainment facilities of MGM Resorts International, giving students firsthand insight into sports tourism initiatives. These visits provided valuable perspectives on the Company’s strategies across branding, marketing, gaming, and entertainment—demonstrating how large-scale sporting events are leveraged to drive tourism growth.

MGM Grand, MGM Resorts, Las Vegas

The delegation was warmly received by Sean Lanni, President and Chief Operating Officer of The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, and other team members. Drawing on his prior experience working at MGM in Macau, Lanni shared the Company’s global vision and explained how sports tourism has become an integral part of its overall business strategy.

MGM also arranged a series of insightful talks where executives from various properties elaborated on how sporting events drive hotel demand, the Company’s brand marketing approaches, and how data analytics is used to enhance customer experience and loyalty.

Alex Chio, a student who joined the tour, shared: “Las Vegas is a place many tourism and hospitality professionals dream of visiting for learning opportunities. I’m truly grateful to MGM for organizing such a thoughtful and inspiring program. It was eye-opening to see how MGM Resorts International integrates entertainment and sports to attract travelers from around the world. What impressed me most was the chance to engage directly with senior executives, gaining first-hand perspectives on the global hospitality industry—which will certainly guide me as I consider my own career path.”