Daily Asia Gaming eBrief: Thai draft casino law approved, online next?

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AGBrief Editorial

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January 14, 2025

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Daily Asia Gaming eBrief: Thai draft casino law approved, online next?

Good morning. Thailand is going full steam ahead. The approval of the draft IR law by the Cabinet marks a significant step towards legal casinos in the country. This is set to bring not only regulatory benefits but contribute significant tax revenues, although certain clarifications are required. But why stop at land-based? The general acceptance of a gaming future could encompass the online sector – tapping into the booming segment that previously was unregulated. Meanwhile, in Macau, Citigroup says premium players are on the rise in January, even though CNY is approaching.

What you need to know

Thailand’s IR draft law approval could be followed by legislation centered on online gaming, predicts an analyst.
Thailand Cabinet approves Entertainment Complex Business Act, however multiple hurdles still remain before casinos can open.
Citigroup finds a 19% rise in premium mass players and increased wagers in Macau’s gaming market in January.

On the radar

Singapore’s Marina Bay Sands expansion budget climbs to $9B.
Macau-based investor now holds over 5.5% voting rights in The Star.
Push to increase inspections, investigate banks over POGOs.
Clark aims to attract more Taiwanese partners for freeport zone.
Singapore’s Gambling Regulatory Authority orders block of Polymarket.
Court greenlights IPI asset auction, base bid set at $10 million.

AGB Intelligence

THAILAND

Draft law approval could pave way for online bill: analyst

Thailand’s draft land-based casino law has been passed by the Cabinet and now proceeds to the House, a landmark achievement for the nation as it moves to open its first legal casino. The move is seen as a positive not only for operators keen to set up integrated resorts in the country, but could also be paving the way for legalization of the online sector, notes a top analyst, providing the nation with even more tax revenue.

Industry Updates

Sands China secures Top 5 & 10s in CUHK Business Sustainability Indices.
Yolo Group appoints Jean Claude Magri as CFO for Yolo B2B Products.
Play’n GO inks partnership with US Tribal Operator Eagle Casino & Sports.

Corporate Spotlight

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, 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.

MEMBERSHIP | INTELLIGENCE | ASEAN | CAREERS

“The Sale Notice is approved, and no other or further notice of the proposed sale of the Assets, the Auction, the Sale Hearing, or the Sale Objection Deadline shall be required if [IPI] or the Committee serves and publishes the Sale Notice in the manner provided in the Bidding Procedures and this Order,” indicated the judge.

The auction includes bids on IPI’s assets but not its casino license, while the sale will be subject to competitive bidding and court approval. IPI and the committee will also propose a break-up fee for the stalking horse bidder.

A sale hearing is scheduled for March 25^th, 2025, with bids due by February 21^st. Qualified bids must meet specific requirements, including disclosure of bidders’ identities, connections with IPI or other bidders, and details about the assets and liabilities involved.

Thai gov’t could move into online gaming legalization following IR bill approval: Analyst

Nelson Moura

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January 14, 2025

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Thai gov’t could move into online gaming legalization following IR bill approval: Analyst

In a landmark decision, Thailand’s cabinet has approved a draft law aimed at legalizing integrated resorts, a move that hopefully could be followed by legislation centered on online gaming, an analyst told AGB.

Paetongtarn-Shinawatra-prime-minister-Thailand — _{Thailand’s Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra}

This approval follows a meeting led by Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, who confirmed the Cabinet’s endorsement of the draft “Entertainment Complex Business Act.”

The draft law will now proceed to the House of Representatives for further consideration, although no specific timeline for its enactment has been established. Previous projections suggest that Thailand could launch its first casino as early as 2029.

Proposed by the Ministry of Finance, the legislation aims to regulate the country’s underground gambling sector by establishing legal entertainment complexes and casinos, thereby generating tax revenue.

In comments to AGB, Shaun McCamley, Managing Partner of Euro Pacific Asia (EPA) Consulting, who has been closely involved with Thai players and operators, emphasized the significance of this development.

“Thailand’s cabinet has taken a significant step forward by approving a draft law to legalize gambling and casinos, which is not only beneficial for the country but also for the entire region”, the former Ho Tram Resort Casino Vietnam President added.

“Having worked closely with Thai players and operators across Southeast Asia for several years, I, along with many of my colleagues, recognize the revenue potential that licensed gaming can bring to Thailand”.

According to reports, the Cabinet approval follows extensive public consultations and adjustments based on feedback from citizens and relevant agencies. The government expects the initiative to significantly boost Thailand’s economy and tourism industry.

Prime Minister Paetongtarn highlighted that the bill draws inspiration from Singapore’s successful model. The proposed entertainment complexes are designed to incorporate a range of attractions, with casinos comprising only a small portion of the offerings.

She noted that Singapore’s approach has spurred tourism growth and contributed significantly to its GDP, and Thailand aims to replicate this success. To manage local participation, Thai citizens would be required to pay an entrance fee of THB5,000 ($144) to access casino facilities, compared to Singapore’s SGD150 ($110) daily entry for locals.

Officials aim to assuage concerns about potential growth in illegal or unregulated gambling markets with a focus on transparency and robust oversight. Paetongtarn emphasized that a well-regulated framework will not only curb unlawful activities but also generate substantial tax revenue, strengthening the nation’s financial position.

Unlike Singapore, however, which appears to be leaving the online option off of the table – at least in the short-to-mid term, Thailand’s push to legalize gaming had already considered an online component – tapping both land-based and online tax revenue sources and helping to regulate the sectors.

This would require the introduction, and passage, of further legislation beyond the Entertainment Complex Business Act.

With the global gaming landscape increasingly shifting towards online platforms, McCamley analyst considers that integrating digital gaming could enhance Thailand’s competitiveness in the regional market.

“I sincerely hope that the government will also consider the legalization and regulation of online gaming alongside this initiative,” McCamley noted.

Rapper Golden Scale headlines this groovy game that is presented within a three-reel and three row frame (3 rows in reels 1 and 3, and 4 rows in reel 2). A perfectly curated mix of hip-hop beats and Asian-inspired melodies ensure players will feel in the party mood. Accompanying the lively Hip-hop playlist are an assortment of eye-catching symbols including Golden Ingots, Lanterns, Red Envelopes, Yin-Yang coins and Firecrackers – to name a few.

If players land four Wild Golden Scale symbols in reel two, the win will be multiplied by 10. Additionally, the Fortune Snake Feature may randomly trigger during any spin in the main game while the reels are spinning.

Once the Fortune Snake feature has been activated, a symbol is randomly chosen. Reels 1 and 3 will show only the chosen symbol or blank tiles, while reel 2 will show only Wild symbols or blank tiles. After the reels stop spinning, if one or more additional symbols (either the chosen symbol or a Wild) appear, the reels will respin, with the previously landed symbols locked in place.

Players can also initiate the Bonus Bet option for each spin, boosting the bet by 1.5x and doubling the chances of entering the Fortune Snake Feature.

PG Soft’s spokesperson commented: “Fortune Snake is the hottest ticket in town to welcome in the Chinese New Year. Golden Scale is the star of the show as players dance to the beat while trying to land an incredible fortune for the year ahead.”

The Hold & Win Bonus incorporating the popular three pots mechanic takes centre stage, offering operators a feature-driven title designed to maximise player engagement. By collecting green, red, and yellow Diamond Progress symbols, players can activate a variety of features including Collect, Double, and Multi, which can trigger individually or together.

The Collect feature combines all visible Bonus symbol values, whilst the Double feature introduces a second board, duplicating Bonus symbols across both grids. The Multi feature adds multipliers to random cells during each respin, with the potential for these to stack if they land on the same cell.

The Buy Bonus feature allows players to directly purchase access to the Bonus Game or the Ultra Bonus Game, which includes all three features activated during the gameplay.

3 African Drums: Hold and Win also provides the opportunity to win one of four jackpots, including the Grand Jackpot worth up to x2,000 the bet, further increasing the game’s win potential.

With a vibrant African theme, stunning visuals, and mechanics built for broad appeal, 3 African Drums enhances 3 Oaks Gaming’s growing portfolio, reinforcing its reputation for delivering high-quality, engaging content.

Krasimir Pankovski, Head of Sales at 3 Oaks Gaming, said: “3 African Drums offers an exciting blend of captivating features and visually immersive gameplay. With its Hold & Win mechanic, jackpot potential, and engaging features, we believe this game will quickly resonate with players. This title marks another step forward in our commitment to delivering content that provide strong performance for our partners worldwide.”

Sands China performed at the Exemplar level, the highest possible level of achievement in sustainability among the indices six tiers – one level higher than Sands China’s 2023 Pace-setter level. The Exemplar designation indicates that Sands China has thoroughly integrated socially responsible practices into its business model and balances various stakeholder needs effectively, making the company’s progressive corporate social responsibility strategy and implementation an excellent example to others firms.

Sands China secures Top 5 & 10s in CUHK Business Sustainability Indices (BSI)

Sean McCreery, executive vice president of operations for Sands China Ltd., said: “Sands China is honored to once again receive multiple awards from the CUHK Business Sustainability Indices – including being the only resort operator in three of our Top 10 rankings – a testament to our status as an industry leader in environmental, social and governance practices. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to our team members and our suppliers and community partners who have worked alongside us to help us achieve these accolades.”

“We will continue to fulfil our corporate social responsibilities and strive to contribute to improving community well-being through various environmental management measures, community participation and employee training. At the same time, we will continue to refine our operating model to help reduce our environmental impact, boost development, and drive society toward a greener and more sustainable future.”

Launched in 2015, the Business Sustainability Indices are determined each year by the Chinese University of Hong Kong Business School, promoting business practices that contribute to positive social and environmental impact. Its methodology analyses three areas: value, process and impact. This includes looking at a corporation’s vision, management skills, and its influence on society, the environment and its stakeholders.

Besides the Top 5 ranking in the 5th Greater Bay Area Business Sustainability Index (GBABSI), Sands China achieved four other rankings in the indices, all Top 10 and Exemplar, and is additionally the only integrated resort or hotel operator in the Top 10 (in the starred rankings below):

Ranked 6th: 2nd Global Asia-Pacific Business Sustainability Index (GAPBSI)*
Ranked 6th: 9th Hong Kong Business Sustainability Index (HKBSI)*
Ranked 6th: 4th Greater China Business Sustainability Index (GCBSI)*
Ranked Top 10: 4th Hotel Business Sustainability Index (Hotel BSI)

Sands China has also been awarded an ESG Special Mention in the Hang Seng Index Category of the Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants (HKICPA) Best Corporate Governance and ESG Awards 2024 and was likewise the only integrated resort or hotel operator in its category.

The HKICPA awards encourage listed companies and significant public sector organisations to give equal importance to achieving high standards of corporate governance (CG) and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices and reporting.

Sands China has initiated several programmes focused on waste reduction, water conservation, and renewable energy, and the award recognises the company’s significant emphasis on sustainable tourism, community development, and integrating environmental considerations in its operations.

Sands China’s sustainable business practices are carried out under the company’s People, Planet, and Communities corporate social responsibility platform. Sands China’s variety of initiatives include programmes such as the Sands ECO360 global sustainability programme; the Sands Cares corporate giving and community engagement programme; and the Sands China Academy, a team member and business community professional development programme.

Sands China has a strong track record in sustainable business performance through the economic value and social impact it has delivered – as part of its commitment to serve the Macao community and contribute to making it a better place to live and work.

Individuals caught gambling on unlicensed platforms in Singapore face a possible fine of up to SG$10,000 ($7,200) or a prison sentence of up to six months. Although the GRA has yet to issue an official public statement on the issue, no enforcement actions against Polymarket have been listed in the public directory.

Under Singapore’s strict gambling regulations, only government-approved platforms, such as Singapore Pools, are allowed to operate what are deemed to be gambling activities.

Singapore authorities indicate that Polymarket is not properly registered to comply with its rules and is in violation of these laws. While the platform does not specifically target Singaporean users, its global popularity has led some to access it via VPNs, making enforcement more challenging.

Play’n GO inks strategic partnership with Eagle Casino & Sports

United States

AGBrief Editorial

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January 13, 2025

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Play’n GO inks strategic partnership with Eagle Casino & Sports

Play’n GO, the world’s leading casino entertainment provider, has today announced its first Tribal Operator partnership in the US with Eagle Casino & Sports in Michigan.

The Swedish-founded gaming giant is now live in five US states, and this partnership is its first with a Tribal Operator. From today, Eagle Casino & Sports players on playeagle.com in Michigan will now have access to classic Play’n GO titles such as Reactoonz, Fire Joker, and Piggy Blitz.

Play’n GO first entered the US market in 2022, and have since been licensed in West Virginia, New Jersey, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Connecticut.

Magnus Olsson, Chief Commercial Officer at Play’n GO, commented “Innovation is at the heart of everything we do at Play’n GO, and we’re very pleased to launch our first ever Tribal Operator partnership today with Eagle Casino & Sports. Tribal Operators are synonymous with US gaming, and it is an honor to see our content live on such a platform. We’re looking forward to many years of mutual success with our friends at Eagle Casino & Sports.”

C.C. Griffus, Director of iGaming and Sports Betting Operations at Eagle Casino & Sports, added “It’s a pleasure to welcome Play’n GO to our platform, where we’re determined to offer the best player experience possible. The ability to offer Play’n GO titles to our players is very exciting. We, too, are confident of a long, fruitful relationship, always putting the players first.”

The partnership leverages CreedRoomz’s expansive portfolio of over 25 live games, including standout titles like Aurum Roulette, Keno and Deluxe Roulette. With advanced features such as exclusive multipliers, customized tables, and seamless mobile optimization, CreedRoomz continues to set new standards in the live casino industry.

CreedRoomz is set to introduce new show games, including Richie Roulette, Richie Wheel, and Mr First Live, with more exciting titles on the horizon. These new titles bring fresh and dynamic gameplay to operators and players alike.

Richie Roulette introduces a thrilling mini-game where players can unlock multipliers by matching fruit symbols with potential payouts of up to 2300x. Richie Wheel features a large spinning wheel packed with multipliers of up to 1000x. Mr First Live introduces multiple winning patterns, bonus rounds, and dynamic animations, ensuring an engaging experience from start to finish.

CreedRoomz unveils new Show Games at ICE Barcelona 2025

“CreedRoomz’s innovative approach and diverse game portfolio provide an unparalleled edge for our operators,” said Robert Nevill, Senior Commercial Manager at Sportingtech. “This partnership ensures that we can deliver engaging, high-quality live casino experiences that captivate players and drive operator success.”

CreedRoomz’s Business Development Manager, Lusine Voskanyan, shared her enthusiasm for the collaboration: “Partnering with Sportingtech allows us to reach new markets and bring our localized live casino solutions to a broader audience. Together, we aim to elevate the gaming experience for operators and players alike.”

This collaboration ensures that Sportingtech’s operator network can deliver premium, secure, and localised live casino experiences on a global scale.

Jose Micallef, CFO of Yolo Platform, said: “As the business continues to grow, it is essential we can keep pace with our ambitions. We are delighted to welcome Jean Claude to Yolo. He brings expertise and leadership in financial strategy that will be crucial in powering our vision and ensuring we maintain financial discipline across our expanding operations.”

Jean Claude Magri, CFO for Yolo B2B Products, said: “I’m thrilled to join Yolo Group at this pivotal moment in its growth. The company’s forward-thinking approach is inspiring, and I look forward to contributing to its continued success and growth across its B2B brands.”

Daily Asia Gaming eBrief: Thai draft casino law approved, online next?

What you need to know

On the radar

AGB Intelligence

THAILAND

Draft law approval could pave way for online bill: analyst

Industry Updates

Corporate Spotlight

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

Altenar brings premium sportsbook solution to Asia

Table of Contents

Federal court greenlights bidding procedure for auction of IPI’s assets, minimum bid set at $10M

The federal court handling the bankruptcy case of Imperial Pacific International (IPI) has approved the bidding procedure for the sale of the casino’s assets, confirming the minimum bid requirement for all IPI assets at $10 million in cash.

Thai gov’t could move into online gaming legalization following IR bill approval: Analyst

In a landmark decision, Thailand’s cabinet has approved a draft law aimed at legalizing integrated resorts, a move that hopefully could be followed by legislation centered on online gaming, an analyst told AGB.

Table of Contents

PG Soft celebrates Chinese New Year with Fortune Snake

PG Soft, a world-class digital mobile games company, is celebrating the Chinese New Year of the Snake with the release of its aptly named title, Fortune Snake.

Table of Contents

3 Oaks Gaming releases safari adventure in African Drums: Hold and Win

**3 Oaks Gaming, a top distributor of iGaming content, has released 3 African Drums: Hold and Win that brings a new theme to its ever-expanding games portfolio.**

Table of Contents

Sands China secures Top 5 & 10s in CUHK Business Sustainability Indices (BSI)

Sands China Ltd. has earned five Top 10 rankings in the 2024 CUHK Business Sustainability Indices (BSI), highlighted by a Top 5 ranking in the 5th Greater Bay Area Business Sustainability Index (GBABSI).

Table of Contents

Singapore’s Gambling Regulatory Authority orders block of Polymarket access

Singapore’s gaming watchdog, the Gambling Regulatory Authority (GRA), has instructed local internet service providers to block access to the prediction market platform Polymarket.

Play’n GO inks strategic partnership with Eagle Casino & Sports

Play’n GO, the world’s leading casino entertainment provider, has today announced its first Tribal Operator partnership in the US with Eagle Casino & Sports in Michigan.

Table of Contents

Sportingtech and CreedRoomz partner to innovate Live Casino gaming

CreedRoomz, a leading live casino provider, is proud to announce a strategic partnership with Sportingtech, a renowned provider of turnkey betting and gaming solutions.

Table of Contents

Yolo Group appoints Jean Claude Magri as CFO for Yolo B2B Products

Yolo Group has announced the appointment of Jean Claude Magri as the new Chief Financial Officer for Yolo B2B Products, optimizing the division’s financial strategy during a time of major expansion across regulated markets.

Table of Contents

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