Cambodia’s Prime Minister says that the nation is being blamed for having online gambling shelters, but that the accusing countries are merely trying to divert attention.
Hun Manet made the comments amongst an ongoing border spat with Thailand, which has taken various measures including cutting electricity to illicit gambling zones and, recently, prohibiting Thai workers in casinos and entertainment operations in Poipet from crossing the border.
Thailand Cambodia Border Poipet
The PM was cited by local media following the Extraordinary General Assembly of Cambodia Scouts, which finished on Tuesday in Phnom Penh.
According to the Khmer Times, Hun Manet stated “There are many things that are being spread to Cambodia, especially online things that are also being accused of Cambodia. Look at your own country, it’s not pretty. Some countries like to blame their neighbors for things like this, but their own country is perfect.”.
Despite the claims, Cambodia was recently highlighted in a map by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) as being a global scam hub – with Sihanoukville identified as one of the largest scam centers in the country.
A nephew of the PM has even been implicated in online scam operations, with Thai cyber police claiming links between online gambling and call-center scam networks which could be linked to the Huoine Group. The PM denies the allegations.
The successful bidder for Imperial Pacific International’s casino assets is aiming to take over the public land lease contract for the property the casino sits on, even as Saipan authorities aim to abolish the Commonwealth Casino Commission.
Team King Investment submitted a $12.95 million bid during an auction held on February 26th, following IPI’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing in April of 2024.
The bid includes an option to acquire IPI’s casino license and the assumption of certain liabilities.
The assets include IPI’s real estate holdings, which feature a hotel building currently under construction and the leasehold interest in approximately 19,204 square meters of land leased from the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) Department of Public Lands (DPL).
According to the Mariana’s Variety, the Commonwealth Casino Commission Chairman Edward Guerrero said that now Team King is “trying to have the leasehold transferred” from IPI but that there exists “some disagreement” between the DPL and Team King “on the transfer of the leasehold, and that is what’s holding up the consummation of the $12.9 million sale”.
This comes even as a Governor issued an Executive Order to abolish the casino commission, which the CCC is urging lawmakers to reject. Guerrero indicates that once the purchasing fee is paid, the CCC “is poised to resume its regulatory work”. This work has been paused since the collapse of IPI’s business.
FBM Foundation marked World Blood Donor Day with a successful donation drive in Pasig City on June 14th, reinforcing its long-standing commitment to community health initiatives in the Philippines.
Held at One Corporate Center in partnership with the Philippine Red Cross, the event attracted over 50 volunteers, with 40 individuals completing blood donations—a strong turnout that underscores rising public engagement with life-saving causes.
Pepe Costa, FBM’s Country Manager for the Philippines
Now an annual effort, the initiative continues to grow in reach and participation, emphasizing the vital role of regular, voluntary blood donation in supporting the national healthcare system. “This initiative is more than just a campaign—it’s a movement,” said Pepe Costa, FBM Foundation’s Philippine representative. “It reflects our shared responsibility and the power each of us holds to make a difference.”
Beyond blood drives, FBM Foundation has rolled out a range of programs focused on healthcare access, education, and disaster relief. Its ongoing roadmap includes hospital support, educational outreach, and wellness initiatives aimed at vulnerable communities.
The World Blood Donor Day drive is a reminder that each donation can save lives—and that small acts of generosity can have a profound impact. With its sustained efforts, FBM Foundation continues to champion solidarity and public health in the Philippines.
The impending closure of 11 satellite casinos in Macau is poised to reshape the local gaming landscape, delivering both strategic opportunities and operational challenges, especially for SJM Holdings, according to an academic at the University of Macau.
“The impact on the gaming operator operations will be focused on SJM,” said Ricardo Siu, Associate Professor in Business Economics at UM’s Faculty of Business Administration. “Nine of the 11 satellite casinos are operated under its license”, he noted, with the remaining two tied to Galaxy Entertainment Group and Melco Resorts & Entertainment.
Siu explained that the shift could ultimately boost profitability for SJM. “On average, profit margin (net GGR) of a gaming device like a gaming table to a gaming license holder is much higher if the device is operated by itself instead of by a satellite casino”, he said.
“As competition in the mass market is getting higher in the foreseeable future, reallocation of the gaming tables by SJM from the satellite casinos back to its own properties can be helpful to improve its overall business performance.”
Still, the transition will not come without cost. “The labor cost will also increase under its promise or responsibility to retain the gaming and some related staff from the satellite casinos,” Siu added.
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 three concessionaires involved in the satellite arrangements have pledged to reassign all affected employees to new positions within their core properties, ensuring workforce stability as satellite venues shutter.
Ricardo Siu, Associate Professor in Business Economics at the University of Macau’s Faculty of Business Administration
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.
Under Macau’s revised gaming law and the new 10-year concessions that took effect in 2023, satellite casino operators must transition to a “management company” model.
The framework requires that all gaming operations fall under the direct control of one of the city’s six licensed concessionaires, effectively ending the decades-old satellite model in its current form.
Macau Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai has downplayed the closures’ macroeconomic effects.
In a press conference last Sunday, he emphasized that satellite casinos contributed just over MOP10 billion ($1.2 billion) in gross gaming revenue (GGR) out of a full-year industry total exceeding MOP200 billion ($24.7 billion), suggesting a limited impact on the city’s gross domestic product.
Nevertheless, authorities are preparing support measures for neighborhoods hit hardest by the closures.
“It is reasonable to foresee that consumer flow and absolute value of spending in those areas will slow down”, Siu said of the NAPE and ZAPE districts, where many satellite casinos are located. “Thus, business vitality, turnover and employment opportunity in those areas will be affected negatively.”
The government, he added, along with local business groups, is exploring revitalization strategies such as transforming affected districts into pedestrian-friendly commercial zones and promoting new tourism incentives. But Siu remains cautious: “The ultimate effect of these efforts may still be subject to uncertainty.”
Anjouan has announced the launch of a new Recognition Certificate Program for B2B gaming service providers, marking the latest step in the jurisdiction’s efforts to strengthen regulatory standards and streamline operations within its iGaming ecosystem.
Under the new framework, all B2B providers – including platform operators, game developers, payment processors, and other critical service partners – must now either hold a license or obtain formal recognition from Anjouan in order to collaborate with B2C operators licensed in the jurisdiction.
The initiative introduces a fast-track process for companies already licensed in well-regarded jurisdictions such as the Isle of Man, Malta, Romania, Sweden, and others with comparable regulatory standards. These providers will be able to apply for recognition through a simplified procedure that avoids duplicative licensing requirements.
According to Anjouan Gaming, the Recognition Certificate Program is designed to improve the overall integrity of its gaming network by ensuring that all backend services powering licensed platforms meet a consistent standard of regulatory compliance.
The regulator says the move will:
Enhance the quality and security of B2C operations;
Align Anjouan with international best practices;
Lower entry barriers for globally recognized B2B firms;
And help maintain the jurisdiction’s reputation for efficient and practical oversight.
With close to 1,000 active gaming licenses and thousands of websites operating under its authority, Anjouan continues to refine its regulatory offering to meet the demands of a growing international iGaming industry. The Recognition Certificate is positioned as a key step toward building a more robust and responsible framework for its licensees and their partners.
Licensed B2B providers operating in qualifying jurisdictions can now submit applications to obtain the new certificate and begin working with Anjouan-licensed operators through a more frictionless compliance pathway. This step should help the jurisdiction improve its reputation and credibility, aspects some industry and compliance experts have voiced increasing concerns about in recent times.
Pragmatic Play, a leading content supplier to the iGaming industry, is bolstering its live casino offering with two new poker games – Casino Hold’em and Jacks or Better Draw Poker.
Casino Hold’em, the provider’s debut live poker title, launches today and pits players against the dealer, seeing who has the better five-card hand from a selection of their two hole cards and the five community cards. In Jacks or Better Draw Poker, releasing at the beginning of July, players are dealt five cards and choose to hold or discard any number of them with the aim of creating the best winning hand.
In both games, players also have a chance to win up to 20,000x with the jackpot side bet, which pays out on a straight, four of a kind, or straight flush on the flop. The max jackpot win is expected to hit every 45 days on average.
Both Casino Hold’em and Jacks or Better Draw Poker are also customisable via Pragmatic Play’s Smart Studio, enabling operators to deliver branded environments and bespoke experiences for their players.
Irina Cornides, Chief Operating Officer at Pragmatic Play, said: “Poker is an exciting addition to Pragmatic Play’s live casino portfolio. Featuring fast-paced gameplay, jackpot wins of up to 20,000x, and Smart Studio customisation, Casino Hold’em and Jacks or Better Draw Poker are set to bring a new dynamic to online casinos.”
Wynn Macau and Wynn Palace are set to host the 10th edition of the annual awards ceremony for Asia’s 50 Best Bars in July.
According to a company release, both the peninsular property and its flagship in Cotai will play host to a series of events from July 11th to 19th.
The main event – the Awards Ceremony – will take place on July 15th, with the closing ceremony on the following day.
Wynn is an Official Host Partner of Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2025, with President and Vice Chairman of Wynn Macau Linda Chen noting “This marks another milestone in our global partnership with 50 Best, following our successful collaborations as an official partner for The World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2024 and Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants in 2018 and 2019.”
The executive furthered that “This prestigious event will bring together Asia’s finest bartenders and mixologists in Macau, fostering an exchange of ideas and innovation. The entire Wynn team looks forward to showcasing Macau’s vibrant and diverse culinary scene to the world”.
The majority of the events are open to the public and will include some 25 guest chef and mixologist events, bar takeovers, pop-ups and masterclasses.
The majority of the events will take place at Wynn Palace.
With a dedicated sponsorship of 10,000 FTN, Pragmatic Play continues to demonstrate its commitment to fostering innovation and supporting the next generation of leaders within the digital entertainment sector.
The Rising Star in FTN Casino award is designed to acknowledge a new casino game that demonstrates exceptional creativity, technical excellence, and a seamless integration of Fasttoken (FTN) technology to enhance gameplay and user engagement.
Pragmatic Play is a leading content provider to the global iGaming industry, offering a comprehensive multi-product portfolio that includes award-winning slots, live casino, bingo, virtual sports, and sportsbook. Products are accessible via a single API and are certified for use in over 40 regulated markets. The company delivers content in all major languages and currencies, with a strong commitment to responsible gaming and immersive player experiences.
Collaboration with BetConstruct
Pragmatic Play maintains a strategic collaboration with BetConstruct, underpinned by a mutual dedication to innovation, excellence, and the delivery of superior gaming content. This partnership reflects a shared vision to enhance the global iGaming landscape and support the continued advancement of engaging and reliable digital entertainment solutions.
As reputable companies in the industry, both BetConstruct and Pragmatic Play continue to remain advocates for Responsible Gaming.
Ortak x B.F.T.H. Arena Awards 2025
The Ortak x B.F.T.H. Arena Awards 2025 will take place during Harmony Meetup 7 feat. Fasttoken, which is scheduled to be held from 8 to 11 July 2025 in Yerevan, Armenia. This highly anticipated industry event will bring together global stakeholders to celebrate advancements in digital gaming, with a focus on innovation, strategic vision, and excellence across a wide range of iGaming categories.
Galaxsys, an award-winning provider of fast and slot games, has announced the official launch of its newly enhanced Client Area — a powerful, all-in-one platform designed to guide partners while providing them with a seamless, intuitive, and content-rich experience.
The Client Area is a dedicated, secure portal designed for Galaxsys’ partners. It serves as the central hub where partners can access exclusive content, manage assets, stay informed about new releases, and gain instant access to a full suite of tools tailored to optimize their collaboration with Galaxsys.
With the latest update, the new Client Area features:
Intuitive, Interactive Interface: A sleek, intuitive design allows partners to navigate effortlessly and find what they need faster than ever before;
Personalized Partner Portal: The portal allows each partner to personalize their content feed by saving and liking the materials most relevant to their needs;
Early Access to the Game Roadmap: Partners gain early insights into Galaxsys’ upcoming releases and strategic milestones—keeping them one step ahead;
Customizable Demo Versions: Game previews are available in multiple languages, currencies, and devices to ensure seamless adaptation and localization for every market;
One-Click License & Certification Access: All relevant licensing and certification documents are accessible and verifiable with a single click;
Expanded Asset Library: A full range of branding assets—including logos, banners, game visuals, and Galaxsys’ brand guide—is available for instant download in various formats and sizes.
Teni Grigoryan, Chief Sales and Partner Management Officer at Galaxsys, commented on the new updates: “The new Client Area is more than a platform — it’s about giving our partners more control, more clarity, and more value. We’ve built a space that’s smart, efficient, and responsive to the real needs of the partners we work with. Whether it’s finding the right demo, downloading brand assets, or checking license documents, everything is now just a click away.”
Japan’s parliament has enacted a new bill revision aimed at curbing gambling addiction by banning online casino advertisements.
In a plenary meeting on Wednesday, the parliament’s upper chamber approved the bill, with the law revisions expected to come into effect by September.
The law revisions stipulate that opening or operating online casino sites or applications in Japan is illegal, as well as banning information that could lure individuals to online casino sites.
It further urges the government and local authorities to inform the public that gambling on online casinos is illegal.
This comes after a police survey released in March of this year indicated that some 3.37 million people in Japan have gambled at online casinos, spending annually about JPY1.24 trillion ($8.7 billion).
Under Japanese law, online gambling is illegal in the country even if the site or app operates legally outside of the country.
The bill’s passage also comes after the government reportedly called for eight countries and regions to block access to their licensed online casino sites for Japanese citizens.
The jurisdictions include Canada, Costa Rica, Georgia, Malta, Anjouan, Curacao, the Isle of Man and Gibraltar.
The move also puts a damper on any speculation that Japan could open up more to online gaming, given that its first integrated resort, MGM Osaka, is set to open by 2030.
MGM Osaka project render
Two other potential sites had been confirmed for possible IRs, however experts opine that they are unlikely to see any IR development in the near future.
In Japan, while lotteries and betting on publicly operated races—such as horse, bicycle, boat, and motorcycle racing—are legal, the government is taking a firm stance against illegal online gambling activities and illegal betting.
