Gamingtec, a provider of iGaming solutions, is marking its debut in the market. Speaking with SiGMA News during the ASEAN Gaming Summit, Andrei Beu, Commercial Director of Gamingtec, shared insights into the company’s first event in Asia. "This is our first event in Asia, [and we are] aiming to establish a presence and introduce our brand," Beu stated.  

Gamingtec is a global company offering white label and turnkey solution, focusing on customization and partnership.  

Beu told SiGMA News that the move into Asia presents both challenges and opportunities for Gamingtec.  

"We see ourselves as a global company without boundaries. We are here to establish a foothold and penetrate the Asian market," Beu noted. He highlighted the company's live operations in Japan and the complexities of navigating its highly regulated environment. "Japan has great potential, but compliance with government regulations is crucial for success," he said. 

Discussing the regulatory environment in the , Beu was optimistic. "The Philippine iGaming scene is very welcoming, with high availability for licences. We hold a PAGCOR licence, and the regulatory process was straightforward compared to Europe or the US," he commented.  

Beu emphasised that Gamingtec is prepared to comply with any regulatory changes, ensuring a stable and conducive environment for their partners. 

Looking ahead, Beu expressed confidence in the growth of the iGaming industry in Asia.  

"The market is growing steadily and consistently. Like Latin America, where regulation spurred immense growth, Asia is poised for significant development," he observed. Beu foresees more markets becoming regulated and attracting investment, creating a vibrant iGaming ecosystem in Southeast Asia. 

"Expect to see more of Gamingtec in Southeast Asia. We aim to be perceived as a successful provider and partner," Beu concluded. 

As the dust settles on the 2023/24 Premier League season, leading online gaming company finds itself in an unusual position. While Manchester City celebrated lifting the Premier League trophy for the fourth consecutive time, bet365 was left to count the cost of a season that ended in a way few could have predicted.

The Day the Punters Won” The final day of the season saw all the favourites win their matches, a scenario that led to bet365 announcing it had experienced a “shockingly bad” end to the season. Steve Freeth, ’s PR man, described the day as one where punters signed off in style with a full house of favourites winning. The 10-fold paid 103/1 at kick-off, with nine teams paying out early thanks to bet365’s 2 Goals Ahead Payout. Adding to the company’s woes was the Acca Boost of 35% for all correct 10-folds, resulting in the biggest payout of the campaign. The company was given a glimmer of hope when VAR checked Kai Havertz’s late winner, but the German’s 89th-minute goal stood, sealing a miserable final day for bet365 but a joyous one for its customers.

However, the weekend wasn’t entirely successful for punters. Saturday saw heavy favourite Tyson Fury suffer defeat at the hands of Ukrainian Oleksandr Usyk in an Undisputed World Heavyweight title fight in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This result led to the majority of UK bettors tearing up their bets, handing bet365 a much-needed win. Despite the football results, Freeth noted that the company had a brilliant result in Riyadh with Tyson Fury being edged out on points by Oleksandr Usyk. However, any profit from this event was quickly swallowed up by the football results on Sunday.

As the season ends, bet365 is already looking ahead to the next one. The company has released early odds for the 2024/25 Premier League, with Manchester City a shade of odds-on at 10/11 to win a fifth consecutive title. Arsenal are priced at 9/4, with Liverpool at 8/1. But before that, there’s the small matter of the Euros to contend with. As this season has shown, in the world of sports betting, anything can happen.

is embarking on a strategic shift beyond casinos and gambling. The city-state plans to diversify its revenue streams and reduce its dependence on gaming revenue. This decision comes in the wake of Director Xia Baolong’s recent official visit to Macau and is a significant development in the region’s economic landscape. According to Chief Executive Ho Iat Seng, the gaming industry accounted for about 36 percent of Macau’s GDP in 2023, with the rest being non-gaming elements.

While it is estimated that the share of GDP from the gaming industry will increase in 2024, the government aims to maintain the share at 40 percent or below. To achieve this, Macau is implementing the “1+4” appropriate economic diversification strategy. This strategy aims to enrich function as “One Centre” for integrated tourism and leisure, while facilitating the development of four nascent industries. These include the ‘Big Health’ industry, modern financial services, high and new technology, and convention and exhibition, sports, and the commercial and trade industries.

This strategic shift was further emphasized following the seven-day official visit by Mr Xia Baolong, the Director of the Hong Kong and Macao Work Office of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and the Director of the State Council’s Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office. In addition to this, recent updates in travel, such as the NIA’s new measures for mainland travellers and the inclusion of 8 new cities under the FIT scheme, are set to benefit not only gaming visitors but also visitors for non-gaming activities and business travels.

Despite these plans for diversification into non-gambling sectors, gambling revenue still remains a significant portion of Macau’s revenue, with a 26 percent increase in Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR) compared to the same period last year. This underscores the challenge and the opportunity that lies ahead for Macau as it navigates its path towards economic diversification.

SkyCity Entertainment Group, a gaming operator in and Australia, has announced a settlement with New Zealand authorities regarding breaches in anti-money laundering and countering financing of terrorism (AML/CFT) regulations. The company has consented to pay a civil penalty amounting to NZ$4.16 million (€2.3 million). However, the agreement is subject to approval by the High Court of New Zealand, with SkyCity expressing its intention to seek a prompt hearing for approval. 

This agreement follows closely on the heels of SkyCity's recent , the Australian financial crimes watchdog, where the company agreed to pay approximately $44.5 million (€41.2 million) for similar breaches at its SkyCity Adelaide property. The NZ penalty specifically addresses deficiencies in SkyCity's AML/CFT risk assessment and program, which remained unresolved until July 2021. These breaches, admitted by the company, span from 2018 to 2023 and primarily pertain to historical issues. 

SkyCity emphasises its efforts to rectify compliance shortcomings, including the overhaul of its Board, the appointment of directors with specialised risk expertise, and the establishment of a dedicated Board Risk and Compliance Committee.  

Additionally, the company has implemented higher due diligence standards, reduced cash thresholds triggering enhanced customer due diligence, and terminated relationships with junket operators since April 2021. Further, SkyCity pledges to implement a mandatory carded plan across its New Zealand properties by mid-2025. 

Julian Cook, SkyCity's Executive Chair, acknowledges the progress made in enhancing AML/CFT systems while expressing disappointment over the breaches. He affirms the company's commitment to resolving regulatory matters promptly, including the temporary suspension of its New Zealand casino operator's license.  

SkyCity remains engaged with Australian authorities for an independent review of SkyCity Adelaide, which was on hold pending AUSTRAC civil proceedings. Cook underscores ongoing enhancement efforts in both New Zealand and Australia, recognizing the ongoing importance of compliance and regulatory adherence.