Telegram to work with Malaysian government to fight online gambling, scams  

The UK land-based gambling sector has faced significant challenges in recent years due to business inactivity during periods of COVID-19 restrictions and rising operating costs. As a result, many venues have closed, impacting local communities through the loss of jobs and decreased economic activity. The government hopes that these will help to revitalize the sector while ensuring adequate protections are in place for consumers.

In May 2023, the government initiated a regulatory reform program known as the ‘smarter regulation programme’. The aim of this programme is to enhance regulation and guidance for businesses, ensuring clarity, proportionality, and the removal of unnecessary burdens that could stifle innovation and growth.

As part of this initiative, the t (DCMS) released a white paper in April 2023. This document outlined the government’s plans to modernize the regulation of the gambling sector, with a particular focus on land-based gambling. The white paper proposed several key measures to update the outdated currently applied to the sector.

Between 26 July and 4 October 2023, the DCMS conducted a public consultation on these measures. After analyzing the evidence submitted, the government has decided to implement several measures:

• Relaxation of casino rules: This includes allowing 1968 Act casinos to increase their number of gaming machines to 80 if they meet the size requirements of a Small 2005 Act casino. Smaller 1968 Act casinos will be allowed more than 20 machines, on a pro-rata basis commensurate to their size, and betting will be permitted in all casinos.
• Machines in arcades and bingo halls: A 2:1 ratio of Category B to Category C and D gaming machines will be allowed in arcades and bingo halls, implemented on a device type basis.
• Cashless payments on gaming machines: The prohibition on the direct use of debit cards on gaming machines will be removed, subject to the introduction of appropriate player protection measures.
• Introduction of a legal age limit of 18 for certain gaming machines: To protect children and young people, anyone under the age of 18 will be banned from playing low stake Category D slot-style machines that pay out cash.
• Licensing authority fees: The maximum chargeable premises licensing fees will be increased by 15 percent.

The consultation received 87 responses from a wide variety of stakeholders, including researchers, adult gaming centre operators, bingo operators, campaign organizations, casino operators, individuals, local authorities, pub representatives, and responses from the wider gambling industry.

The government’s response provides non-remote gambling operators with clear notice of the intention to introduce the measures set out within this government response. Following the publication of this response, six regulations will be laid before Parliament.

The government is committed to ensuring that the regulation of land-based gambling is fit for the modern age and is proportionate to the risk associated with the gambling products on offer. However, it recognizes that a minority of customers do experience gambling-related harm and that it is necessary to have safeguards in place to protect customers.

The dates of the 4th - 8th of May marked the SiGMA Foundation’s memorable journey of the Camino de Santiago. Starting from Sarria, we covered around 25 km a day until we arrived at the Cathedral in Santiago de Compostela in high spirits.

Leading up to this journey, our 24 participants had been training together each weekend, all in unison of this special cause, to fundraise through various means for the women empowerment project, set to be inaugurated this coming October in Bonga, Ethiopia. 

Construction of the women empowerment project as of May, 2024

This project seeks to provide tailored educational programmes and skills development opportunities to women in Bonga, Ethiopia, providing a breeding ground for the development of this community's future.

Amidst the breathtaking landscapes and camaraderie, our diverse group who were once strangers, have now forged lasting friendships, sharing laughter, overcoming challenges and embracing this powerful feat together. 

Camino 6 group on the Camino Frances trail.

 “Buildup of this was great, the training in Malta, coming together as a group and walking all this way which was really fun and challenging, but most important of all is the fact that we are also here to help those less fortunate than us, and the SiGMA Foundation has allowed us to do this”, one expedition participant shared.

Camino 6 group on the Camino Frances trail.

Our journey was faced with all seasons of weather, from heavy rain to glorious sunshine, each element further contributing to the wonder of this world-renowned Camino Frances trail. Upon reaching the Cathedral, we cherished moments of celebration as well as reflection on the journey that has brought us here, recognising the collective achievements that we’ve made for those in need in Ethiopia. 

About the SiGMA Foundation

With the world in dire need of philanthropy, the SiGMA Foundation is leading the charge. As the philanthropic arm of the SiGMA Group, the Foundation is dedicated to supporting those who are most in need.

The SiGMA Foundation was founded in 2019 by Keith Marshall, Austin Cachia and Eman Pulis, Founder of SiGMA Group, with a mission to make philanthropy more participatory and engaging. Keith, who is known for his boundless energy, has dedicated his life to making a difference in the lives of thousands of people through various expeditions across the globe. With a fun and engaging approach to fundraising, the Foundation prioritises supporting underprivileged communities through active giving and aims to create meaningful impact in the world.

If you would like to get involved in any of the Foundation’s upcoming projects visit the for more information.

Interview with SiGMA Group Founder, Eman Pulis on the SiGMA Foundation

Aristocrat Leisure Limited has reported a significant 16.8 percent increase in net profit after tax (NPAT), reaching AU$723.3 million (€444.8 million) during the first half of its fiscal year. This growth was driven by robust performance across its gaming, Pixel United, and interactive divisions. 

Aristocrat Gaming's North America operations achieved a profit of $22.3 million, despite a 9 percent decline in outright sales. The Rest of World segment saw a remarkable 29.1 percent increase in profit, totaling AU$179.3 million (€110.2 million), with Asia leading the growth due to strong game performance, particularly with recent releases like Dragon Link and Bao Zhu Zhao Fu. 

Overall, the Rest of World segment contributed AU$376.7 million (€231.7million) to the group's revenue, marking a 6.6 percent increase. 

In Australia and New Zealand (ANZ), retained its market-leading share, accounting for 38 percent of the market and selling 4,033 units. 

The group's overall revenue surged by 6.1 percent, reaching nearly AU$3.27 billion (€2 billion) for the six-month period. Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) witnessed a remarkable increase of 17.6 percent, totaling AU$1.19 billion (€731 million).  

CEO Trevor Croker attributed the strong results to record performance in Aristocrat Gaming, solid growth in Aristocrat Interactive, and improved profitability in Pixel United despite mixed market conditions. 

Pixel United, the group's second-largest revenue contributor, saw a revenue drop of 1.8% to $875 million but achieved a 16.8 percent increase in segment profit, reaching $306.9 million. Aristocrat Interactive, the newly launched segment, experienced a substantial 48.6 percent revenue growth to $71.9 million, with profit surging by 207.7 percent to $20 million. 

The company said it expects continued profit growth for the full fiscal year, driven by strong market share, revenue, and profit growth in .  

Social media influencers have become a crucial part of advertising. This has however led to complex challenges, especially in sectors like iGaming, where strict regulations are in place. A recent incident involving social media influencer Astrid Wett and Festival Free Bets, a platform that compiles betting offers, highlights these complexities.

In March 2024, the UK’s Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) criticized Festival Free Bets for a promotional advert featuring Wett, who was 23 at the time. The advert was for the Cheltenham Festival, a notable horseracing event, and was posted on X (formerly Twitter). The ASA stated that by featuring Wett, Festival Free Bets had violated the CAP Code rule, which states that no one under 25 should play a significant role in marketing communications for gambling services.

The ASA expressed concern over Festival Free Bets’ apparent disregard for the Code, as the company did not respond to the investigation. Wett apologized and admitted she was unaware of the age restrictions for gambling adverts. She had assumed that being over 18 was enough to promote such content.

The ASA concluded that the ad was irresponsible as it was intended to facilitate gambling and featured someone under 25 playing a significant role. The watchdog has since ordered Festival Free Bets not to run the ad in its original format again and ensure future compliance with age restrictions.

This incident reflects the critical need for influencers and companies in the It also raises questions about the future role of influencers in this industry.

promoting online betting, one might wonder about the future of this sector. With regulatory reforms being implemented, there’s a possibility that opportunities in this area could diminish. However, it’s also possible that these changes could lead to a more responsible and sustainable industry. The impact of these reforms remains to be seen, leaving us to speculate on the future of influencer marketing in online betting.

Influencer marketing in the iGaming industry is evolving towards a more comprehensive approach where content creators are deeply involved in promoting products. This shift goes beyond traditional CPA deals, where influencers are paid based on the results they deliver. Today, we see creators who use iGaming products they promote regularly and express genuine excitement towards them becoming brand ambassadors.

The iGaming industry, which includes online gambling, sports betting, and casino games, has experienced rapid expansion in recent years. In 2021, the industry was estimated to be worth $61 billion annually, with projections of an 86% growth rate by 2028. As the industry evolves, brands are building their communication and expanding their audience with content creators.

Influencer marketing is a powerful way to connect and engage with target audiences, providing a level of authenticity and trust that is difficult to achieve via traditional advertising channels. However, as the case of Astrid Wett and Festival Free Bets illustrates, it is crucial for both influencers and iGaming companies to navigate the regulatory landscape carefully to ensure responsible and compliant promotional activities. The future of influencer marketing in the iGaming sector will undoubtedly continue to evolve, shaped by regulatory developments, market trends, and the innovative strategies of influencers and companies alike.