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1xBet launches large tournament Indian League Carnival

Nelson Moura
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1xBet launches large tournament Indian League Carnival

The new season of the Indian Premier League 2025 is set to be one of the most exciting in cricket history. The player auction broke several historical records, and the bookmaker 1xBet announced the start of the Indian League Carnival sports tournament with a record prize pool of ₹1 crore for IPL 2025.

Record player auction: new stars and big deals

The IPL 2025 season will occur from March 21 to May 25,  with 74 matches. The current champion, Kolkata Knight Riders, will defend their title against the top teams in India.

The player auction took place from November 24 to 25, 2024. For the first time in Indian cricket history, it was held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, highlighting the growing global popularity and12.02.2025 the IPL expansion beyond India.

In two days of bidding, several big transfers were made that broke all records:

  • Shreyas Iyer joined Punjab Kings for a record ₹26.75 crore and was appointed team captain.
  • Rishabh Pant became the most expensive player in IPL history after being bought by Lucknow Super Giants for ₹27.00 crore.
  • Venkatesh Iyer returned to Kolkata Knight Riders for ₹23.75 crore, completing the top 3 most expensive players of the season.

Another record at the IPL 2025 auction is related to a player’s age. Rajasthan Royals signed the youngest athlete in the league’s history – 13-year-old batter Vaibhav Suryavanshi for ₹1.10 crore. If he has a successful debut, his value will surely rise significantly. This move has opened new opportunities for young talent and added intrigue to the upcoming season.

It is also worth noting that Heinrich Klaasen, the brand ambassador of 1xBet,  became the most expensive player on retainer, breaking Virat Kohli’s record. Before the IPL 2025 started, the Sunrisers Hyderabad decided to rely on a new star, paying a record ₹23 crore for Heinrich Klaasen to stay. 

Cricket fans worldwide are clearly in for one of the brightest tournaments in history. Thanks to record contracts, teams have strengthened their squads with top national and international players, making IPL 2025 even more popular. The young talents’ participation in professional matches guarantees unpredictable and intense competition throughout the tournament, while also opening new prospects for the future of cricket.

₹1 crore in Indian League Carnival sports tournament by 1xBet

In the upcoming IPL 2025 cricket season, the bookmaker is launching the Indian League Carnival sports tournament with a record prize pool of ₹1 crore in real money. The tournament will occur from March 21 to May 25, and will consist of 7 stages, giving participants more chances to win.

To take part in the promo, place a bet of at least ₹250 with odds of 1.4 or higher on any Indian Premier League 2025 match.

Participants in the Indian League Carnival tournament who make it to the 7th stage will take home the main prizes:

  • 1st place – ₹60,000
  • 2nd place – ₹40,000
  • 3rd place – ₹20,000 

At each stage, players can win cash prizes ranging from ₹2,900 to ₹29,000, based on their position in the standings. The money earned in the Indian League Carnival tournament can be withdrawn at any time as it doesn’t require wagering.

In addition to cash prizes, competitors in the Indian League Carnival will receive guaranteed free bets and bonus points at each tournament level. A total of ₹1,486,000 bonus points and free bets worth ₹72,000 will be up for grabs. Bonus points can be exchanged for free bets, free spins, and other promo offers on the platform.

All the tournament players are guaranteed to move up the standings and receive prizes through risk-free bets placed during this period. Whether a bet wins or not, its amount will be counted.

This tournament will be the season’s biggest campaign, supported by outstanding IPL cricketers Shikhar Dhawan and Heinrich Klaasen, who are brand ambassadors for 1xBet. Users will be able to see them in the tournament promo.

Guaranteed 300% welcome bonus for new users 

Users who register on the 1xBet platform for the first time during IPL 2025, from March 21 to May 25, will receive a guaranteed 300% welcome bonus. This offer is valid for all newcomers with a minimum deposit of 200 INR to a maximum of 50,000 INR.

Keep an eye on updates on the 1xBet platform and support your favourite teams in the new IPL 2025 season.

Macau visitor arrivals decline for the first time post-COVID reopening

Viviana Chan
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Macau visitor arrivals decline for the first time post-COVID reopening

Macau experienced its first yearly drop in visitor arrivals since the January 2023 COVID-19 reopening, with February 2025 seeing just 3,147,184 visitors.

According to the Statistics and Census Service, the figure was a 4.4 percent decrease compared to the same period last year.

Authorities attribute this decline primarily to the significantly higher baseline set in February 2024, which benefited from an extended eight-day Chinese New Year holiday in mainland China.

While overall numbers fell, a closer look reveals a divergence in visitor source trends. Mainland Chinese arrivals saw a 6.4 percent year-over-year decrease, totaling 2,291,662, with Individual Visit Scheme travelers declining by 11.1 percent to 1,331,091. Notably, within this group, 120,002 visitors traveled under the “one trip per week measure,” 30,677 under the “multiple-entry measure,” and 9,262 under the “tourist group multi-entry measure,”  reflecting the impact of China’s new visa policies for neighboring cities. 

Additionally, visitors from the nine Pearl River Delta cities within the Greater Bay Area decreased by 3.2 percent to 1,122,493. Arrivals from Hong Kong also saw a 4.7 percent drop, reaching 579,843, while those from Taiwan increased by 14.4 percent to 67,951.

Conversely, international visitor numbers showed strong growth, rising by 17.9 percent year-over-year to 207,728. Southeast Asian markets contributed significantly, with Indonesia (14,921), Malaysia (14,480), Thailand (11,261), and Singapore (6,762) experiencing increases of 19.6 percent, 18.1 percent, 25.5 percent, and 25.2 percent, respectively. 

The Philippines, however, saw a slight 2.5 percent decrease, with 38,847 visitors. South Asian arrivals from India remained stable at 4,093. Northeast Asian markets also performed well, with visitors from South Korea (59,330) and Japan (14,444) increasing by 41.8 percent and 26.2 percent, respectively. Long-haul markets also saw growth, with US visitors rising by 6.6 percent to 10,561.

Despite the February decline, the first two months of 2025 saw a total of 6,793,745 visitor arrivals, representing a 10.4 percent year-on-year increase.

Resorts World Las Vegas to pay out $10.5M settlement to Nevada over AML complaint

Kelsey Wilhelm
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Resorts World Las Vegas to pay out $10.5M settlement to Nevada over AML complaint

Genting Berhad has agreed to pay a $10.5 million fine to the Nevada Gaming Commission as part of a settlement over its Resorts World Las Vegas property in the United States.

The agreement still requires the acceptance of the Nevada Gaming Commission, even though it was signed between Resorts World Las Vegas LLC and the Nevada Gaming Control Board. A hearing has bee scheduled for March 27th.

This could potentially be the second-largest fine issued in Nevada’s gaming history.

While not confirming any allegations issued in the complaint against it, RWLV LLC did agree to better oversight of its anti-money laundering practices – including training, retention of employee records and an independent audit of AML compliance.

The audit report is expected to be submitted to the state’s gaming control board two years after the settlement is approved.

Poll reveals majority of Thais concerned about entertainment complex policy

Viviana Chan
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Poll reveals majority of Thais concerned about entertainment complex policy

A recent survey reveals that most Thai citizens are concerned about the government’s proposed entertainment complex policy, which includes plans to legalize casinos as part of multi-purpose business hubs.

The entertainment complex bill aims to stimulate economic growth, boost tourism, and attract foreign investment by allowing entrepreneurs to establish integrated complexes that combine casinos with at least four other businesses. While the policy is expected to generate economic benefits, concerns remain over its potential social and security impacts.

According to The Nation, the poll was conducted by the National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA Poll) and involved 1,310 respondents aged 18 and above from across the country. Among the participants, 32.6 percent expressed concern that the policy could increase vice and undermine national security.

Other major concerns highlighted in the survey include doubts about the policy’s economic effectiveness (30.2 percent), fears of increased gambling addiction (28.1 percent), and worries over potential money laundering activities (24.9 percent). Additionally, 24.7 percent of respondents questioned how the government plans to prevent criminal activities linked to the complexes.

Social concerns were also prominent, with 20.2 percent of respondents questioning whether the government had sufficient measures in place to mitigate social impacts. Meanwhile, 18.6 percent were skeptical about the policy’s ability to curb illegal gambling, while 18.5 percent questioned whether the policy would genuinely attract tourists.

Concerns about political influence and corruption were also raised. Over 16 percent of respondents questioned whether the entertainment complexes would become a source of political funding, while 12.1 percent questioned the transparency of the licensing process. Some 11.9 percent expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of a public referendum on the policy.

The survey also touched on concerns about social and political conflict. Nearly 32 percent of respondents believed the policy would result in a new and severe conflict, while 31.7 percent anticipated conflict, though not severe. Meanwhile, 26.5 percent predicted that disagreements would arise but would not escalate into significant conflict.

Paetongtarn-Shinawatra-prime-minister-Thailand
Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra

Despite the government’s claims that the entertainment complex policy could boost Thailand’s economy, the survey results suggest that public confidence in the plan remains mixed, with many calling for clearer safeguards and greater transparency before the policy moves forward.

It is worth noting that earlier this month, the Thai government confirmed that its Cabinet had delayed the final deliberation of the controversial casino bill, emphasizing the need for a thorough review and public consultation. Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra assured that all concerns would be addressed before any decision is made.

Leaving FATF grey list just the first step for Philippines gaming industry: Expert

Viviana Chan
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Leaving FATF grey list just the first step for Philippines gaming industry: Expert

The Philippine gaming industry has faced increasing compliance demands in recent years, even after its removal from the Financial Action Task Force’s (FATF) grey list. As regulators tighten oversight, operators are seeking innovative solutions to strengthen their compliance frameworks.

Chuan Wee Lye, a senior business development manager at Sumsub, a full-cycle verification platform, told AGB that improving compliance is crucial to maintaining industry stability.

“Leaving the grey list is just the first step. Operators must continuously enhance their Know Your Customer (KYC) and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) practices to ensure the sector remains aligned with national regulatory expectations,” said Chuan Wee Lye.

The Philippines successfully exited the FATF’s grey list in February 2025, after being added in June 2021. This exit is partially attributed to the country’s ban on Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs), which came into effect at the end of 2024.

While the industry welcomed the Philippines’ exit from the grey list, the recent Philippine Senate proposal to review the Philippine Inland Gaming Operators (PIGO) sector has introduced new uncertainties. This review aims to assess potential societal harms associated with the sector, adding further complexity to the country’s gaming industry landscape.

Philippines
Chuan Wee Lye, a senior business development manager at Sumsub

In an interview during the 2025 ASEAN Gaming Summit in Manila, Chuan Wee Lye emphasized the importance of technology in enhancing security. “Technology-driven compliance solutions are essential for detecting suspicious activities early and ensuring operators stay ahead of regulatory changes,” he added.

The grey list designation highlighted vulnerabilities in the Philippine gaming sector, particularly concerns about unregulated operators junkets. While measures like the POGO ban were implemented, experts stress that a more structured approach, leveraging technology, is vital for long-term improvements.

KYC

PAGCOR’s enhanced KYC and AML measures

Chuan Wee Lye observed that the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) has made significant strides in compliance to meet regulatory standards. He believes they are likely to adopt more effective strategies to enhance KYC and AML processes in the future.

“KYC systems are instrumental in preventing underage access to gambling platforms,” Chuan Wee Lye explained. “We’ve seen stricter controls implemented in regions like the UK, and the Philippine market is now following this trend.” He further emphasized that advanced KYC tools, incorporating automated identity verification and biometric checks, significantly improve customer onboarding and provide enhanced security.

Simultaneously, data analytics-driven AML solutions are gaining traction within the Philippine gaming industry. By analyzing customer behavior patterns, operators can effectively detect suspicious activities and mitigate money laundering risks. “Some industry players are already leveraging data analytics to identify unusual patterns,” Chuan Wee Lye noted. “Operators investing in these technologies are better positioned to manage risks and prevent fraudulent behavior.”

Digiplus leading the way in compliance innovation

Digiplus, the Philippines’ largest online gaming operator, has emerged as a leader by proactively adopting advanced compliance measures. When asked about its compliance efforts, Chuan Wee Lye said, “Digiplus is a leader in the sector, using data analytics to identify risk patterns and improve customer protection.”

“They’ve been investing in these systems well ahead of recent regulatory changes,” he added.

Digiplus has also partnered with fintech firms to integrate secure payment solutions and improve customer data security, reinforcing its commitment to compliance innovation.

Central bank of the Philippines

Regulatory guidance from the financial sector

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), the central bank of the Philippines, recently released draft guidelines for digital marketplace activities, which include a prohibition on banks and electronic money issuers (EMIs) offering products linked to gambling, such as online casinos and betting.

Chuan Wee Lye notes that the BSP possesses significantly more comprehensive and advanced regulatory expertise than PAGCOR, the country’s gaming regulator.

He further explained that the BSP’s regulations extend to the gaming industry, implying that changes initiated by the central bank could potentially influence PAGCOR’s regulatory framework.

Furthermore, he noted that the BSP’s recent Anti-Financial Scamming Act (AFASA) demonstrates the Philippine financial regulator’s commitment to mitigating the risk of scam-related crimes utilizing banking channels.

Chinese tour groups to have visa-free entry to South Korea from 3Q25

Kelsey Wilhelm
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Chinese tour groups to have visa-free entry to South Korea from 3Q25

Chinese tour groups to South Korea are set to benefit from visa exemption starting in the third quarter of this year.

The nation’s authorities announced the plan, aimed at boosting tourism numbers from China, which have failed to quickly recover after COVID.

The move is expected to boost spending by drawing in larger tourist numbers, helping push retail, hospitality, F&B and duty-free sectors.

However, it has been defined as a “temporary visa waiver” for the Chinese tour groups.

Before the full implementation, a trial period is expected, via certain travel agencies, allowing for a better picture ahead of the 3Q25 run.

South Korean casinos are open to foreigners, with only one property – Kangwon Land – being open to local punters.

According to data from the Korea Tourism Organization, Chinese tourists totaled 4.6 million in 2024, about 28 percent – the largest group of foreign visitors to the country.

Late last year, Chinese authorities opted to extend visa-free entry for South Korean tourism and business travelers.

Blacklisted Chinese nationals linked to POGO Lucky South 99 arrested

Kelsey Wilhelm
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Blacklisted Chinese nationals linked to POGO Lucky South 99 arrested

Philippine authorities have arrested five blacklisted Chinese nationals, all linked to the Lucky South 99 Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) raided in mid-2024.

The five suspects were arrested during a joint operation by the Bureau of Immigration Intelligence Division and the Fugitive Search Unit.

Two of those arrested were wanted in China, while all five have ties to Lucky South 99.

The blacklisted nationals were apprehended at Zamboanga International Airport on Saturday, while attempting to flee via Tawi-Tawi to Sabah, Malaysia.

Due to a boat engine failure nearby Tawi-Tawi, the five were intercepted by officials in Mindanao and transported to Zamboanga City for their arrest.

They’re now being held by the Philippine National Police, awaiting deportation.

Speaking of the arrest, BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Vidal stated it “highlights the importance of collaboration with intelligence agencies to prevent fugitives from exploiting our borders”.

The raid on Lucky South 99 was conducted before the total ban on legal POGO operations in the country – which commenced January 1st, 2025.

The nation’s president, Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced that a POGO ban would be introduced just one month later, during his State of the Nation Address (SONA), on July 22nd, 2024. He then signed Executive Order 74 in November, formalizing the complete ban.

Daily Asia Gaming eBrief: Top experts share invaluable insights at ASEAN

AGBrief Editorial
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Daily Asia Gaming eBrief: Top experts share invaluable insights at ASEAN

What you need to know

On the radar

AGB Intelligence

Thailand

Thailand

Experts warn Thailand’s casino bill lacks key safeguards

Academics in Thailand have recommended that the government conduct a referendum on the entertainment complex policy to mitigate its societal impact. During a roundtable session hosted by Bangkok business experts, concerns were raised about corruption, monopolies, and money laundering risks linked to the policy.

Corporate Spotlight

UU Wallet: Bridging traditional finance and Web3 flexibility

UU Wallet unveils comprehensive Digital Finance Solutions at ASEAN Gaming Summit 2025

With a strong focus on security and efficiency, UU Wallet stands out with its instant cryptocurrency exchange capabilities and globally accepted prepaid card, making it a preferred choice for those navigating the complexities of digital finance.

MEMBERSHIP | INTELLIGENCE | ASEAN | CAREERS

Academics warn Thailand’s casino bill needs better oversight: Report

Viviana Chan
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Academics warn Thailand’s casino bill needs better oversight: Report

During a roundtable session hosted by Bangkok business experts, concerns were raised about corruption, monopolies, and money laundering risks linked to the policy.

Nonarit Bisonyabut, a senior researcher at the Thailand Development Research Institute (TDRI), stressed the need for clear mechanisms to regulate business operators and protect society from potential harm. He suggested that the government gather public feedback and compile a report that addresses concerns about the policy’s implementation.

Nualnoi Treerat, director of Chulalongkorn University’s Centre for Gambling Studies, warned that Thailand has not adopted Singapore’s protective measures despite modeling the entertainment complex bill on its framework.

She pointed out that Singapore’s success stems from strict regulations, public awareness campaigns, and effective support for gambling addicts. In Singapore, comprehensive screening measures have resulted in 300,000 individuals being barred from casino services.

Treerat emphasized the importance of implementing similar safeguards in Thailand, including visitor restrictions and dedicated support for those affected by gambling.

Chittawan Chanakul, a lecturer at Thammasat University’s Faculty of Economics, argued that effective governance and low levels of corruption are crucial for a country seeking to establish an entertainment complex. 

She highlighted Thailand’s fall to 107th place in the 2024 Corruption Perceptions Index as an indicator of weak law enforcement. Chanakul cited research showing that gambling industries can reduce economic growth by 1 percent while increasing crime rates. She urged policymakers to address these risks by introducing a minimum license fee of 5 billion baht and improving the proposed legislation.

Thanakorn Komkrit, secretary-general of the Stop Gambling Foundation, criticized the bill for its lack of clear regulations on credit provision to gamblers, the absence of a regulatory body to manage societal impacts, and insufficient public participation. He called for stronger legal measures and updates to the 90-year-old Gambling Act. 

He also urged steps to ensure the policy does not inadvertently create a zone that benefits special interest groups through regulatory loopholes.

Earlier this month, the Thai government confirmed that its Cabinet delayed the final deliberation of the controversial casino bill, emphasizing the need for a thorough review and public consultation.

Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra assured that all concerns would be addressed before any decision is made.

Macau satellite casino shutdowns could trigger property value collapse: Savills

Viviana Chan
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Macau satellite casino shutdowns could trigger property value collapse: Savills

The eventual shutdown of Macau’s satellite casinos could lead to a significant decline in property values, with valuations potentially dropping by more than 60 percent in severe cases.

This could also affect the debt and credit positions of the investors involved, according to Franco Liu, managing director of Savills Macau.

The real estate services provider’s projections, based on a worst-case scenario involving the closure of a satellite casino’s operations and its subsequent impact on commercial activity in the surrounding area, were shared with the local media outlet Macau Daily News.

Macau’s 11 satellite casinos operate under the 10-year gaming concessions implemented in January 2023. Nine of these are licensed under SJM Holdings, with one each under Galaxy Entertainment Group and Melco Resorts.

Starting in 2026, under Macau’s revised gaming rules, third-party satellite casino investors will only be able to earn a “management fee” through a “management company” and will no longer share in gaming revenue. This practice is allowed during the current grace period, which ends this year.

The lack of publicly declared detailed solutions for sustaining satellite casino operations beyond the grace period presents potential challenges for banks and property surveyors in assessing the post-grace period value of associated real estate, Liu noted.

He explained that in the past, satellite casino investors’ involvement in gaming operations had positively influenced their ability to secure loans. Without the backing of a casino business, some investors may face situations where their bank loans exceed the updated valuation of the associated property, putting their financial leverage at risk.

Savills Macau estimates that total loans tied to Macau’s satellite casinos and nearby commercial properties reliant on their foot traffic range between HK$25 billion ($3.2 billion) and HK$39 billion ($5 billion).

Additionally, Savills Macau estimates that approximately 13,500 employees currently work in gaming, hotel services, and surrounding businesses linked to these 11 satellite casinos.

As reported by AGB, U Io Hung, president of the Macau Professional Association of Gaming Promoters, stated that not all 11 satellite casinos are expected to remain operational after the transition period, which is set to conclude at the end of this year.

U explained that satellite casinos with strong profitability, such as Landmark and Fortuna, have a better chance of remaining in the market. In contrast, casinos with weaker financial performance may face closure, as gaming concessionaires might choose to reclaim the gaming tables and relocate them to their own properties.

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