Asia
UNODC: Casinos and Cryptocurrency Fueling Underground Banking and Crime in Asia
A new report by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has found that casinos, junkets and cryptocurrency have emerged as a critical piece of the underground banking and money laundering infrastructure in East and Southeast Asia, fuelling transnational organised crime in the region.
Titled “Casinos, Money Laundering, Underground Banking, and Transnational Organized Crime in East and Southeast Asia: A Hidden, Accelerating Threat”, the study highlights the nexus between illegal online casinos, e-junkets and cryptocurrency exchanges that have proliferated in recent years alongside surging cross-border criminality throughout the region.
“Casinos and related high-cash-volume businesses have been vehicles for underground banking and money laundering for years, but the explosion of underregulated online gambling platforms and crypto exchanges has changed the game. Expansion of the illicit economy has required a technology-driven revolution in underground banking to allow for faster anonymized transactions, commingling of funds, and new business opportunities for organized crime. The development of scalable, digitized casino- and crypto-based solutions has supercharged the criminal business environment across Southeast Asia, and particularly in the Mekong,” said Jeremy Douglas, UNODC Regional Representative for Southeast Asia and the Pacific.
As outlined in the report, countless recent cases demonstrate that online casinos and related businesses have been used by major organised crime groups to move and launder massive volumes of state-backed fiat as well as cryptocurrencies, effectively creating channels for integrating billions in criminal proceeds into the financial system. At the same time, the creation and success of these underground banking mechanisms has helped expand the region’s broader illicit economy, in turn attracting new networks, innovators and service providers to the criminal ecosystem.
Cases examined also highlight how illegal online casino operators have diversified business lines to include cyberfraud and cryptocurrency laundering, with extensive evidence of organised crime influence within casino compounds, special economic zones and border areas, including those controlled by armed groups in Myanmar to conceal illicit activities.
“Organized crime groups have converged where they see vulnerabilities, and casinos and crypto have proven the point of least resistance. That said, operations against syndicates in countries including Cambodia and the Philippines have caused a partial displacement, and we have seen criminals moving infrastructure into other places where they see opportunity — basically where they expect they will be able to take advantage and not be held to account, to remote and border areas of the Mekong, and recently elsewhere,” Douglas added.
UNODC analysis estimates there were more than 340 licensed and unlicensed land-based casinos operating in Southeast Asia as of early 2022, with most having shifted online to offer live-dealer streaming and various proxy betting services. According to latest available industry data, the formal online gambling market is projected to grow to more than US $205 billion by 2030, with the Asia Pacific region representing the largest share of market growth between 2022 to 2026 at a projected 37%. The study describes several policy developments and enforcement measures implemented by governments in the region to address illegal casino-based capital outflows, corruption, and money laundering that have in part driven these trends.
The technical policy brief describes the mechanics, intricacies and drivers of underground banking in the region, and has been developed through extensive examination and analysis of criminal indictments, case records, court filings, related public disclosure and other data collected in consultation with authorities and partners over more than a year. Its development has included an extensive mapping and analysis of thousands of so-called “grey and black business” online groups, including clear web and dark web forums and marketplaces, used for illicit activities. The study also provides a list of recommendations geared towards strengthening knowledge and awareness, legislation and policy, and enforcement and regulatory responses in the region, intended to assist governments to address the situation.
“It’s clear that the gap between organized crime and enforcement authorities is widening quickly. If the region fails to address this criminal landscape the consequences will be seen in Southeast Asia and beyond as criminals look to reinvest profits and innovate operations. We trust the report will prove as a useful reference for deeper engagement between countries in Southeast Asia, UNODC, and international partners. At this point, we are just scratching the surface,” said Benedikt Hofmann, UNODC Deputy Regional Representative.
Asia
S8UL Esports Secures iQOO as Title Sponsor for its Pokémon UNITE and MOBA Legends 5v5 Rosters
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S8UL Esports, a global name in esports and gaming content, has onboarded high-performance smartphone brand iQOO as the Title Sponsor for its Pokémon UNITE and MOBA Legends 5v5 rosters. With this strengthened alliance, iQOO deepens its commitment to supporting India’s top esports talent while S8UL further accelerates its multi-title expansion ahead of a landmark competitive season.
iQOO has supported the growth of Indian esports for several years, working closely with top teams and major tournaments. Its continued association with iQOO SOUL, one of India’s leading BGMI rosters, has contributed to the team’s strong performances, including its recent win at the Chennai Esports Global Championship 2025.
Extending this support to S8UL’s newly signed rosters, the brand will equip athletes with its powerful, gaming-optimized smartphones to enhance their training and tournament preparation. As part of the partnership, the iQOO logo will feature prominently on the front of the team jerseys, and both rosters will now compete under the names iQOO S8UL Pokémon UNITE and iQOO S8UL MOBA Legends 5v5.
“iQOO has been with S8UL for a long time, starting with our BGMI team, and their support has played an important role in our journey. Extending this partnership to our Pokémon UNITE and MOBA Legends 5v5 teams is a natural next step as we grow across more titles. Our focus at S8UL is to build strong, well-prepared rosters in every game we enter, and working with a partner like iQOO helps us give our players the tools they need to compete with confidence in India and internationally.,” said Animesh Agarwal, Co-founder and CEO of S8UL Esports.

S8UL’s Pokémon UNITE team, led by captain Manmohan Singh (AllMight) and comprising Rahul Sharad Lavhate (Kyurem), Deep Patel (Snowyy), Adnan Badshah (Badshahh), and Rudra Narayan Nayak (ReX), is widely regarded as the top roster in the South Asia region. The team has claimed three regional championships in the last three years and has consistently represented India on the international stage at the Pokémon UNITE World Championship.
The organization’s newly signed MOBA Legends 5v5 roster arrives with a wealth of experience and an impressive track record across India’s community-led tournaments. The team includes in-game leader Mohammad Saad (Apex), Abhijeet Katkar (Abhi), Mehta Jay (J), Chirag Singh (Radium), Debasish Sana (Anti) and Anush N (Fear). Apex notably competed at the MLBB Mid Season Cup 2024 at the Esports World Cup, which featured a staggering USD 3 million (approx. INR 26.7 crore) prize pool.
The enhanced partnership with iQOO comes at a time when S8UL is rapidly scaling its multi-title presence. Earlier this year, S8UL became the first and only Indian organisation selected for the prestigious Club Partner Program of the Esports World Cup 2025, placing it among the world’s elite esports organisations.
On the content front, the organization recently won the ‘Esports Content Group of the Year’ for the fourth time in a row, while Co-Founder Animesh “8Bit Thug” Agarwal earned the title of ‘Esports Personality of the Year’ at the Esports Awards 2025, underlining the organisation’s unmatched influence across both esports and creator ecosystems.
By bringing two high-potential rosters under the iQOO S8UL banner, the organisation reinforces its drive to build winning line-ups across every title it enters. The newly branded iQOO S8UL Pokémon UNITE roster will be the first to step into action, competing at the Pokémon UNITE Asia Champions League 2026 – India from November 29.
The post S8UL Esports Secures iQOO as Title Sponsor for its Pokémon UNITE and MOBA Legends 5v5 Rosters appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Asia
BetConstruct AI to Participate in SiGMA South Asia 2025
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BetConstruct AI is preparing for a strong presence at SiGMA South Asia 2025, taking place from 1 to 2 December in Colombo, Sri Lanka. At stand P11, the company will showcase its latest innovations.
“This event marks an important moment in our global journey, bringing our vision, our technology, and our creative ambition to one of Asia’s most forward-looking gatherings,” the Company said.
“As the region’s iGaming community comes together, we step into the spotlight at Stand P11 to present an ecosystem shaped for modern operators. Visitors will experience more than a traditional showcase. They will enter an atmosphere where intelligence, innovation, and imagination meet, revealing how a unified product world can create meaningful progress across digital and retail channels.
“At the core of this experience stand the two defining pillars of our ecosystem, the Sportsbook and the Casino Suite. Together, they show how coverage, personalisation, content depth, and consistent multi-channel performance create a reliable operational base. These pillars open the door to a broader environment where player interaction, loyalty frameworks, and operational creativity take centre stage.
“Within this environment, The Last Battle introduces a new expression of progression and player value, turning loyalty into an active and dynamic journey. Our Land-Based Solutions bring the same level of intelligence into physical venues, supported by tools that elevate retail operations, and by Loya, our loyalty platform designed to strengthen relationships inside every shop. Alongside these stands Affigates, our standalone affiliate ecosystem developed for operators seeking reach, quality, and partnership within a trusted global framework.
“Completing the picture is our AI Suite, the analytical layer woven through every product. CRM AI enhances engagement with behavioural insight. Umbrella AI reinforces operational stability through early risk detection and informed decision-making. The AI Game Recommendation System elevates personalisation by aligning each player with content suited to their behaviour. Together, they form the intelligence engine that drives our entire ecosystem.
“As part of our presence at the event, we will also highlight our limited commercial offer, providing a 50% reduction on setup fees, tools, and services for all new agreements signed on or before 15 January 2026. This offer is designed to help operators plan their 2026 launches with stronger commercial terms and reduced initial investment.
“Our participation at SiGMA South Asia reflects our commitment to delivering technology that is adaptive, comprehensive, and ready for the opportunities emerging across the region. We invite all attendees to explore, engage, and experience the future of integrated iGaming in Colombo.”
The post BetConstruct AI to Participate in SiGMA South Asia 2025 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Asia
Stricter rules help shape a more responsible E-Games sector – PAGCOR
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The country’s E-Games and E-Bingo operators are navigating a difficult but necessary transition toward stricter safeguards and more transparent operations that help shape a more responsible industry, PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro H. Tengco said.
Speaking during a gathering of the Association of Independent Licensed Gaming and Amusement Operators, Inc. (AILGAO) in Muntinlupa City on Wednesday, Mr. Tengco acknowledged that recent reforms have prompted adjustments across the E-Games sector.
He cited in particular the mandatory de-linking of e-wallets from online gaming platforms which he said is intended to strengthen the credibility of legitimate operators while preventing potential harm on young and vulnerable players.
“You may be interested to know that in the third quarter of 2025, we recorded an industry GGR that was a bit lower than last year,” The PAGCOR chief said. “But this reflects an industry transitioning to stronger and safer practices.”
He noted that the E-Games and E-Bingo segment still grew 17.4 percent in the third quarter compared with the same period last year, but admitted that the de-linking policy triggered a temporary GGR decline in August and September.
“We know that many of you were affected by this sudden development,” he said. “However, we must not look at these reforms as obstacles but as safeguards designed to protect your players, your businesses, and the entire ecosystem you operate in.”
Mr. Tengco also warned that while legitimate licensees are adapting responsibly, illegal operators continue to expand aggressively without paying taxes or observing player protection protocols.
“They expose players to financial fraud and data theft,” he said. “But the worst part is, they damage the reputation of the entire industry, including the legitimate ones.”
Mr. Tengco also commended the licensed operators for their resilience and willingness to comply with more stringent rules.
“Tonight, we recognize all of you for being the backbone of the legitimate online gaming sector: innovating and adapting quickly, and staying compliant even when the rules become stricter,” he said. “You understand that integrity is the foundation of sustainability.”
During the event, AILGAO presented Mr. Tengco with a “Gaming Exemplary Leadership Award” in recognition of his support for licensed operators and his efforts in championing safer and more transparent gaming standards nationwide.
AILGAO President Rafael Tabora, for his part, expressed gratitude for PAGCOR’s initiatives and pledged the group’s full cooperation.
“We welcome these reforms because they strengthen the legitimacy of our operations and create a safer environment for our players,” he said.
The post Stricter rules help shape a more responsible E-Games sector – PAGCOR appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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