The Macau Judiciary Police recently uncovered an illegal gambling operation involving mobile phones used to secretly live-stream VIP room gambling sessions.
The operation is believed to be linked to a mainland criminal syndicate, with group members recruiting mainland participants for “under-the-table gambling” activities through WeChat groups.
Investigations revealed that since August of last year, the syndicate had carried out at least 11 operations, with table bets totaling approximately HK$790,000 ($101,472). However, under-the-table bets were significantly higher, reaching around HK$5.36 million ($688,500), indicating the large scale and organization of the operation.
On February 5th, authorities raided a VIP room in Cotai and arrested three mainland men aged between 29 and 35. One of the men was identified as a key member of the group. Police believe more than 10 individuals are still at large.
During the operation, authorities seized several mobile phones and miniature earpieces used for live-streaming the gambling sessions, along with HK$344,000 ($44,185) in chips and HK$600,000 ($77,067) in cash. The arrested men refused to cooperate with the investigation, which has further complicated the case.
The Judiciary Police explained that the syndicate used advanced technology to live-stream the gambling activities, allowing mainland gamblers to participate in real time. This not only enabled the group to evade regulatory oversight but also facilitated substantial profits.
The security authorities noted that these illegal activities represent a serious threat to the integrity of Macau’s gaming industry and could be linked to money laundering and other criminal activities.
Currently, the case has been forwarded to the Public Prosecutions Office for further action. The Judiciary Police will continue to investigate other individuals involved and trace the flow of illicit funds in an effort to dismantle the entire criminal network.
Kangwon Land, the operator of South Korea’s only casino open to local patrons, has announced that it will commence a pilot operation of a ‘Foreigner Exclusive Game Zone’.
According to Maeil Business Newspaper, Kangwon Land’s interim CEO Choi Chul-kyu says that the zone is to allow foreign tourists more convenient access to the casino.
Courtesy of MBN
“We will continue to expand the number of foreign visitors this year to enhance our status as a global complex resort and contribute to revitalizing the national tourism industry,” stated the executive.
The new pilot operation comes after permission to change casino business restrictions in September of 2024.
This includes a $128 million investment to construct a ‘second casino business site’, expanding its casino size to 20,260 square meters and increasing table numbers to 250, with machine units rising to 1,610.
In the pilot foreigner-only segment the betting limit will rise from KRW100,000 ($70) to KRW20 million ($13,800), eventually increasing to KRW300 million ($207,000) when fully operational.
The company says that it welcomed nearly 24,300 foreign casino visitors last year, up by 5.8 percent yearly.
Entain Australia is reportedly disbanding its Ladbrokes Racing Club (LRC) program, citing rising operational costs.
The LRC was launched by Entain in 2023, offering members an ownership-like experience.
Entain Australia CEO Dean Shannon was quoted by media as saying that “The increasing product fees and taxes in Australia, along with the rising cost of racing, has forced tough decisions to be made regarding these extra initiatives”.
Dean Shannon, Entain Australia and New Zealand CEO
LRC was responsible for racing thoroughbreds, standardbreds and greyhounds.
Despite the announced program closure, Shannon reiterated that Entain would continue with new racing initiatives in 2025.
However, LRC representatives will be conducting a transition their racing stock, with some horses to be transferred to New Zealand, while others will be sold via Inglis Digital.
Shannon indicated that, despite the LRC winding down in Australia, its New Zealand operations would not be affected.
“The TAB Racing Club in New Zealand will remain unaffected and continue to be active on the track,” stated the executive.
The closure of the LRC program comes during a difficult time for gaming operators in Australia. Entain Australia itself faces an investigation by the country’s financial watchdog AUSTRAC into possible violations of anti-money laundering laws.
The investigation, announced in AUSTRAC in December of last year, alleges “that Entain did not develop and maintain a compliant anti-money laundering program and failed to identify and assess the risks it faced. We are alleging this left the company at serious risk of criminal exploitation,” stated AUSTRAC’s CEO Brendan Thomas at the time.
The Philippine gaming regulator (PAGCOR) has officially broken ground on its new PHP2.45 billion ($41.74 million) corporate office building in Pasay City.
As previously indicated by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), the financing and construction of the center will be done by the San Miguel Corporation. (SMC).
In December, PAGCOR indicated that it had signed a 25-year lease with SMC for the 15-hectare Bagong Nayong Pilipino property in Pasay City.
PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro H. Tengco (left) and SMC Chairman Ramon S. Ang present the artist’s perspective of the new PAGCOR corporate office that will be constructed on a two-hectare area at the Nayong Pilipino Complex in Pasay City.
As part of the deal, SMC allocated two hectares for PAGCOR’s new corporate office building.
In a Thursday press release detailing the groundbreaking, PAGCOR’s Chairman and CEO Alejandro H. Tengco noted that the watchdog has been renting spaces for over four decades, spreading its workforce across multiple locations.
“The Nayong Pilipino complex, once known for its rich attractions, culture and history, had long lain dormant. Today, it is set to be transformed into a vibrant symbol of progress and opportunity for PAGCOR,” stated Tengco.
Upon completion, the center will have a floor area of 40,000 square meters, with an additional 15,000 square meters for ‘comprehensive fit-out’.
“Since PAGCOR will not occupy all 40,000 square meters, we plan to lease some of the commercial spaces to generate rental income,” indicated Tengco, reiterating a previous pledge to gain rental income from the new space. “These rental earnings should be enough to cover the building’s maintenance costs”.
Also present at the ground breaking ceremony was SMC Chairman Ramon Ang, who assured that the project cements its partnership with the gaming regulator.
“While SMC will construct the Corporate Center, we will also use PAGCOR’s Nayong Pilipino property to build infrastructure that will complement airport requirements,” stated Ang.
SMC is set to pay monthly rental fees for the remaining 13 hectares it occupies on the Nayong Pilipino property – for aviation-related projects.
SMC and the Incheon International Airport Corporation are part of consortium that officially took over management and operation of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) last year, committing to spending PHP170 billion ($2.9 billion) to improve the facility and increase passenger traffic to 62 million annually from the current 43 million.
January’s Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR) in Macau failed to impress, ringing it at just $2.27 billion despite the bump from part of Chinese New Year. The lukewarm results have analysts questioning exactly how much Macau’s gaming industry can grow throughout the rest of the year. Lower visitation is translating to lower gaming spend and decreased hotel room rates – pushing down both gaming and non-gaming income.
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 National Football League (NFL) is heading to Australia. According to a company release, the NFL has announced a multiyear commitment for regular season games to take place in Melbourne, starting in 2026.
The move is part of a larger expansion to more international games, with the first Australian match to be played at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, with the Los Angeles Rams as the designated team.
Speaking of the move, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell noted that “we look forward to making history in what is an important market for the NFL and a significant next step in expanding our international footprint”.
Victoria Premier Jacinta Allan indicated that “We’re thrilled the NFL will be touching down in the sporting capital of Australia. Victoria is now the first-ever state in Australia to host a regular season NFL game”.
Meanwhile, Los Angeles Rams Owner and Chairman E. Stanely Kroenke stated that “This is the next important step for both the Rams and the broader Kroenke Sports & Entertainment family to continue to expand our reach globally, and we are thrilled to work with Commissioner Goodell and the league office to make history and bring the first NFL regular season game to Australia.”
According to the NFL, Australia currently boasts a growing fan base of 6.6 million across the country, while the Rams and the Philadelphia Eagles hold marketing rights in the country as part of the NFL’s Global Markets Program.
Global betting company 1xBet has proved its status as one of the flagships of the iGaming by winning the International Gaming Awards in the Mobile Sports Product of the Year nomination.
One of the industry’s most important honors was awarded after a distinguished jury of leading industry experts voted. The awards ceremony was held on January 19 at the Intercontinental Hotel in Barcelona, Spain.
“We are delighted to start the year with this prestigious award. Recognizing by the professional community confirms that we significantly contribute to the industry and create solutions that meet the highest standards. Sports betting becomes more popular every day, and 1xBet’s goal is to improve its product to provide customers with the opportunity to stay in the game with maximum comfort at any time and anywhere in the world”, said a representative of 1xBet.
The victory in the International Gaming Awards was another remarkable international achievement of 1xBet over the last year. Previously, the brand was awarded the Best Affiliate Program of the Year in the SiGMA Asia Awards, the title of Best Sportsbook Operator of the Year in the SiGMA Africa Awards 2024, and was recognized as theBest Esport Operator 2024 in Latin America in the SiGMA Americas Awards 2024.
TCSJOHNHUXLEY, a global leader in live gaming products and solutions, was delighted with the successful outcome of its participation at the recent ICE Gaming Expo, held from January 20-22 at the Fira Gran Via in Barcelona.
The company showcased a range of innovative products and technologies, captivating the attention of industry professionals and reaffirming its position as a leading force in the live gaming sector.
Supernova Progressive Jackpot
A key highlight of the event was the launch of the Supernova Progressive Jackpot System on the new Qorex 2 Electronic Gaming Terminals. This groundbreaking feature marks a significant advancement in the gaming industry, offering players the chance to win life-changing jackpots across both live and electronic tables. Qorex 2 itself, featuring enhanced multi-game functionality, customisable side bets, and a strong focus on player experience, proved a major draw, showcasing TCSJOHNHUXLEY’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge electronic gaming solutions.
Further enhancing the digital gaming experience, Roulette Xtra was introduced to the Qorex 2 platform, bringing the thrill of this popular live table game to the digital realm for the first time.
Demonstrating its commitment to innovation across its entire product portfolio, TCSJOHNHUXLEY unveiled Velocity, its latest automated Roulette wheel. Inspired by the success of its predecessor, Velocity sets a new industry standard for speed, enabling casinos to offer more games per hour, maximising table turnover and revenue. Powered by powerful brushless motors, it ensures continuous, reliable operation without the need for noisy air compressors. First showcased at G2E Las Vegas 2024, the Velocity Auto Wheel incorporates the user-friendly Wheelmate console, empowering casinos with effortless maintenance and peak performance.
VelocityChipper Champ 3
TCSJOHNHUXLEY also showcased the next generation in chip handling technology with the introduction of Chipper Champ 3. Featuring an updated aesthetic and a space-saving design, the Chipper Champ 3 boasts a groundbreaking innovation with the ability to sort clay chips, a feature unmatched by any other chipper on the market. This revolutionary capability will significantly enhance efficiency and streamline casino operations. Intelligent chip recognition, intuitive software, and real-time performance data translate to faster processing, reduced errors, and enhanced productivity. The Chipper Champ 3 generated significant interest from attendees, demonstrating the strong demand for innovative solutions that enhance operational efficiency and player experience.
The new Blackjack Display captivated players with its real-time data and insights.Seamlessly integrated with TCSJOHNHUXLEY’s acclaimed Ora Luxe Winning Number Display, this innovative solution utilises advanced camera technology for automatic card recognition, eliminating the need for manual entry. By showcasing key game information, including dealer hand history, live dealer odds, and historical stats, this new dynamic Blackjack Display empowers both novice and experienced players to make more informed decisions and enhance their gameplay.
Blackjack Display
Furthermore, TCSJOHNHUXLEY showcased its unparalleled craftsmanship with a stunning display of custom Roulette Wheel Turrets, demonstrating the company’s ability to create truly unique and captivating gaming experiences.
“We are incredibly pleased with the response we received at ICE Barcelona,” said Tristan Sjöberg, TCSJOHNHUXLEY Executive Chairman. “The show provided a valuable platform to showcase our latest innovations and engage with industry leaders and the feedback we received on our new innovations was particularly encouraging. TCSJOHNHUXLEY looks forward to continuing to push the boundaries of gaming technology and delivering innovative solutions that enhance the player experience and drive success for our valued partners.”
Light & Wonder has announced the launch of Thundering Tiger™, the fifth installment in the Thundering franchise by specialist slot provider Lightning Box, inviting players into the heart of the jungle with roaring jackpots and immersive features.
Set across a 3×5 reel grid with 243 ways to win, Thundering Tiger™ sees an array of exotic predators fill the reels, with the classic gameplay significantly boosted with the Upgraded Respins feature, a unique perceived persistence mechanic that adds an extra 3×5 reel grid boosting payout potential.
Players can trigger the Respins feature by landing six or more Lightning Bolt symbols, with lightning strikes activating dynamic reel areas that award instant prizes. Each additional Lightning Bolt within the active area resets the counter to three, increasing the thrill as players aim for big wins.
Colossal Lightning Bolts can also appear during these Respins, splitting into individual symbols to further enhance prizes. This feature is linked to the Thundering series’ Progressive Major and Grand Jackpots, offering added opportunities for players to score huge payouts.
Landing three or more Scatter Ruby symbols unlocks the Free Games feature, awarding 8, 15, or 30 spins depending on the number of scatters. During this round, Colossal 2×2 and 3×3 symbols appear, to further increase winnings. Players can also retrigger the Free Games round as they travel through the jungle in search of big wins.
Designed to captivate players, Thundering Tiger™ blends its immersive jungle theme with an exclusive soundtrack and vivid nighttime visuals, appealing to a broad audience of players.
Thundering Tiger™ is a Light & Wonder title available exclusively for online players at Draft Kings in New Jersey, Michigan, and Ontario.
Michael Maokhamphiou, Studio Director at Lightning Box, said:“Thundering Tiger™ delivers a dynamic mix of gripping gameplay and visually stunning mechanics. The combination of Upgraded Respins, retriggerable Free Games, and Progressive Jackpots ensures this title will resonate with players seeking large wins and unforgettable adventures.”
Rob Procter, VP of Game Development at Light & Wonder, added: “Lightning Box has once again delivered an exceptional slot that stands out with its innovative features and captivating design. Thundering Tiger™ is a testament to the team’s creativity and expertise, and we are excited to bring this thrilling jungle journey to players worldwide.”
Games Global’s exclusive partner, Fortune Factory Studios, has launched Gold Blitz™ King Millions™, the latest addition to its popular Gold Blitz™ series, featuring the innovative two-tiered King Millions™ progressive jackpot system.
The King Millions™ network supplements the game’s three existing in-game jackpots and can be triggered randomly on any spin where a symbol carries a diamond icon. In markets where regulation allows, there is also a King Millions™ Bonus Buy for 50x the stake, awarding a spin of the wheel and a shot at instant cash prizes up to 500x, as well as the Major and Grand progressive jackpots.
The familiar Gold Blitz™ mechanic is on show once more, with Blitz icons on reels one and six collecting all cash and jackpot prizes that land simultaneously, boosting base game win potential.
Landing between three and six scatters awards the bonus choice, where players can choose between Gold Blitz™ spins and Free Spins. Gold Blitz™ spins guarantee at least one Blitz collect symbol will land every spin, while Free Spins feature large stacks of high-paying dollar icons, frequent retriggers, and wild multipliers up to 5x.
Games Global’s King Millions™ jackpot system is expected to award top payouts in excess of €30 million, making it the provider’s largest network to date. The global King Millions™ jackpot has already been triggered in 2025, awarding close to €11 million to a player during a period of content exclusivity, highlighting its potential.
The release of Gold Blitz™ King Millions™reaffirms Fortune Factory Studios’ commitment to curating successful game brands, while also showcasing Games Global’s drive to deliver high-engagement products that push industry boundaries.
Alexander Monsma, Team Manager, Game Sales at Games Global, said: “The Gold Blitz™ brand continues to resonate with a global audience, and we strive for each iteration to be bigger and better than the last. By integrating the King Millions™ jackpot network, we have added multi-million payout potential to our biggest brand, bringing Gold Blitz™ to a new segment of players that can win potentially exceptional prizes.”
Andy Booth, Chief Product Officer at Games Global, added: “Gold Blitz™ and King Millions™ are two of the most popular and highest-performing products in Games Global’s content portfolio, with this latest release elevating both brands further. We hope the title will strike a chord with existing fans of the series, while also appealing to new players searching for the exhilaration provided by the King Millions™ jackpot payout potential.”
