日期: 2026年4月28日

(AsiaGameHub) -   Cambodian authorities have closed 91 casinos alleged to be facilitating online fraud networks, shortly after China called for stricter measures against cross-border gambling. As reported by the Xinhua News Agency, Phnom Penh has additionally conducted raids on 250 online scam centers over the last nine months and expelled more than 13,000 foreigners connected to these operations. During a visit to the Cambodian Prime Minister last Wednesday (22 April), Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi pressed the leader and his administration to enhance their crackdown on cross-border gambling and online fraud, framing them as public safety concerns. The Cambodian government has consistently pledged to tackle scam compounds operating within its borders, a commitment strengthened by the enactment of its inaugural cybercrime law aimed at prosecuting online scam offenders. The specific casinos affected by the closures are not yet public, but shutting down 91 venues is a component of a broader Cambodian government initiative to combat unlawful gambling. This effort has gained urgency after recent findings connected numerous nationwide casinos to serious abuses associated with scam compounds. Nevertheless, ongoing allegations about scam centers in Cambodia indicate that Phnom Penh faces a protracted struggle as it devises new strategies to curb illegal gambling. Measures by Cambodian authorities aim to alter the course and disrupt the growth of scam centers, which expanded rapidly after the ban on online gambling licenses in 2019. The presence of many operators has persisted since then, and the spread of these scam centers has become a detrimental burden on the national economy. Despite government initiatives, Cambodia continues to be an attractive location due to gaps in its regulatory system and its geographical closeness to Mainland China and Vietnam. While government intervention is crucial, enforcement efforts are largely reactive, attempting to close a gap after allowing these centers a multi-year head start. Yi's trip is part of a larger Chinese campaign to rally Southeast Asian nations for regional collaboration against transnational cybercrime. His regional tour also included meetings with high-level officials from Myanmar and Thailand. Per Xinhua, Myanmar's Foreign Minister U Tin Maung stressed his nation's dedication to escalating its fight against online gambling and telecommunications fraud. He added that Myanmar would "never allow any activities that harm China’s interests" on its soil. A major driver behind China's push to prevent Cambodia and other Southeast Asian nations from becoming hubs for gambling and casino-related crime is the growing evidence that Chinese citizens are frequently leading these criminal ventures in the region. The recent cooperation between China and Cambodia in apprehending and extraditing Chen Zhi underscores a distinct strategic partnership between the two countries. Additionally, China's drive to maintain certain standards in Southeast Asia's gambling scene helps secure Macau's continued prosperity as the region's premier gambling destination. Last year, President Xi notably intervened in the development of Thailand's ultimately failed land-based casino bill, cautioning about the potential for regulated gambling to increase local crime—an action widely interpreted as safeguarding Macau's status. 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 Star Entertainment Group has begun to realize the benefits of its cost-reduction strategies, as its EBITDA showed a marked improvement during the third quarter compared to the same timeframe last year, despite remaining in negative territory. Among the cost-cutting steps taken by the Australian casino firm is a refinancing deal with WhiteHawk Capital Partners. This follows binding long-term agreements with Chow Tai Fook Enterprises Limited and Far East Consortium International Limited concerning the Queen’s Wharf Brisbane and Gold Coast properties. Organizational streamlining occurred at the group’s headquarters, which are now under fresh management following the finalization of a A$300m strategic investment from Bally’s Corporation and Investment Holdings late last year. In its report, The Star stated: “Additional measures, such as those targeting administrative roles at each site and prospects for lowering indirect costs and vendor outlays, are still being investigated to bolster The Star's long-term financial health and further solidify the group’s fiscal standing.” The Star sees EBITDA growth For the third quarter ending March 31, 2026, The Star posted revenue of AUS$266m (roughly €163.2m), representing a 12% decline from the second quarter ($301m) and a 1% drop year-over-year (Q3 2025: $268m). Nevertheless, EBITDA rose by 96% year-over-year to a $1m loss (compared to a $24m loss in Q3 FY25) before accounting for significant items. As of March 31, 2026, available cash was $90m. The Star attributed the Q3 performance to a "seasonal dip in revenue and lower gaming traffic in Sydney." While EBITDA improved, the operator reiterated that its "status as a going concern continues to hinge on the resolution of several significant uncertainties," many of which are linked and beyond its influence. Image: Max Stoliar/Shutterstock Performance by location: The Star Sydney: Revenue – $147m, EBITDA – $4m loss. The Star Gold Coast: Revenue – $101m, EBITDA – $8m. The Star Brisbane: Revenue – $15m, EBITDA – $4m loss. Treasury Brisbane: Revenue – $3m, EBITDA – $1m loss. Last month, the New South Wales Independent Casino Commission (NICC) once again pushed back the license suspension for The Star Sydney, with Nicolas Weeks set to continue as the facility's manager until September 30, 2026, unless his tenure is ended sooner. NICC Chief Commissioner Philip Crawford remarked at the time: “The current ownership is implementing major operational changes, which the NICC is tracking closely. “This involves efforts to ensure the business is more financially viable over the long term, helping them prove their suitability. We will persist in collaborating with The Star on their remediation goals so the casino can address the grave issues identified in the two Bell inquiries.” 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) -   A study conducted by the University of Cambridge has intensified the discussion surrounding gambling advertisements in Ireland, coinciding with broader concerns about the gambling industry's societal effects within the nation. Ireland is currently undergoing a period of regulatory reform, with the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI) now overseeing the country’s betting market as mandated by the 2024 Gambling Regulation Act. Similar to the review of the Gambling Act in the United Kingdom, the re-regulation of Ireland's betting market has left proponents of gambling reform, such as the Labour Party, advocating for more substantial changes to advertising regulations. According to research jointly undertaken by the University of Cambridge and Munster Technological University (MTU) in Cork, gambling advertisements in Ireland disproportionately affect young men. The university's study examined social media advertising through the Meta Ad library, analyzing published advertisements and demographic data across platforms like Facebook and Instagram. Dr Elena Petrovskaya, the lead author of the report from the university’s Department of Computer Science and Technology, noted that "not that many adverts directly targeted men to begin with." However, she elaborated: "But even when adverts were set to reach all genders, they still reached that very vulnerable group of young men. “It shows that if companies just put ads on social media, they are still reaching young men – the group we know from other research is most at risk of gambling harms.” Cambridge researchers analyzed 411 advertisements from 88 licensed Irish operators, concluding that young men were 2.3 times more likely to be exposed to social media advertisements than women, despite the ads not being specifically targeted at men. Individuals in the 25-34 age group constituted one-third of all unique accounts reached, accumulating 6.2 million impressions. The researchers highlighted one particular advertisement that reached 1.32 million unique accounts. Irish advertising debate continues unabated The discourse concerning gambling in Ireland, much like in other significant European gambling markets such as the UK, Netherlands, and Italy, has largely centered on sponsorship arrangements. The presence of bookmaker branding in prominent Irish sports competitions, including the Gaelic football and hurling leagues of the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) and the League of Ireland (LOI), has been a contentious issue for many years. The GAA ultimately decided to cease partnerships with gambling sponsors, citing concerns regarding customer protection and societal impact. The LOI, in contrast to its English counterparts in the EFL and the governing bodies of the Premier League, has been more reluctant to sever commercial ties with the sport due to the revenue generated. The Gambling Regulation Act and the GRAI's mandate are now established, with the latter assuming licensing responsibilities this year. Nevertheless, certain political figures, such as Labour Party leader Ivana Bacik, remain firm in their conviction that a comprehensive ban on gambling advertising in Ireland is essential. Research from institutions like Cambridge and MTU is expected to play a significant role in this debate, particularly given its focus on the impact of social media advertising, adding another dimension to a discussion that has predominantly revolved around sports sponsorships and television commercials. The findings from the researchers regarding the impact of advertising on young men, who according to Irish government statistics are among those most susceptible to gambling-related harm, will be particularly important for advocates of gambling reform. “This research provides valuable insights that establish a baseline for the reach of gambling advertising on social media in Ireland before the introduction of a regulatory framework,” stated Dr Deirdre Leahy from MTU, a co-author of the research. “This baseline will be essential for assessing the impact of reforms under the Gambling Regulation Act.” 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) -   Australia’s leading casino brand The Star Entertainment Group has recorded a major year-on-year improvement, reporting an AU$1m (£530,000) loss for Q3 2026, down from a $24m loss in the same quarter of 2025. That said, the quarter was slightly weaker than Q2, with revenue falling and profitability slipping back into negative territory, as regulatory pressures and lower visitor numbers continued to weigh on performance. Group revenue landed at $266m, down 12% quarter-on-quarter and slightly lower than the $268m recorded in the prior corresponding period. The company posted an EBITDA loss of $1m, reversing the $6m profit it gained in Q2, though the result is still a marked improvement on 2025 figures driven by cost-cutting efforts. Declines were largely fueled by ongoing soft performance in Sydney, where revenue dropped 10% versus the previous quarter and 9% year-on-year. Table games were a particular weak point, and the impact of mandatory carded play and cash limits continues to be felt – average daily revenue at the Sydney property is still roughly 20% below pre-reform levels. Examples of these regulatory reforms include a $100 cash load-up limit for Victorian poker machines and a delayed rollout of $1,000 daily cash limits at New South Wales casinos, where the limit will remain at $5,000 until August 2027. Across other locations, performance was mixed. The Gold Coast delivered modest year-on-year growth, supported by stronger electronic gaming and hospitality results, while Brisbane’s numbers were impacted by the transition out of the Destination Brisbane Consortium (DBC) joint venture and changes to the operator fee structure. Cost reductions were a clear positive highlight, with operating expenses falling 11% quarter-on-quarter and 10% year-on-year. This reflects the early impact of “cost out” initiatives launched by the company’s new leadership team, including corporate streamlining and reviews of supplier costs. Latest updates on The Star’s turnaround plan Even so, The Star’s broader overall financial position remains fragile. Available cash dropped to $90m at the end of March, and the company is working against a tight deadline to complete refinancing by 15 May to avoid breaching its existing debt agreement. A binding refinancing commitment with WhiteHawk Capital Partners, announced at the end of last month, is already in place, and all required regulatory approvals have been secured. The refinancing package consists of a three-year facility totaling around $550m, which will be used to fully refinance the group’s existing debt while also providing extra liquidity. A minimum liquidity requirement of $50m has been set for the first 12 months after financial close, which the company is on track to meet. The requirement rises to $75m between 12 and 18 months post-close, and $100m after that period. Additional covenants include a minimum asset coverage ratio starting December 2026 and a minimum EBITDA threshold starting March 2027, alongside standard reporting obligations and default provisions. An interest reserve account that will cover the first 12 months of interest payments will also be set up as part of the new financing structure. “The Star is working to complete the refinancing as soon as possible, but no later than 15 May 2026, to meet the conditions of the waiver granted by existing SFA lenders,” a company statement read. The Star has also made progress on its strategic reset, completing the first stage of its exit from the Brisbane joint venture with DBC. This step included the release of a large parent company guarantee tied to $1.4bn in debt facilities. Financial challenges will not be resolved immediately Despite these recent steps, The Star has reiterated that material uncertainty remains over its ability to continue as a going concern, with multiple interconnected factors including refinancing, regulatory outcomes and operational recovery still unresolved. Bruce Mathieson Jnr, the company’s current Chief Executive Officer, has continued advancing the turnaround strategy, which included appointing two new Non-Executive Directors – Brooke Lindsay and Grant Bowie – this month. The business remains in a transitional period following a $300m strategic investment from Bally’s Corporation and Investment Holdings late last year, a deal that will eventually give Bally’s a 56.7% stake in The Star. The company is also navigating ongoing regulatory change across Australia, where a key recent policy focus has been cracking down on gambling advertising. The Murphy report, written by late MP Peta Murphy and holding 31 recommendations for Australian regulatory reform, has still not seen most of its suggestions implemented across the country. For The Star, an immediate return to profitability was always highly unlikely. Despite the unavoidable pressures it faces from both internal and external sources, the company is in a much healthier position today than it was at the start of 2025, when it was grappling with losses of more than $300m. 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) -   Tipico Sportwetten has kicked off a new “leadership era”, with Mate Bacic taking over from Axel Hefer as Chief Executive Officer of the largest sports betting and iGaming brand operating in the DACH region. This leadership transition follows Hefer’s decision to resign from the new leadership team of Banijay Gaming – the division established in April 2025, after Banijay Group finalized its €3 billion acquisition of Tipico. Hefer’s exit comes after he fulfilled his remit of restructuring Tipico to position it for an eventual multi-billion-euro sale. During his three-year tenure, the company pulled out of the US market, selling its domestic US operations to MGM Resorts, and purchased Admiral Austria to boost its regional presence. The business ultimately became an acquisition target itself, when its former private equity owner CVC Capital reached an agreement to sell Tipico to Banijay in October 2025. Speaking about his departure, Hefer said: “I joined the Tipico Group nearly three years ago with one clear goal: to lay the groundwork for the company’s future international growth. Now that the sale to Banijay Group is complete, my work here has been successfully finished. “I am fully confident that with Mate Bacic leading the company and as part of Banijay Gaming, Tipico is extremely well positioned for future success. I wish Mate and the entire team all the best in the coming years.” New leadership steers the business into its next chapter Bacic, who has held executive roles at Tipico for almost a decade, has been promoted to the CEO position from the group’s existing senior leadership ranks.  As Managing Director of Tipico Retail Services, he played a key role in building and restructuring the operator’s land-based retail network, which now covers more than 1,250 outlets across Germany and Austria. Most recently, he oversaw the integration of Admiral Austria into the wider group during his tenure as CEO of the Atlas Group. Before joining Tipico, Bacic held senior leadership positions at Telefónica Germany, bringing deep operational and commercial expertise to his new top role. Discussing his new appointment, Bacic said: “I am thrilled to lead Tipico through this critical phase for the business. We have a powerful brand, a highly committed team, and trusted partners supporting us. Working alongside Banijay, we will speed up innovation efforts, invest in technology, and set new benchmarks for customer service.” He added: “We aim to deliver the best and most secure experience possible for sports betting fans — both online and across our more than 1,250 retail shops. I also want to thank Axel for his reliable partnership and his significant contributions to putting Tipico in such a strong position for the future.” Credit: Tobias Arhelger / Shutterstock Under the revised leadership structure, Nicolas Béraud, former Betclic CEO, will serve as Chairman of the Board of Banijay Gaming. Joachim Baca, Chairman and former CEO of Tipico, will act as Vice-Chairman of the Board. Operational leadership roles across the group’s core brand portfolio have also been reshuffled, with Julien Brun, previously Chief Operational Officer, stepping into the role of CEO of Betclic. Banijay’s leadership team has given its full endorsement to this internal succession, with Béraud stating: “Following the completion of Banijay Gaming’s acquisition of the Tipico Group, I am convinced that Mate, with his extensive industry experience, in-depth understanding of the Tipico Group, and strong leadership capabilities, will make a major contribution to building our large-scale European gaming platform. “Axel was an exceptional partner throughout the Betclic/Tipico transaction, and I wish him all the best for the next chapter of his career.” 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.