Australia bans credit cards, cryptocurrencies for online gambling to combat financial risks 

(pictured above), has expressed his dissatisfaction with a UEFA regulation that has thwarted the club’s attempt to sign Jean-Clair Todibo from Nice. The issue stems from the fact that both Manchester United and Nice are partially owned by INEOS, raising concerns about multi-club ownership and its impact on UEFA competitions.

Todibo, a French defender who has been on Manchester United’s wishlist for some time, has been performing well for Nice since his transfer from Barcelona in 2021. His contributions helped Nice secure a fifth-place finish in Ligue 1 last season, earning them a spot in the Europa League. However, UEFA’s rules have put a damper on the potential move, as they prohibit transfers between clubs under the same ownership umbrella.

UEFA had initially granted a transitional period for the 2024/25 season, allowing both clubs to participate in the Europa League despite the shared ownership. This decision came after Ratcliffe acquired a 25% stake in Manchester United. Yet, the governing body has now decided to block any transfer dealings between the two clubs, directly affecting Todibo’s potential move to Old Trafford.

Renowned football journalist Fabrizio Romano reported that the transfer is now “off” due to these regulations. Ratcliffe, in an interview with Bloomberg, lamented the situation, stating that while Todibo could join another Premier League team, a move to Manchester United is not permitted. He criticized the rule as being unfair to the player and questioned its purpose.

Ratcliffe also touched upon the broader challenges facing Manchester United, acknowledging that the club’s issues would not be resolved in a single transfer window. He emphasized that acquiring one high-profile player would not be the solution to the club’s problems. Despite these obstacles, Ratcliffe has made significant behind-the-scenes hires, including Manchester City CEO Omar Berrada. However, only technical director Jason Wilcox has been appointed so far.

Looking ahead, Ratcliffe is keen to appoint Dan Ashworth from Newcastle United as the new director of football. Nevertheless, he is reluctant to meet Newcastle’s compensation demands. As Manchester United navigates these complexities, Ratcliffe remains committed to prioritizing the club’s long-term success, indicating that it may take several transfer windows to achieve the desired improvements. His dedication as a lifelong fan of the Red Devils is evident, but the journey to restore the club’s former glory is proving to be a challenging one, with UEFA’s rules posing an unexpected hurdle in the transfer market.

Find out more about  to be held in Budapest.

Michigan’shas soared to new heights, reaching a staggering $239.5 million in revenue, marking a significant 28.9 percent increase from the previous year. This remarkable growth spanned both the online casino and sports betting markets, showcasing the state’s burgeoning digital betting scene.

The Michigan Gaming Control Board’s latest data revealed that the state’s revenue eclipsed last year’s $185.8 million for the same month, also surpassing April’s figures by 2.0 percent with a total of $234.8 million. Online casino activities were the powerhouse of this growth, with gross receipts hitting $198.6 million—a 31.9 percent jump year-on-year. Sports betting wasn’t far behind, with gross receipts climbing 15.2 percent to $40.9 million, and the betting handle itself increasing by 19.2 percent to $343.7 million.

After accounting for promotional expenditures, the adjusted gross receipts continued the upward trend. The iGaming market saw a 31.2 percent rise, reaching $206.8 million. Online casinos contributed a substantial $178.7 million, up 31.9 percent, while sports betting adjusted receipts grew by 27.7 percent to $28.1 million. These figures encompass activities across both commercial and tribal operators.

Commercial operators contributed a hefty $38.8 million in taxes and payments to Michigan’s coffers, with iGaming generating $37.0 million and sports betting adding another $1.8 million. Tribal operators also played their part, reporting $4.5 million in payments to governing bodies.

Detroit’s trio of commercial casinos mirrored the online sector’s success, posting a 7.2 percent year-on-year revenue increase to $113.2 million. This included $111.3 million from table games and slots, up 6.3 percent and $1.9 million from sports betting QAGR, which saw an impressive 80.1% surge. MGM maintained its dominance in Detroit with a 46% market share, followed by MotorCity at 31 percent, and Hollywood Casino at Greektown holding 23 percent.

Amidst this financial success, the MGCB took regulatory action, issuing a cease-and-desist order to Curaçao-based Bovada. The board accused Harp Media BV, Bovada’s operator, of allowing access to its Bovada.com and Bovada.lv sites for Michigan residents without the necessary licensing, underscoring the state’s commitment to regulated and lawful gaming practices. This move highlights the importance of compliance in an industry experiencing exponential growth and transformation.

Find out more about  to be held in Budapest.

In a recent interview conducted by Maria Debrincat for SiGMA, Nicky Gouder, a partner at Seed and the Chief Business Development Officer at Binderr, opened up about his approach to philanthropy and his role in supporting meaningful projects through the .

Nicky Gouder's journey in philanthropy is marked by a deep-seated desire to challenge the status quo. "The status quo is something that annoys me," he remarked, emphasising his "drive to innovate" and make a tangible difference. Doing things differently is the principle that guides his decisions and actions, in all aspects of his life, he explained.

Finding the right project to invest time and resources into was initially a challenge for Gouder. During the interview, he discussed the importance of trust in the projects he supports and the need for transparent information about their outcomes.

His decision to collaborate with the SiGMA Foundation stemmed from a strong belief in the integrity of the projects and the people involved, particularly citing his long-standing relationship with Keith Marshall, Chief Philanthropy Officer and co-founder of the SiGMA Foundation.

Among the projects that resonated deeply with Nicky Gouder is the SiGMA Foundation's initiative focused on . Among other initiatives, the foundation financed tailored programs in IT, cookery, sewing, and hairdressing, benefiting hundreds of women annually, helping them achieve employment and financial independence. Gouder emphasised that the foundation's ultimate goal is to support communities in a sustainable manner, ensuring that initiatives are not short-term fixes but long-term investments in building a brighter future.

Central to Gouder's philanthropic philosophy is the idea of fostering independence rather than fostering dependence on donations. He believes in using resources to empower individuals, equipping them with the skills and capabilities needed to thrive independently.

Acknowledging that he may not always fully understand the needs on the ground, Gouder stressed the importance of listening to those who are directly involved and have a real understanding of the local context. This approach ensures that the foundation's efforts are aligned with the actual needs of the communities they serve.

Reflecting on his involvement with philanthropic projects, Gouder finds personal fulfilment in witnessing successful project outcomes. He views the positive transformation in communities as the ultimate reward for his contributions, reinforcing his commitment to making a meaningful difference, and challenging the status quo even further.

Upcoming SiGMA event: The  2024 will be held in Budapest this September.

The Department of Tourism (DOT) has spearheaded several strategic initiatives over the past two years, significantly boosting the Philippines' appeal as a travel destination. These initiatives have been pivotal in attracting more visitors and enhancing their overall experience, underscoring the country's recovery and growth post-pandemic.  

The DOT’s include the construction of Tourist Rest Areas across strategic locations, the launch of the Philippine Experience Program (PEP) to highlight emerging destinations, and the establishment of a Tourist Assistance Call Centre to address travel-related concerns. 

The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) released data on June 18 showing that the tourism sector contributed 8.6% to the country's gross domestic product (GDP) in 2023. This substantial contribution highlights tourism's crucial role in the nation's economy.   

The agency has also focused on sustainable and resilient tourism infrastructure through initiatives like the Tourism Champions Challenge. These efforts aim to promote development across the Philippines, enhancing various tourism offerings including gastronomy, diving, film, golf, history, culture, medical tourism, and English as a Second Language (ESL) programs.  

In 2023, the tourism industry generated and sustained 6.21 million jobs for Filipinos, nearing the DOT’s target of 6.3 million tourism-related jobs by 2028. This surge in employment demonstrates the sector's potential to create significant job opportunities for the local population.  

Tourism Secretary attributed the sector's growth to the Marcos administration’s prioritisation of tourism. She emphasised that the PSA report reflects the enthusiasm of Filipinos to explore their own country and support local businesses, thereby increasing the Philippines' attractiveness as a travel destination.  

The Tourism Direct Gross Value Added (TDGVA) reached PHP2.09 trillion (€33.1 billion) in 2023, the highest since the PSA began tracking this data in 2000. This represents a 47.9 percent increase from the PHP1.41 trillion (€22.3 billion) recorded in 2022 when tourism contributed 6.4 percent to GDP.  

Domestic tourism expenditure saw a significant rise of 72.3 percent, growing from PHP1.55 trillion (€24.5 billion) in 2022 to PHP2.67 trillion (€42.3 billion) in 2023. Inbound tourism expenditure, which includes spending by non-resident visitors, surged by 87.7 percent, reaching PHP697.46 billion (€11 billion), surpassing pre-pandemic levels of PHP600.01 billion (€9.5 billion) in 2019.

Meanwhile, outbound tourism expenditure also grew by 10 percent, increasing from PHP189.29 billion (€2.99 billion) in 2022 to PHP208.25 billion (€3.29 billion) in 2023. This indicates a growing trend of Filipinos travelling abroad. Combined internal tourism expenditure, which includes both inbound and domestic spending, increased by 75.3 percent, rising from PHP1.92 trillion (€30.39 billion) in 2022 to PHP3.36 trillion (€53.2 billion) in 2023.  

The DOT has emphasised collaboration with both public and private sectors, particularly local government units, to make tourism in the Philippines more inclusive. This joint effort aims to continue improving tourism infrastructure, visitor experiences, and employment opportunities. 

Find out more about the latest updates and trends in the industry, from latest regulatory news to most recent innovations at the upcoming  Summit happening in Budapest from 2 – 4 September.