Malaysian authorities have urged Facebook to remove nearly 250,000 advertisement pieces of content this year, largely linked to illegal gambling and fraud schemes.
Sports betting and online gambling are illegal in Malaysia, while only one casino license exists, alongside lotteries and horse racing.
The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) indicated that, of the nearly 250,000 pieces it requested Facebook remove, some 172,072 were related to online gambling. About 56,100 pieces of content were linked to various scams, while the two combined represented about 92 percent of content that the authorities wanted to be taken down.
While the commission itself doesn’t have the authority to mandate the removal of the content, it has filed a request with the platform to do so.
The nation’s communications minister indicated that scams and ads related to illegal gambling caused losses of over $97 million for Malaysians last year.
Hong Kong’s ZA Bank is the first bank in Asia to offer crypto trading services directly to retail users.
According to reports, ZA Bank is the SAR’s first and largest digital bank – now allowing users to trade major cryptocurrencies in HKD and USD through its app.
Currently the focus is on Bitcoin and Ethereum, which have undergone strong growth recently, particularly after the results of the US presidential election.
Users can now buy BTC and ETH directly using fiat, however it’s unclear whether the platform will expand the offerings to other cryptocurrencies.
Speaking of the move, the company noted that it ‘cements its leadership in digital wealth management by merging traditional banking with the future of finance’.
ZA Bank has seen a surge of interest recently, with users topping 500 million by mid-2024, a 30 percent yearly increase.
In a bid to assuage concerns with regulators, the group’s Alternate Chief Executive, Calvin Ng, indicated that “as a bank, we prioritize security and compliance, which is why we’ve partnered with HashKey, a global-leading licensed virtual asset exchange, to meet regulatory standards and deliver bank-grade security in virtual assets trading – our key competitive advantage in the Asian market”.
The recent bankruptcy declaration of BC.GAME, a Curacao-based gambling operator and Leicester City FC sponsor, has brought renewed scrutiny to Curacao’s controversial gaming licensing regime.
The case has unveiled what appear to be extensive wrongdoings, raising serious questions about the island’s ability – or willingness – to regulate its gambling industry effectively, as exposed by investigative website Josimarfootball.
BC.GAME, operated by Small Dance B.V., has been accused of running one of the largest illegal betting networks in continental Europe. The Curacao Gaming Control Board (GCB) is now poised to revoke the operator’s license following a bankruptcy order issued on November 12th, 2024. This legal action stems from a claimed $2 million debt owed to five gamblers, a financial obligation that Small Dance B.V. failed to honor and that BC.GAME is disputing.
The GCB’s move to revoke BC.GAME’s license appears logical given the operator’s bankruptcy, which casts doubt on its ability to meet its financial obligations to customers. Yet, this action is being called an anomaly by some due to Curacao’s otherwise light touch regulatory environment, where in the past four master licensees essentially played the role of regulator in everyday operations. Historically, gaming licenses, or sub-licenses, have rarely been revoked, even amidst mounting public complaints and international criticism.
For years, Curacao’s gaming industry has been characterized by minimal oversight and allegations of money laundering and criminal activity. These issues have tainted the jurisdiction’s reputation, both locally and in the Netherlands, to which Curacao remains linked as an autonomous territory.
A recent regulatory overhaul, known as the National Ordinance for Games of Chance (LOK), was intended to address these deficiencies and brought underway due to pressure from the Netherlands. However, early indications suggest that the new system is plagued by many of the same problems.
Curacao Finance Minister Javier Silvania has defended the LOK, claiming it would promote transparency and compliance with international standards. A delegation from Curacao also presented an update on the new licensing process and answered questions during a panel session at the recent SiGMA Malta event, giving the impression that meaningful change for the better was within reach. However, local politician Dr. Luigi Faneyte has filed a 392-page criminal complaint against Silvania, alleging corruption, fraud, embezzlement, and money laundering.
Dr. Faneyte’s complaint also implicates the GCB, alleging that the licensing process has been co-opted by foreign interests, including Maltese nationals such as Mario Galea and Mario Fiorini.
Fiorini, listed as a statutory director of Small Dance B.V., is accused of facilitating fraudulent practices. According to Dr. Faneyte, the GCB has been reduced to a mere facade, allowing foreign operators to dominate Curacao’s gaming industry without meaningful oversight, an allegation that undermines the official narrative coming out of the Caribbean island state.
The allegations leveled against BC.GAME paint a damning picture. The operator is accused of offering illegal gambling services across Europe through a sophisticated network of mirror sites and online guides. These platforms provide step-by-step instructions to circumvent local regulations, often targeting users in countries like Germany, Denmark, and Switzerland where a local license is required to operate legally.
Dr. Faneyte’s complaint highlights additional regulatory violations, including offering cryptocurrency trading services without the requisite financial licenses. The operator is also accused of failing to verify the identities of its players, enabling underage gambling and other illicit activities.
BC.GAME’s questionable practices extend beyond Europe. The company has been blacklisted in multiple jurisdictions, including the UK, Greece, Lithuania, and Bulgaria, for non-compliance with local laws. In July 2023, the British Gambling Commission flagged BC.GAME as an illegal operator, prompting Google to block its URL within the UK.
BC.GAME’s saga appears to underscore the systemic failures of Curacao’s regulatory framework. Despite numerous red flags, the island’s authorities allowed BC.GAME to operate unchecked for years. The operator’s ties to Curacao were further cemented when Small Dance B.V. took over the brand in April 2024, despite the bankruptcy of its predecessor, BlockDance B.V.
Critics argue that Curacao’s licensing system has long prioritized revenue generation over regulatory enforcement. Under the old regime, gaming licenses were granted with little scrutiny, enabling operators like BC.GAME to flourish. The introduction of the LOK was meant to address these shortcomings, but its implementation has been marred by allegations of corruption and mismanagement.
The BC.GAME case has far-reaching implications for Curacao’s gaming industry and its global reputation. The operator’s bankruptcy in the jurisdiction not only jeopardizes its ability to pay winnings but also exposes the broader risks associated with Curacao-licensed platforms. Customers and regulators worldwide are increasingly viewing Curacao as a hub for rogue operators, an image the island state tried to rid itself of, unsuccessfully as it now appears.
Curacao’s inaction has also drawn criticism from the Netherlands, which has expressed growing concern over the island’s role in facilitating illegal gambling. The Dutch government has called for stricter oversight and greater accountability, warning that Curacao’s lax approach could damage its international standing. Much of the pressure to change and clean up the gambling framework came from the Netherlands in the first place, and the continued dissatisfaction being voiced by The Hague doesn’t bode well.
It also casts doubts on the new framework which was due to be implemented in the not-so-distant future. Holders of the around 155 interim licenses that were given out as a stop gap measure by the regulator are now also left with continued legal uncertainty, as are thousands of other companies who held previous sub licenses or were looking at obtaining a Curacao license. The continued state of instability will benefit other jurisdictions such as Anjouan, Vanuatu, Kahnawake, or even the Isle of Man.
The case of BC.GAME exemplifies the deep-rooted problems in Curacao’s gaming industry. Despite promises of reform, the island continues to serve as a haven for questionable operators, undermining its claims of transparency and accountability. BC.GAME itself is unlikely to be insolvent as a brand and AGBrief previously posted exclusively that the operator is moving its license to Vanuatu, where the renewed gaming licensing framework has seen an influx of big names, many of which previously held Curacao licenses. How this latest chapter of grey market licensing will develop is something that will remain to be seen.
Malaysian tourism and gaming group Genting Malaysia Berhad reported a revenue of RM6.5 billion ($1.47 billion) in 3Q24, marking an 11 percent decline compared to RM7.4 billion ($1.65 billion) in the same quarter of the previous year.
This decrease in revenue was primarily driven by a downturn in the Leisure & Hospitality Division. The group’s adjusted EBITDA for 3Q24 stood at RM2.3 billion ($521 million), reflecting a 15 percent drop from RM2.7 billion ($614 million) in 3Q23.
Genting Malaysia Berhad operates Resorts World Genting, Malaysia’s sole licensed casino, and also runs casinos in the United States, the Bahamas, the United Kingdom, Singapore, and Egypt.
According to the financial results released on Thursday, revenue from Resorts World Genting (RWG) remained stable in 3Q24 compared to 3Q23. However, the division recorded a decline in EBITDA, primarily due to higher operating expenses in the current quarter.
The leisure and hospitality businesses in the UK and Egypt saw positive performance in 3Q24, with revenue increasing due to a higher volume of business. This contributed to a boost in EBITDA for these regions.
In the United States and the Bahamas, the group’s operations include Resorts World New York City (RWNYC), Resorts World Bimini (RW Bimini), and Resorts World Las Vegas (RWLV). Both RWNYC and RW Bimini experienced a slight decline in revenue compared to 3Q23. This reduction in revenue, combined with higher operating and payroll-related expenses, resulted in lower EBITDA for these properties.
In 3Q24, Genting Malaysia reported a profit before taxation of RM863.2 million ($194 million), a decrease from RM1.4 billion ($313 million) in 3Q23. The decline in profit was primarily attributed to lower EBITDA and higher write-offs for property, plant, and equipment. This was partly offset by a reduction in depreciation expenses during the quarter.
1Q-3Q performance
For the nine months ending September 30, 2024, the company reported financial improvements.
Genting Malaysia reported a revenue of RM20.8 billion ($4.69 billion) and EBITDA of RM7.1 billion ($1.6 billion), marking increases of 5 percent and 8 percent, respectively, compared to the same period last year.
The revenue growth was primarily driven by strong performance in the Leisure & Hospitality Division.
Resorts World Sentosa (RWS) contributed significantly to the revenue, with a 12 percent year-on-year increase, bringing its total revenue for the period to RM6.6 billion ($1.5 billion). However, EBITDA for RWS declined by 5 percent, falling to RM2.6 billion ($587 million) due to higher operating expenses.
Revenue from Resorts World Genting (RWG) also saw an uptick, mainly due to increased business volumes compared to the same period last year. Similarly, the group’s leisure and hospitality operations in the United Kingdom and Egypt reported higher revenue, driven by higher business volumes.
Both RWG, the UK and Egypt operations, as well as Resorts World New York City (RWNYC) and Resorts World Bimini (RW Bimini), saw improved EBITDA in the year-to-date period. This was largely a result of the revenue growth, although it was partly offset by higher operating expenses, including payroll costs.
Cautiously optimistic outlook
In the press release reporting the financial results, management mentioned that the firm’s performance for the remainder of the 2024 financial year may be affected by several factors, including global economic growth, which is expected to remain moderate. However, the outlook is ‘uneven’ across major economies, which could impact the Group’s performance in different regions.
Genting Malaysia emphasized that it is ‘cautiously optimistic’ about the near-term prospects of the leisure and hospitality industry and remains positive about the long term.
Genting notes that in Malaysia, the company is focused on driving sustainable growth through yield management and data analytics to improve performance. It will refine marketing strategies to boost visitation while offering value and choice to meet diverse customer preferences. The Group also plans to invest in new products and experiences, including ecotourism attractions set to launch in 2025.
Slotegrator, a leading B2B iGaming solutions provider has released the 1st part of the iGaming Trends 2025 report, offering a comprehensive look at the trends set to define the industry in the coming year.
The report highlights innovative strategies and technologies that operators and providers can leverage to stay ahead in the rapidly evolving iGaming landscape.
The report highlights transformative shifts in the iGaming landscape that are reshaping the way operators and providers approach their businesses.
The report contains information about AI and how it is set to revolutionize the iGaming industry by becoming a game-changing tool for operators. Its advances are enabling unprecedented levels of personalization, fraud detection, and player engagement, setting a new standard for the industry.
Faruk Aydin, CRO at Revpanda Group
Faruk Aydin, Chief Revenue Officer at Revpanda Group, expressed his opinion on the AI trend: “As we navigate the AI era, I believe it’s more important than ever for iGaming brands to ensure their content is local, relevant, and human-wr0itten to truly connect with players and build trust”.
William Sarto, PR & Marketing Specialist at CasinoRIX, believes that in 2025, iGaming trends will reflect global shifts and technological advancements. According to Sarto, “AI continues to transform the iGaming industry. In 2025, its application will expand in areas such as data analysis and processing to enhance the gaming experience, content creation and process automation, and tools for personalization and creating added value for players.’’
According to Slotegrator, payment technologies are also evolving rapidly. With the integration of cryptocurrencies, biometric authentication, and instant cross-border transactions, in 2025 it will become key to meeting player demands for speed, security, and convenience.
In addition, the growing importance of social gaming and community building is redefining player expectations. No longer just about entertainment, iGaming platforms are increasingly becoming spaces for connection, where features like live dealer games, player chats, and tournaments foster a sense of belonging and enhance retention.
William Sarto highlights that “responsible gambling, social and charitable initiatives, and addressing ecological concerns are becoming integral. These factors influence not only the external perception of companies but also their internal corporate culture.’’
Sarto also puts a focus on brand and values: “Building a strong brand is becoming a core development vector. Establishing values, communicating them to both B2B and B2C audiences, and creating added value for “consumers” are critical. Players will choose companies offering not just quality products but also emotional connection.’’
Slotegrator also delves into the emergence of innovative game formats, such as crash games, skill-based gaming, and immersive VR and AR experiences, which are attracting a broader and more diverse audience.
Meanwhile, the evolution of affiliate marketing strategies emphasizes authenticity, transparency, and localization, allowing operators to connect more deeply with their target demographics.
The report emphasizes the importance of forward planning, urging operators to adapt to shifting player preferences and adopt the latest technologies to maintain competitiveness in the dynamic iGaming market.
Faruk Aydin has added his predictions about iGaming trends for 2025: “I think 2025 will be another year where we’ll see new trends emerge, while still needing to stick to the fundamentals. If iGaming brands want to stay ahead in the marketing game, they’ll need to focus on a smarter, more strategic approach.
Multi-channel marketing will take center stage, enabling brands to engage players through a mix of social media, email, influencers, and more—creating seamless, personalized experiences. At the same time, SEO will remain a cornerstone of success—optimizing for search intent will help brands stay visible and competitive.
Finally, exploring new and emerging markets, especially in regions with growing online gaming adoption, presents a huge opportunity for brands that localize their approach and adapt to regional preferences. Overall, adopting a marketing strategy that balances technology with a human touch will be the key to success for iGaming brands in 2025”.
Evoplay, a prominent game development studio, makes its debut in the tap game vertical with Tap Craze, significantly expanding its portfolio with innovative interactive content for operators.
Designed to offer an engaging and dynamic gameplay experience, Tap Craze introduces players to Capybara Joe, the title’s central character, alongside a suite of features aimed at maximising retention and engagement.
Operators can leverage the unique Happiness Scale mechanic, encouraging players to maintain Joe’s glee to unlock the Wheel of Fortune, offering multipliers of up to 500x.
Tap Craze includes three fixed jackpots, Minor, Major, and Grand, offering significant rewards. It also offers customisable components, including a Costume Gallery for personalisation and a competitive Top 15 Leaderboard to foster engagement.
With a live Information Ticker showcasing the latest wins, Tap Craze is designed to create a sense of community and excitement among audiences.
The introduction of Tap Craze with new engaging mechanics highlights Evoplay’s commitment to innovation and reinforces its position as a leading supplier in the iGaming industry.
Ivan Kravchuk, CEO at Evoplay, said: “Tap Craze represents a significant step forward for Evoplay as we continue to diversify our portfolio with cutting-edge interactive content. By introducing innovative mechanics and highly interactive features, this game provides operators with a product that both entertains and drives strong retention and performance. We’re excited to offer a unique addition to our portfolio that aligns with our partners’ needs and demands in competitive markets.”
PopOK Gaming, an innovative iGaming content developer specialised in creating premium quality casino game, has announced the launch of Sumo Baby, a charming new 3×3 slot game that brings a playful twist to the world of traditional sumo.
This delightful slot combines the cuteness of a baby sumo wrestler with exciting features to deliver a rewarding experience for players who enjoy Asian-inspired themes and high winning potential.
Sumo Baby is set on a straightforward 3×3 layout with 5 paylines, making it accessible for both casual players and slot enthusiasts. What makes this game truly unique is the Multiplier Reel beneath the main reels, offering random win multipliers of x2, x5, or x10 on any spin to amplify winnings.
When the Free Spins Feature is activated, players are rewarded with 8 Free Spins, and the excitement doesn’t stop there! During Free Spins, Sumo Baby boosts every spin with additional multipliers, creating a dynamic experience where every spin has the potential for bigger rewards.
To make the game even more appealing, Sumo Baby introduces the Sure Win Bet option, allowing players to secure a guaranteed payout on each spin (excluding Free Spins). With a maximum win potential of 2,500x the bet, this game promises both charm and substantial rewards.
Key Features of Sumo Baby:
3×3 Layout with 5 Paylines: Simple and visually captivating.
Multiplier Reel: Random win multipliers (x2, x5, x10) on any spin.
Free Spins Feature: 8 Free Spins with additional multipliers for greater win potential.
Sure Win Bet: Guarantee a win on every spin for those seeking added security.
Max Win: Up to 2,500x the original bet.
Dive into the ring with Sumo Baby and experience a world of charm, excitement, and rewarding gameplay. Available now on PopOK Gaming platforms!
3 Oaks Gaming, a renowned iGaming content distributor, has launched China Festival: Hold and Win, a visually captivating 5×3, 25-line slot, marking the penultimate release in its successful 2024 lineup.
Central to the gameplay are three Firecracker progress meters—green, red, and purple—that activate as matching symbols land on the reels. When full, they unlock the Hold and Win Bonus Game, introducing features designed to amplify player rewards.
Once triggered, these features can combine for maximum win potential. Boost adds value to all symbols, Double multiplies the current value by two, and Collect gathers all symbol values on the board.
The Bonus Game also offers the chance to win Mini, Minor, and Major Jackpots, whilst Mystery Symbols can transform into Jackpots, Bonus symbols, or Firecracker features. Filling the grid triggers the ultimate prize—the Grand Jackpot worth 5,000x the bet.
Players seeking instant action can access the Bonus Game directly through the Buy Bonus feature, with a Super option also available with three random feature symbols guaranteed.
Krasimir Pankovski, Head of Sales at 3 Oaks Gaming, said: “China Festival: Hold and Win is a vibrant addition to our portfolio, combining rich visuals with engaging mechanics that is set to resonate with players globally. This firecracker of a slot encapsulates the creativity and quality that has driven our portfolio forward, ensuring we continue to deliver excellent results for our partners.”
Chinese and Cambodian police have deported 240 Chinese nationals involved in gambling fraud and other illegal activities back to China on a chartered flight.
This marks a new group of deportees, with more than 500 individuals expected to be returned in subsequent batches. The chartered flight arrived early Thursday morning (November 28th) at Taiyuan Wusu International Airport in Shanxi Province.
This was the second chartered flight operation this year. The first joint deportation took place in April, when China and Cambodia worked together to return over 680 Chinese nationals involved in gambling and fraud crimes in several waves.
According to China’s Ministry of Public Security, Cambodian authorities recently dismantled a major gambling and fraud operation in Phnom Penh, arresting hundreds of suspects from multiple countries, including more than 500 Chinese nationals. The Ministry emphasized the importance of the case and instructed the Shanxi Provincial Public Security Department to fully support the operation and ongoing investigations.
This deportation is part of China’s broader efforts to combat cross-border online gambling and telecom fraud. The country has been collaborating with neighbors such as Cambodia, Myanmar, and the Philippines to apprehend Chinese suspects and return them to China.
The latest operation follows the dismantling of large telecom fraud centers in northern Myanmar just a week earlier, where more than 53,000 Chinese nationals were arrested as part of an ongoing campaign that began last year to tackle such crimes.
In September, China and Cambodia further strengthened their cooperation in the fight against gambling and fraud, signing agreements to enhance law enforcement collaboration and target Chinese organized crime in Cambodia.
In 2019, Cambodia imposed a ban on online gambling, particularly targeting Chinese-run operations that had proliferated in Sihanoukville, a coastal city in the south.
The public security authorities will continue to strengthen law enforcement cooperation with relevant countries and regions, focusing on targeted crackdowns, dismantling gambling and fraud rings involving Chinese nationals, and addressing the high incidence of such crimes, as reported by CCTV.
In addition to these efforts, China claims that its specialized operation, called ‘Fox Hunt’ – a covert global initiative launched a decade ago to combat corruption and economic crimes – has helped repatriate thousands of suspects and recover billions of dollars in assets.
Australian gaming operator The Star Entertainment has acknowledged that liquidity and financial viability remain the most pressing concerns for management amid ongoing regulatory challenges.
Anne Ward, Chairman, The Star Entertainment
In a speech at its Annual General Meeting (AGM), The Star’s chairman, Anne Ward, stated, “Near-term liquidity challenges and the broader financial viability of the business will remain the largest concerns for the Board and executive team as they work to stabilize the business and advance the remediation program toward achieving suitability.
“Agreeing with corporate lenders on a revised lending package has provided some space to address the immediate liquidity situation, but there is still more to be done, as outlined in our recent market disclosures. This work will continue in earnest throughout 2025.”
This statement was disclosed in a filing to the Australian Stock Exchange (ASX) on Thursday, following the company’s AGM.
The Star Entertainment also announced that it had finalized a AU$200 million ($130.3 million) debt facility.
The company’s financial difficulties stem from the Bell Two inquiry, which identified significant compliance failures. As a result, The Star faces a AU$15 million (US$10 million) fine and a potential casino license suspension, while the scandal has also caused its stock to plummet.
Steve McCann, CEO and Managing Director of The Star Entertainment
During the AGM, Steve McCann, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of the company, expressed confidence that The Star would make “good progress” before the March 31st, 2025, deadline set by the New South Wales Independent Casino Commission for overseeing casino operations.
McCann, who was appointed as the group’s CEO and Managing Director in June, is still awaiting regulatory approval for his appointment, which, as of November 28th, remains pending.
He noted that over the past four and a half months, the team and the Board have worked tirelessly to address the company’s challenges and establish a clear path to remediation and recovery. However, he acknowledged that the road ahead remains difficult, and The Star continues to face significant challenges.
“We have made progress on several important issues, reset our remediation plan, and improved our transparency and relationship with regulators. However, revenue has continued to decline significantly, while the costs of our transformation and the external advice and assistance we have required remain elevated,” noted the executive.
The Star’s shares were suspended from trading on the ASX on September 2nd, 2024, as the Board worked through these challenges to finalize the FY24 financial statements. Trading resumed on September 27th, 2024, but since then, the company has seen ‘continued deterioration in performance’, with losses incurred at the Group EBITDA level.
McCann emphasized that “the first priority is to restore our regulatory and social licenses to operate by continuing to actively demonstrate meaningful progress toward remediating our systems, processes, and culture.”
He added, “This revised plan has been approved by our Queensland regulators, with conditions, and delivery is now underway. The reset plan consists of 14 separate workstreams, each with numerous milestones, target dates, and independent assurance to confirm when they have been met.
“The reset remediation plan will enable us to deliver meaningful change by the end of March 2025 in the areas of cultural reform, safer gambling, compliance, risk management, financial crime, governance, and technology and data,” he concluded.
