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Daily Asia Gaming eBrief: Underground casinos in Taiwan run by spies

AGBrief Editorial
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Daily Asia Gaming eBrief: Underground casinos in Taiwan run by spies
Good morning. Reality can be stranger than fiction, as revealed by a new report that claims Chinese espionage agents are running underground casinos in Taiwan. Apparently, the purpose of the play is to try to convince Taiwanese service members to defect to the mainland, luring them with vice to obtain sensitive information. Meanwhile, in Macau, gross gaming revenue during the fourth quarter of last year hit a 20-quarter high, with mass outpacing even 2019 figures. The figure creates positive expectations for this year, as CNY looms ever closer.

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Chinese spies running underground casinos in Taiwan: Report

You can’t make this stuff up. A new report highlights just how strange the world of gambling can be, with claims that Chinese spies are running underground casinos in Taiwan. The goal is apparently to obtain sensitive information or lure service members to defect to the mainland, bringing their state secrets with them. 

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1xBet’s 2024 Milestones: key achievements & heights of success

1xBet 2024 Milestones Key achievements and new heights of success

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.

Altenar brings premium sportsbook solution to Asia

Altenar brings premium sportsbook solution to Asia

Altenar, a leading sportsbook provider is bringing its global expertise to Asia, looking to expand its operations. Since 2011, Altenar has powered hundreds of online sports betting sites worldwide and is a major B2B provider in Europe and Latin America licensed markets.

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BetConstruct & Fast Track introduce AI-Powered CRM solutions to the Latin American market

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BetConstruct & Fast Track introduce AI-Powered CRM solutions to the Latin American market

Following a fruitful partnership initiated in 2024, BetConstruct and Fast Track are broadening their collaboration to deliver a comprehensive player engagement and CRM solution specifically designed for the Latin American iGaming sector.

With key partners like Suprema Gaming and VBET already leveraging the synergy of the BetConstruct and Fast Track platforms, this partnership demonstrates a commitment to help operators in Latin America increase their market share during this critical period of regulation which will see the region grow exponentially over the next couple of years.

By combining BetConstruct’s comprehensive gaming offerings across casino, sports, and lottery with Fast Track’s advanced CRM platform, local operators can now deliver 1:1 personalised experiences at scale. The partnership leverages AI technology and real-time data to improve player retention and drive meaningful interactions, all while navigating the region’s evolving regulatory landscape.

Simon Lidzén, CEO, Fast Track
Simon Lidzén, CEO, Fast Track

Simon Lidzén, CEO and Co-Founder of Fast Track, highlighted the significance of the partnership: “Latin America, especially Brazil, represents an exciting growth opportunity for iGaming operators. It is a pleasure to collaborate with BetConstruct to bring the best technology available to operators in the region, helping them deliver exceptional experiences to their players.”

“By leveraging BetConstruct’s world-class product suite alongside our CRM capabilities, we are enabling partners to create deeply personalised player experiences that foster loyalty and long-term success.”

Gegham Yegoryan, Chief Product Officer at BetConstruct
Gegham Yegoryan, Chief Product Officer at BetConstruct

Gegham Yegoryan, Chief Product Officer at BetConstruct, said: “This partnership allows operators in Latin America to deliver targeted engagement strategies tailored to local players. With iGaming interest continuing to grow in the region, we are excited to support operators in achieving their goals with innovative tools and solutions.”

BetConstruct provides a comprehensive range of gaming solutions, including casino, sportsbook, virtual games, and live dealer options, designed to support operators in meeting the needs of players worldwide. Its technology is adaptable to different markets and regulatory environments. With a focus on delivering reliable and flexible solutions, BetConstruct helps businesses achieve their goals in the competitive iGaming industry.

Fast Track’s solutions include the innovative Singularity Model, the first technology in the iGaming industry to deliver fully automated, real-time, 1:1 player experiences. Introduced in 2021, this model uses real-time data and advanced AI to build comprehensive player profiles. By tailoring content, timing, and communication channels to individual players, the Singularity Model enables operators to deliver relevant and timely engagements.

BetConstruct

In addition, Fast Track’s Data Studio provides operators with advanced analytics tools, enabling lightning-fast queries and customisable dashboards for data-driven decision-making.

Foreigners captured in POGO raid in Cavite to be deported

Kelsey Wilhelm
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Foreigners captured in POGO raid in Cavite to be deported

The Philippines’ Bureau of Immigration says that 29 foreigners caught during a raid on an illegal online gaming facility in Cavite are going to be deported.

The individuals were arrested during a Wednesday raid on a private resort in Silang town.

The group encompasses 23 Chinese and six Myanmar nationals.

According to BI Commissioner Joel Viado, “the aliens will be charged with immigration violation cases before the BI board of commissioners which will issue the orders for their deportation and their inclusion in our blacklist, effectively banning them from re-entering the country”.

PAOCC, Philippines

The custody of the foreigners resides with the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC), but Viado indicated that the 29 foreigners will be under the legal custody of the immigration bureau during the deportation proceedings.

Authorities are now pondering filing a case against the renters of the resort for harboring illegal aliens.

“If during our investigation, we discover that they have knowingly harbored these illegal workers, then they will face cases for violation of the Philippine immigration law,”.

Those convicted of harboring illegal aliens can face up to 10 years in jail.

In an interesting twist, authorities say they found the illegal workers during an operation aimed at capturing a Chinese fugitive who was suspected to be hiding in the resort. However, authorities say the fugitive was not present when the raid took place.

China pushes ASEAN nations to better combat online gambling and telecom fraud

Kelsey Wilhelm
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China pushes ASEAN nations to better combat online gambling and telecom fraud

China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) are planning to work together to combat online gambling and telecom fraud.

According to state-run publication China Daily, Foreign Minister Wang Yi made the statement during a meeting with 10 ambassadors from ASEAN countries in Beijing on Thursday.

The official highlighted cases of online gambling and telecom fraud on the Myanmar-Thailand border which placed citizens of China and other nations at risk.

The official was possibly referencing the recent case of Chinese actor Wang Xing – who was kidnapped at a scam center in Myanmar.

China’s Foreign Minister called on ASEAN nations to take responsibility and implement measures to ensure safety of individuals and property, while pushing for criminal activity to be punished.

The official pushed for increased bilateral and multilateral law enforcement and cooperation on security to maintain regional order.

Chinese espionage operatives running “underground casinos” in Taiwan: Report

Nelson Moura
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Chinese espionage operatives running “underground casinos” in Taiwan: Report

Chinese espionage operatives are allegedly running “underground banks and casinos” in Taiwan as part of efforts to gather military intelligence and coerce active military service members to defect, a recent report by Taiwan’s security intelligence states.

Taiwan’s security bureau has released a comprehensive report titled “Analysis on the Infiltration Tactics Concerning China’s Espionage Cases,” highlighting the increasing sophistication and variety of tactics employed by China to infiltrate Taiwan’s sectors and recruit local nationals.

The report claims to inform the public about the channels and methods of Chinese espionage and the Taiwanese government’s efforts to counteract these threats.

Recent data reveal a significant uptick in prosecutions related to Chinese espionage, with 48 individuals prosecuted in 2023 and 64 in 2024, a stark contrast to just three cases in 2021 and five in 2022.

The report indicates that active and retired service members are primary targets, with 15 retired and 28 active service members prosecuted in 2024, accounting for 23 percent and 43 percent of total cases, respectively.

The analysis identifies five primary infiltration channels utilized by Chinese operatives, including gang groups, underground banks, front companies, religious organizations, and civilian associations.

Reported Chinese tactics involve leveraging retired service members to recruit active personnel, establishing online networks, offering financial incentives, and coercing individuals by exploiting their debts.

The report outlines how retired service members have established shell companies, underground banks, and casinos to entice active service members into providing sensitive intelligence.

Aside from state-run lotteries, gambling in Taiwan is prohibited by the Criminal Code of the Republic of China.

In some instances, these operatives have coerced individuals into filming defections to China while in military uniform, further blurring the lines between loyalty and betrayal.

Beijing flag, Chinese espionage operatives running "underground casinos" in Taiwan

These methods aim to penetrate Taiwan’s military units, government agencies, and pro-China organizations to access sensitive national defense information and influence local democratic processes.

Chinese operatives have reportedly collaborated with gang groups to form internal co-optation teams for potential military aggression against Taiwan.

Additionally, gangsters have allegedly been used to recruit retired service members to organize “sniper teams” for planned attacks against Taiwan’s military and foreign embassies.

During election cycles, Chinese operatives have reportedly organized trips for Taiwanese village leaders to mainland China, using local associations to create a United Front Work Committee aimed at influencing electoral outcomes.

Furthermore, with the rise of social media, China has exploited platforms like Facebook, LINE, and LinkedIn to offer financial assistance to military personnel in need, often in exchange for sensitive information or recruitment of fellow service members.

In response to these infiltration tactics, Taiwan’s national security agencies, military counterintelligence units, and judicial departments have implemented a collaborative framework to enhance detection and prosecution of alleged espionage activities.

This has resulted in increased indictment and conviction rates for espionage cases, including the dismantling of a significant espionage network involving 23 individuals in 2024, leading to a 20-year prison sentence for key operatives.

China’s Ministry of State Security, which oversees intelligence and counterintelligence both within China and overseas, has also previously accused Taiwan of conducting spying activities.

Last August, the ministry said it had uncovered over a thousand Taiwanese espionage cases in recent years and dismantled a number of espionage networks, and launched a high-profile campaign against what it says is a surge in espionage activities by foreign nationals.

Slotegrator offers expert advice for Operators preparing for 2025

AGBrief Editorial
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Slotegrator offers expert advice for Operators preparing for 2025

Slotegrator, a B2B gambling solutions provider with over 12 years of market experience, conducted an in-depth analysis to discuss the opportunities and challenges of 2025, gathering valuable tips for operators.

Every year is different in such a rapidly developing industry. Gambling is sensitive to the newest technologies, latest trends, and volatile regulatory environment. It is also drastically affected by the changes in the audience preferences and demography. Such continuous development is beautiful but it’s also difficult to keep up with.

The first thing that Slotegrator recommends is to keep updated about all regulatory changes in the world. Your target market of operation is the most important topic to follow, however being aware of general legal trends in iGaming is no less important — newly emerging markets are a unique opportunity to establish a growing business, and such tendencies as focus on responsible gaming should trigger response from operators.

We can see that more and more countries legalize gambling, and those that have it legal for years update their regulations — Belgium introduced a new gambling age, it’s 21 years old now, South Africa is planning to regulate online gambling, Vietnam has extended its pilot program on legalizing, Brazilian regulated market will finally open, and the UAE issued its first gambling license.

Slotegrator always recommends getting a business licensed and helps with the gambling license acquisition. The team also recommends performing proper research to know the most promising locations of the world.

Another important aspect is technology. In 2025, the iGaming sector will keep using blockchain technology in all possible ways from accepting crypto payments to in-game NTF rewards. While this is clear, Artificial Intelligence is a relatively new trend.

The next recommendation from Slotegrator is to pay attention to the newest innovations and implement them as soon as possible.

“We already talked a lot about new types of games and in-game mechanics, such as crash games that will become very popular in 2023-2024 and will be in demand in 2025 as well. When there is a new feature out players know about it from streamers, forums and other communication channels. And they want to try it when their fellows say they did.

So the sooner you integrate something new and cool the better it is for your marketing. Don’t wait for your competitors to do it first. Another point is that if you don’t hesitate you’ll start making revenue sooner, and since we don’t know whether this or that trends will be there for long, it’s better to make the most of it immediately.

This is why we implemented AI in our BI module of the online casino platform. One of the most obvious ways to use it is analytics.

If you’d like to know more about these trends, download our material where we described what to expect from 2025 in detail. It’s very useful now in January.”

Svetlana Kirichenko, Head of Marketing at Slotegrator
Svetlana Kirichenko, Slotegrator

Another tip from Slotegrator is to keep an eye on changing demographics and preferences. Besides high quality games and technologies today’s players are looking for experience.

2025 will be about socializing and personalization. There is a general shift from online experience to human interaction, and iGaming is no exception here — even though players are still enjoying the convenience of being at home (in transport, at work, on a lunch break, etc.) they want to communicate and feel human presence.

This is reflected in two major points:

  • Online casinos add elements of social interaction (including group chats, tournaments, live dealers);
  • Online casinos make players’ experience personalized on every step (including support, bonuses, notifications, game choice).

Giving them this feeling will help you boost your retention rate.

To recap everything above, and to prepare for 2025 Slotegrator recommends:

  • Adding games of high demand on your online casino platform;
  • Making sure you follow the technological progress and implement technologies;
  • Follow gambling regulations to know what markets are on top today;
  • Follow gambling advertising regulations to make compliant marketing strategies;
  • Add more social elements to your platform;
  • Think what steps of user experience can be personalized;
  • Download our material on the latest trends to know exactly what your casino needs in 2025.

SJM presents ‘The Legend of Macau Experience Tour’ for Southeast Asian tourists

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SJM presents ‘The Legend of Macau Experience Tour’ for Southeast Asian tourists

SJM Resorts, S.A. (“SJM”) hosted “The Legend of Macau Experience Tour” last month, in another initiative to support the Macao SAR Government’s efforts to diversify its international tourism market.

This 3-day familiarisation tour welcomed approximately 40 tourism industry representatives from Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia. Participants experienced a blend of tradition and innovative facilities at SJM’s flagship property, the Grand Lisboa Palace Resort Macau and explored iconic landmarks within Macau peninsula.

Grand Lisboa Palace Resort Macau
Grand Lisboa Palace Resort Macau

This curated itinerary showcased Macau’s unique fusion of Eastern and Western cultures, highlighting its vibrant “Tourism+” elements and polishing Macau’s “golden business card” as an international metropolis. SJM hopes to strengthen industry partnerships, explore future collaborations and attract more international visitors to Macau by providing first-hand exposure to exceptional offerings and services. 

Ms. Daisy Ho, Managing Director of SJM, stated: “In recent years, the growing number of visitors from Southeast Asia has highlighted the immense potential of this market as a key driver for Macau’s tourism development. This familiarisation tour provided SJM with a valuable platform to showcase Macau’s diverse and dynamic ‘Tourism+’ offerings.”

“Through direct engagement and meaningful exchanges with industry professionals, we gained insights into the specific needs of their local markets. These insights will help us craft more unique travel experiences, attracting more visitors to Macau and inviting them to explore the captivating charm of the ‘World Centre of Tourism and Leisure.’”

SJM orchestrated a captivating and diverse experiential tour for representatives from prominent travel agencies, tour operators, airlines, and MICE planning firms. Through enjoying exquisite Chinese cuisine at the two-MICHELIN-starred “The Eight,” Portuguese delicacies at the contemporary “Mesa by José Avillez,” global cuisine at “The Grand Buffet” and more, delegates were impressed with Macau’s extraordinary charm as a “Creative City of Gastronomy.”

SJM Presents 'The Legend of Macau Experience Tour' for Southeast Asian tourists
Mesa by José Avillez

Beyond gastronomy, the representatives experienced Macau’s diverse tourism elements like sports, advanced technology, art and creativity, and Chinese culture through SJM’s innovative themed amusements, including the Martial Arts Arena, AI Wonderland, GLP Arte, the festive Snoopy Winter Holidays, the immersive “SJM presents: Macau Art City · Naked Ocean,” and FORTUNE REALMS: Pop-Up Museum of Chinese Culture & Arts (Macau Station). 

SJM Resorts Presents 'The Legend of Macau Experience Tour' for Southeast Asian tourists
SJM Presents 'The Legend of Macau Experience Tour' for Southeast Asian tourists

Delegates also embarked on a captivating journey through San Ma Lo district, where the fusion of Eastern and Western architecture vividly illustrated Macau’s unique history and heritage. They purchased distinctive souvenirs at cultural and creative shops and indulged in delicious local fare, immersing themselves in the vibrant atmosphere. 

Iconic landmarks, including the Grand Lisboa, Hotel Lisboa, Ponte 16, and Kam Pek Market, offered further glimpses into Macau’s prosperity and stunning urban landscape. Delegates expressed that this trip offered valuable insights into Macau’s culture and tourism strengths, inspiring them to share Macau’s stories and effectively promote the city to more visitors.

Southeast Asia has long been a key pillar of international visitor markets for both Macau and SJM, with Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand among the top source markets to SJM’s hotel portfolio. Recognizing the region’s strategic importance, SJM has actively engaged with industry stakeholders in 2024 through initiatives such as Macao Government Tourism Office’s (“MGTO”) Experience Macau roadshows and SJM’s own Legend of Macau campaigns.

Looking ahead, SJM will continue to work closely with the Macau Government and industry partners to expand international visitor markets. Aligned with the “1+4” strategy for moderately diversified development and the “Tourism+” integrated development initiatives, SJM remains committed to driving innovative exchanges and promotional activities to unlock broader market opportunities and sustain the long-term prosperity of Macau’s tourism industry. 

IGT secures Top MSCI ESG rating of AAA for second consecutive year

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IGT secures Top MSCI ESG rating of AAA for second consecutive year

International Game Technology PLC (“IGT“), a global leader in gaming delivering entertaining and responsible gaming experiences for players across all channels, has announced that it maintained the highest MSCI ESG rating of AAA for the second consecutive year.

This rating demonstrates IGT’s continued sustainability leadership in managing ESG-related risks and opportunities. IGT scored particularly well in the categories of governance, product safety and quality, carbon emissions and labor management.

“IGT achieving the MSCI AAA ESG rating for a second year in a row validates our ongoing sustainability efforts and reaffirms our status as an industry leader in this space,” said Wendy Montgomery, IGT SVP, Marketing, Communications and Sustainability. “This AAA rating from MSCI recognizes the success of our Sustainable Play initiatives and serves as motivation to continue valuing and protecting our people, advancing responsibility, supporting our communities and fostering sustainable operations.”

Wendy Montgomery, IGT SVP, Marketing, Communications and Sustainability
Wendy Montgomery, SVP of Marketing, Communications & Sustainability at IGT

MSCI ESG Ratings aim to measure a company’s resilience to long-term, financially relevant ESG risks. Companies are scored on an industry-relative AAA-CCC scale according to their exposure to ESG risks and how well they manage those risks.

MSCI ESG Research provides in-depth research, ratings and analysis of the environmental, social and governance-related business practices of thousands of companies worldwide. MSCI’s research is designed to provide critical insights that can help institutional investors identify risks and opportunities that traditional investment research may overlook. The MSCI ESG Ratings are also used in the construction of the MSCI ESG Indexes, produced by MSCI, Inc.

Light & Wonder releases Player Engagement suite in collaboration with PENN Entertainment

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Light & Wonder releases Player Engagement suite in collaboration with PENN Entertainment

Light & Wonder, a leading player in the global gaming industry, has teamed up with PENN Entertainment (“PENN”) to launch its new player engagement product portfolio on PENN’s online Hollywood Casino product in Michigan. This portfolio of tools includes Light & Wonder’s new WONDER DROPS™ jackpot mechanic. 

Under the agreement, PENN gains exclusive access to the new player engagement tools ahead of Light & Wonder’s global rollout. This includes the flexible Wonder Drops system which provides operators with the ability to offer progressive or static cash prizes, layered on top of any game across Light & Wonder’s network catalogue.

Penn Entertainment, Hollywood Casino

The Light & Wonder suite of player engagement tools also encompasses a range of features such as Free Rounds and Multiplayer Games, with additional tools including tournaments, Hot Seats, and daily free games set to go live in the coming months. 

Robert Hays, Chief Commercial Officer of iGaming at Light & Wonder, said: “Launching the Wonder Drops marketing jackpots system with Hollywood Casino in Michigan is a key step in our strategy to offer operators a flexible system that provides for innovative and engaging gaming experiences. We believe this strategy will redefine how players all over the world interact with the content we offer.” 

Jason Birney, Vice President of Interactive Operations at Penn Entertainment, said: “We’re pleased to be the first operator to launch Light & Wonder’s player engagement portfolio. Gaining access to these tools enhances our ability to creatively engage our players in Michigan by adding unique elements to the popular Light & Wonder games on Hollywood Casino that they already know and love.”

3 Oaks Gaming expands into Portugal through Betclic partnership

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3 Oaks Gaming expands into Portugal through Betclic partnership

3 Oaks Gaming, an established distributor of iGaming content, has secured a major partnership with Betclic that marks the company’s entry into the Portuguese iGaming market.

As part of this collaboration, Betclic.pt players will have access to a selection of the supplier’s most popular slot titles, including Aztec Fire, Grab the Gold, and More Magic Apple, bringing fresh content to one of Portugal’s most established online gaming brands.

Betclic was the first operator to secure a Portuguese online betting licence in 2016 and continues to be a leading entity in the region’s iGaming market. By 2029, Portugal’s online gaming user base is anticipated to exceed 800,000 players, driving market revenue projections to €969.40 million, according to Statista.

3 Oaks Gaming’s content is being integrated with Betclic through IGT PlayDigital. The platform grants operators access to a wide variety of suppliers and offers comprehensive player engagement and loyalty tools—all from a single integration.

In preparation for this market entry, 3 Oaks Gaming certified 40 games from its portfolio earlier this year to meet the stringent regulatory standards set by the Serviço de Regulação e Inspeção de Jogos Turismo de Portugal (SRIJ).

This partnership is part of the company’s ongoing global expansion strategy, underscoring its commitment to reaching new, regulated markets and introducing its diverse portfolio to a broader international audience.

Yuriy Muratov, Chief Commercial Officer at 3 Oaks Gaming, said: “We are thrilled to partner with Betclic, a recognized leader in Portugal’s online gaming sector. This collaboration aligns seamlessly with our growth strategy, allowing us to expand our reach into one of Europe’s key regulated markets thanks to IGT PlayDigital’s platform.”

Marc Burroughes, Senior Director of Aggregation at IGT PlayDigital, commented: “IGT Play Digital Aggregation are proud to make this partnership happen and at the same time contribute to 3 Oaks Gaming’s market expansion in Portugal.”

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