BetMGM, a leading sports betting and iGaming operator, announced today a new pledge to prominently feature responsible gaming messages in its marketing and advertising campaigns beginning March 1, in alignment with the start of Problem Gambling Awareness Month.

The Indian government’s recent advisory to print, electronic and digital media not to accept ads from online gambling platforms is a welcome move that won’t affect legal skill-based gaming, writes i-gaming consultant Jaydeep Chakravartty.

Macau's likely next Chief Executive has already made his opinions clear in regards to the gaming sector. In a speech announcing his candidacy, the former judge Sam Hou Fai highlighted that China's central government has already mandated that Macau diversify away from gaming, while claiming that over the years the sector has become "unbalanced". Meanwhile, analysts indicate that Sands China is shining, grabbing a 24.5 percent gross gaming revenue share in the second quarter, strongly ahead of its competitors.

Galaxy Entertainment Group had much to be happy about when announcing its first half year results. The operator saw a 52 percent uptick in profit, on the back of a gross gaming revenue tally that reached $2.57 billion. The group is now focused on ramping up its newest offerings and preparing its Phase 4 - set to be more family-focused, but including gaming. Meanwhile, Thailand continues to see a push and pull regarding its proposed IR bill, as the removal of the casino-friendly Prime Minister raises succession questions.

Shutting down the leak. A group of over 60 prominent Australians, including former prime ministers, politicians, athletes, and community leaders, is calling on the Australian government to implement a complete ban on gambling advertisements within the next three years. This push comes amid growing concerns over the country's per capita gambling losses, estimated at AUD25 billion ($16 billion) annually, one of the highest rates in the world. Meanwhile, gross gaming revenue in the Philippines experienced a notable 32.3 percent year-over-year increase in the second quarter of 2024, reaching PHP89.23B ($1.56B).

Blockchain, the keyword that took the industry by storm, has faded slightly from the public view but continues strongly behind the scenes, being an underlying framework facilitating speed, access and user experience for iGaming. Meanwhile, in reporting news, Wynn Macau saw strong performance from mass play at both its peninsula and Cotai properties in 2Q24, with revenue hitting $885 million.

In a move to offset the significant financial impact of upcoming gambling advertising reforms, Australia's two largest television networks are set to demand that their spectrum fees be slashed.

Goa's government has vowed to take action against unauthorized advertisements for Sri Lankan casinos promoting online gaming in the coastal state.

A conducive 'light-touch' regulatory environment and robust support mechanisms should be put in place in order to allow India to emerge as a 'global gaming innovation hub', the All India Gaming Federation (AIGF) proposed.

India's gaming industry, particularly in Goa, is facing parallels with Macau's early days, with rampant possibilities, albeit tempered by regulatory challenges and a steep tax framework, notes a top consultant.