Good Morning. In the shadows. Australia is facing a dramatic surge in illegal offshore gambling, now over a third of online activity, projected to reach $3.25 billion by 2029, driven by product bans and unregulated operators, with serious implications for tax revenues and sports integrity. Meanwhile, Casino Fortuna, one of Macau’s most profitable satellite casinos, will cease operations on December 10th, AGB has found out. In the Philippines, Pronet Gaming has become the first internationally licensed B2B gaming company to establish an SCBPO-accredited operation, partnering with Claymore Solutions to enhance its presence and technical capabilities in the region.
What you need to know
- Australia is facing a fast-escalating wave of illegal offshore gambling, which now accounts for more than a third of all online gambling activity in the country.
- Macau’s Casino Fortuna is set to cease operations on Dec. 10th, while Landmark appears poised to remain open until year-end: source.
- Pronet Gaming becomes the first internationally-licensed SCBPO-accredited B2B in the Philippines, in partnership with Claymore.
On the radar
- Osaka MGM to create 12,000 jobs: MGM Resorts CEO.
- Macau October visitor arrival tally up 10.8% yearly, to 3.47 million.
- Macau’s former Beijing Imperial Palace to reopen as Gold Coast Hotel in 2Q26.
- Genting Berhad issues $104M in notes to support Genting Malaysia takeover.
- Cassandra Ong fled abroad before arrest warrant in POGO-linked case.
- Macau regulators oversee workers’ redeployment after Casino Ponte 16 closure.
AGB Intelligence
ILLEGAL GAMBLING
Australia faces $1.76B loss from growing illegal offshore gambling
Australia is experiencing a significant rise in illegal offshore gambling, which has doubled since 2019 and now comprises over a third of the country’s online gambling activity, totaling $2.54 billion in 2024 and projected to reach $3.25 billion by 2029. A report from Responsible Wagering Australia highlights that product bans, ineffective enforcement, and aggressive marketing by unlicensed operators are driving this trend, resulting in an expected loss of nearly $1.76 billion in taxes and fees over the next five years. The illegal market offers better odds and bonuses, attracting consumers away from licensed bookmakers, and poses significant risks to sporting integrity due to a lack of accountability.
Industry Updates
- TCSJOHNHUXLEY takes over GPI dice business to lead worldwide dice market.
- SJM Resorts champions Responsible Gaming practices across all operations.
- SOFTSWISS’ Eleni Panagiotopoulou named Best AML Professional in 2025.
Corporate Spotlight
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