Adam Cole, the co-founder of the now-defunct Football Index, is back in the spotlight with a new venture, KiX, a footballer trading platform bearing striking resemblances to its predecessor. The collapse of Football Index in 2021 led to users losing an estimated £90 million in virtual averaging losses of about £3,000 per customer, with many losing significantly more.

Cole, (pictured above), who served as the former CEO of Football Index, co-founded the company with Mike Bohan. Despite his silence on social media since a May 2021 statement expressing his devastation over the company’s downfall, Cole has resurfaced as an investor and advisor to KiX. This has been met with disappointment from the victims of Football Index, with campaigner David Hammel describing it as a “real kick in the teeth.”

KiX, like Football Index, allows users to trade in footballers, earning rewards based on their performance. However, KiX operates on a different model and structure, trading footballers in the form of non-fungible tokens (NFTs) and using cryptocurrency. While some see this as an exciting and innovative use of technology, others view it as a risky vehicle for financial speculation.

The KiX platform acknowledges the similarities with Football Index but insists it is a completely new platform. Despite Cole’s involvement, a KiX spokesman confirmed that he does not have executive input at the operational or board level. The spokesman also clarified that Cole is not an employee or a shareholder and draws no salary from KiX.

The story of Football Index and KiX serves as a cautionary tale in the world of virtual trading platforms. As the saga continues to unfold, the victims of Football Index are left to grapple with the consequences of their lost investments, while the world watches to see if KiX will follow in its predecessor’s footsteps or chart a new path in the world of football trading.

The downfall of Football Index, a once-promising virtual trading platform, was a complex event triggered by a series of missteps and oversights. BetIndex, the company behind Football Index, misrepresented the nature of their product in their , and failed to report necessary changes to their product. This lack of transparency was compounded by the Gambling Commission’s own lack of regulatory oversight, which failed to scrutinize BetIndex’s product and language thoroughly.

Financial mismanagement played a significant role in the platform’s collapse. Just days before its downfall, Football Index was found to be “minting” and selling new “shares”, a move that raised serious questions about the company’s financial practices. The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), too, came under fire for its handling of the case. Criticized for its slow response to requests from the Gambling Commission and inconsistency in messaging on regulatory responsibilities, the FCA’s failure further contributed to the platform’s demise.

At its core, Football Index was a high-risk trading platform, allowing users to trade in derivatives that led to significant financial losses. The platform’s collapse in 2021 resulted in users losing an estimated £90 million in virtual footballer shares. The aftermath of this catastrophic event continues to reverberate, with many former users still feeling the trauma of their lost investments and the impact it has left on their lives.

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.

After nearly three years of rigorous remediation, by the NSW Independent Casino Commission (NICC). The Chief Commissioner, Philip Crawford, acknowledged Crown’s significant progress and emphasized the need for its sustained commitment to maintaining suitability.

Crown Sydney has undergone a fundamental transformation in its business operations. The NICC’s assessment confirmed that the casino is operating within the parameters of the Act, the suitability deed, and its regulatory obligations. This marks a significant milestone in Crown’s journey, demonstrating its ability to run the casino lawfully.

Beyond legal compliance, Crown has made meaningful strides in other areas of its business. It has fostered a culture of transparency and accountability across its integrated resort, a crucial step in its remediation process.

Despite these positive changes, the NICC remains mindful of the misconduct exposed in 2021 when Crown was deemed unsuitable. Crawford stressed that to do to reach a steady state. The casino must continue to elevate its standards and sustain its cultural transformation.

The NICC itself has evolved as a regulator, now possessing enhanced powers, a singular focus on casinos, and a mandate to mitigate harm. This decision is a testament to Crown’s transformation and a positive outcome for its staff, the community, and Crown Sydney itself.

Crown Sydney has implemented hundreds of new internal controls as part of its reforms, reflecting the Bergin-based recommendations. These reforms have culminated in a new licence and a new regulatory agreement between Crown Sydney, the NSW Government, and the NICC.

The updated agreements include revised settings, such as the removal of restrictions on the NICC’s powers and the elimination of previous compensation trigger clauses from the casino legislation.

Crawford reminded Crown of the responsibility and privilege that accompany a casino licence. Crown Sydney’s future as a destination hospitality and entertainment venue, underpinned by the restricted gaming facility, hinges on its unwavering commitment to continuing suitability, accountability, and compliance.

is currently engaged in discussions with Berjaya and Genting Group regarding the possibility of establishing a casino in Forest City, located in Johor, a state located south of the country and known for beaches and rainforest.  

Forest City, often referred to as the nation's 'ghost city,' was initially unveiled in 2006 as part of a 20-year development project funded by a consortium of primarily mainland Chinese real estate developers. 

The massive $100 billion (€93.5 billion) property project, which also involves the nation's monarch as a shareholder, has garnered attention from Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. A recent Bloomberg report said that Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim held preliminary discussions with Vincent Tan, the founder of Berjaya Corp, and Lim Kok Thay from Genting Group regarding the proposed casino venture. 

Despite the discussions, uncertainties loom over the potential project due to 's predominantly Muslim population and cultural aversion to gambling. The Muslim-majority nation's stance on gambling presents a significant hurdle to the establishment of a casino, raising questions about the feasibility of the proposed venture. 

Notably, the country's King holds a substantial stake of over 20 percent in the Forest City joint venture, which is overseen by developer Country Garden. Additionally, King Ibrahim has interests in Berjaya Assets Bhd, while his daughter serves as the Chair of Berjaya Corp. King Ibrahim recently ascended to the throne in January, adding complexity to the political landscape surrounding potential developments in Forest City. 

If the discussions lead to concrete agreements, the establishment of a casino in Forest City would mark Malaysia's second-ever casino licence. However, the project's realization hinges on navigating cultural sensitivities, regulatory considerations, and political dynamics within the Southeast Asian country. 

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