SiGMA receives green light for affiliate marketing services in Kansas

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.

The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (PAGCOR), the state gaming regulator and operator, has issued 40 licences to rebranded offshore gaming operators, now termed as Internet Gaming Licensees (IGL).  

According to a report of philstar.com, PAGCOR has granted nine provisional licences to these operators. This rebranding marks a shift from the previously used term "Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators" (POGOs). 

This move follows the implementation of the “Internet Gaming Licensing Regulations” which took effect on July 12, 2023. These regulations require all POGOs to reapply for licences under the new framework to ensure compliance with updated standards. The revision aims to address persistent controversies and regulatory challenges associated with the previous POGO framework, particularly regarding the hiring practices of foreign workers. 

The rebranding was officially announced in October 2023 by PAGCOR chairman and CEO Alejandro Tengco. The new term, Internet Gaming Licensees, reflects PAGCOR's efforts to modernize and streamline the regulation of offshore gaming operations. 

Despite the controversies, offshore gaming operations remain a significant part of the Philippine gaming industry. In 2023, these operations generated Php3.15 billion (€50 million), accounting for 4.31 percent of PAGCOR’s total gaming revenues of Php79.37 billion (€1.26 billion). The industry achieved of P285.27 billion in 2023 (€4.5 billion), surpassing pre-pandemic levels, according to PAGCOR. 

The agency’s issuance of 40 licences to rebranded Internet Gaming Licensees represents a significant regulatory update aimed at improving the governance of offshore gaming operators. With the implementation of revised regulations and the rebranding initiative, PAGCOR is poised to enhance the integrity and profitability of the Philippine gaming industry. 

Last month, PAGCOR said it has a significant surge in its first-quarter income for 2024, reaching PHP25.24 billion (€401million), marking a 42.57 percent increase compared to the same period last year.   

Online gambling regulations across the European Union (EU) make up a diverse patchwork of regulatory frameworks, reflecting the varying socio-cultural contexts and public policy objectives of each member state. These national regulatory systems must, however, comply with overarching EU law as determined by the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU).

Impact of European Elections

The regulatory frameworks for online gambling in the The EU has the authority to introduce common rules for online gambling, although achieving political consensus on this issue can be challenging. EU elections may shift the balance of power and influence regulatory policy directions. A political group prioritizing consumer protection and public health might push for stricter regulations and enhanced enforcement mechanisms. Conversely, a group focused on economic growth and innovation might advocate for more liberal regulatory frameworks, potentially easing restrictions and encouraging market expansion.

EU elections also affect the interpretation and enforcement of existing EU laws related to online gambling. Changes in the political landscape can lead to shifts in the composition of the CJEU, potentially influencing its rulings on the compliance of national regulatory frameworks with EU law. These judicial decisions play a crucial role in shaping the regulatory environment across member states.

The results of EU elections can indirectly affect the online gambling industry through broader economic policies. A pro-business EU stance might result in policies that favour the growth and competitiveness of the online gambling sector, while a consumer-centric approach could lead to more stringent regulations aimed at protecting gamblers and reducing the risks associated with online gambling.

This table here provides a concise overview of the online gambling regulations in various EU countries.

In countries like Austria and Finland, online gambling is largely monopolized. Austria has limited options for private operators, maintaining tight control over online casino gaming. Similarly, , ensuring state control over the industry.

Several countries have opted for strict licensing systems to regulate online gambling. Belgium requires online gaming operators to partner with existing land-based casinos and adhere to stringent licensing requirements. Denmark, Estonia, and Italy also maintain regulated markets where operators must obtain licenses to offer online gambling services.

Other countries have legalized online gambling but enforce specific regulatory frameworks. Bulgaria allows online gambling but requires operators to obtain a licence from another EU country. Croatia, Greece, Latvia, and Lithuania have established their licensing systems to regulate the market. Malta is a notable hub for online gaming, with a highly regulated environment and licenses issued by the Malta Gaming Authority.

Some EU countries have a mixed approach. Germany has partially legalized online gambling with strict regulations and licensing requirements. Poland operates a state monopoly on certain gambling activities, with partial legalization and stringent regulations for online gambling.

In contrast, several countries have stringent restrictions or outright bans on online casino gaming. Cyprus only permits sports betting, making other forms of online casino games illegal. France allows sports betting and poker but bans online casinos. Luxembourg has a blanket ban on online casino gaming.

SkyCity Adelaide and the Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (AUSTRAC) have jointly proposed a penalty of AU$67 million (€41.2 million) to the Federal Court of Australia. This proposal comes in response to allegations of significant and systemic non-compliance with anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorism financing (CTF) laws, initially brought against SkyCity Adelaide by AUSTRAC in 2022. 

This development follows a legislative last month that seeks to not only raise penalties for criminal offences but also cover past and future conduct, enabling retrospective fines. 

SkyCity Adelaide has admitted to breaching the AML/CTF Act 2006. The breaches include deficiencies in its AML/CTF programs, failing to meet required standards, and not conducting adequate ongoing due diligence for higher-risk customers and transactions. This agreement with includes an acknowledgment of these violations and a proposed penalty, pending court approval. A hearing to review the proposed settlement is scheduled for June 7. 

AUSTRAC CEO Brendan Thomas highlighted the necessity of the action due to concerns that SkyCity’s practices allowed high-risk activities and customer relationships to continue unchecked. Thomas emphasized the importance of casinos and the broader gaming sector adhering to AML/CTF obligations to prevent money laundering and terrorism financing risks. 

SkyCity’s executive chairman, Julian Cook, issued a public apology, acknowledging the company's failure to meet required standards. "We acknowledge that, as a casino operator, we play a key role in combating money laundering and terrorism financing and safeguarding the community against these risks. While we take this responsibility seriously, we accept we have failed to live up to the standard required of us and for this, on behalf of the SkyCity and SkyCity Adelaide Boards and management teams, I apologize.” 

SkyCity has committed to enhancing its AML/CTF practices. The company plans to appoint an independent expert to review its AML/CTF program, develop a comprehensive enhancement program, and implement governance changes to focus on compliance. The company has also invested in AML/CTF resourcing and capability, strengthened relationships with law enforcement, and adopted revised AML/CTF programs. 

SkyCity Entertainment Group recently appointed former Aristocrat executive Jason Walbridge as its new Chief Executive Officer. The company reiterated its commitment to ongoing enhancement activities in both New Zealand and Australia, aiming to fully comply with regulatory expectations and safeguard against financial crimes.