Curaçao responds to criticism, amends gambling legislation 

CryptoGames has recently integrated Polygon (MATIC) into its platform. This strategic move is designed to significantly enhance the user experience by leveraging Polygon’s advanced blockchain technology, which offers faster transactions and reduced costs.

Polygon, formerly known as Matic Network, was established in 2017 by developers Jaynti Kanani, Sandeep Nailwal, and Anurag Arjun. It quickly gained recognition as a leading Layer 2 scaling solution for Ethereum. It addresses critical issues such as high transaction fees and network congestion by processing transactions on its sidechains. This process effectively bundles multiple transactions into a single submission to the Ethereum mainchain, reducing costs and enhancing transaction speeds.

Polygon’s modular Software Development Kit (SDK) enables developers to create and connect decentralized applications (dApps) on custom sidechains. It supports various scaling solutions like Plasma Chains, zk-Rollups, and Optimistic Rollups. Polygon’s Proof of Stake (PoS) chain allows participants to stake MATIC tokens to validate transactions, engage in network governance, and earn rewards.

Despite facing a security vulnerability in 2021, Polygon demonstrated resilience by raising $450 million in February 2022 from prominent investors like Sequoia Capital India, Tiger Global, and Softbank Vision Fund. This funding aims to bolster its infrastructure and expand its services.

The integration of Polygon (MATIC) into CryptoGames is driven by its exceptional ability to handle high transaction volumes with minimal fees. This is crucial for an online casino that prioritizes fast and cost-effective transactions. This integration ensures that players benefit from quicker and cheaper transactions, significantly enhancing their overall gaming experience.

Polygon’s widespread popularity and robust security measures make it an ideal choice for CryptoGames. By supporting a well-known cryptocurrency, CryptoGames facilitates an easier transition for users. This forward-thinking approach positions CryptoGames at the forefront of the industry, ready to leverage future advancements in blockchain technology.

The inclusion of Polygon (MATIC) brings numerous benefits to CryptoGames. Users can enjoy faster and more cost-effective transactions, which enhances the efficiency and enjoyment of their gaming experience. With Polygon (MATIC) as a supported currency, CryptoGames offers increased accessibility, providing more options for betting and transacting on the platform.

Moreover, Polygon’s advanced security ensures that users can place their bets with confidence, knowing that their funds are protected. This robust security framework is essential for maintaining trust and satisfaction among CryptoGames’ user base. By integrating Polygon, CryptoGames continues to stay ahead of its competitors, offering cutting-edge solutions that appeal to a broad audience of cryptocurrency enthusiasts.

CryptoGames, established in 2020, is a leading online cryptocurrency-based casino licensed and regulated by the Government of Curacao. The platform offers a diverse range of games, including Dice, DiceV2, Roulette, Blackjack, Lottery, Video Poker, Plinko, Minesweeper, and Keno. Supporting multiple cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, Dogecoin, Monero, Bitcoin Cash, Ethereum Classic, Dash, Solana, Binance Coin, NeoGas, and now Polygon (MATIC), CryptoGames ensures a seamless and engaging gaming experience for both new and seasoned players.

CryptoGames prides itself on transparency and fairness through provably fair mechanisms, guaranteeing random and unmanipulated outcomes. The casino features a competitive house edge and offers various bonuses and rewards, including faucet bonuses, random vouchers, daily and weekly challenges, and a monthly wagering contest with substantial rewards. The VIP membership program provides exclusive benefits such as a lower house edge, increased exchange limits, and access to a VIP chat room, further enhancing the user experience. By integrating Polygon (MATIC), CryptoGames reaffirms its commitment to providing an advanced, secure, and user-friendly platform for cryptocurrency gaming.

to operate in Nevada, one of the most lucrative states for operators in the US. The company, which operates as, received unanimous approval from the Nevada Gaming Commission (NGC) on 1 May, 2024.

Previously, Entain operated under temporary licences due to concerns from the NGC about its operations in unregulated markets. However, the company has made significant strides to move past these issues, accepting responsibility and learning from them. This progress was acknowledged by the NGC, leading to the issuance of the unconditional licence on 16 May, 2024.

Entain’s journey began with a two-year license granted in 2019 when it was still known as GVC. BetMGM initially went live in Nevada in March 2020, and Entain was subsequently granted a three-year license in 2021. Now, the company is registered with the NGC as a publicly traded corporation without any operational limitations.

During the May 2024 hearing, Entain emphasized its withdrawal from unregulated markets worldwide, a move that cost the company $100 million in profit. As stated by Barry Gibson, the chairman of the company, one cannot measure the correctness of an action based on its profitability. This viewpoint was supported by the board and led to the company’s departure from markets that were yielding profits.

Now 95 percent of the group’s operating revenue comes from regulated markets. This shift in operations was praised by Commissioner Brian Krolicki during the hearing, who referred to it as a “casebook study on how to put on governance and compliance and ethics issues.”

Entain, operating as BetMGM, is now active in 28 states across the United States, generating close to $2.00 billion (£1.59 billion /€1.86 billion) in revenue in 2023. The company’s Q1 2024 figures further highlight its growth, with a 2 percent increase in net gaming revenue and strong growth in customer acquisition. With an improved player experience, BetMGM is well-positioned for future growth.

Hong Kong-based Legend Development Ltd, a prominent player in the casino industry, recently announced the successful sale of its casino resort in Laos, Savan Legend Resorts. This strategic move, which took place on 16 May, 2024, marks the end of Macau Legend’s interest in the resort.

The sale process of Savan Legend Resorts, located in Savannakhet, Laos, had been delayed several times since its announcement in February. However, the deal finally received the green light from the Laotian government, allowing the transaction to proceed.

The initial announcement of the sale was made in June 2023, where a letter of intent was mentioned with a potential buyer for a total consideration of US$45.0 million. The buyer, Shundo Yoshinari, a Japanese citizen residing in Japan, was identified as an independent third party.

In a subsequent filing in December, Macau Legend revealed that the entire equity interest in Savan Legend was to be sold for an “initial consideration” of US$39 million, as agreed with Mr. Yoshinari. The company anticipated a pre-tax gain on the disposal of approximately HKD47 million (US$6.0 million).

This sale is part of a broader strategic shift for Macau Legend, as it may soon divest its other business assets outside of Macau. Recent reports suggest that the government of Cape Verde, an island nation in West Africa, is in discussions with the company to revert its concession to develop and operate a casino resort in the country.

Despite these international divestments, Macau Legend continues to maintain a strong presence in Macau with its tourism complex, Macau Fisherman’s Wharf. This waterfront area near the Outer Harbour Ferry Terminal on the Macau peninsula features a casino, Legend Palace, which is promoted under a services agreement with Macau licensee SJM Holdings Ltd.

However, the company’s financial performance in 2023 reflected a net loss of HKD4.9 million, as reported in its annual results filed on 28 March . The sale of Savan Legend Resorts is seen as a strategic move to improve the company’s financial health and focus on its core operations.

The Star Entertainment Group, Australia’s second-largest casino operator, has been the subject of recent takeover speculation. Despite rumours of a bid from US-based Hard Rock, has been received from them. However, the company has acknowledged interest from several other parties, including a consortium of investors that counts Hard Rock Hotels & Resorts (Pacific) among its members.

In a statement released on Monday, The Star confirmed that while there has been inbound interest regarding potential transactions, none of these approaches have led to any substantial discussions. The company described the interest as confidential, unsolicited, preliminary, and non-binding.

Currently, The Star is navigating through remediation activities in both New South Wales and Queensland. This includes its involvement in the Bell Two Inquiry, which is assessing its suitability to retain a Sydney casino license. Amidst this, the company announced on 17 May that its gaming licenses for The Star Gold Coast and Treasury Brisbane casinos have been extended from 31 May 31st to December 20th. This extension allows the Queensland Government to evaluate the outcomes of the Second Bell Inquiry into The Star in New South Wales and assess The Star’s remediation progress before making further decisions.

This extension surpasses the term of the Special Manager, appointed to supervise the Queensland properties, which concludes on 8 December. The final report for the Bell Two Inquiry is anticipated on 31 July.

There has been widespread speculation about to retain its licences in both states, particularly in New South Wales due to the Second Bell Inquiry. This has led to questions about whether rival Crown Resorts would be interested in a possible takeover of the group’s gaming license, if permitted by authorities.

In a previous conversation with AGB, Crown Resorts CEO Ciarán Carruthers did not confirm whether Crown now holds a competitive edge over The Star in New South Wales, as suggested by some analysts. Carruthers highlighted that the group’s successful remediation efforts, demonstrated by its suitability to maintain its casino license in both Melbourne and Sydney, have helped rebuild trust within the local community and have strengthened its authority in community engagement.

The possibility of a takeover of The Star has caused the company’s shares to surge by approximately 20 percent in today’s trading.