Asia
Indian High Court Denies Blanket Ban on Gambling
The Delhi High Court received a request to start banning online sites that promote games of skill such as rummy. The complaint came from Deepti Bhagat and Avinash Mehrotra, who claimed that such sites were enticing gambling and draining money to offshore accounts.
Online gambling, as such, is already illegal in India, and the Reserve Bank of India claims to have made every effort to prevent offshore transactions to such companies from being processed. That said, it is well known that many international casinos continue to accept Indian players and that Indian online roulette and slots sites do exist.
The entire complaint was brought before the government of the National Capital Territory of Delhi for examination. The result of that examination was the conclusion that the government is unable to regulate the operation of foreign companies or those hosted in other Indian states. In either case, the report also called for a more precise definition of games of skill vs games of chance, which have a blurry line dividing them.
The International Issue of Offshore Casinos
Offshore casinos, as they are called, are a problem for many countries that are trying to restrict gambling online in any way. While states are able to impose laws that will prohibit locals from starting online casinos and gambling sites within the country, not even the USA can regulate the operation of international websites, often situated in remote island states such as Panama.
Offshore casinos are granted licenses by local governments and are allowed to accept any players they choose, as such actions are not against the law of the country they are operating in. On the other hand, countries find it difficult to restrict play at such casinos as many are emerging with different domains, and the use of simple VPN software makes it next to impossible to prevent gaming.
The best most countries, including India, can do is prevent monetary transactions to the best of their ability. Yet, with so many different payment processors out there, even this becomes a nearly impossible task. Without restricting online trade altogether, restricting gambling transactions becomes very difficult.
Future of Online Gambling in India
Following the recent decision in Delhi, it remains likely that each of the Indian states will continue to regulate online gambling and online games of skill for itself. Online casinos are banned across the country in terms of hosting one, and this will likely remain such for years to come. We don’t expect any Indian state to allow legal hosting of online casinos within India.
That said, numerous online casinos that are hosted offshore continue to accept players from India and other countries with gambling regulation, and nothing short of an international intervention would prevent this. Since these are private companies hosted in sovereign nations, such a development seems very extreme and unlikely.
As such, the best conclusion at this time is that the status quo will continue for a long time. International casinos will keep accepting Indian deposits, while locals will also be able to legally play games of skills such as rummy at dedicated sites, some of which are affiliated with proper online casinos.
Moves by specific individuals and groups to ban these sites altogether are also likely to continue, as it does seem reasonable that a developing country like India should limit the number of funds that are leaving the country for offshore accounts, but there appears to be little that can be done about it at this time.
Asia
ProgressPlay takes new standalone product to Asia
ProgressPlay, renowned as one of Europe’s Top 10 Casino Tech Solutions Providers in 2024, is set to make waves in the Asian iGaming sector with its groundbreaking standalone product. Making its debut at SIGMA Asia 2024 in Manila, ProgressPlay aims to captivate attendees with its innovative offerings showcased at stand BR917.
With ProgressPlay’s new standalone product, partners are able to market all markets.
SIGMA Asia, slated to run from June 3rd to 5th at Manila’s esteemed SMX Convention Centre, has already generated immense anticipation within the industry. With a diverse array of top-tier B2B and B2C exhibitors, including ProgressPlay, the event promises to be an unrivaled gaming hub, expected to attract over 20,000 delegates.
The Asian iGaming industry is experiencing exponential growth, fueled by technological advancements and a surge in demand for online gaming experiences. With the widespread adoption of mobile devices and digital payment methods, coupled with the popularity of online gaming, the sector presents lucrative opportunities for gaming entrepreneurs seeking to establish their presence across the continent, starting with a standalone solution.
Marina Nahhas, Sales and Marketing Manager at ProgressPlay said: “We are super excited making our debut at SIGMA Asia with our latest products. Our standalone product has huge potential for local markets and the exhibition gives us an excellent opportunity to present it to a large number of potential new customers.”
ProgressPlay’s standalone licensee offering made its debut at ICE back in January, and in this arrangement ProgressPlay serves as the technology provider while partners take charge of all their own operations.
ProgressPlay’s platform has been meticulously developed over the years, boasting a team of top-notch professionals dedicated to serving regulated markets including the UK. The platform is fully equipped to meet all the diverse requirements, many of which are proprietary services developed in-house.
Notably, ProgressPlay’s platform boasts proprietary AI capabilities for safer gambling shortlisted in the EGR Awards, setting it apart in the industry. Moreover, the platform offers unparalleled flexibility, enabling operators to tailor their offerings to specific regions and regulatory requirements. Through a strategic joint venture with a reputable cashier, ProgressPlay facilitates seamless integration of various payment methods, catering to the diverse needs of its partners.
ProgressPlay CEO Itai Loewenstein said:“The biggest advantage of the standalone platform is that it enables operators to have a much wider selection of countries and regulatory territories to choose from based on the licenses they hold and the built-in proprietary cashier that is easily adapted to the relevant markets and payment processors. An additional advantage for operators is the ability to create brands under the standalone platform, which is especially helpful in generating healthy ROI in Asian markets which we will be showcasing on stand BR917 at SiGMA Asia.”
The post ProgressPlay takes new standalone product to Asia appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Asia
Fun88 India Launches ‘Fun88 X Evolution’ for Guaranteed Wins
Fun88 India, a leading name in the online gaming industry, has announced the launch of its latest collaboration with Evolution Gaming. “Fun88 X Evolution”, this exciting venture aims to elevate the gaming experience for players, offering a chance at guaranteed wins and exclusive prizes.
I) Lightning 888: Spark Big Wins
Experience the excitement of Lightning Roulette and XXXtreme Lightning Roulette from Evolution Games. Players placing a minimum bet of 400 INR or more on numbers ‘8,’ ‘18,’ or ‘28,’ can win guaranteed prizes of up to 25x on the bet, in addition to regular wins. Get struck by lightning-fast & guaranteed rewards.
II) Lucky Drop: Win Boosters
Win boosters with random cash prizes alongside regular wins in the beloved Crazy Time or Funky Time from Evolution games. With potential rewards reaching up to 100x on the bet, every bet holds the promise of a windfall. Place a minimum bet of 10 INR or more only and stand a chance to win this delightful surprise.
Fun88 app offers a seamless and convenient entertainment experience on Android or iOS devices. With 24/7 customer support and streamlined deposit and withdrawal processes, Fun88 ensures a hassle-free gaming experience for all users.
The post Fun88 India Launches ‘Fun88 X Evolution’ for Guaranteed Wins appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Asia
Resorts World Sentosa Signs MoU for Sentosa Precinct Partnership
Resorts World Sentosa (RWS) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Sentosa Development Corporation (SDC), DBS Bank (DBS) and Singapore Tourism Board (STB) for the development of a Sentosa Precinct Partnership, a multi-lateral partnership aiming to drive Sentosa’s tourism growth.
The announcement of the multilateral partnership comes after the soft opening of Sentosa Sensoryscape, a 350-metre-long connector featuring six sensory gardens with night experience that is directly linked to Ave8 at RWS.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) has been signed during STB’s Tourism Industry Conference, with Minister Grace Fu, Minister for Sustainability and the Environment and Minister-in-charge of Trade Relations, presiding over the event.
The signatories included Michael Ma, Assistant Chief Executive (Business and Digital Technology Group) of SDC; Lee Shi Ruh, President of RWS; Jeremy Soo, Managing Director and Head of Consumer Banking Group (Singapore) at DBS; and Kenneth Lim, Assistant Chief Executive (Marketing Group) at STB.
Also present at the signing were Thien Kwee Eng, SDC CEO, Tan Hee Teck, RWS CEO, Han Kwee Juan, Singapore Country Head of DBS Bank; and Melissa Ow, STB CEO.
RWS, which operates Southeast Asia’s first Universal Studios theme park, is located on the 500-hectare Sentosa island, which houses an array of themed attractions, spa retreats, and resorts. The resort will be hosting Asia’s premier of Harry Potter: Visions of Magic in the later half of 2024.
The post Resorts World Sentosa Signs MoU for Sentosa Precinct Partnership appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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