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(AsiaGameHub) - The ongoing dispute concerning the implementation of the new statutory levy for gambling harms has intensified, following confirmation from Gamban that it will not receive funding. Gamban, formerly supported by GambleAware, expressed disapproval of OHID's choice to exclude it from the new funding mechanism because of its status as a limited company. Gamban is widely acknowledged as the most effective software for blocking access to gambling platforms and content on all devices. When the shift to the new levy system was confirmed last year, GambleAware declared its intention to stop operating, highlighting the profound nature of this change, given that GambleAware had previously overseen gambling harm treatment programs. Gamban announced that OHID's decision means it can no longer offer its service for free; it will now cost £4.99 monthly or £29.99 annually. Before this, Gamban was available at no cost following a referral from TalkBanStop or certain other referral pathways. The organization criticized OHID's process, asserting that its status as a limited company “was not a justifiable reason to exclude the most effective gambling blocking software from the commissioning process,” and disclosed that it has had to take measures to uphold the service quality its users depend on. Matt Zarb-Cousin, co-founder of Gamban, who had previously advocated for the new levy system expecting it to boost funding for high-quality services, characterized the criteria OHID adopted as ‘perplexing’ and expressed doubts about whether the new system would lead to service improvements. ‘An inevitable outcome’ Mark Conway of Consultancy for Gambling Harms echoed the criticism of the OHID process, calling it a ‘sad inevitable outcome’ stemming from the commissioning approach used for dividing VCSE and LA/NHS Levy funding. He further noted his belief that Gamban's commercial nature would have presented challenges for commissioners even under the previous RET system, and he lamented the insufficient adaptations made during the process, considering Gamban's significance to the industry. Conway, commenting on LinkedIn, attributed the core problem to inadequate preparation or a thorough grasp of the prior gambling harms sector during the shift to Levy funding. Conway characterized it as ‘a rushed transition lacking a genuine continuity plan – merely competitive bidding divided across different service provision categories.’ The Gambling Lived Experience Network (GLEN) also condemned the restrictive nature of the approach and the ‘mismanagement of the levy process,’ labeling it ‘a stark illustration of the consequences when established system experts and stakeholders are left out of strategic planning and decision-making.’ GLEN explained that Gamban finds itself in a predicament similar to when over 10,000 users of the GambleAware App abruptly lost support because OHID opted not to continue backing that particular tool. GLEN further stated: “Our current predicament stems from inadequate planning… and ill-timed circumstances where the most crucial transformation in addressing Gambling Harms in this nation was unexpectedly assigned to State bodies that neither requested, desired, nor possessed the necessary expertise or capability to manage them.” OHID's lack of collaborative effort also drew criticism from other segments of the industry. Jordan Lea, founder of Deal Me Out, disclosed that his group withdrew from the OHID process early on, and he denounced the new process, voicing concerns about the rapid move towards a more assertive and uncompromising public health approach. During his address at the Illegal Gambling Prevention Summit earlier this month, he expressed regret that his initial apprehensions regarding the new process were materializing, leading to substantial job losses and the closure of numerous vital charities. This encompassed GambleAware's exit, which Lea believed was a primary objective for many advocates at the start of the process, driven by a desire to eliminate entities with any past industry funding. Escalating concerns Organizations, including GambleAware, have consistently cautioned that the new funding structure could jeopardize the standard of care for users as treatment becomes fragmented across the UK – a situation highlighted by Gamban's free availability in Wales versus its status in England and Scotland. GambleAware's legacy report, published prior to its cessation of operations today (March 31), declared: “As the system undergoes transition, worries are mounting regarding the potential loss of institutional expertise and advancements within the sector. Concurrently, there is apprehension that disparities in local capabilities might lead to variations in service quality across different areas. Without intentional intervention, these hazards could undermine progress achieved in prevention, early intervention, and fairness of response.” Acknowledging the growing difficulties associated with the new levy's implementation, the UK Government last week introduced the Gambling Levy Transition Fund (GLTF), offering an additional three months of funding to organizations that did not secure initial funding. The Department for Culture, Media and Sport recognized the 'transformative change' ushered in by the funding shift and stated that the GLTF was established to 'guarantee the uninterrupted provision of gambling harm prevention and treatment services in England.' This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

(AsiaGameHub) - The New South Wales Independent Casino Commission (NICC) has once more extended the license suspension for The Star Entertainment Group’s Sydney-based casino. On March 12, the NICC received a pathway-to-suitability submission from The Star Sydney, where the operator restated its January communication indicating it would not pursue a license determination during this month. The Star Sydney has been under suspension for more than three years, as the operator was deemed no longer fit to hold a casino license following two NICC-ordered reviews by Adam Bell SC (in October 2022 and August 2024) that uncovered multiple regulatory breaches. In deciding on the initial suspension, the NICC considered the potential for the casino to meet the commission’s requirements through proper corrective measures, so it did not revoke the property’s license entirely. Nicolas Weeks was named manager of The Star Sydney to enable gaming activities to keep running at the venue. This latest extension ensures the casino’s license suspension stays in effect, and Weeks’ role has been prolonged until September 30, 2026—unless the appointment is ended before that time. In a regulatory update to its investors, The Star mentioned that the suspension extension pertains to ‘the current term of the appointments of the Special Manager to The Star Gold Coast and the External Advisor for The Star Brisbane’. NICC Chief Commissioner Philip Crawford has commended The Star’s new leadership team, saying: “The new owners are implementing major changes to the way the business operates, and these are being closely monitored by the NICC. “This includes efforts to enhance the business’s long-term financial sustainability, which will help them prove their suitability. We will keep collaborating with The Star on their key remediation tasks so the casino can address the critical issues highlighted in the two Bell investigations.” WhiteHawk swoops in Earlier this week, The Star advanced its debt refinancing process with WhiteHawk Capital Partners by submitting its commitment letter on schedule, progressing toward refinancing its current debt “in full and securing incremental liquidity to maintain enough cash flow for day-to-day operations”. To prevent default, The Star must finalize the refinancing by May 15, 2026. However, the operator has had a tentative agreement with WhiteHawk since February and has been evaluating its resource structure and strategic direction. This agreement comes after The Star released its H1 FY26 results earlier this month, where it expressed positivity despite a turbulent end to 2025—ending with normalized net revenue of A$585 million (compared to A$650 million in H1 FY25) and a substantial net loss of over A$75 million.This was also the first reporting period under the new management team, which followed the completion of a A$300 million strategic investment by Bally’s Corporation and Investment Holdings late last year. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

(AsiaGameHub) - Swedish gambling industry stakeholders are being encouraged to adopt more evidence-based strategies to address problem gambling, as recent analysis underscores the intricate risk profiles that influence player habits. Collaboration between regulators, operators, and public health authorities is deemed essential to safeguard Sweden’s stable problem gambling statistics against both existing and emerging challenges. These insights stem from a report commissioned by BOS, the Swedish Online Gambling Trade Association, and authored by economist Ola Nevander of Makrologik. Spanning 25 years of data, Nevander’s study, titled “The Development of Problem Gambling in Sweden,” offers a long-term perspective on the evolution of gambling addiction while questioning common beliefs regarding how market growth, regulatory shifts, and increased accessibility influence these rates. Regarding prevalence, the study reveals that problem gambling in Sweden has decreased and leveled off over the last two decades, despite market liberalization and total gambling expenditure reaching approximately SEK 28bn (€2.8bn) by 2024. The percentage of problem gamblers has dropped from over 2% in the late 2000s to roughly 1.3% today—a statistically significant decline at the population level. Notably, the transition to a licensed online framework post-2018, which currently supports about 60 B2C operators, has been a key development. Despite these structural changes, Sweden has maintained a problem gambling rate of about 1.3%, keeping it below that of comparable Nordic nations, though international comparisons are often complicated by differing methodologies. Economist Nevander remarked on the findings: “The result is a consistent downward trend. This outcome may be unexpected, given the dynamic evolution of the gambling sector during this timeframe. Gambling marketing is more widespread than before, the variety of products is significantly larger, and games are accessible 24/7 via mobile devices. Nevertheless, gambling addiction is on the decline.” Crucially, the report disputes the idea that increased availability, advertising, and product innovation are the primary drivers of problem gambling. During the same period that digital access became nearly universal, product offerings grew substantially, and marketing reached record levels, yet the prevalence of problem gambling fell rather than rose. Instead, the research points to a more complex interplay of societal and behavioral risk factors. Problem gambling is more closely associated with individual vulnerabilities—such as mental health issues like depression and impulsivity, risky alcohol use, significant life stressors, and behaviors like chasing losses. These factors suggest that harm is concentrated within specific high-risk groups rather than spread evenly across the general population. The report further notes an ‘absolute decline’ in the number of Swedish problem gamblers, which has dropped by 57,000 since 2008, while the broader category of ‘at-risk’ players has decreased by 200,000 since 2018. Emphasis is instead placed on the structural importance of regulation. Sweden’s 2019 licensing system facilitates duty-of-care requirements, self-exclusion tools, and data-driven monitoring of player behavior within the regulated sector—mechanisms considered vital for early risk detection and intervention. However, these protections are only effective within the licensed sphere. Channeling players toward regulated operators remains vital, as migration to unlicensed or offshore platforms undermines oversight and eliminates access to support tools. Evidence indicates that a notable number of self-excluded individuals continue to gamble on unregulated sites, representing a significant vulnerability in the current system. BOS Secretary General Gustaf Hoffstedt stated that the findings highlight the potential for technology and regulation to further mitigate harm: “With the shift from traditional, anonymous kiosk gambling to today’s digital products, we haven't completely solved the issue of gambling addiction, but we appear to be on the right path.” “When utilized correctly and responsibly, online gambling and AI provide us with new tools to reduce problem gambling to levels likely lower than ever before. We are heading in the right direction, but there is still much to be done.” Ultimately, the report reinforces a core conclusion: problem gambling is not merely a byproduct of market size or accessibility, but the result of an interaction between individual vulnerability, behavioral patterns, and institutional frameworks. For Swedish stakeholders, the goal is not to impose total market restrictions, but to ensure that regulation promotes high channelization, effective oversight, and targeted interventions for those most at risk. In this light, Sweden serves as a case study in regulatory balance—where market liberalization has occurred alongside stable or decreasing harm—though maintaining this equilibrium will require ongoing cooperation as new risks arise. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

(AsiaGameHub) - The UK Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has utilized Unexplained Wealth Orders and Interim Freezing Orders to freeze the assets of a wanted Chinese national, who allegedly has connections to an illegal gambling network operating across China. Previously identified only as Mr X, the fugitive at the center of the asset freeze has been revealed by the OCRP and The Times as Su Jiangbo, a Chinese national facing significant allegations regarding his involvement with illegal casinos. While UK authorities have not yet confirmed any charges, 85 luxury London properties associated with Jiangbo have been frozen. To acquire these London properties, Jiangbo used a golden passport from St Kitts and Nevis, highlighting a potential vulnerability in the UK's anti-money laundering defenses. However, the UK has implemented an Unexplained Wealth Order (UWO), requiring Jiangbo to account for the source of funds that facilitated extensive spending, including the purchase of numerous properties in the UK capital. Jiangbo's alleged ties to an illegal casino network are a significant concern, with Chinese officials accusing him of conducting illegal cross-border online operations targeting the country's citizens. Furthermore, the extent of Jiangbo's spending underscores the scale of the global unlicensed market that allegedly enabled him to amass such wealth. The substantial demand for gambling in Mainland China, where it remains largely prohibited, has fueled the growth of the illicit market, often operating from bases in Cambodia, the Philippines, or Singapore. The consultancy firm IMARC Group estimated that China's online gambling market was valued at $11.4 billion in 2024, with projections indicating a rise to $19.8 billion by 2033. Efforts to curb casino centers in Cambodia have continued this year, with enforcement actions in the country highlighting the widespread operations that continue to affect Southeast Asia. Crackdowns in Cambodia According to reports earlier this year, approximately 190 scam centers were shut down following a series of actions by Cambodian officials, leading to the arrest of 173 senior crime figures. Cambodia also recently revoked the citizenship of and extradited Chen Zhi, a Chinese-born business tycoon accused of operating a major illegal gambling network. Zhi's methods, in some respects, are similar to the accusations against Jiangbo, as Zhi also acquired property in London. However, Zhi's portfolio appeared to be more diversified, as he was the Founder of Prince Holding Group, a multi-billion-pound conglomerate based in Cambodia. The group was accused by UK and US authorities of establishing casinos and compounds to facilitate lucrative scams. A statement from Cambodia’s Interior Ministry stated: “Within the scope of cooperation in combating transnational crime and pursuant to a request from the relevant authorities of the People’s Republic of China, the authorities of the Kingdom of Cambodia have arrested three Chinese nationals – Chen Zhi, Xu Ji Liang and Shao Ji Hui and extradited to the People’s Republic of China.” It was also alleged that Zhi used offshore companies to secure property investments in the UK's capital. While Jiangbo was directly linked to London property, Zhi, through his network of companies, also faced significant asset freezes from the UK government. UK and US authorities jointly accused Zhi of engaging in "industrial scale" fraud, seizing 127,271 bitcoins, valued at approximately $15 billion, and freezing assets connected to the Prince group. UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper stated when the sanctions were announced: “Together with our US allies, we are taking decisive action to combat the growing transnational threat posed by this network – upholding human rights, protecting British nationals and keeping dirty money off our streets.” Ensuring Macau's Prosperity With Chinese nationals being the target for many unlicensed operators in Southeast Asia, securing a thriving market in Macau is still considered a strategy to counter illicit actors. In recent times, the Chinese government has also supported efforts to maintain the stability of Macau’s gambling sector and encourage the retention of VIP players in the region. A notable development saw Macau adopt a more relaxed approach to currency exchange within its venues, moving away from stringent regulations. Now, Galaxy Entertainment Group, Melco Resorts & Entertainment, and SJM Holdings can all offer currency exchanges as a result of the recently implemented changes. This is part of a broader governmental initiative to centralize control and ensure compliance within the casino sector, thereby increasing the industry's regulatory stability. iGaming Expert Analysis: This story should have significant implications across various sectors, as London's property market appears to continue being a target for individuals acquiring illicit funds through gambling. The concerns regarding the Southeast Asian market should also be considerable, given the undeniable scale of these operations and the wealth generated from them. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

(AsiaGameHub) - Rumors have been swirling throughout Spain and Latin America ever since news broke last week that Grupo Codere has brought on advisors to oversee a $2.3bn (£1.7bn) sale process. While the asset is appealing thanks to the company’s presence across markets including Spain, Mexico and Argentina, plus its fast-growing online segment, recent financial struggles and broader global uncertainty have sparked questions over who has the capital on hand to meet the steep asking price. Codere is currently owned by roughly 84 investment funds, after a 2024 debt-for-equity agreement cut the company’s net debt from €1.4bn (£1.2bn) down to €190m (£165m), and Ted Menmuir, SBC’s Editor-at-Large, suggested the $2bn figure is a way to ‘primarily reward bondholders’. During an appearance on the iGaming Daily podcast, he said: ‘It seems clear that the narrative being pushed here is that whoever buys this company will secure the second largest gambling brand in Spain with both retail and online operations. They will also gain a foothold in the markets of Mexico, Uruguay, Argentina and Colombia. ‘However, I believe it is important to take Codere’s track record into account. This is a company that carried €2bn of debt for the last decade. It only just recently completed its capital renegotiation with bondholders, which reduced that debt by 95%, so there is still no clear consensus on what Codere has actually proven it can deliver.’ Lucia Gando, Editor of SBC Noticias, pointed to the 2018 purchase of CIRSA by Blackstone, the world’s largest private equity fund, as a template for the path the sale may take. Blackstone already holds a substantial gambling industry portfolio, and still retains a stake in CIRSA even after the company was listed on the Bolsa Madrid stock exchange in January 2025. The fund also acquired Crown Resorts in June 2022 and is the primary owner of casino properties in Las Vegas. Blackstone, or a comparable private equity fund, may view Codere as an attractive investment prospect and have the required capital to complete the purchase at the asking price set out by Codere. The other leading potential buyers are top multinational gambling groups in the sector, such as Flutter or Entain. However, Menmuir acknowledged that taking a chance on the Spanish and Latin American markets is a ‘risky bet to take on’ given ongoing uncertainty over the future regulatory trajectory of the respective regions. In Codere Online’s latest financial report, the operator posted year-on-year growth of 6% from €212m to €224m, but tempered any optimism around these results with a warning of higher tax costs in the coming years, with knock-on effects expected to hit Mexico and Colombia in particular. Meanwhile, similar planned tax increases across markets such as the UK and the Netherlands, alongside broader geopolitical tensions that are weighing on foreign currency values, are placing significant strain on the finances of the entire sector. For firms like Flutter and Entain, the opportunity to expand across Latin America and Spain is no doubt enticing; however, it remains unclear how much appetite such companies have for pursuing acquisition opportunities right now. Flutter’s recent M&A activity has focused on geographic expansion and cementing its market leadership, as demonstrated by its €2.3bn acquisition of Snaitech in Italy and its move to take full control of FanDuel – both deals completed in 2024. A potential deal for Codere would follow a similar formula to the strategy that has worked for Flutter in its recent expansions, as the group may be drawn to the Latin American growth opportunity. Entain has been far less active on the M&A front, making only low-profile investments in Polish firm STS Holding and US-based Angstrom Sports. ‘If you look at this from a high-level perspective, it is very obvious that you will need some form of private equity fund to step in. On the European side, Lottomatica is a company that has spoken of leading global expansion efforts, but I do not think they will have the appetite to take on a company that carries so many liabilities,’ concluded Menmuir, who added that any deal is likely to have a tiered structure, with stock-based compensation included as part of the payout terms. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

(AsiaGameHub) - The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) has issued a memorandum delaying the rollout of the new monthly minimum guaranteed fee (MGF) for licensed online operators by two months, according to reports. As reported by Inside Asian Gaming, the Electronic Gaming Licensing Department at PAGCOR likely initiated this postponement due to the "current economic crisis." Consequently, the first tranche has been pushed from 1 April 2026 to 1 June 2026, while the second tranche has been moved from 1 October 2026 to 1 January 2027. Upon the implementation of the first tranche, operators providing electronic casino games to the Philippine iGaming sector will be required to pay a monthly MGF of Php 9m (roughly €129,200) if their monthly gross gaming revenue (GGR) reaches at least Php 30m (roughly €430,800). For those not offering online casino titles, a monthly MGF of Php 3m (roughly €43,080) will apply, provided they generate a minimum monthly GGR of Php 15m (roughly €215,400). Regarding the second tranche, suppliers of online casino games will face a monthly MGF of Php 10.5m (roughly €150,800) if their monthly GGR is at least Php 35m (roughly €502,600). Operators who do not provide online casino games will be subject to a monthly MGF of Php 4m (roughly €57,400) if their monthly GGR hits a minimum of Php 20m (roughly €287,300). Any operator found offering online casino games without proper declaration to PAGCOR will face administrative sanctions, which could include the suspension or revocation of their accreditation. Inside Asian Gaming also noted that the memorandum indicates PAGCOR will perform a thorough assessment of industry conditions to determine if further adjustments to the MGF are necessary to ensure the long-term viability of the sector. PAGCOR tightens regulatory screws While extending the MGF timeline, PAGCOR has recently intensified its regulatory oversight of the gambling industry, securing agreements with the Department of Justice (DOJ) and Gaming Laboratories International (GLI). A newly signed memorandum of agreement with the DOJ incorporates its personnel into PAGCOR’s list of individuals prohibited from entering casinos. According to the state-run Philippine News Agency, this marks the first such agreement between the regulatory body and the government agency. Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida stated: “This data-sharing initiative is both timely and necessary. By enabling a more efficient and accurate identification system, we strengthen enforcement mechanisms and ensure that policies are not only written but meaningfully implemented. “It allows PAGCOR to better regulate access to gaming revenues and empowers the DOJ to reinforce discipline within its ranks.” In other developments, GLI has become the first gaming testing firm to receive certification from PAGCOR, tasked with the testing and verification of iGaming platforms within the Philippine market. Alejandro Tengco, Chair and CEO of PAGCOR, remarked: “We are pleased to acknowledge GLI as the first testing and game certification provider to be accredited in the Philippines under this new framework. GLI is a global leader in regulatory advisory, iGaming and EGM testing/certification, and data security. “PAGCOR now requires all iGaming B2B suppliers operating in the Philippines to be accredited to ensure they comply with the rigorous requirements needed to protect iGaming players.” This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

(AsiaGameHub) - Meta has begun a trial of a paid subscription service for Instagram, named Instagram Plus, in a limited number of countries, as reported by TechCrunch. This test introduces enhanced Story capabilities and represents a new avenue for Meta as it investigates subscription models for its platforms, including Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp. Good to Know Instagram Plus offers Story functionalities not available in the standard version of the app. It is reported that users can view a Story without the creator being notified. Posts on social media suggest the test is active in Mexico, Japan, and the Philippines, with pricing specific to each country. Meta Adds Paid Story Features to Instagram Test Stories are the primary focus of this new test. Subscribers to Instagram Plus gain the ability to watch Stories anonymously and also access data on how many times their own Stories have been rewatched. According to TechCrunch, subscribers can also search through their viewer lists, eliminating the manual process of scrolling through every name. The service also provides subscribers with greater control over their Story's audience. Beyond the standard Close Friends list, users can create an unlimited number of custom audience lists, selecting different groups for different posts. Additionally, users can extend a Story's lifespan by an extra 24 hours and highlight one Story each week to feature it at the beginning of their Stories tray for their followers. Meta is also evaluating a set of more expressive features within the same subscription. Subscribers can send an animated Superlike on Stories posted by others, introducing a new paid method of interaction within the app. Collectively, these features indicate Meta is gauging user willingness to pay for enhanced privacy settings, greater visibility, and more sophisticated tools for managing Story sharing.While Meta has not officially confirmed the test markets, TechCrunch states that social media posts point to Mexico, Japan, and the Philippines. User-shared screenshots reveal a monthly cost of MX$39 in Mexico, ¥319 in Japan, and PHP 65 in the Philippines. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.