New chapter in labour relations as Culinary Union strike averted

The European Court of Justice (ECJ) is set to determine whether German bettors can claim refunds for their losses from operators who offered their services without valid licenses before the German sports betting regulation. This decision follows a referral from Germany's Federal Court of Justice, Bundesgerichtshof (BGH).

From 2012 to 2020, many betting operators applied for German licenses but faced a lengthy bureaucratic process that resulted in no licenses being issued for years. Despite this, operators continued their services under licenses from other EU countries, such as Malta. According to German law, operating without a valid German license is illegal, which could void any contracts issued during this period and entitle consumers to claim refunds.

The case originated when a claim for €3,719.26 worth of losses was presented in front of a German district court. The plaintiff argued that Tipico, being unlicensed during the time of the bets, should pay back the losses. The district court dismissed the case and the appeal. However, a growing number of cases involving reimbursement from operators have been presented to the courts and treated inconsistently, leading the BGH to seek a definitive ruling from the European Court of Justice.

The EU promotes the free movement of services within the union, and this principle could lead the ECJ to rule in favour of the operators. The companies argue that the flawed German licensing process should not be held against them. They believe the EU court might rule against the refunds, aligning with a previous decision that identified the German licensing process as incompatible with EU regulations. If the ECJ sides with the operators, it would validate their operations during the licensing void and potentially limit their financial liabilities.
German Sports Betting Association president Mathias Dahms declared, "We are confident that the ECJ will rule in favour of the providers and the European freedom to provide services, as it has already done in the past."

Stakelogic B.V., a rapidly growing Dutch game developer, has announced a definitive agreement to be acquired by the Japanese entertainment conglomerate SEGA SAMMY HOLDINGS INC. through its wholly-owned subsidiary, SEGA SAMMY CREATION INC.. The deal, valued at an upfront enterprise value of €130 million, also includes an earnout payment contingent on certain performance measures being met.

Below are the key points of the deal.

The acquisition is set to combine Stakelogic’s extensive portfolio of popular online slot games, live casino studio capabilities, and innovative hybrid game offerings with SEGA SAMMY’s global distribution platform. This strategic move aims to leverage the strengths of both companies to accelerate growth and innovation in the iGaming sector.

Stephan van den Oetelaar, CEO of Stakelogic, will continue to lead the company post-acquisition. He expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “Sega Sammy and Stakelogic share the same passion for online entertainment, innovation, and technology. Together with Sega Sammy, Stakelogic will be able to grow its international operations much faster. The regulated iGaming market will double in size in the upcoming years. As part of Sega Sammy, we will have the execution power to become one of the leading players in the iGaming B2B industry”.

Koichi Fukazawa, Senior Executive Vice President and Group CFO of SEGA SAMMY, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the strategic importance of the acquisition. “SEGA SAMMY Group aims to establish a presence as a creative B2B solution provider based on innovative technology, especially in the North American online gaming market. I am very pleased to announce our alliance with Stakelogic, an innovative and leading content provider in the Dutch gaming market, as a crucial part of executing this strategy. We are confident that Stakelogic’s ability to rapidly develop and provide unique, high-quality gaming content will make a significant contribution to the implementation of our strategy and create excellent synergies through combining with the strengths of our group”

Market Implications and Future Prospects

The acquisition is expected to significantly impact the iGaming market, particularly in North America, where SEGA SAMMY aims to establish a strong presence. The U.S. online gaming market, which includes sports betting and iGaming, was valued at approximately $12 billion in 2022 and is projected to grow to $27.1 billion by 2027. This growth is driven by increasing legalization and consumer adoption of online gaming platforms.

Stakelogic’s innovative approach and rapid content development capabilities are expected to enhance SEGA SAMMY’s competitive edge in this burgeoning market. The acquisition aligns with SEGA SAMMY’s medium-term plan to expand its gaming business, which includes the development and operation of integrated resorts and gaming machines.

The transaction is subject to regulatory approvals in relevant jurisdictions and other customary conditions. It is anticipated to close by the second quarter of 2025.

In summary, the acquisition of Stakelogic by SEGA SAMMY represents a strategic move to capitalize on the growing iGaming market. By combining their strengths, both companies are poised to drive innovation and growth, positioning themselves as leaders in the global online gaming industry.

Philippine basketball icon June Mar Fajardo (pictured in centre) has cemented his status as one of Asia’s sporting legends after being named in ESPN’s Top 25 Asian Athletes of the 21st Century. The seven-times 'PBA Most Valuable Player' shares the spotlight in the 25th spot with fellow Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao.

The 6-foot-10 Cebuano centre’s unparalleled dominance in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) has earned him global recognition. His impressive resume, highlighted by ten championships with San Miguel Beer, four Finals MVP awards, and a Defensive Player of the Year title, among others, made him a standout choice for ESPN.

“Known as ‘The Kraken,’ Fajardo has won seven MVP awards, the most in league history, and has led the San Miguel Beermen to 10 PBA championships,” ESPN lauded, accentuating Fajardo’s brilliance and hard work. The sports giant also acknowledged Fajardo’s contributions to the Philippine national team, Gilas Pilipinas, where he has been a stalwart since the 2013 FIBA Asia Championships

The ESPN recognition is yet another milestone in Fajardo’s illustrious career. Hailing from Compostela, Cebu, the “Kraken” started his basketball journey at the University of Cebu before being draughted first overall by Petron Blaze Boosters in the 2012 PBA Draft. His rookie season was marked by a silver medal with Gilas Pilipinas at the 2013 FIBA Asia Championship.

Fajardo, known for his formidable presence on the court, was born in 1989, in Compostela, Cebu, Philippines. Raised in the modest town of Pinamungajan, Fajardo’s journey to basketball stardom began in his youth, where his towering height and natural athleticism set him apart. He honed his skills at the University of Cebu, leading the Webmasters to multiple championships in the CESAFI league. Drafted first overall by the Petron Blaze Boosters in 2012,

Fajardo quickly became a dominant force in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA). He earned seven MVP awards, the most in league history, and he has led the San Miguel Beermen to ten PBA championships. Beyond his accolades, Fajardo is celebrated for his humility and dedication, often attributing his success to hard work and perseverance. 

Despite his imposing stature, those close to him describe him as a very gentle character off the court, a quality that endears him to his fans.

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The Chinese Embassy in the Philippines has expressed strong approval of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s decision to ban all Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs). In a statement, the embassy highlighted that this move would benefit both Filipino and Chinese communities. 

"We have noted President Marcos’ announcement of banning all POGOs and welcome this development. We believe this decision echoes the call of the Philippine people and serves the common interests of people of both countries," the Embassy stated on Thursday. 

The Chinese government has been actively cracking down on its citizens involved in gambling businesses abroad, including POGOs. The embassy underscored that these operations are linked to serious crimes such as kidnapping, human trafficking, and murder. It was emphasised that POGO activities harm the interests and images of both nations and negatively affect China-Philippines relations. 

"The Chinese law prohibits all forms of gambling," the statement added. "The Chinese government strictly cracks down on Chinese citizens engaging in overseas gambling businesses including POGO."

The embassy reiterated China's readiness to continue its strong law enforcement cooperation with the Philippines to protect the safety and well-being of their citizens. They emphasised that many Chinese citizens involved in POGO-related crimes were victims of the industry. 

"POGO breeds serious crimes and gravely undermines the interests of both Philippine and Chinese people," the statement said. "In line with this commitment, China is ready to continue its strong law enforcement cooperation with the Philippines and better protect the safety and well-being of the two peoples." 

The Associated Press reported that Marcos’ order targets over 400 online gambling operations employing tens of thousands of Chinese and Southeast Asian nationals. These operations have often been linked to illegal activities and poor working conditions. 

Marcos emphasised the need for strict enforcement of this ban, citing the severe abuse and disregard for Philippine laws by these operators. The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) has been tasked with winding down these operations by the end of the year, with labour officials working to find alternative employment for displaced Filipino workers. 

In a joint House committee hearing, PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro Tengco clarified that the President’s order encompasses all offshore gaming operations, including the licenced Internet Gaming Licensees (IGLs). Speaking with local reporters, Tengco also shared that around 20,000 Filipino workers are set to be displaced. 

The Philippines' relationship with China remains complex, balancing significant trade engagements and cooperation against crime with ongoing territorial disputes in the South China Sea. While Marcos’ predecessor, Rodrigo Duterte, fostered closer ties with China, Marcos has shifted towards strengthening defence ties with the U.S. and other allies. 

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