Premier iGaming content provider Games Global, a leading supplier of iGaming content, has forged a partnership with 3 Oaks Gaming to distribute the provider’s product portfolio across the UK and international markets via its Aggregation platform.
Established in 2022, Games Global’s Aggregation platform houses content from a variety of the industry’s most prominent studios, while complementing this catalogue of games with operator tools designed to refine the user experience.
The deal will allow the ever-expanding Games Global Aggregation platform to gain access to a range of popular 3 Oaks Gaming titles, including 3 Hot Chillies, Lucky Penny, More Magic Apples, Coin Volcano, and Sun of Egypt.
The collaboration not only demonstrates Games Global’s commitment to upgrading its portfolio of third-party content to deliver a diverse array of high-quality games to partners but also reaffirms 3 Oaks Gaming’s drive to amplify its brand in markets across the globe.
Sean Doyle, Head of Aggregation at Games Global, said: “We are continually looking to elevate our third-party content portfolio with games that cater to unique audiences, and the addition of 3 Oaks Gaming products will ensure this offering is optimised. This agreement reinforces the value of Games Global’s third-party content offering and supports our endeavour to deliver best-in-class games across global markets.”
Sebastian Damian, Managing Director of 3 Oaks Gaming, added: “Joining forces with Games Global allows us to bring our content to an even wider audience. Its renowned platform and operator network are an excellent match for our games and will extend the reach and impact of our portfolio. Our titles are crafted with player engagement in mind, and we’re excited to see them thrive within the extensive network that the Games Global platform provides.”
Yggdrasil, a leading iGaming publisher, has added one of the most highly-rated newcomers, DreamSpin, to its ever-growing portfolio of YGG Masters partners.
Created by the influencer duo of Fruity Slots and Hideous Slots, DreamSpin is famed as the first studio to make the leap from the world of slot streaming into a fully dedicated boutique game studio.
The UK-based team has vowed to utilise its in-depth knowledge of player preferences to craft high-quality content that engages avid slot enthusiasts worldwide.
The new partnership further enhances Yggdrasil’s dynamic offering of third-party content with its YGG Masters program, empowering the world’s leading independent game studios to design and distribute great titles via the provider’s technology and network. It also supports Yggdrasil’s 2025 strategy to become the industry’s largest and most successful aggregator.
The initiative has created some of Yggdrasil’s best-performing titles over the last few years, with partners also able to utilise the provider’s popular Game Engagement Mechanics (GEMs).
Zoe Bird, Head of Masters at Yggdrasil, said: “DreamSpin is lauded as one of the most exciting new studios out there right now, and we cannot wait to see what we can do together in the coming months and years. It’s going to be an exciting journey together!”
Josh Green, Co-Founder at DreamSpin, said: “This partnership marks the next stage in our studio’s evolution. We are truly thrilled to be able to bring a whole host of new content to players alongside Yggdrasil. Watch this space because there will be much to look forward to.”
Thailand’s latest casino bill has eliminated the requirement for a THB50 million ($1.5 million) fixed deposit for local gamblers.
According to the Bangkok Post, Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira stated that the revision followed a review by the Council of State, incorporating adjustments to better align with the bill’s objectives and public feedback.
Julapun Amornvivat, Thailand’s Deputy Finance Minister
Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat confirmed that, instead of the previous entry restriction, Thai nationals must now have submitted tax returns for the past three years to access casinos. However, the entrance fee remains unchanged at THB5,000 ($147). He noted that only about 10,000 Thai bank accounts hold at least THB50 million, making the initial requirement impractical and likely to push gambling activities toward illegal alternatives.
Meanwhile, in another report from the same media outlet, an unidentified government source revealed that the casino bill includes provisions prohibiting online gambling and the live-streaming of gambling activities from casinos. These measures aim to prevent individuals outside the casino from participating in gambling.
The bill is expected to be reviewed by the cabinet on March 11th, following its initial approval on January 13th.
Other key provisions include a regulation stipulating that gambling activities within the entertainment complex will be governed by this new law rather than existing anti-gambling laws. The bill also mandates that all visitors undergo identity verification using a passport or ID card.
The Council of State returned the bill to the government on February 28th for further revision, and it remains to be seen whether the cabinet will approve it.
Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has stated that the government is open to all suggestions regarding casino development, recognizing that it is a new concept for the country. She emphasized that the casino would be a small part of a larger entertainment complex, which will include a variety of other businesses.
The government has also made it clear that addressing potential risks and social impacts is a priority. The aim is not only to maximize economic benefits but also to manage the risks and social consequences of the project. Officials believe that entertainment complexes will play a significant role in shaping Thailand’s economic future.
On Monday, several protest groups—including the Network of Students and People for Thailand’s Reform, the Center of People for the Protection of the Monarchy, and the Dharma Army—gathered near Government House in Bangkok. They submitted a letter to the prime minister opposing the legislation, arguing that it would be harmful to society, the nation, and religious principles.
The Crisafulli Government has initiated a landmark review of Queensland’sracing industry, releasing a discussion paper that invites industry participants and stakeholders to contribute their insights.
This review, the most significant in over 25 years, aims to ensure the long-term sustainability of Thoroughbred, Harness, and Greyhound racing across the state.
Matthew McGrath
Former Chairman of the Australian Turf Club and current board member of the Cronulla Sharks, Matthew McGrath has been appointed as Chair of the review, and will lead efforts to assess the social, financial, and employment impacts of the racing industry while prioritizing animal welfare standards.
Minister for Sport and Racing Tim Mander emphasized the importance of stakeholder engagement in this process.
“We committed to a review into all aspects of racing, and this discussion paper is the first step,” he stated, highlighting racing’s vital role in the state’s economy, noting its contributions exceed AU$2.4 billion ($2.6 billion) annually and provide employment for around 16,000 Queenslanders.
With 120 racing clubs in Queensland—comprising 111 Thoroughbred clubs, four Harness clubs, and five Greyhound clubs—the review will consider how to enhance the sustainability of these organizations.
Stakeholders will also be asked how the racing industry can further prioritize the lifelong care and welfare of racing animals.
Notably, race meetings attract significant attendance, with a total of 795,325 attendees across various events: 668,332 for Thoroughbred races, 66,697 for Harness races, and 60,296 for Greyhound races.
Review goals
The review will focus on enhancing the integrity of the racing industry, modernizing infrastructure, and ensuring the continued strength of country racing, with the discussion paper to remain open for input until March 30th, 2025.
The review will address several critical areas. First, stakeholders are encouraged to identify challenges related to infrastructure within their racing code or region and propose solutions to these issues. The effectiveness of the relationship between Racing Queensland and the Queensland Racing Integrity Commission will also be evaluated, with a focus on identifying key integrity challenges in the industry and exploring potential improvements.
Additionally, participants are invited to discuss significant cost challenges related to compliance for clubs and individuals, along with suggestions for alleviating these financial burdens. The review aims to tackle workforce challenges facing the racing industry and to find better ways to support and leverage the significant volunteer base that contributes to racing events.
In terms of country racing, the review will examine the cost challenges faced by participants, clubs, and venues, seeking strategies to ensure that country racing remains integral to regional and rural communities. Stakeholders will also be asked how the racing industry can further prioritize the lifelong care and welfare of racing animals.
Finally, the review will explore broadcast and digital media opportunities to enhance the Queensland racing industry’s national and international presence, as well as discuss how to better leverage wagering opportunities.
‘Stakeholders are encouraged to participate actively to secure a prosperous future for the industry and the communities that support it’.
Concerns raised over excessive taxation
In response to the review, Responsible Wagering Australia (RWA) welcomed the Queensland Government’s commitment to consulting with industry stakeholders.
Kai Cantwell, CEO at Responsible Wagering Australia
RWA CEO Kai Cantwell expressed support for a strong funding model that benefits taxpayers and guarantees a thriving racing sector, and noted that the review’s focus on financial sustainability is crucial.
However, Cantwell also raised concerns about the implications of excessive taxation and regulation, warning that a balance is necessary to maintain a viable environment for wagering providers, especially in light of the former government’s increase of the Point of Consumption Tax (POCT) to 20 percent in 2022.
“Eighty percent of all Queensland POCT revenue is allocated to the racing industry, meaning that a decline in wagering activity reduces critical funding for racing participants, prize money, and infrastructure,” he explained, cautioning that high tax rates could lead to diminished wagering revenues and, consequently, lower returns for the racing industry.
RWA added that it supports “evidence-based policy decisions” and commended the Queensland Government for engaging with the industry throughout the review process.
Belle Corporation, the Philippine-listed parent company of Premium Leisure Corp., and landlord of City of Dreams Manila, has clarified that it does not plan to buy out Melco Resorts & Entertainment’s interests in the property if it chooses to exit the Philippines.
In a statement to the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) on Monday, Belle Corp noted that it could not confirm a possible exit of Melco from the Philippines but that ‘it can confirm that any buy-out of Melco’s interests in COD Manila is not part of Belle’s plans for the immediate future’.
Melco, in its recently published results, indicated that it was evaluating potential strategic alternatives regarding its involvement in City of Dreams Manila, with its Chairman Lawrence Ho noting the group was going for an ‘asset-light’ strategy.
Belle Corp indicated in January that it was pursuing Clark as a “strategic location” for further growth. The group’s recent financial results showed rises in revenue and net income for FY24, with Belle approving a cash dividend due to its business performance in 2024.
Melco, similarly saw strong results in 2024 – largely driven by its Macau operations.
The group had previously expressed interest in entering the Thailand market, if casinos are legalized. It is also currently finishing its development of a casino in City of Dreams Sri Lanka, which it expects to open in the third quarter of this year.
Melco International Development has announced that it has commenced arbitration with its joint venture partner in a proposed non-gaming development in Zhongshan, China.
The project related to a residential, commercial, recreational and entertainment development on a land plot comprising 504,000 square meters, proposed in 2021.
The project was set to include ‘ancillary facilities such as hotels, parks and green areas’.
The aggregate consideration payable by the joint venture company for the land use rights was set at approximately CNY4 billion ($620 million).
Melco in July of 2022 served a termination notice to the joint venture parties, indicating that certain provisions in the JV agreement had not been met.
This was furthered with a framework agreement to terminate the joint venture that stretched through late 2023.
In its Friday update, Melco indicated that it had commenced arbitration at the China International Economic and Trade Arbitration against Agile JV Parties, the project company it announced in 2021, and Agile Group Holdings, seeking compensation.
Melco further indicated that it has made an impairment on investment costs amounting to HK$104.17 million, as indicated in its 2024 interim report.
The request for arbitration was accepted by the arbitration commission, however as of Friday, the case ‘has not yet been heard’.
Embattled Australian gaming operator The Star Entertainment Group has been forced into a trading halt, after failing to publish its half-year results on Friday.
According to a company release, the halt starts on Monday, unless the group is able to lodge its periodic report by end of trading. Otherwise, the suspension will remain in effect until the report is lodged.
This appears unlikely, as the group notes that it can’t publish its 1HFY25 Report ‘unless, and until, it has secured a refinancing commitment that would enable The Star to refinance all of the Group’s existing corporate debt, as well as to provide additional liquidity’.
According to sources heard by the Australian Financial Review, the group’s Chief Executive Steve McCann is working to secure over AU$100 million ($62 million) in short-term funding, hoping to keep the company afloat until May.
McCann is reportedly trying to access the AU$60 million ($37.3 million) garnered from the sale of the group’s Sydney events center last month, which is being held in escrow.
The funds, however, will only be released after approval from the New South Wales government.
If released, this would help McCann negotiate with lenders for the additional funding he hopes can prop up the group.
The Star has been warning for months that it has run out of cash, indicating in January that at the end of 2024 it held just AU$78 million ($48.5 million) in available cash.
Good morning. Lucky number 13. To improve transparency and accountability in its casino sector, Cambodia’s gambling watchdog has established 13 onsite offices within licensed casinos. A technical advisor for the Commercial Gambling Management Commission of Cambodia (CGMC) has informed AGB the move is designed to improve transparency and accountability and is a significant shift in Cambodia’s regulatory approach. In other shores, Deutsche Bank forecasts that Macau’s gross gaming revenue (GGR) will maintain its slow recovery in March, growing by 3.4 percent year-on-year to $2.52 billion. Meanwhile, a bidding war has erupted between Japanese mobile gaming company MIXI and Australian wagering firm BlueBet for online sportsbook operator PointsBet, with a final decision set for May.
The Commercial Gambling Management Commission of Cambodia (CGMC) has established 13 onsite offices within licensed casinos to enhance regulatory oversight, a Technical Advisor told AGB. The initiative aims to improve transparency and accountability in the gambling sector, with all gambling equipment requiring certification and employees needing special licenses. This move marks a significant shift in Cambodia’s regulatory approach, transitioning from a largely unregulated environment to a structured framework, aligning with international gambling governance standards.
In 2024, 1xBet achieved significant breakthroughs and successes, solidifying its position in the iGaming industry. The brand secured major partnership deals, received prestigious awards, and showcased its innovations at the world’s leading forums.
The Commercial Gambling Management Commission of Cambodia (CGMC) has confirmed to AGB that it has established 13 onsite offices within licensed casinos across the country.
This initiative aligns with the Law on the Management of Commercial Gambling, which was promulgated on November 14th, 2020, and provides a strict regulatory framework for the sector.
In response to an AGB inquiry, the Cambodian gaming regulator outlined the roles and responsibilities of these onsite offices, including:
Managed and oversaw casino operations to ensure compliance with the law, with a focus on effectiveness and transparency.
Strengthening administrative procedures within the commercial gambling sector.
Providing guidance to operators and license holders to help them better understand their legal obligations.
Establishing a Casino Management System (CMS) in the near future.
CGMC Technical Advisor Chhoeng Chantha highlighted the transformative impact of the 2020 law, stating, “Since the promulgation of the Law on the Management of Commercial Gambling on November 14, 2020, the sector has been strictly regulated under its provisions.”
He further explained, “The conditions for granting a casino license are not only focused on financial resources but are also strictly evaluated based on the qualifications and competency of investors.”
Additionally, Chantha noted that casino employees must obtain a special license from the CGMC to operate games, and all gambling equipment and software must be certified and registered with the regulator. These measures aim to enhance transparency and accountability across the industry.
As part of the Law on the Management of Commercial Gambling, the Royal Government of Cambodia directed the CGMC to establish offices within casino premises to further strengthen regulatory oversight, in alignment with international standards.
On December 17th, 2024, the CGMC issued a public notice selecting 10 casinos for a pilot program to implement these offices. As a result, 13 CGMC offices have now been established across licensed casinos.
According to another media outlet, NagaWorld, a resort complex with a monopoly license in Phnom Penh operated by Hong Kong-listed NagaCorp, and DNA Star Vegas, a casino in Poipet on Cambodia’s border with Thailand operated by Australia-listed Donaco International, were among the 10 selected sites.
In the same response to AGB, the CGMC did not provide details on the other licensed casinos.
Setting up onsite offices reflects Cambodia’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the regulation and transparency of its gambling sector. By establishing regulatory offices within casino operations, the CGMC aims to improve compliance, streamline administrative procedures, and uphold both national and international standards.
It is also worth noting that the CGMC was established following the promulgation of the Law on the Management of Commercial Gambling in 2020. This law marked a significant shift in Cambodia’s approach to regulating the gambling industry, moving from a largely unregulated environment to a more structured framework.
The CGMC is responsible for overseeing licensing, regulatory enforcement, and ensuring compliance with national gambling laws. Its primary goals include suppressing illegal gambling, promoting legal gambling practices, and contributing to economic growth through effective governance.
The commission began more actively implementing its regulations in 2022, following delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with a focus on strengthening staff capacity to enforce regulations in line with international standards.
Following a weaker-than-expected February performance, Deutsche Bank forecasts that Macau’s gross gaming revenue (GGR) will grow by 3.4 percent year-on-year in March, reaching $2.52 billion.
In its latest investment memo, released after Macau’s February GGR figures were published, analyst Carlo Santarelli noted that the projection for March is based on historical patterns. Between 2013 and 2019, March typically saw an average growth of approximately 2.0 percent compared to the average win per day over the combined January and February period. Applying this trend to 2025, Deutsche Bank estimates that the year-on-year increase could reach as much as 4.4 percent for March.
February’s GGR reached $2.47 billion, marking an 8.2 percent sequential increase (+19.8 percent per day) compared to January. On a year-on-year basis, February’s GGR rose 6.8 percent.
Santarelli highlighted that the 19.8 percent sequential improvement per day exceeded historical trends by approximately 430 basis points, as the average February increase relative to January, from 2013 to 2019, was 15.5 percent. However, he cautioned that this figure is somewhat ‘misleading’ due to the shifting timing of Chinese New Year, which can significantly influence monthly revenue performance.
Despite the improvement, February’s GGR remained 22.2 percent below the same month in 2019, though this represents an improvement from January’s 26.8 percent decline compared to January 2019.
Looking ahead, Deutsche Bank estimates that Macau’s GGR for the first quarter of 2025 will reach $7.28 billion, reflecting a 1.5 percent year-on-year increase.
For the full year 2025, the bank projects total GGR to reach $29.25 billion, a 3.1 percent year-on-year increase. Growth is expected to continue into 2026, with GGR forecasted to rise by 3.5 percent to $30.27 billion.
Single-digit growth expected
In a comment to local media, Macau economist Samuel Tong predicted that Macau’s GGR would see single-digit growth this year, with annual revenue likely to slightly exceed last year’s MOP226.7 billion ($28.3 billion).
Tong noted that the external environment is becoming increasingly complex and unpredictable, posing significant challenges to Macau’s economy and gaming sector. He emphasized the need for the government, businesses, and residents to enhance their ability to anticipate and adapt to changes. With support from the central government, Macau should accelerate its integration into national development and contribute more effectively to the broader economic landscape.
Meanwhile, Henry Lei, Associate Head of the Department of Finance and Business Economics at the University of Macau, pointed out that while February’s gaming revenue was higher than January’s, total revenue for the first two months of the year fell short of the MOP20 billion ($2.5 billion) monthly target.
He attributed this shortfall to rising international uncertainties, including the impact of U.S. trade policies and a decline in visitor spending power. Given these factors, Lei maintained a cautious outlook on this year’s gaming revenue, forecasting overall economic growth in the range of 5 percent to 7 percent.
Lei also stressed the importance of leveraging Beijing’s supportive policies for Macau and actively implementing more visitor-attracting initiatives. He suggested increasing promotions for outdoor performance venues and enhancing publicity for related events. Hosting activities in a carnival-style format or as a series of themed events could extend tourists’ stays and boost spending, which he believes would benefit the overall economy.
