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Fanatics launches operational support presence in the Philippines
U.S.-based Fanatics has entered the Philippine market through a partnership with Claymore Solutions. The focus is on providing back-office services for internationally licensed gaming operators. The project does not involve betting operations or handling of gaming funds.
Claymore offers services such as HR, payroll, and office space in Taguig City. Clients may use Claymore’s recruitment team or manage their own hiring processes. These services are aimed at supporting global gaming firms.
The initiative follows the discontinuation of the POGO licensing regime, which displaced over 40,000 Filipino workers. Claymore seeks to offer stable employment by supporting compliant international operators.
Fanatics continues its global expansion alongside domestic growth in the U.S. The Philippines is now part of a broader strategy to strengthen operational capabilities. The launch has received backing from national authorities and regulator PAGCOR.
Nick Rust to step down as Chair of Gambling Commission’s Industry Forum
Nick Rust will leave his role as Chair of the Gambling Commission’s Industry Forum in November, as his two-year term comes to an end. He played a key role in launching the Forum, which amplifies industry voices during sector reforms. His departure comes as the Commission continues its regulatory efforts.
Rust expressed pride in the Forum’s achievements and its impact on policy understanding. He thanked fellow Forum members and the Commission team for their collaboration. A new Chair has not yet been announced.
Helen Child from the Commission praised Rust’s leadership in building the Forum. She thanked him for his dedication and wished him well in future endeavors. The Commission will share more updates soon.
CEO Andrew Rhodes also commended Rust’s contributions over the past two years. He highlighted Rust’s insight and personal support throughout their work together. The Commission recently released an update on its financial risk assessment pilot.
Malaysian man arrested in Bangkok over billion-baht gambling network
A 26-year-old Malaysian man, Steven Choong Seng Lok, was arrested at Don Mueang Airport on Tuesday. He had just arrived from Kuala Lumpur on an AirAsia flight. The arrest followed a December 2024 warrant issued by the Nonthaburi Provincial Court.
Choong is accused of running an illegal online gambling site called Hydra888. Authorities believe he laundered billions of baht through the platform. Charges include illegal gambling and money laundering.
Police say Choong used a company as a front to handle Hydra888’s finances. The platform reportedly processed over THB11.5 billion in transactions within a year. He was immediately taken into custody upon arrival.
Investigators are now working to uncover the full scope of the Hydra888 network. They aim to identify cross-border collaborators and additional financial links. Further legal action is underway.
Thai police bust online gambling ring, seize $1.5M in assets
Thai police have arrested 30-year-old Taweesak, allegedly a key figure behind an illegal online gambling site. The raid took place at a luxury home in Pathum Thani. Assets worth THB 56 million ($1.5 million) were confiscated.
The operation was led by the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau and backed by court-issued warrants. Police say the property served as the main base for Auto888vip, a site with around 3,000 users and THB 100 million in annual turnover. Confiscated items included luxury cars, a house, and THB 28 million in cash.
According to officials, the site operated from December 2024 to May 2025. Authorities are now tracking other suspects linked to the ring. Further arrests are expected as the investigation continues.
Thailand has been ramping up efforts to shut down illegal online gambling networks. Despite past crackdowns, such operations remain widespread. Police say they are committed to dismantling these syndicates.
Viber to cooperate with Philippine regulators on gambling ads
Messaging app Viber has announced plans to work with Philippine regulators to align its advertising policies on gambling with local laws. The company confirmed it is reviewing current practices. It also pledged to adjust its approach once official guidance is issued.
Rakuten Viber explained that gambling-related ads are permitted only in jurisdictions where the activity is legal. Advertisers must first receive written approval from the platform. They are also required to prove compliance with licensing and age restrictions.
The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) said it is monitoring apps and platforms for links to online gambling. Secretary Henry Aguda warned that services could face suspension or bans. Authorities aim to ensure stricter oversight as the sector grows.
Viber clarified that it does not host or facilitate gambling within the app. The platform also stated it does not process payments for gambling services. To protect users, it partners only with carefully selected advertisers.
KSA sets exit plan rule for Dutch gambling licences
The Dutch gambling regulator KSA will require all online gambling licence applicants to include an “exit plan” from January 1, 2026. This rule applies to both new operators and those renewing licences in the Netherlands. The plan must detail how companies would withdraw if they chose not to extend their five-year licence.
Applicants must also provide a risk analysis on anti-money laundering and terrorism financing compliance. In addition, they must explain how they will notify the regulator of operational or policy changes. Failure to comply could lead to applications being rejected, even for existing licensees.
The announcement comes as the Dutch online gambling market nears its five-year anniversary in October 2026. Operators that entered the market in 2021 will soon need to prepare for licence renewal. Early licences will begin expiring in October 2026.
Renewal applicants will face stricter checks, including reviews of their addiction prevention and advertising practices. KSA said past regulatory breaches could harm renewal chances unless operators show how they corrected issues. Applications without sufficient explanations may be denied or approved with restrictions.
Spain warns of loot box risks in new public campaign
Spain’s Ministry of Consumer Affairs has launched a campaign to raise awareness about the dangers of loot boxes in video games. The initiative, titled “Not Everything is a Game,” targets families and young players. It highlights how these mechanics resemble gambling and may lead to compulsive spending behaviors.
Loot boxes allow users to purchase randomized virtual items with real money. The Ministry noted that their unpredictable rewards can encourage excessive or impulsive play. Officials warn that such features exploit psychological vulnerabilities, especially among minors.
The campaign provides educational materials explaining how loot boxes function and the risks involved. It also offers guidance for parents to help children develop responsible gaming habits. Consumer Affairs Minister Pablo Bustinduy urged game developers to protect minors and promote transparency.
Authorities are calling for clearer odds disclosure and stricter age ratings for games containing loot boxes. Spain joins other European countries pushing for regulation in this area. The government’s move reflects growing concern over the blurred line between gaming and gambling.
GambleAware calls for stricter rules on online gambling ads
GambleAware has urged the government to reform outdated regulations on online gambling and marketing content. The charity warned that children and young people are increasingly exposed to gambling promotions online. It says this exposure normalizes gambling and presents it as risk-free.
The organization highlighted that gambling is an age-restricted activity, yet minors still see related ads across digital platforms. Such exposure, according to GambleAware, raises the risk of developing gambling-related harm early. The group emphasized that current safeguards are not keeping pace with modern online behavior.
To address this, GambleAware proposed stricter measures, including mandatory health warnings on all gambling promotions. It also called for greater accountability from online platforms. These changes aim to reduce children’s exposure and protect vulnerable audiences.
The charity’s latest study found that around 85,000 children in Britain were harmed by gambling in 2024. This figure has doubled since 2023, underscoring the urgency of reform. GambleAware’s leadership insists that immediate action is needed to modernize digital gambling regulations.
Mainland businessman accused of keeping casino jackpot
A mainland Chinese businessman has been accused of keeping a HKD 569,000 (US$72,900) jackpot won while playing a slot machine on behalf of another gambler. The 35-year-old suspect, surnamed Tang, was reportedly given HKD 1,000 to play for the victim during a visit to a Macau casino. The agreement was that any winnings would be returned to the original player.
However, Tang allegedly refused to share the winnings after hitting the jackpot. He collected the prize and attempted to flee the casino before the victim reported the incident to security. The case was then handed over to the Judiciary Police for investigation.
The incident occurred on 7 November, and Tang turned himself in two days later. Authorities said he refused to cooperate during questioning, and no cash was found on him. Police did, however, seize a mobile phone believed to be connected to the case.
The Judiciary Police described the act as a serious breach of trust. The case has been transferred to the Public Prosecutions Office for further action. Investigators are still working to recover the missing funds and identify any potential accomplices.
UK to raise remote gaming taxes as new betting duty arrives in 2027
The UK will raise its remote gaming duty from 21% to 40% starting April 2026, according to the latest autumn budget. A new remote betting duty will also take effect in April 2027 at 25%, replacing the current 15% rate. The government expects these changes to significantly increase gambling tax revenues.
The new betting duty applies only to online betting profits and excludes spread betting, pool bets and horse racing wagers. Self-service betting terminals will also remain exempt from the updated rate. The Treasury launched consultations earlier this year on merging the previous three-rate tax system.
Gambling tax receipts are projected to reach £4 billion in 2025–26, representing a 9.8% year-on-year increase. By 2026–27, receipts are forecast to jump by another 24.8% to £5 billion. Other measures include abolishing the 10% bingo duty and freezing casino gaming duty bands for 2026–27.
Officials said operators are expected to pass up to 90% of the higher taxes to consumers, reducing demand and lowering projected revenue by £500 million by 2029–30. Industry groups previously warned that higher remote betting duties would negatively affect retail and horse racing sectors. The Treasury Select Committee later recommended taxing different gambling verticals according to their risk profiles.
