Asian Gaming & Tech Updates: Century Enters Philippines, Sri Lanka Casino Bill Sparks Concerns, and Groove Technologies Launches ‘Instant Tournaments Hub’

Century Entertainment International is planning to enter the Philippine gaming market through a joint venture with a PAGCOR-licensed systems and content provider. The company recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) outlining the partnership, with Century holding a 51% stake and its partner 49%. A definitive agreement is expected within 30 days to formalize the structure and operations of the joint venture. The new entity aims to support research, platform maintenance, market access, and business development, leveraging the partner’s proprietary gaming platform and content. The joint venture will also oversee marketing, legal compliance, and financial management. The partnership will include a five-member board, with Century contributing three members. This move follows the recent departure of Century’s Chairman and CEO, Ng Man Sun, a well-known Macau junket operator, signaling a strategic pivot amid leadership changes.

Meanwhile, Bloomberry Resorts has recently launched its new digital gaming platform, MegaFUNalo, marking its entry into the competitive Philippine online gambling market. The platform went into soft launch, offering popular casino games such as baccarat, roulette, blackjack, and slots, along with arcade-style games and a library of free movies, including Korean dramas. This strategic move aims to challenge the current market leader, DigiPlus, which boasts over 40 million registered users and a strong presence across Asia. Bloomberry’s investment in MegaFUNalo includes a significant advertising and promotional budget of up to PHP2 billion per quarter to attract players and build its user base. The company is also partnering with third-party providers under a revenue-sharing model, which could influence long-term profitability. Despite the challenges, Bloomberry’s shares surged by nearly 19% following the platform’s launch, indicating investor confidence in their expansion plans.

In regulatory news, the European Commission has announced that the Philippines has been removed from its list of high-risk jurisdictions concerning anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorism financing (CTF) measures. This decision follows the FATF's earlier move in February, which recognized the Philippines' progress in addressing strategic AML, CTF, and CPF deficiencies. Alongside the Philippines, countries such as Barbados, Gibraltar, Jamaica, Senegal, Türkiye, Uganda, and the United Arab Emirates were also removed from the high-risk list. The European Commission highlighted that these removals reflect the strengthened AML/CFT regimes of these nations and their successful implementation of action plans. The Commission emphasized its ongoing role in monitoring the progress of FATF-listed jurisdictions to ensure compliance with international standards, signaling a positive move for the Philippines’ reputation and potential industry growth.

The recent Sri Lanka casino bill notably omits specific regulations for VIP junkets, raising concerns about potential loopholes in the industry. Melco Resorts & Entertainment is set to open the City of Dreams Sri Lanka this summer, marking a significant development in the country’s gaming sector. The draft legislation, known as the Sri Lanka Gambling Authority Act, was published on 23 May and addresses licensing, taxation, and oversight but leaves junket regulations largely unregulated. Critics, including the Sri Lanka Sunday Times, have expressed alarm over the lack of safeguards, citing risks related to money laundering and underworld links. The junket industry, once dominant in Macau, has declined sharply due to crackdowns on illegal activities and high-profile convictions of industry leaders. Sri Lanka’s government has announced plans to establish a Gambling Regulatory Authority, which will oversee all gambling activities, including junket operations, once fully established. This evolving regulatory landscape presents both opportunities and challenges for operators and regulators alike.

Meanwhile, Thai ex-Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva has once again expressed skepticism about the benefits of legalizing casino resorts in Thailand. He emphasized that, based on his extensive political experience, the potential risks and damages outweigh any possible advantages. Abhisit was speaking during a Senate panel meeting dedicated to studying the government’s casino legalization policy. He questioned whether legal casinos would genuinely reduce underground gambling activities, citing examples like government lotteries versus underground ones. Additionally, he doubted the expected tax revenue benefits, noting that Thailand might keep gaming taxes low to attract international players, thus limiting revenue. The politician also raised concerns about possible diplomatic tensions with China, which opposes its citizens gambling abroad. The proposed bill for casino legalization was initially scheduled for a first reading in April but was delayed due to public opposition. The bill may be reconsidered by the lower house when the parliament reconvenes in July, highlighting ongoing debates around the industry’s future in Thailand.

Groove Technologies is actively expanding its presence in Asia by launching the new ‘Instant Tournaments Hub’. The company participated in the SiGMA Asia 2025 trade showcasing its advanced platform and back-office solutions. According to a press release, Groove demonstrated its ‘Groove Command’ system, which offers real-time processing, multi-currency support, and AI-powered tools essential for the region’s dynamic markets.

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