Thai Gov’t should use IR bill as opportunity to also advance with online gaming legislation: Experts

Deep Dive

Nelson Moura

-

January 22, 2025

0

Thai Gov’t should use IR bill as opportunity to also advance with online gaming legislation: Experts

As the new integrated resort bill moves on to ultimately be approved by Thailand’s Cabinet, it could be a missed opportunity to also legislate online gaming, experts tell AGB.

The Entertainment Complex Business Act has already been approved in principle by the Cabinet and will soon be forwarded to the House of Representatives for further deliberation. The legislative process is expected to take around six months, after which the rules and final details of the project will be worked out before implementation begins next year.

For gaming expert Daniel Cheng, this approval “is another step forward, but ultimately a non-event” since as it’s a government-sponsored bill “it’s a given that the Cabinet will rubber-stamp it.”

Meanwhile, iGaming consultant Anthony MacKay shared his thoughts on the forthcoming regulations, emphasizing that the most notable aspect of the upcoming legislation is its exclusive focus on land-based gambling, with no mention of online gambling.

Anthony Mackay, Igaming — _{Daniel Cheng}

“This aligns with the Thai government’s broader strategy to attract foreign revenue and boost tourism,” he noted to AGB.

Timeline for Implementation

The proposed bill is currently pending approval from both parliament and the senate. If passed, it will require 90 days to be published in the Royal Gazette, followed by an additional 120 days for formal adoption into law.

Based on this timeline, the licenses for the first land-based casinos could realistically be issued by the fourth quarter of 2025, or more conservatively by the first quarter of 2026, coinciding with Thailand’s peak tourism season.

Despite the exclusion of regulated online gambling, the development signifies a positive step for the Thai gambling market, according to MacKay.

The iGaming expert believes it opens the door for further discussions on gambling regulation, fostering a more open and constructive dialogue around what has traditionally been a taboo subject in the “Land of Smiles.”

The introduction of regulated land-based casinos is seen as a significant step in this direction, with MacKay stating that it aims to create new employment opportunities while enhancing Thailand’s appeal as a global destination.

He highlighted recent government initiatives, such as easing visa requirements and the launch of the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV), as evidence of a commitment to fostering economic growth through tourism.

Thailand’s tourism sector, which saw more than 40 million visitors before the pandemic, is projected to return to between 37 and 38 million arrivals this year. The government hopes the new entertainment complexes will act as magnets for international tourists, further boosting the tourism sector and, by extension, the economy.

Proposed framework and monopoly concerns

The proposed legislation suggests establishing special designated areas for casinos in key tourist destinations like Phuket, Pattaya, Chiang Mai, and Bangkok. Each of these locations is expected to host one casino, with Bangkok set to have two.

MacKay expressed concerns about the implications of this framework, suggesting that “only established and powerful casino-resort operators will likely dominate these five initial licenses, effectively creating a monopoly.”

While MacKay views the move as a positive development for the gambling industry, he expressed disappointment over the government’s approach.

“It’s troubling to see the government treating gambling regulation primarily as a revenue-generating ‘cash cow’ rather than addressing the broader social implications of gambling,” he said. He highlighted that gambling remains a significant social issue in Thailand, with numerous associated problems affecting the population.

According to former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, each entertainment complex will create approximately 20,000 jobs, providing a major boost to the local economy.

Workers employed at these sites will be guaranteed a monthly wage of at least THB20,000 ($580), offering not only employment but also a stable income for many Thais.

Still, by focusing solely on land-based gambling, MacKay believes the government is missing a critical opportunity to lead in establishing a robust regulatory framework for online gambling.

“Thailand could have positioned itself as a regional leader by taking a more comprehensive approach,” he argued, especially in light of challenges faced by other jurisdictions, such as PAGCOR’s rollback on POGOs due to abuses by offshore operators.

IGT secures 10-year deal with Loterie Nationale in Luxembourg

Europe

AGBrief Editorial

-

January 21, 2025

0

IGT secures 10-year deal with Loterie Nationale in Luxembourg

International Game Technology (IGT), a leading player delivering entertaining and responsible gaming experiences worldwide, has announced that its subsidiary, IGT Global Services Limited, signed a 10-year contract with the national lottery of Luxembourg, Loterie Nationale.

Under the terms of the agreement, IGT will deploy its high-performing, player-centric OMNIA™ solution, including its cloud-based iLottery system and remote game server (“RGS”), an upgrade to the Lottery’s central gaming system, and new point-of-sale terminals and peripherals. This contract was awarded following a European public procurement procedure and is expected to run through 2036.

“IGT has been a trusted partner to Loterie Nationale for more than 20 years, supporting retail growth and digital evolution,” said Léon Losch, Loterie Nationale Director. “Upgrading our lottery and iLottery solutions with IGT’s advanced technology can pave the way for our continued sales growth, provide our players with best-in-class experiences and position us to continue our support of good causes.”

“Over the course of IGT’s longstanding partnership with Loterie Nationale, we’ve helped support the growth of its point-of-sale footprint, addition of self-service terminals in retail locations and launch of iLottery in the region,” said Jay Gendron, IGT Chief Operating Officer Global Lottery. “We look forward to continuing that momentum through our future-forward technology portfolio that gives Loterie Nationale access to top-performing IGT games, improved analytics, advanced responsible gaming tools and increased scalability.”

OMNIA is IGT’s integrated lottery solution, bringing together its leading retail and digital lottery solutions, ensuring centralized and consistent data and innovative solutions to modernize the retail playing experience. Developed to drive lottery innovation and profitability, OMNIA will provide Loterie Nationale with a full suite of intuitive, user-friendly applications, tools, and reporting capabilities.

As part of the agreement, IGT will also deliver newly updated Retailer Pro terminals, providing cutting-edge technology for high-volume retailers, along with GameTouch™ and GameTouch™ Draw S2 self-service lottery vending machines.

A natively integrated OMNIA component, IGT’s cloud-based iLottery system offers dynamic scalability, reduced time to market for system enhancements, and comprehensive responsible gaming features. IGT’s RGS platform allows access to IGT’s vast portfolio of digital instant games and content, spanning a variety of player-favorite themes, play styles, omnichannel games, popular licensed content, and award-winning progressive jackpot games.

As the global lottery market leader, IGT is the primary technology provider to 26 of the 46 lotteries in the U.S., eight of the world’s largest 10 lotteries and 16 of the world’s top 25 lotteries.

Bernd Baumert, Director of Games Production and Operations at Greentube, said: “With Fruit King Super Cash™, we’ve taken the charm of classic fruit slots and elevated it with exciting new features and enhanced win potential. This game offers a perfect balance of nostalgia and modern gameplay mechanics, ensuring players will be both entertained and rewarded. We’re excited to see this vibrant addition bring a splash of color to our portfolio and resonate with fans worldwide.”

Carlsen, a five-time World Chess Champion widely regarded as the greatest player in history, shared insights into his role as the face of BETBY’s “Make Your Move” campaign and reflected on the synergies between his strategic prowess and BETBY’s forward-thinking approach to redefining the sports betting experience.

During the press conference, hosted by Pierre Lindh, co-founder and managing director of NEXT.io, Carlsen highlighted the similarities between chess strategy and gambling, speaking as well about his role as a global brand ambassador.

“BETBY is a young and innovative company; it’s exciting and really fun to be part of the journey that the company is on. It’s been a fun process. We first came in contact about a year ago, and from the start, my father and I have been able to learn a lot about BETBY. It has been very interesting to know how sportsbook technology is developed and how you can use AI to build an innovative new experience. Hopefully, I can continue to be part of the journey that the company is on because it’s been a very exciting last couple of months.”

Chris Nikolopoulos, BETBY’s Chief Commercial Officer, also addressed the audience. He reflected on the provider’s achievements in 2024 and outlined expectations for 2025, particularly regarding AI innovation, emphasizing the connection between Carlsen and BETBY.

“Magnus epitomizes mastery in what he does, and we also do that as a brand. We share a lot of the same qualities and values. We want to do something different, and instead of working with a retired player from a mainstream sport, we wanted to showcase that we as a company can break the norm and make something different.”

“Magnus is a World Champion in a super intellectual sport, and there was no better person to help us do that. For us, it was a natural choice, and we are very happy with it. We are looking forward to exploring the full potential of it and for this partnership to continue in the coming years. It’s amazing to have Magnus on board.”

Betting on Brilliance Carlsen and BETBY steal the show at ICE Barcelona (7)

Before the press conference, Carlsen participated in a meet-and-greet session at BETBY’s stand, where attendees had the chance to interact with the chess GOAT and even challenge him to a quick chess match. The event drew large crowds and generated significant buzz on the exhibition floor, solidifying BETBY’s status as a standout sportsbook provider at ICE.

BETBY invites all ICE Barcelona attendees to visit stand 5J18, where the provider is introducing an industry-first AI-based feed and showcasing its innovative sportsbook solution.

For the first time ever, visitors will have the opportunity to marvel at iconic memorabilia from football legends and timeless icons, including Pele, Maradona, Messi, Ronaldo, Figo, and many more. This once-in-a-lifetime experience will showcase treasured items that define the legacy of the world’s greatest footballers.

The Museum area at Digitain Stand will be open to the public from January 20th to 22nd, 2025. Whether you’re a fan or simply curious, this exhibit is must-see.

Laura Valdeolivas, CEO of LEGENDS: “We are thrilled to partner with Digitain for this groundbreaking initiative. Bringing the rich history of football legends to life at ICE Barcelona 2025 aligns with our mission to celebrate the beautiful game and its icons. This collaboration with Digitain represents an innovative way to connect fans and industry professionals with football’s storied past.”

Aregnaz Hakobyan, CMO of Digitain Group: “Digitain has always been at the forefront of innovation, and this exclusive partnership with the Museum of Legends powered by LaLiga exemplifies our vision of creating unique, memorable experiences. Hosting this pop-up museum is not just about showcasing history; it’s about inspiring fans and celebrating the legacy of football legends. We can’t wait to welcome visitors to our stand at ICE Barcelona.”

Don’t miss out on this groundbreaking collaboration and the opportunity to explore the magic of football history.

Partnering with Aprilia Racing brings Pragmatic Play closer to millions of fans worldwide. It also marks the award-winning provider’s second high-profile brand sponsorship in recent months, following an agreement with iconic music festival Tomorrowland Brasil late last year – a first of its kind in the iGaming industry.

As the main sponsor of Aprilia Racing, Pragmatic Play is not only expanding its reach to new audiences across the globe, but it is also poised to provide fans with unique and immersive experiences both on and off the track.

Irina Cornides, Chief Operating Officer at Pragmatic Play, said: “With its rich racing pedigree, relentless drive to succeed, and passion for entertainment, Aprilia Racing is the perfect brand partner for Pragmatic Play. We are delighted to announce this sponsorship and look forward to elevating the experience for fans worldwide”.

Massimo Rivola, CEO of Aprilia Racing, said: “We are particularly pleased to welcome a new partner of the caliber of Pragmatic Play. This partnership represents the union of two companies that share the values of innovation, passion and the pursuit of excellence. The goal is to build a collaboration based on trust, innovation and a shared vision for the medium to long term”.

Earlier last month, Kangwon Land revealed plans to invest KRW179.6 billion ($128 million) in developing a second casino site, as part of a broader $1.9 billion expansion announced in September. The new facility will span 16,161 square meters and be located across multiple floors of the High1 Grand Hotel Main Tower. Construction began in December 2024, with completion expected in December 2027.

The addition of the second casino will triple Kangwon Land’s gaming area, introducing new VIP rooms, with helicopters arranged to transport both Korean and international visitors. A sky bridge will also connect the casino to the nearby High1 Ski and Golf Resort.

In conjunction with this development, Kangwon Land has been granted approval to increase its number of gaming tables from 200 to 250 and gaming machines from 1,560 to 1,860. Betting limits in the dedicated foreigner-only zones will also see a significant increase, rising from KRW300,000 ($205) to KRW300 million ($205,560.).

China’s Supreme Court reasserts heavy hand on cross-border gambling cases

China
Macau

Nelson Moura

-

January 21, 2025

0

China’s Supreme Court reasserts heavy hand on cross-border gambling cases

China’s Supreme People’s Court has again issued a directive urging courts nationwide to impose strict penalties on individuals involved in organizing cross-border gambling operations, particularly targeting violent crimes such as intentional killings linked to these activities.

The court’s emphasis on maintaining high pressure against gambling comes amid growing concerns about overseas casinos enticing Chinese citizens.

In a statement reported by China Daily, the Supreme People’s Court noted that “with economic and internet development, the problem of overseas casinos enticing Chinese citizens to engage in gambling has become increasingly prominent.”

To illustrate its commitment, the court disclosed six relevant cases, calling for intensified efforts from all levels of the judiciary to combat organized gambling crimes abroad.

The court detailed case involved a defendant identified as Wu, the ringleader of a gambling syndicate, who was sentenced to six years in prison for orchestrating illegal gambling activities in Macau, in an operation said to have had generated profits exceeding RMB300 million ($41.22 million) from domestic residents over an extended period.

Other members of the group received prison sentences ranging from 30 to 36 months. The court remarked that Wu deserved severe punishment due to the significant capital outflow his operations caused.

The Supreme Court also highlighted instances where criminals disguised gambling activities as tourism, urging the public to enhance their legal awareness regarding the serious implications of such offenses.

“Gambling not only results in financial losses and broken families, but also fosters other forms of violent crimes,” the court stated, citing a case from the Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region.

In July last year, the country’s top court had issued a similar directive to courts across the country to continue imposing harsh penalties on people involved in cross-border gambling crimes, with a focus on organizers, ringleaders and repeat offenders.

At the time the court highlighted the growing issue of overseas casinos and online gambling groups targeting Chinese citizens, saying that such activities lead to significant outflows of domestic funds and give rise to various other offenses, including kidnapping, illegal detention, fraud, extortion and money laundering.

Recently, China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi called on Southeast Asian nations to take decisive measures against online gambling and telecom fraud.

This initiative highlights Beijing’s growing urgency to address the rising threats posed by telecom fraud and human trafficking in Southeast Asia, as it seeks to bolster coordination with the 10-nation ASEAN grouping, which includes Myanmar and Thailand, to combat cross-border crime effectively.

Macau satellite casinos call for guidance as transition period nears end

Macau

Viviana Chan

-

January 21, 2025

0

Macau satellite casinos call for guidance as transition period nears end

Macau’s satellite casino operators have expressed confusion over the lack of guidance from both the government and gaming concessionaires regarding the management fees for satellite casinos.

They have called for the government to take the lead in coordinating efforts to balance the interests of gaming operators and satellite casinos, ensuring profitability for the satellite venues, and stabilizing the business environment in the NAPE area of the Macau Peninsula, which is believed to be most affected by local economic headwinds.

The statement was reported by the local media outlet Macao Daily, but the report did not identify the names of the satellite casinos expressing this opinion.

Under the new Gaming Law, satellite casinos were granted a three-year transition period, running from January 1, 2023, to December 31, 2025, during which they can continue operating under the previous system. However, after this period ends, satellite casino operators will only be able to manage the casinos through a management company, with gaming operators paying a management fee. Satellite casinos will no longer be able to receive commissions or a share of the profits.

As the end of the transition period approaches, concerns about the future of satellite casinos have grown. Industry representatives have noted that neither the previous nor the current government has provided clear explanations regarding the definition, scope, or guidelines for the management fee.

Gaming operators have not engaged with satellite casinos to discuss or set standards for the management fee. This lack of communication has left operators uncertain about their future.

Kampek Casino-Macau, Paradise Entertainment

One such affected operator is Paradise Entertainment, which in a November update by co-chairman and managing director Jay Chun expressed hope that talks would begin “soon”. Paradise Entertainment runs Casino Kam Pek on the Macau Peninsula under the gaming license of SJM Holdings.

In the Macao Daily report, satellite casino operators argue that gaming facilities attached to hotels are part of the integrated tourism sector outlined in the “1+4” model, designed to attract visitors and support the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the surrounding area.

Currently, there are 11 satellite casinos, most of which are concentrated in the NAPE area of the Macau Peninsula. If these casinos become unprofitable and shut down, it will severely affect the area’s ability to attract and retain customers. The absence of business would lead to a lack of economic activity, impacting both the casino operators and the surrounding enterprises.

Rio-Casino, satellite casinos, Macau, gaming law

Business can continue after 2025

Satellite casinos are allowed to continue operations after 2025, provided they are managed by casino operators, as stipulated in the 2022 amendment to Macau’s gaming law.

The amendment clearly defines what is permissible and prohibited for satellite casinos once the three-year transition period ends on December 31st, 2025. Notably, it exempts satellite casinos from Section 2 of Article 5, which requires casinos to be located within properties owned by concessionaires.

As a result, analysts from CLSA noted in an investment memo earlier this year that the acquisition of satellite casino premises by concessionaires to sustain operations beyond 2025 is unlikely. Additionally, should satellite casinos cease operations, Section 5 of the amendment stipulates that they will not be allowed to resume casino operations.

In the same memo, CLSA highlighted that while the locations and number of satellite casinos will be closely examined, ‘only the remuneration mechanism for casino managers will change after December 31st, 2025.’ This change is expected to adjust how casino managers are compensated, affecting the operational structure of satellite casinos but without altering their overall role within the industry.

The specifics of how the ‘management fee’ for casino managers will be determined after 2025 remain uncertain. However, CLSA suggests that a performance-based fee structure is likely to be implemented, with certain escalators potentially linked to inflation, providing a feasible solution for both concessionaires and managers.

Under the coordination of the Ministry of Public Security in Mainland China, the PJ launched several targeted operations against money laundering syndicates linked to illegal gambling. These efforts resulted in the arrest of 120 individuals and the seizure of over MOP11 million ($1.4 million) in cash and gaming chips.

Telecom scams

In the same meeting, the PJ reported that telecommunications and online fraud remain major concerns in Macau. In 2024, the PJ recorded 354 cases of telephone fraud, a 13 percent decline from the previous year. However, online fraud cases increased by 4 percent.

Despite the rise in online scams, the PJ emphasized that the growth rate has slowed significantly. The increase in 2024 was much smaller compared to the previous year, where the growth rate was 42.8 percent.

Authorities believe that the heightened public awareness, driven by years of anti-fraud campaigns, has played a role in mitigating the growth of such crimes.

In addition, phishing messages and fraudulent websites designed to steal credit card information have seen a significant increase in Macau. In 2024, 689 cases were reported, marking a 1.1-fold increase from the previous year. These scams caused over MOP14 million ($1.8 million) in losses to both businesses and individuals, making them the largest-growing category of online crime in the region.