Colour game and local games: The future of iGaming in Southeast Asia  

Judge Shepherd has upheld the Kentucky ban on popular "grey machines", skill games that offer cash payouts and were operating in a "grey" legal area. Some argue that these machines are games based on skill, but others declare that the element of chance present in these games ultimately makes them gambling machines or disguised slot machines.

The controversy around these machines peaked when Governor Andy Beshear signed House Bill 594 into law in 2023. This legislation ended the blurred distinction between games and gambling, making the operation of these devices illegal and imposing substantial fines on businesses and manufacturers that did not comply.

The legal battle began when Pace-O-Matic, a major operator with 2,500 machines in the state, challenged the law, arguing against its constitutionality and seeking to overturn the ban. While the company's machines across the state remain in small businesses, they are disabled, pending a final decision to remove them.

Pace-O-Matic argues that the ban is unconstitutional for several reasons, including violations of free speech, due process, equal protection, and separation of powers. It also claims the ban constitutes taking property without fair compensation.

The complaint states that skill games are a form of expression that communicates ideas through unique literary features and should be protected speech under the Kentucky Constitution.

Additionally, it contends that the ban unfairly targets certain electronic video-style skill games while allowing similar devices used in e-sports or .

Judge Shepherd's decision sided with Attorney General Russell Coleman, who vigorously defended the law as necessary to protect Kentucky's families and children from potential social harms associated with unregulated gambling. Coleman praised the bipartisan effort of the legislature in passing the bill.

The ruling addressed several key arguments from opponents of the ban, including claims that the law violated free speech rights and unfairly targeted specific industries. Judge Shepherd's comprehensive 52-page ruling dismissed these claims, affirming that the legislature had the authority to regulate gambling activities to protect public welfare.

Supporters of the ban, including House Speaker David Osborne, celebrated the decision as validation of the legislature's intent to fight illegal gambling practices. They argued that allowing these machines to operate without oversight could have led to expanded gambling across the state, potentially undermining existing regulatory frameworks.

In contrast, opponents of the ban, such as Pace-O-Matic and its legal representatives, expressed disappointment with the court's decision and indicated they were considering an appeal. They argued that the law unfairly targeted their industry and advocated for recognising these machines as legal "skill games" rather than gambling devices.

Earlier this year, in March, Virginia legislatures voted to unban skill games machines and regulate the market, stating that the tax revenue was much needed (grey machines are taxed at 25%) and that many small businesses depended on these machines to survive.

(SGHC), the company behind and Spin casinos, announced on 27 June 2024 that they will start paying cash dividends to their shareholders. 

The company plans to pay at least $0.10 per share on 17 July 2024. To qualify for this first distribution, shareholders must have held stock as of the close of business on 8 July. 

“Declaring a dividend shows our confidence in the company and our ongoing strength. We are especially pleased to be able to return capital to our shareholders, while looking to maintain our opportunities for growth.” - Super Group's CEO Neal Menashe.

Super Group committed to shareholder returns by pledging a minimum annual dividend of $0.10 per share from this year forward. However, the board of directors may approve higher payouts based on the company’s performance. This approach allows Super Group to balance rewarding shareholders and allocating resources for other strategic growth activities.  

Super Group is actively considering an upgrade to its dividend programme. The company is evaluating the transition to a quarterly dividend structure by the beginning of 2025 (subject to final board approval). This potential shift would allow investors to receive dividend payments four times a year, significantly increasing the frequency of payouts.  

A move to quarterly dividends could significantly enhance the attractiveness of Super Group stock, particularly for income-oriented investors seeking a steady flow of returns. This potential change emphasises Super Group’s long-term commitment to maximising shareholder value and confidence in generating consistent profitability.  

The launch of this dividend programme shows a significant event for Super Group. This strategic decision strengthens investor relations by demonstrating a commitment to sharing the company’s success with their shareholders. Additionally, the potential shift to quarterly payouts could attract new stakeholders to participate in Super Group’s ongoing growth. Overall, this announcement marks a positive development for Super Group and their stakeholders. 

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Australian gaming giant, , has announced the opening of its latest venture, The Star Brisbane, commencing on August 29. This much-anticipated unveiling is part of the expansive Queen’s Wharf Brisbane project, a collaboration with Hong Kong-listed conglomerates Far East Consortium and Chow Tai Fook. The total investment for this project is approximately AUD3.6 billion (€2.23 billion), with various segments set to debut throughout the remainder of 2024.  

The initial phase of The Star Brisbane includes the opening of the Sky Deck, Miller Park, and the Neville Bonner Bridge, which will link Queen’s Wharf to Southbank. Additionally, the complex will feature an Event Center and the five-star Star Grand hotel, with bookings opening soon. CEO Daniel Finch emphasised that not all facilities will be operational from day one, promising guests a series of new experiences with each visit as more features become available over time.  

The Star Brisbane's phased opening strategy ensures thorough preparation and testing of its facilities. Finch stated the company want to ensure team members are prepared, facilities have been tested, processes are right, and guests have an exceptional experience.   

Queen’s Wharf Brisbane represents a significant joint venture, designed to rejuvenate the previously underutilized 12 hectares along Brisbane’s riverfront. The development will progressively introduce a mix of restaurants, bars, public spaces, and other attractions. The project has faced multiple delays but is now set to open from late August into September and beyond progressively.  

The Star Brisbane is authorised to operate up to 2,500 gaming machines, although the exact number available at launch will be determined by the casino operator. The number of table games will also be regulated based on the approved gaming floor area. Meanwhile, the existing Treasury Casino in Brisbane’s central business district will remain operational during the transition period before relocating to the new complex.  

The Star Entertainment Group has navigated significant regulatory challenges, including an inquiry into its suitability to operate its Sydney casino and penalties related to anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing failings. Despite these issues, the Queensland authorities recently affirmed that Hong Kong-based Chow Tai Fook Enterprises, a 25 percent investor in the Queen’s Wharf Brisbane project, is suitable for the partnership.  

Meanwhile, the Star Entertainment Group lower sequential revenue for the quarter ending June 30, attributed to declining premium customer revenue, a sluggish economic environment, and ongoing remediation expenses. The group projects its fiscal year revenue to range between AUD1.11 billion (€687.9 million) and AUD1.12 billion (€694 million). Despite these financial challenges, the opening of The Star Brisbane is expected to bolster the company’s portfolio and contribute to long-term growth.  

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The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) imposed a $100,000 on Live! Casino and Hotel Philadelphia for breaching regulations related to proxy betting.

The violations occurred when several employees at Live! Casino Sportsbook accepted and placed 15 proxy bets totalling $287,421 over eight days for a customer who was not physically present at the casino. The customer claimed  he would arrive later to settle for the bets, which were made via phone calls. These actions violated both casino policies and Pennsylvania state laws, including the Gaming Act, which mandates that wagers must be placed only by the individual making them. Moreover, the bettor never came to the casino to pay for either his bets or the resulting losses.

Following the violations, three sportsbook employees involved in accepting and placing these bets were terminated and had their licenses revoked. The patron responsible for these wagers has been banned from gambling in Pennsylvania and placed on the PGCB's involuntary exclusion list, banning him from placing bets in Pennsylvania casinos.

In response to the violations, Live! Casino Philadelphia reiterated its commitment to compliance and transparency. The casino has implemented several measures to prevent future instances of proxy betting. They have for instance reduced the surveillance notification threshold for wagers to $10,000 to increase oversight. Personal cell phones are now banned within the sportsbook area, and employees have been issued company phones with restricted use. Training programs for staff have been implemented, with increased focus on recognising proxy betting and suspicious activities.

Live! Casino Philadelphia has faced previous regulatory challenges, notably involving the recent arrest by Pennsylvania State Police of five individuals, including a table games dealer, implicated in a cheating scheme aimed at defrauding the casino of over $170,000.

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