Barni Evans, CEO of Sportsbet, Australia’s largest online gambling company, publicly criticized the company’s previous advertising strategies and acknowledged its failure to adequately address integrity threats in major sports.
Speaking at an industry conference on Wednesday, Evans described the company’s involvement in an “advertising arms race” and admitted “we stuffed a lot of things up,” reflecting on the need to better protect Australians from organized financial crime, The Guardian reported.
Evans noted that Sportsbet, which handled AU$2.7 billion ($1.6 billion) in customer bets over a three-month period last year, had initially neglected to inform sports organizations about betting transactions that could compromise integrity.
He emphasized the importance of the company’s role in helping sports improve their integrity measures, a realization that took several years to develop.
In May 2024, Sportsbet entered into an agreement with Australia’s financial intelligence agency to enhance compliance with anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing laws.
Earlier this month, it was reported that the AFL (Australian Football League) recognized deficiencies in its integrity system for online gambling, particularly regarding the monitoring of insider information among players and staff.
Evans expressed disappointment over the slow implementation of a national self-exclusion program for individuals seeking to overcome gambling addiction, stating that the industry and government should “hang our heads in shame” for the delays. He highlighted that while no single person was to blame, the entire ecosystem had failed to act swiftly.
Reflecting on past criticisms of sports betting advertisements, Evans defended Tom Waterhouse, an early figure in the industry, suggesting he was unfairly scapegoated for broader systemic issues. “The fault lies in the ecosystem,” Evans remarked, emphasizing the need for a better regulatory framework.
In a significant shift, Sportsbet has announced it will no longer air live betting odds during broadcasts of the NRL (National Rugby League) and AFL, responding to public outcry against excessive gambling promotions.
The company also reported a 40 percent reduction in overall wagering advertising over the past year, signaling a recognition of the need for more responsible marketing practices.
A Sportsbet spokesperson confirmed the decision to remove betting odds from live broadcasts, citing feedback from stakeholders and the community regarding gambling advertising. This move comes amid ongoing discussions about stricter regulations in the gambling advertising sector.
Just as The Star seemed destined for administration, the negotiation of the sale of its stake in Queen’s Wharf Brisbane to its joint venture partners Chow Tai Fook and Far East Consortium has saved it, offering a cash injection and greatly cutting its debt load. Queensland authorities will likely feel the pressure to approve the change in the casino’s management, says expert Ben Lee, given how essential the gaming floor is to the success of the multi-billion dollar project.
The Star Entertainment Group’s CEO Steve McCann has pulled an 11th hour miracle, managing to keep the company from almost certain administration. Despite appearing to have little to negotiate with, the company leveraged its primary asset, Queen’s Wharf Brisbane – knowing its value both to its joint venture partners and to the Queensland government.
Gaming expert Ben Lee has likened the move to a game of Monopoly, with The Star landing on a place on the board and needing to pay the relevant rent, without having the capital to do so – exchanging its assets for cash and a way to enable the debt to be paid.
Ben Lee, Managing Partner, IGamiX Management and Consulting
“They’ve traded what would be their crown jewel in return for controlling share of an older asset. And as part of the deal, they’re getting desperately needed cash that will enable them to keep going for another few weeks”.
The Star is selling its 50 percent equity interest in the Destination Brisbane Consortium (DBC) and transferring its other Brisbane properties to its joint venture partners Chow Tai Fook (CTF) and Far East Consortium (FEC). This includes a one-year period in which it will continue as the casino operator of the property, during which CTF and FEC will attempt to have the casino license transferred.
Ben Lee notes that this license transfer process could take anywhere from three months or one year, potentially longer given that CTF and FEC are Hong Kong-listed companies with Chinese backing.
But, this transition is almost guaranteed.
Queen’s Wharf Brisbane
“The Queensland government is desperate for this project to happen, and the last thing they are going to do is take away the license and say: “you can’t operate the casino”, in which case the consortium just turns away and shutters the property immediately”.
Lee furthers that “without the casino that project is not viable, under current economic circumstances, under the current lack of Chinese VIPs coming to Australia, the viability of that project is already questionable”.
Probity has been an issue before, with the joint venture partners previously being investigated by the state, the results of which had little impact.
“Nothing seemed to have happened as a result of that, and it’s many people’s belief that the Queensland government have decided to place economic outcome above due diligence,” notes the gaming expert.
And chances are slim that another party, such as Crown investor Blackstone, could swoop in to try and negotiate a way into a percentage of Queen’s Wharf, as both the JV partners and The Star made the most of their respective situations in this negotiation.
“The Queen’s Wharf property, with CTF and FEC there, is not in any distress. They don’t need to sell off their asset at a bargain basement price”. That was already what The Star did in selling its stake in Queen’s Wharf to CTF and FEC.
But this financial position got much stronger after the new negotiation, as The Star was able to release itself from its debt obligations linked to the DBC, totaling around 50 percent of AU$1.4 billion ($880.7 million), plus an expected AU$212 million ($133.36 million) in expected further equity contributions.
Plus, The Star will receive a fixed AU$5 million ($3.15 million) monthly fee under the casino management agreement until March 31st, 2026, which could increase to AU$6 million ($3.77 million) after June 30th, 2026 if the transitional period is extended.
It also may receive ‘up to AU$225 million ($141.5 million)’ in future consideration from an earn-out mechanism for The Star Brisbane.
Consolidating Gold Coast position
As part of the deal to exit Brisbane, The Star is able to consolidate its presence on the Gold Coast, upgrading to 100 percent interest in The Star Gold Coast’s gaming and non-gaming operations.
This includes full ownership of the 313-room Dorsett and 202-room Andaz hotels, retention of rights for future development on the 6.7-hectare site, with ‘existing plans to develop up to three additional towers. However, the JV partners will ‘retain their existing development rights for the next tower only, subject to The Star’s option to buy-out these rights for the next tower for AU$17 million ($10.7 million).
“The Queen’s Wharf project is just another debt. They’ve done themselves a service by walking away from that to now owning 100 percent of The Star Gold Coast. They’ve gone from potentially negative cash flow to potentially positive cash flow, depending how much the Gold Coast property returns. Most importantly, they’ve just lightened their load in Queensland dramatically with this swap,” indicates Lee.
The Star financials
While The Star has only received AU$35 million ($22 million) up front in the deal, “it gives them a little bit more breathing room,” meaning “they don’t have to accept the first fire sale, discounted offer, that they can get”.
The group over the weekend received an unsolicited, non-binding proposal for additional funding from US gaming operator Bally’s, which offered ‘at least AU$250 million ($157 million)’ in capital for a majority share in the company.
The Star says that it will review the proposal, but that ‘there is no certainty that it will be progressed’.
This also comes after multiple proposals from groups including Oaktree Capital Management – for $414 Million debt refinancing, which The Star rejected.
Significantly, the group has now received a refinancing proposal with Salter Brothers Capital for ‘up to AU$940 million ($591 million)’. The group notes that if the deal is finalized, it ‘would provide the Star with sufficient liquidity to refinance all of the Group’s existing debt’. The Star has ‘entered into an exclusivity and process deed with Salter Brothers Capital relating to that refinancing proposal,’ the group indicated in a stock exchange announcement on Tuesday.
All together, the negotiations have pulled The Star back from the brink of administration, and not a minute too soon.
Slotegrator has announced it has firmed a partnership with SimplePlay, an innovative game provider known for its high-quality and technologically advanced gaming solutions.
Founded in 2019, SimplePlay has quickly risen to prominence in the online gaming industry, bringing fresh and engaging content that appeals to a diverse audience.
SimplePlay specializes in producing a wide array of gaming content, including an extensive portfolio of video slots, immersive table games, and dynamic fishing games, all developed using HTML5 technology. This ensures that all games are accessible on any device, providing seamless gameplay and a superior visual experience without the need for additional installations.
SimplePlay’s portfolio stands out with its variety, offering over 60 slot game titles that feature a mix of Asian and Western themes, intricate storylines, and rich gameplay mechanics. Their table games are the best in their region, celebrated for their variety and engaging themes that guarantee a fantastic gaming experience. The provider’s fishing games are particularly notable for supporting multiplayer formats.
SimplePlay stands out for its commitment to the fairness and reliability of its games. Its dedication is evidenced by numerous prestigious nominations in the iGaming industry. The studio’s games have been certified by BMM Testlabs, the world’s most experienced private independent game testing laboratory. This certification guarantees that SimplePlay games adhere to the highest standards required by most European jurisdictions.
Osman Walker, CSO at SimplePlay, has commented on the partnership: “We are excited to collaborate with Slotegrator. Their innovative solutions bring our high-quality games to different markets and thereby enhance the gaming experience for players and operators alike.”
The Slotegrator team is equally enthusiastic about the collaboration: “We at Slotegrator are excited to drive innovation in the Asian market through this partnership. By joining forces with SimplePlay, we’re elevating the gaming experience for both players and operators.”
QTech Games, a leading game aggregator for emerging markets, has won the Best B2B Digital Platform award at the prestigious SPiCE South Asia Awards in Colombo, Sri Lanka, taking the plaudits from a wide range of proven performers in the aggregation space.
This award represents another timely validation of QTech Games’ strategic direction across emerging markets, where it is setting the gold standard and defining the future of the online casino industry, with an established reach that extends throughout Asia, Africa, Eastern Europe and Latin America. It has made progressive gains in game aggregation with its one-stop-shop approach for online casino operators, packaging together the world’s finest online casino games and offering bespoke solutions to its partners and clients.
QTech Games’ CEO, Philip Doftvik, said: “It’s a real thrill to accept this award for Best B2B Digital Platform for QTech Games. Being recognised for our innovation, impact and bottom-line results – to name just a few of the key judging criteria – is a real feather in our collective cap which will only embolden our expansive mission. This award also bears witness to our diligent international team and the growing group of innovative suppliers that our platform represents. Digital aggregation for emerging markets is what we do best!”
QTech Games has a demonstrable track record of excellence in providing cutting-edge solutions for the digital casino sector, coupled to a commitment to technological innovation, an all-encompassing game portfolio for true vertical spread, alongside an exceptional multi-lingual customer service which has made it a trusted and efficient partner for operators and game providers globally.
Sands China hosted the Sands China Academy Achievements and Roadmap Presentation on Tuesday (11th March) at The Londoner Macao, celebrating its exceptional efforts in fostering young talent over the past year.
The event featured student testimonials, video highlights, and honored academy graduates with certificates and awards for their remarkable achievements.”
The event also featured the launch ceremony for the Sands China Integrated Resort Leader Development Programme, underscoring the company’s commitment to strengthening the development of management talent in the integrated tourism and leisure industry.
Established in 2015, the Sands China Academy is a comprehensive talent development platform dedicated to nurturing team members, local industry professionals, and young people. The academy is committed to providing team members with diversified training programmes and opportunities for both vertical and horizontal career development.
Additionally, the academy actively collaborates with the Macao SAR government, local and international higher education institutions, and educational organisations. Together they explore innovative ways to enhance tourism services through technology and establish industry standards, such as the Macao Occupational Skills Recognition System (MORS).
Dr. Wilfred Wong, Executive Vice Chairman of Sands China Ltd. said: “Talent is like seeds with unlimited potential. Sands China has been devoted to cultivating talent for over two decades, and we are glad to witness and celebrate the graduation of trainees from our various training programmes, as we have invested deeply in local talent development and fully support the Macao SAR government’s policy of ‘Building Macao through Talent Training.’ We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to various government departments, higher education institutions, secondary schools, chambers of commerce, and industry associations for their steadfast support and collaboration in nurturing local talent over the years – aiming to promote the sustainable development of the integrated tourism and leisure industry.”
The Sands China Academy has consistently been committed to launching innovative and elite youth development programmes, injecting fresh talent into the industry. These programmes have covered food and beverage, hotel operations, business analysis, and other areas, nurturing talent across various fields in a comprehensive manner. They have attracted more than 3,600 participants, with over 3,300 having successfully graduated. The academy currently comprises eight sub-academies – MICE, hospitality, integrated resort management, entertainment, facilities, responsible gaming, procurement, and retail.
During the event, the company also held a launch ceremony for the Sands China Integrated Resort Leader Development Programme, aimed at nurturing the management and leadership skills of future leaders for local integrated resorts. The programme is set to collaborate with world-renowned Cornell University and talent assessment service provider SHL to design a professional curriculum to help participants explore the management culture and models of the world’s leading enterprises and enhance their management capabilities.
Grant Chum, chief executive officer and executive director of Sands China Ltd., said: “The development of the tourism industry requires the participation of diverse professionals, as well as visionary management talent to shape its future. We are therefore delighted to inaugurate the Sands China Integrated Resort Leader Development Programme. It aims to enhance the forward-thinking and strategic decision-making skills of management, enable them to stay abreast of global industry trends, and empower them to become leaders in the integrated tourism and leisure industry. Together, we can ensure that Macao, as a world centre of tourism and leisure, continues to shine brightly and captivate the world on the international stage.”
The launch ceremony was followed by the inaugural event of the programme, a seminar focused on leadership development trends and directions – with the aim of cultivating integrated resort management talent who possess both a global perspective and practical local experience, thus contributing to the sustainable development of the industry.
From its first property in 2004 until the end of last year, Sands China has provided team members with more than 23,300 vertical promotions, 9,000 horizontal career moves, and more than 222 million on-the-job training hours. On average, each Sands China team member receives 81.6 hours of training, higher than the standard of 21 hours calculated by the Association for Talent Development (ATD).
Sands China’s nurturing of team members has resulted in a substantial growth in the ratio of Macao locals in management positions, with an increase from 20 percent of the total management in 2004 to 90 percent at present.
The Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) has announced that it is appointing Suzy Neilan as its new CEO, with effect from April 1st.
Neilan joins the VGCCC after over three years with the Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA), most recently as Executive Director Strategy, and with periods as Acting CEO.
The executive has also served with the Victorian Building Authority, as well as with Tenix Solutions – managing the outsourced systems and services contracts for the former Department of Justice.
VGCCC Chair Chris O’Neill noted how Neilan brings years of experience from both the public and private sectors, noting “As the VGCCC enters the next phase of the program of transformation we began three years ago, Suzy’s experience leading digital and technology transformation, and her deep understanding of education, enforcement and compliance will continue to ensure the Commission is well placed to meet future challenges and ensure the integrity, safety and fairness of the gambling industry.”.
O’Neill also thanked outgoing CEO Annette Kimmitt AM for her leadership over the past three years, noting she was instrumental in the regulator’s evolution.
“Annette’s holistic vision and tenacious drive led the Commission’s transformation in its first years and with strategic focus, determined how we would work with the industry to ensure that our mandate to regulate in the public interest would be met”.
Neilan weighed in on her upcoming role, noting that “I am excited by the opportunity to contribute to the VGCCC’s success and look forward to working with the dedicated and talented people at the VGCCC to make a positive difference for Victorian communities”.
Sri Lanka’s Committee on Public Finance (CoPF) has called for swift action to establish the Casino Regulatory Authority, warning that delays are causing revenue losses from unregulated online gambling.
Lawmakers raised the issue in Parliament on March 6th, stressing the need for improved financial oversight. The CoPF has long advocated for a regulatory body to manage both land-based and online gambling. While land-based casinos are taxed, the growing online sector remains largely unregulated and untaxed.
CoPF Chair Harsha de Silva emphasized the urgency of the matter: “Despite our efforts, the online casino industry remains untaxed. We must act swiftly to ensure proper financial oversight.” The Attorney General’s Department has been tasked with expediting the legislation to create the regulatory body.
In February, Sri Lanka’s government announced plans to draft a bill for establishing the Casino Regulatory Authority. The Cabinet of Ministers has approved this initiative to improve oversight of the gambling sector.
The Ministry of Finance estimates that approximately $7.4 million in casino taxes remain in arrears due to the lack of regulatory enforcement.
Meanwhile, former State Minister Ranjith Siyambalapitiya disclosed that 10 new operators have applied for licenses to establish casinos in the country. These applications are still under evaluation, and no licenses have been issued so far.
Sri Lanka’s 2025 budget announcement also introduced key changes to casino-related fees and taxes. Casinos will face an 18 percent levy on gross collections, while the entrance fee will increase from $50 to $100 per person.
Sri Lanka’s gaming sector has attracted significant investment, including the $1.2 billion City of Dreams Sri Lanka project by Macau’s Melco Resorts & Entertainment and John Keells Holdings. The casino facility is scheduled to open in the third quarter of 2025.
Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has confirmed that her Cabinet will delay the final deliberation of the controversial casino bill, emphasizing the need for a thorough review and public consultation.
She assured that all concerns will be addressed before any decision is made.
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra
The Thailand Entertainment Complex Act was initially scheduled for Cabinet discussion on March 11th. However, Paetongtarn stressed that her government is not prepared to make a final decision at this stage.
According to local media outlet The Nation, Paetongtarn stated during a weekly press conference at Government House following the Cabinet meeting that the bill, which proposes legalizing casinos within large entertainment complexes, requires further evaluation.
“I would like all details to be carefully reviewed. I don’t want the ministry to rush it to the Cabinet because Thailand has never had casinos before,” she said.
Paetongtarn underscored the importance of gathering opinions from various stakeholders regarding the bill and its related regulations. “There is no need to expedite its return to the Cabinet. Let all issues be thoroughly examined first,” she added.
Unresolved financial requirement
Paetongtarn also noted that the proposed condition requiring Thai casino patrons to hold at least THB50 million ($1.5 million) in their bank accounts remains unsettled.
The Cabinet had initially approved the bill in principle on January 13th and referred it to the Council of State for review. One of the Council’s key amendments was the inclusion of the THB50 million requirement for Thai patrons, which the Finance Ministry initially opposed, arguing it conflicted with the bill’s objectives.
Despite earlier resistance, the Finance Ministry later agreed to retain the requirement as recommended by the Council of State.
Addressing protests
In recent weeks, Thailand has witnessed significant protests against the government’s plan to legalize casinos through the casino bill. The main groups opposing the bill include the Network of Students and People for Thailand’s Reform, the Dharma Army, and the Center of People for Monarchy Protection.
Protesters argue that legalizing casinos will result in social problems and weaken the nation. They claim the government is using foreign tourists as a pretext to enable Thai citizens to gamble.
In response, Prime Minister Paetongtarn reaffirmed her government’s commitment to listening to all viewpoints.
She promised that if the government moves forward with the bill, clear explanations will be provided to those opposing the legislation.
Notably, during Paetongtarn’s recent visit to China, President Xi Jinping voiced concerns about Thailand’s casino legalization plans. Xi warned that such a move could lead to various social issues. This marks the first time a top Chinese official has publicly commented on Thailand’s proposed casino policy.
Bloomberry Resorts Corp., a Philippines land-based gaming operator, is preparing to launch an online platform aimed at expanding its presence in the electronic gaming market.
The company, which owns and operates Solaire Resort Entertainment City, Solaire Resort North, and Jeju Sun Hotel & Casino (in South Korea), revealed that this new platform is being developed to target a broader audience.
According to local media, Bloomberry announced the plan just days after releasing its 2024 financial results. The firm stated that the online gaming platform ‘will compete directly with offerings from other electronic gaming license holders, including BingoPlus, the online casino brand developed by DigiPlus Interactive Corp’.
DigiPlus, a digital entertainment company chaired by Eusebio Tanco, has experienced consistent financial growth and rising investor confidence. The company’s success is attributed to its strong market presence and immersive, culturally resonant gaming experiences.
In 2024, DigiPlusreported a net income of PHP12.6 billion ($220 million), marking a 207 percent year-over-year growth — a sharp contrast to Bloomberry’s significant profit decline in the same period.
Bloomberry flags dividend
Despite financial headwinds, Bloomberry declared a dividend in a filing on Monday.
The Board announced a cash dividend of PHP0.0847 ($0.0015) per share, payable on April 3rd, 2025, to stockholders on record as of March 25th, 2025.
Last week, Bloomberry reported its 2024 financial results, showing a 73 percent decline in earnings to PHP2.6 billion ($46 million). The decrease was attributed to weaker performance at Solaire Resort Entertainment City and higher costs associated with the newly opened Solaire North, which impacted the company’s overall financial performance.
