Australia
Star Entertainment Submits Proposal to Merge with Crown Resorts
Australia’s Star Entertainment Group has submitted a conditional, non-binding, indicative proposal to merge with Crown Resorts.
According to details released via the ASX, the proposal values Crown’s shares in excess of AU$14 per share – exceeding the value put forward by competing bids in recent weeks which value Crown at closer to AU$12 per share.
Those competing bids include a revised offer from American multinational private equity and hedge fund giant The Blackstone Group, received over the weekend, which increases its bid from an original AU$11.85 per share to AU$12.35 per share.
US global asset management firm Oaktree Capital Management L.P. has also proposed a AU$3 billion offer to acquire the 37% stake in Crown currently held by James Packer’s Consolidated Press Holdings.
However, Star has outlined its case for a merger, with the offer representing a share exchange ratio of 2.68 The Star shares per Crown share with a cash alternative of AU$12.50 per Crown share for up to 25% of Crown’s issued share capital.
“Based on recent trading values of The Star and the substantial value that would be unlocked by a merger, The Star estimates its pro forma share price to be more than AU$5 per share, implying potential value of the Scrip Consideration in excess of AU$14 per Crown share,” it said.
The Star said it believes a merger represents a “compelling value proposition for all shareholders by creating a national tourism and entertainment leader with a world-class portfolio of integrated resorts with enhanced scale and geographic earnings diversification, significant balance sheet strength and free cash flow generation.”
It would also allow for AU$150 million to AU$200 million in cost synergies per annum with an estimated net value of AU$2 billion.
“A merger of The Star and Crown would result in significant scale and diversification and unlock an estimated AU$2 billion in net value from synergies,” Star Chairman John O’Neill said.
“With a portfolio of world-class properties across four states in Australia’s most attractive and populated catchment areas and tourism hubs, the combined group would be a compelling investment proposition and one of the largest and most attractive integrated resort operators in the Asia Pacific region.”
According to Star, a merger would also open the door for potential sale and leaseback opportunities on some of the group’s enhanced property portfolio – leaving the door open for the likes of Blackstone and Oaktree to acquire assets in the future.
Crown said it has not yet formed a view on the merits of the proposal and will commence an assessment process on its merits.
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Australia
Regulating the Game Rolls Out Four-Level Partnership Structure Ahead of Sydney 2027 Program
Regulating the Game has announced an updated partnership framework for the 2027 initiative, organized into four levels — Principal Partner, Signature Partners, Pillar Partners, and Activation Partners — aimed at providing sponsors a more defined connection with the conference, the RTG Global Awards, and the delegate experience.
The updated architecture showcases significant involvement in 2026 and mirrors the widened scope of the 2027 program, which encompasses a more extensive conference agenda and the growth of the RTG Global Awards from six to twelve categories.
Regulating the Game 2027 Sydney is scheduled for 8–10 March 2027 at the Sofitel Sydney Wentworth, featuring the RTG Global Awards ceremony on 9 March 2027.
A more distinct connection between partner funding and program worth.Every level is designed to correspond with the delegates’ experience of the program — starting with the conference opening, through Pitch!, the main program, the Global Awards Gala Dinner, and concluding the event. The goal is to minimize overlapping propositions, enhance category positioning, and achieve partnership results that are clear, traceable, and aligned with the program’s core.
• Principal Partner — The lead partner of the Regulating the Game 2027 program, with prominence across the conference, the Global Awards and the delegate journey. Reserved as a singular position.
• Signature Partners — A small group of premium partners aligned with flagship program elements, including Pitch!, the Global Awards Gala Dinner and other headline moments of the 2027 program.
• Pillar Partners — Partners aligned with the core thematic pillars of the Regulating the Game program: regulation and policy, compliance and integrity, safer gambling, and technology and innovation.
• Activation Partners — Partners supporting specific delegate touchpoints and experiences across the program, with visibility tied to defined activations.
A maturing global program
The 2027 program builds on the trajectory established in 2026, which saw strong international participation, the inaugural RTG Global Awards and the Pitch! showcase that brought together established providers and emerging RegTech disruptors. The expanded 2027 awards program — with six new categories including Black Market Disruption Initiative, Sport & Wagering Integrity Initiative, Research Impact, Gambling Harm Prevention Campaign, Compliance Advisory and Distinguished Contribution — broadens the recognition framework across the sector.
“The 2027 architecture reflects the maturity of the Regulating the Game program — a global conference, an expanded awards program and a delegate community that spans regulators, sector leaders, technology and research across multiple jurisdictions,” said Paul Newson, Principal at Vanguard Overwatch and Founder of Regulating the Game.
“Partners increasingly want a clearer line of sight to value, audience and alignment. The four-tier model is designed to provide that — fewer overlapping propositions, clearer category positioning, and partnerships that map to how the program is actually experienced by delegates.”
Partner engagement now open
Partnership conversations for the 2027 program are now open. Organisations interested in any of the four tiers are invited to make contact through Regulating the Game to discuss alignment, availability and entitlements.
Event Details
Regulating the Game 2027 Sydney 8–10 March 2027 Sofitel Sydney Wentworth, Sydney, Australia
RTG Global Awards Presentation 9 March 2027
The post Regulating the Game Rolls Out Four-Level Partnership Structure Ahead of Sydney 2027 Program appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Australia
IGS Awarded 15-Year Electronic Gaming Machine Monitoring Licence in Victoria
Bally’s Intralot S.A. (Bally’s Intralot) has announced that its Australian subsidiary, Intralot Gaming Services (IGS) has been awarded a new 15-year Electronic Gaming Machine (EGM) Monitoring Licence for the State of Victoria, effective 16 August 2027.
This landmark award positions Bally’s Intralot to deliver a new generation of technology, transparency and collaboration to one of the world’s most mature and highly regulated gaming markets.
Approximately 26,300 EGMs will be connected to the Monitoring System which will provide a vital role in ensuring the ongoing integrity of EGM transactions in gaming venues. It will also provide data and information on EGMs for regulatory, harm minimisation, taxation and research purposes.
Under the licence, IGS will also be responsible for the delivery, operation and maintenance of the statewide Pre-commitment System for all EGMs in Victoria, including 2628 EGMs at the Melbourne casino.
A New Technology Era for Victoria
IGS will deploy a next-generation, cloud-enabled monitoring platform designed to deliver:
• Real-time monitoring and reporting
• Advanced data analytics capabilities
• Best-in-class cybersecurity protections
• Scalable architecture to support evolving regulatory requirements
• Future-ready integration enabling seamless connectivity with venues, manufacturers and regulatory systems
“This award represents a major milestone for Bally’s Intralot and IGS and is a significant investment in the future of Victoria’s gaming technology infrastructure. We look forward to working with the Victorian Government, the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission, and industry stakeholders to deliver a secure and transparent monitoring system that supports integrity and player protection,” said Robeson Reeves, CEO of the Bally’s Intralot Group.
IGS and Bally’s Intralot will commence planning and stakeholder engagement in the coming months to support a carefully managed, smooth and seamless transition.
The post IGS Awarded 15-Year Electronic Gaming Machine Monitoring Licence in Victoria appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Australia
RWA: Gambling Ad Crackdown Threatens Shift Offshore
Responsible Wagering Australia (RWA) has voiced deep disappointment over the Federal Government’s decision to further restrict gambling advertising without industry consultation. The group is now seeking urgent clarity to understand the full impact on the sector.
RWA CEO Kai Cantwell said their members have a track record of supporting and leading sensible and evidence based reform.
“We acknowledge advertising levels were too high in the past but we’ve listened and we’ve acted by taking steps to significantly reduce the total volume of ads” Mr Cantwell said.
“Beyond advertising, we have supported major reforms including the implementation of BetStop and strengthened consumer protection measures across the system.
“But this announcement, with no heads up and no genuine consultation, is a real kick in the guts for the industry.
“This sector contributes almost $6 billion to the Australian economy, supports around 30,000 jobs, and provides critical funding to sport, racing and broadcast industries across the country.”
“Decisions of this scale must be evidence based and developed with industry to avoid unintended consequences.
“For an industry that has engaged in good faith and delivered meaningful reform, this announcement today is disappointing.
“This sets a dangerous precedent. Today it’s gambling advertising, tomorrow it’s alcohol, then it’s sugary drinks, fast food, critical minerals and who knows what else comes next.
“This package of measures even seeks to go further than the Murphy Inquiry with the banning of online Keno and goes beyond the remit of the Federal
Government by phasing out jersey and stadium advertising.”
Responsible Wagering Australia also acknowledged the Government’s proposed crackdown on the illegal offshore gambling market which is costing Australians almost $4 billion each year and growing at 2.5x the rate of the legal licensed and regulated market.
“The test is whether these measures are strong, coordinated and enforceable.
“There is no silver bullet. These operators are highly sophisticated and will stop at nothing to target Australians and evade enforcement.
“To effectively tackle the issue there must be a sustained, coordinated approach that cuts them off at the source including payment blocking by financial institutions, stronger regulatory powers for the ACMA, and action to remove their presence online and across social media. The Government must consult with the industry to get this right and it must be the priority going forward.
“If the licensed market is overregulated, Australians won’t stop gambling. They will go offshore to operators with no consumer protections, no oversight, and no contribution to the Australian economy, sport or racing.”
RWA said it stands ready to engage constructively with Government on both advertising settings and offshore enforcement to ensure policy outcomes that reduce harm and protect Australians.
The post RWA: Gambling Ad Crackdown Threatens Shift Offshore appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
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