Japanese bettors wagered US$45bn on offshore gambling sites in 2024<\/a><\/h2>\nOnline gambling remains illegal in Japan, with bettors wagering JPY6.45tn (US$45bn) on offshore sports betting sites in 2024. Domestic sports saw JPY1tn (US$6.94bn) in bets, with JPY528bn (US$3.68bn) on pro baseball, JPY333.4bn (US$2.32bn) on soccer, and JPY87bn (US$606m) on basketball. The global market for betting on Japanese sports is estimated at JPY4.9tn (US$34.18bn). The National Police Agency found 3.37 million people engaged in online gambling, spending JPY1.24tn (US$8.4bn) annually. Some professional baseball players are facing legal action for online casino gambling. While a land-based casino is in development in Osaka and horse racing betting is allowed, online gambling is illegal with fines up to JNY500,000 (US$3,282) and prison sentences up to three years. The government plans to discuss the issue and may open new applications for integrated resort licenses.<\/p>\n
Professor proposes legalising casinos in Indonesia for foreigners<\/a><\/h2>\nAn Indonesian academic has proposed legalizing casinos exclusively for foreign nationals in special economic zones like Batam or Bali, citing potential economic benefits. Professor Vidya Ramadhan suggested adopting regulatory frameworks similar to the UAE and Malaysia to avoid harming the community while reaping short-term economic gains. International relations expert Hikmahanto Juwana and MP Galih Kartasasmita also support regulated land-based casinos under strict government control. Meanwhile, Indonesia froze over 28,000 bank accounts in 2024 linked to online gambling, highlighting the need for better regulation. In contrast, the UAE established a gaming regulatory authority in 2023 and granted its first casino license in 2024, signaling a shift towards legalizing gambling.<\/p>\n
ACMA fines Betchoice for breaching self-exclusion rules<\/a><\/h2>\nThe Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has fined Unibet operator Betchoice AU$1.01m for failing to close the accounts of 954 customers who registered with BetStop, the national self-exclusion register. Over 100,000 contraventions of the Interactive Gambling Act 2001 were found. Some accounts remained open for 190 days or more, with one customer making over 1,200 bets. Unibet has agreed to review its compliance systems and issue refunds to affected customers. ACMA also fined PointsBet AU$500,800 for sending promotional emails without an unsubscribe function and marketing messages to self-excluded individuals. PointsBet wrongly classified emails as non-commercial and failed to provide clear sender contact information in texts.<\/p>\n
Thai government defends proposal to legalise casinos<\/a><\/h2>\nDeputy Finance Minister Jalapan Amornvivat emphasized the dangers of unregulated gambling in Thailand. The government is considering legalizing casinos, citing the success of regulated casinos in Macau and Las Vegas. The proposed Entertainment Complex Act would allow for resorts with casinos, hotels, and theme parks, with measures in place to prevent money laundering and compulsive gambling. The move is expected to attract significant investments and create jobs in various sectors. If approved by parliament, it could take up to a year to establish regulations and issue licenses. Representatives from Wynn Development Co have shown interest in investing in Thailand’s gambling market.<\/p>\n
PAGCOR warns against fake gaming certifications<\/a><\/h2>\nThe Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) has warned the public about fake gaming certifications associated with Lucky 7 Bingo Corporation, a licensed e-games venue operator. The company has been accused of requiring bettors to make an upfront cash deposit of PHP3,000 under false pretenses of holding an offshore gaming license, which is prohibited in the Philippines since December 31, 2024. PAGCOR emphasized that Lucky 7 Bingo Corporation only has a valid license for e-games venues, not for offshore gaming. They urge the public to be cautious and verify the legitimacy of PAGCOR-accredited entities before engaging or making payments. Earlier warnings were also issued regarding fake websites and fraudulent messages impersonating officials.<\/p>\n
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An Indonesian academic has proposed legalizing casinos exclusively for foreign nationals in special economic zones like Batam or Bali, citing potential economic benefits. Professor Vidya Ramadhan suggested adopting regulatory frameworks similar to the UAE and Malaysia to avoid harming the community while reaping short-term economic gains. International relations expert Hikmahanto Juwana and MP Galih Kartasasmita also support regulated land-based casinos under strict government control. Meanwhile, Indonesia froze over 28,000 bank accounts in 2024 linked to online gambling, highlighting the need for better regulation. In contrast, the UAE established a gaming regulatory authority in 2023 and granted its first casino license in 2024, signaling a shift towards legalizing gambling.<\/p>\n
ACMA fines Betchoice for breaching self-exclusion rules<\/a><\/h2>\nThe Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has fined Unibet operator Betchoice AU$1.01m for failing to close the accounts of 954 customers who registered with BetStop, the national self-exclusion register. Over 100,000 contraventions of the Interactive Gambling Act 2001 were found. Some accounts remained open for 190 days or more, with one customer making over 1,200 bets. Unibet has agreed to review its compliance systems and issue refunds to affected customers. ACMA also fined PointsBet AU$500,800 for sending promotional emails without an unsubscribe function and marketing messages to self-excluded individuals. PointsBet wrongly classified emails as non-commercial and failed to provide clear sender contact information in texts.<\/p>\n
Thai government defends proposal to legalise casinos<\/a><\/h2>\nDeputy Finance Minister Jalapan Amornvivat emphasized the dangers of unregulated gambling in Thailand. The government is considering legalizing casinos, citing the success of regulated casinos in Macau and Las Vegas. The proposed Entertainment Complex Act would allow for resorts with casinos, hotels, and theme parks, with measures in place to prevent money laundering and compulsive gambling. The move is expected to attract significant investments and create jobs in various sectors. If approved by parliament, it could take up to a year to establish regulations and issue licenses. Representatives from Wynn Development Co have shown interest in investing in Thailand’s gambling market.<\/p>\n
PAGCOR warns against fake gaming certifications<\/a><\/h2>\nThe Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) has warned the public about fake gaming certifications associated with Lucky 7 Bingo Corporation, a licensed e-games venue operator. The company has been accused of requiring bettors to make an upfront cash deposit of PHP3,000 under false pretenses of holding an offshore gaming license, which is prohibited in the Philippines since December 31, 2024. PAGCOR emphasized that Lucky 7 Bingo Corporation only has a valid license for e-games venues, not for offshore gaming. They urge the public to be cautious and verify the legitimacy of PAGCOR-accredited entities before engaging or making payments. Earlier warnings were also issued regarding fake websites and fraudulent messages impersonating officials.<\/p>\n
\n\t\t\tSee also:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n
Deputy Finance Minister Jalapan Amornvivat emphasized the dangers of unregulated gambling in Thailand. The government is considering legalizing casinos, citing the success of regulated casinos in Macau and Las Vegas. The proposed Entertainment Complex Act would allow for resorts with casinos, hotels, and theme parks, with measures in place to prevent money laundering and compulsive gambling. The move is expected to attract significant investments and create jobs in various sectors. If approved by parliament, it could take up to a year to establish regulations and issue licenses. Representatives from Wynn Development Co have shown interest in investing in Thailand’s gambling market.<\/p>\n