Following its well received inaugural debut in 2023, the BIS SiGMA Americas event returned to Sao Paulo this April for its second event in the region. The Brazil expo saw a high turnout from delegates, with 14,000 filling the Transamerica’s expo floor and auditorium. 

A number of were also in attendance, including the National Association of Games and Lotteries (ANJL) new President, Mr Plinio Lemos Jorges, several prominent members from the União Brasil Party, Malta’s Ambassador to Brazil and Chile, the Hon. John Aquilina, and such as social media star Negrete, and MMA champion Gabi Garcia - amongst others.

In his keynote, the ambassador remarked that he believed that, “Brazil is very much the heart of Latin America, the voice of Latin America. What happens in Brazil has enormous consequences for the rest of this continent.”

Highlight moments also included several ancillary events, such as the . The black tie event was studded with luminaries from across the gaming and tech sectors, bringing an impressive lineup of change makers together for an evening of networking, celebration, and entertainment. Towards the end of the evening an art auction was held, for the SiGMA Foundation’s 2024 global charity projects.

A well attended panel discussion led by several prominent women held at the Hilton Morumbi the day prior to the conference saw things off to a good start, while an MMA brought excitement to the ring with a four-man tournament.

Things drew to a close with a spectacular party at the Tokio Marine Hall, featuring sultry burlesque performances, entertainment from DJs Savage and SHe and lounge areas buzzing with play-for-fun game tables.

Following its success in the LatAm markets, the SiGMA World Tour 2024 is heading to . Join us in Manila this June, from the 2nd to 5th for a convergence of top notch networking opportunities, quality conferences, and two floors featuring top tier B2B, B2C, and land based exhibitors. Visit the online agenda for the full picture.

In 2023, Japan's regulated nearly reached JPY8 trillion (€47.6 billion), representing a modest increase of 0.3 percent compared to the previous year. While this growth rate marked the lowest in a decade, it still amounted to the highest betting handle Japan has witnessed during this period. 

According to a report by Gaming Intelligence, the total horse racing wagering accounted for the lion's share, reaching JPY4.35 trillion (€25.9 billion) and comprising 54 percent of Japan's overall betting activity. This marks the third consecutive year that racing wagers have surpassed the JPY4 trillion (€43.8 billion) mark. Despite a surge in attendance at Japan Racing Association (JRA) racecourses, with a notable 66 percent increase to 4.6 million attendees, a staggering 98 percent of wagering occurred off-course. 

Betting on motorboat races saw a slight decline of 2 percent from 2022, totalling JPY2.39 trillion (€14.2 billion) across 4,618 race days. Conversely, cycling races experienced a 5 percent increase in handle, reaching JPY1.15 trillion (€6.8 billion) from 2,725 race days. Motorcycling races, although the smallest sector in terms of wagering, witnessed a marginal uptick of 0.6 percent, amounting to JPY108 million (€643.1 million) in bets. 

Despite the modest growth rate, Japan's record-breaking sports wagering in 2023 signifies the nation's sustained interest in regulated betting activities. The enduring popularity of horse racing, coupled with the steady performance of other sporting events, underscores the diverse preferences within Japan's betting landscape. As the industry continues to evolve, stakeholders will closely monitor trends and adapt strategies to capitalize on emerging opportunities. 

Meanwhile, earlier this year, Japan began constructing its  project, marking the country's inaugural venture into the realm of casinos. The commencement of this project followed the Japanese government's approval of a revised implementation agreement, symbolizing a significant shift in the nation's approach to gaming regulation. 

Upcoming SiGMA event: SiGMA Asia 2024, 2 – 5 June. Find all the details .

The Star Casino in the centre of Sydney, a popular gaming hub, found itself in the embroiled in an unexpected controversy. A software glitch in the casino's “ticket in, cash out” (TICO) machines led to the establishment inadvertently giving away more than $2 million in cash over a span of 13 days in July last year.

The glitch was introduced through a software update to the TICO machines. When players inserted more than one ticket into a machine, it returned one of the tickets along with the total cash, and then allowed that ticket to be cashed out repeatedly. This error went unnoticed by the casino operators for six weeks, during which time 43 people exploited the glitch to withdraw free money.

Among the beneficiaries was Thanh Lan Le, a recovering gambling addict. She relapsed after watching a friend repeatedly cash out using the glitch. Over the next 10 days, she withdrew $57,265. By the time she left the casino, all but $5,000 of the money was gambled away.

The casino’s response to the glitch was swift and severe. It reported the 43 “lucky” cash recipients to the police, who arrested Le and an unspecified number of others on charges of fraud, participating in a criminal group, and knowingly dealing with the proceeds of a crime. Le pleaded guilty to a single charge of dishonestly obtaining property by deception and offered to repay the money.

The’s manager, Nicholas Weeks, blamed “a very significant failure across a large number of people and teams” for the casino’s inability to detect the glitch sooner. This incident has led to a second NSW Independent Casino Commission inquiry into operator Star Entertainment, which had previously been found unsuitable to hold a Sydney casino license in 2022 due to allegations of money laundering, criminal infiltration, and fraud.

The latest inquiry also heard from former Star CFO Christina Katsibouba, who testified that the casino’s head of investor relations, Giovanni Rizzo, asked her to manipulate the financial records to hide the loss when the company presented its half-year earnings report in February. Katsibouba refused to comply.

This incident has highlighted the potential pitfalls of technology in the gaming industry, and the importance of robust risk management frameworks and balances to prevent such errors from occurring. It also raises questions in dealing with such situations, and the impact on individuals who unwittingly find themselves on the wrong side of the law.

Jun Fujimoto, the Representative Director, President, CEO, and CIO of , the parent company of Okada Manila, has resigned from most of his positions following a Tokyo High Court ruling that found him liable for breaching his fiduciary duty, involving a substantial $43.5 million (€40.5 million) money transfer. 

The High Court’s decision overturned a previous ruling by the Tokyo District Court, which had cleared Fujimoto of allegations initially filed in 2019 by an unnamed shareholder. The lawsuit accused Fujimoto of orchestrating a transfer of $43,497,204 to an external entity without reasonable necessity and without adhering to internal decision-making protocols, thus violating his fiduciary duty as a director of the company. 

Universal Entertainment refrained from disclosing the identity of the shareholder or the destination of the transferred funds in its recent announcements. The company stated its intention to review the court’s decision before determining its subsequent actions. Additionally, Universal’s claim for damages against the shareholder for defamation was rejected by the High Court. 

Fujimoto's tenure at has been marred by legal conflicts, particularly with the company's founder, Kazuo Okada, whom he replaced in 2017 following allegations of misappropriating company funds. In a separate incident in 2022, a group affiliated with Okada took control of Okada Manila for three months before regulatory intervention mandated their removal. 

In light of Fujimoto's resignation, Hajime Tokuda has been appointed as Universal’s new Representative Director and President. Additionally, Takako Okada, Kazuo Okada’s estranged wife, has been named a Representative Director. Despite stepping down from his previous roles, Fujimoto retains his position as a Director within the company. 

This isn’t the first time Fujimoto and Okada have been embroiled in legal disputes. A previous lawsuit in 2015, filed by shareholder Tsuyoshi Hosoba, alleged breaches of fiduciary duties by Fujimoto and others, resulting in a successful verdict. 

Upcoming SiGMA event: SiGMA Asia 2024, 2 – 5 June. Find all the details .

’s National Police Agency (NPA) issued a stark warning last week, revealing that over one in three individuals apprehended in the recent crackdown on online gambling were teenagers. The alarming statistics underscore a troubling trend of rising in illegal gambling activities, sparking concerns over addiction and detrimental impacts. 

According to the Korea Times report, authorities apprehended a total of 2,925 individuals during the six-month crackdown targeting adolescent participation in online gambling, spanning from September 25 last year to March 31. Of these, a staggering 1,035, constituting 35.4 percent, were teenagers. 

Among the teenage offenders, 798 were high school students, 228 were middle school students, and seven were university students. Authorities also reported that even elementary school students were involved, with the youngest perpetrator being a 9-year-old who wagered 10,000 won. 

The crackdown resulted in the referral of 566 teenage offenders to specialized counselling centres with parental consent, aimed at addressing underlying issues and providing necessary support. Additionally, 75 adults faced imprisonment, and criminal proceeds totalling 61.9 billion won (€41.9 million) were confiscated. 

Police investigations shed light on the methods employed by online gambling sites to lure teenagers, including peer invitations, smartphone messages, online advertisements, and social media promotions. Baccarat emerged as the most favoured game among teenage gamblers, followed by sports betting, casino games, and Powerball or slot machines. 

The simplicity of registration processes, such as signing up with bank accounts or gift vouchers, facilitated teenage engagement in gambling activities. The report said that over 1,000 financial accounts under adolescents' names were identified for managing gambling funds and related transactions. 

Police highlighted the misconception of gambling as a harmless pastime among teens, exacerbated by cybergambling programs resembling simplistic gaming interfaces. Additionally, recent arrests revealed operators manipulating programs to expedite wins and losses, employing strategies like odd-even, ladder, and penalty kicks. 

With plans to resume the crackdown in May, the NPA remains resolute in its commitment to combating teenage involvement in online gambling. Woo Jong-soo, head of the National Office of Investigation, emphasized stringent enforcement against both gamblers and site operators to address the pressing issue of youth gambling. 

Upcoming SiGMA event: SiGMA Asia 2024, 2 – 5 June. Find all the details .

A new for Chinese nationals on package tours will be available starting May 6, easing travel between Macau and neighbouring Hengqin. Announced by China’s National Immigration Administration, the initiative allows participants in package tours to move freely between the two regions over a seven-day period. 

Macau Chief Executive Ho Iat Seng highlighted the visa's potential to foster economic diversification, expressing readiness to welcome increased visitors from Mainland China. The move aligns with Macau’s ongoing efforts to promote non-gaming attractions and broaden its tourism appeal. 

Part of a broader strategy to enhance cross-border business ties, the visa initiative contributes to greater integration within the Greater Bay Area. Alongside measures for Hong Kong, it aims to streamline travel procedures and facilitate smoother business exchanges across regional borders. 

In addition to the multi-entry visa, innovative measures include online processing of travel document formalities in select cities and specialized visas for qualified personnel. These initiatives underscore efforts to digitize visa issuance and enhance efficiency in travel procedures. 

Last week, the Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO) it was predicting a significant increase in inbound tourists to Macau during the upcoming Labour Day holiday. MGTO predicted an average of 130,000 visitors per day, surpassing previous holiday peaks. 

While Macau targets foreign visitors, its focus remains on mainland Chinese clientele. With an emphasis on non-gaming attractions, the city seeks to diversify its tourism offerings while catering to its largest visitor demographic. 

The upcoming launch of the multi-entry visa represents a milestone in Macau’s efforts to redefine its tourism landscape and strengthen ties with neighbouring regions. As the tourism sector prepares for renewed momentum, stakeholders anticipate opportunities for economic growth and cultural exchange. 

Upcoming SiGMA event: SiGMA Asia 2024, 2 – 5 June. Find all the details .

 The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation () has reported a significant surge in its first-quarter income for 2024, reaching a staggering PHP25.24 billion (€408.5 million), marking a remarkable 42.57 percent increase compared to the same period last year.  

In a press release, PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro Tengco  satisfaction with the firms' performance.   

"We are happy to announce that PAGCOR is able to sustain our growth trajectory in the first quarter of 2024, and this should help position us into achieving another record-breaking year," he said.  

Net operating income after expenses during the quarter stood at PHP18.99 billion (€307.3 million), reflecting a substantial 54.22 percent increase from the figures recorded in January-March 2023, which totalled PHP12.32 billion (€199.4 million).  

Gaming operations emerged as the primary revenue driver for PAGCOR in the first quarter, generating PHP22.29 billion (€360.8 million). Within this segment, the e-Games sector, comprising eBingo, eGames, and Bingo grantees, contributed PHP9.69 billion (€156.8 million), while licensed casinos, including integrated resorts, brought in PHP8.04 billion (€130.1 million).  

“The e-games sector will be our major source of gaming revenues this year and in the next few years as innovation and technological integration allow the sector to offer more excitement and convenience to gamers,” Tengco said.  

However, revenues from PAGCOR-run casinos under the Casino Filipino brand experienced a decline, contributing PHP3.7 billion (€59.9 million), down from their share in 2023.  

Offshore gaming operations also made a notable contribution to PAGCOR's earnings, accounting for PHP860.89 million (€13.9 million) or 3.86% of the total gaming income for the first quarter of 2024.  

Tengco also emphasized the positive impact of PAGCOR's robust earnings on various socio-civic programs, including funding for the Universal Healthcare Program, which provides health insurance to millions of underprivileged Filipinos through Philhealth.  

Out of the nearly PHP19 billion (€307.5 million) net income in the first quarter of 2024, PHP15.56 billion (€251.8 million) will be allocated towards Contributions to Nation-Building. This encompasses various initiatives such as the 5 percent franchise tax, government shares, funding for local government units (LGUs) hosting PAGCOR casinos, socio-civic projects, and support for sports development.  

's latest earnings surpassed its previous record set in 2019 before the pandemic outbreak, indicating a robust recovery and growth trajectory for the corporation. In the first quarter of 2019, total income stood at PHP19.49 billion (€315.4 million), a figure comfortably surpassed by the first quarter of 2024 by nearly 30 percent.  

Upcoming SiGMA event: SiGMA Asia 2024, 2 – 5 June. Find all the details .

Indonesia’s Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (Kominfo) has announced the formation of a multi-agency task force in a decisive move against online gambling.. This initiative is a significant step in the country’s ongoing battle against online gambling, an activity that remains entirely illegal across the nation. The task force, as revealed by Kominfo, will consist of representatives from various government agencies.

The government has already implemented a series of stringent measures

The first line of defense is the Registration Requirement. Every website operating within the country’s borders must register with the government. This registration process is not merely a formality. It equips the authorities with broad powers, compelling platforms to disclose user data when required.

Next, the government has enacted the Intermediary Liability Regulation (MR5) in 2020. This law mandates websites to grant Indonesian law enforcement access to any user content, including private communications and storage. Any failure to comply can result in the website being blocked entirely, a stern reminder of the government’s resolve.

Content Removal from social media and interna Social media and internet platforms are obligated to remove content deemed unlawful at the request of any government agency. The response time is swift - urgent requests must be addressed within four hours, while non-urgent ones have a 24-hour window.

The government also wields the power of Penalties for Non-compliance. Internet and social media platforms that fail to comply with the rules face the risk of fines. Repeat offenders could find their platforms blocked in Indonesia, and their staff could even face criminal sanctions.

These include the Financial Services Authority (OJK), the Financial Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (PPATK), and the police. This information was reported by the local media outlet, Bernama. The task force’s primary objective is to combat online gambling, with each agency playing a specific role. Kominfo will supervise the digital space, OJK will manage accounts, PPATK will oversee fund flows, and

This was stated by Usman Kansong, the Ministry’s Information and Public Communications Director. In addition to domestic efforts, the task force will collaborate with Interpol to tackle cross-border cases. This international cooperation is crucial given the government’s previous struggles in blocking foreign operators. Minister Budi Arie further emphasized the Ministry’s commitment by issuing a warning to all social media platforms, cellular operators, and internet service providers against facilitating any form of online gambling promotion. He stated, “We have done everything within the authority of Kominfo.

We from the Ministry of Communication and Information are fully determined. At the beginning of the week, I gathered all our teams at Kominfo to work together to eradicate online gambling.” This task force is the latest in a series of actions taken by Indonesia against online gambling. In 2012, the country announced similar plans to eliminate such activities, citing the significant amount of money gambled by locals on the Euro 2012 football championship as a primary concern.

Indonesia’s multi-agency task force represents a united front in the country’s war against online gambling. It is a testament to the government’s determination to curb this illegal activity and protect its citizens from the potential harms associated with it. The success of this initiative will undoubtedly set a precedent for other nations grappling with similar issues.

Both Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and Johor state Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi have categorically denied reports suggesting the establishment of a casino in Forest City, refuting the claims made by a Bloomberg report.  

In a recent statement, Ibrahim rejected the idea, emphasizing that there are no plans for a casino licence in the area. 

Responding to inquiries regarding Malaysia's alleged consideration of a second casino licence for the Forest City development, Anwar stated that discussions with prominent figures such as Vincent Tan and Lim Kok Thay did not involve the topic of a casino licence. 

Meanwhile, Onn Hafiz declared that no casinos will be permitted to open or operate within the state. Onn Hafiz emphasized that the Johor government has never entertained discussions or proposals regarding the establishment of casinos. 

Speculation has arisen regarding the potential economic impact of introducing a casino to the $100 billion (€93.1 billion) Forest City project. While some believe it could inject new life into the development, others highlight Malaysia's strict regulatory framework concerning gambling as a significant hurdle. 

Amidst 's predominantly Muslim population and cultural aversion to gambling, the prospect of concrete agreements regarding a casino licence remains uncertain. Furthermore, the renewal of casino licences every three months, overseen by the finance minister—a position currently held by Anwar—adds another layer of complexity to the situation. 

Since its establishment in 1969, Genting has monopolized Malaysia's casino industry, operating the only casino in Genting Highlands. With ventures extending to the United States, the United Kingdom, and Singapore, the company holds significant influence in the global gambling market. 

The Forest City development, overseen by developer Country Garden, involves a joint venture in which Malaysia's King holds over 20 percent stake. This royal involvement adds a unique dimension to discussions surrounding the potential introduction of a casino to the project. 

Upcoming SiGMA event: SiGMA Asia 2024, 3 – 5 June. Find all the details .

Galaxy for luxury accommodations, is set to launch a new 5-star hotel, the Capella Hotel, in mid-2025. It is being described as 'a serene oasis in the centre of a bustling city". This addition will further solidify Galaxy, already housing eight renowned hotels, including the Banyan Tree and the Ritz-Carlton.

The upcoming Capella Hotel, officially named Capella at Galaxy Macau, will be a 17-floor architectural marvel showcasing Galaxy’s signature gold exterior. The hotel is designed by the renowned French company Moinard Bētaille, known for their innovative and luxurious designs. The design draws inspiration from tropical greenery and water, aiming to create a serene atmosphere that offers a tranquil retreat from the bustling city.

The hotel will feature 36 “sky villas” and 57 suites, each promising ultimate comfort and relaxation. The sky villas will each feature an outdoor lounge, infinity pool, karaoke room, personal cocktail bar, and pantry. The suites, on the other hand, will provide opulence with private pools and balconies offering breathtaking city views.

Francis Lui, Vice Chairman of Galaxy Entertainment Group, expressed his excitement about the collaboration with Capella Hotel and Resorts. He aims to deliver unparalleled luxury in 21st-century hospitality, setting a new standard for luxury accommodations.

The hotel will also feature a high-end restaurant by renowned Michelin-starred chef Vicky Cheng. Cheng is known for his innovative French-meets-Chinese cuisine, and his debut at the Capella Hotel is highly anticipated.

In addition to the restaurant, guests can enjoy a whiskey bar by Moinard Bētaille and an exclusive members-only lounge named Pony & Plume, designed by Hong Kong’s Albert Kwan. These amenities further enhance the luxurious experience offered by the Capella Hotel.

The launch of the Capella Hotel marks a significant milestone for Galaxy Macau. It not only expands their portfolio of luxury accommodations but also redefines the standards of luxury and comfort in the hospitality industry. With its serene atmosphere, luxurious amenities, and world-class dining, the Capella Hotel is set to become a premier destination for discerning travellers.