David Tsai, CEO of Crown Resorts, has been named as a Featured Speaker of next month’s Regulating the Game conference, taking place at Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour on March 10–13.

Tsai, who was appointed as Crown Resorts CEO in October 2024, brings two decades of integrated resorts experience to his leadership role. Joining Crown in December 2022, he initially served as CEO of Crown Perth before stepping into the top position following the departure of Ciarán Carruthers.

His career includes over 15 years with MGM Resorts International, where he held senior roles such as President of the Midwest Group, overseeing MGM Grand Detroit and MGM Northfield Park. During his tenure, he led large-scale transformations, such as the $550 million redevelopment of the Monte Carlo Resort & Casino into new lifestyle luxury brands Park MGM and NoMad Las Vegas.

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“Regulating the Game provides a great platform to discuss the regulatory landscape for the gaming industry. I look forward to sharing our insights, learnings, and vision to embrace guest safety and wellbeing while becoming the leading entertainment destinations in Australia,” Tsai said.

“David’s extensive experience in leading integrated resorts and driving transformative projects brings a unique perspective to the conference. His insights into strategic leadership, operational excellence, and navigating complex regulatory environments will be invaluable to attendees,” Paul Newson, Principal at Vanguard Overwatch, said.

The Government of Western Australia (WA) has increased enforcement powers and penalties to bolster the regulation of WA’s gambling industry through law reform.

The reforms address the findings and recommendations of the Perth Casino Royal Commission which found that the legislation needed to be modernised to be fit for purpose.

Amendments include significant increases in a range of penalties when there is a failure to comply with gambling laws and directions issued by the Gaming and Wagering Commission (GWC).

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Gaming and Wagering Commission Chair Gary Dreibergs said: “I welcome the reforms which will greatly assist the Gaming and Wagering Commission in our important task to enforce gambling laws and disrupt illegal gambling in WA.

“The substantial increase in penalties will act as a more effective deterrent and a more appropriate punishment for law breakers who may regard current lower penalties as an acceptable risk when they consider the profits that can be made from subverting the laws.

“The extra powers for the GWC will help to significantly boost our ability to carry out successful investigations and prosecutions to stamp out illegal activity, which often attracts money launderers and organised crime gangs.”

BlueBet Holdings has signed a binding Asset Sale Agreement to acquire certain assets of Merlehan Booking Pty Ltd (TopSport).

To support the acquisition, BlueBet is undertaking an institutional placement to raise approximately $15.0 million by issuing around 44.1 million new shares. The proceeds will fund the upfront payment to TopSport and support integration, migration costs, working capital and further growth initiatives. The placement is priced at $0.34 per share, representing a premium over recent trading prices, and is set to settle on 12 February 2025.

The acquisition leverages BlueBet’s repeatable M&A model, driving industry consolidation and creating shareholder value. TopSport is expected to enhance BlueBet’s margin advantage, share of wallet, and customer engagement through BlueBet’s technology platform, including its personalised promotion engine.

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“The acquisition of TopSport materially enhances BlueBet’s profitability and scale, is highly accretive for our shareholders and brings us closer to our strategic target of 10%+ market share in Australia. Inorganic growth remains a key opportunity for BlueBet and we have a laser focus and a repeatable M&A model to drive shareholder value by further consolidating the Australian wagering market. This transaction is a blueprint for further M&A and delivers a high conversion of Net Gaming Revenue to EBITDA as we leverage our previous investment in our proprietary technology, brand and best-in-class management team. Tristan Merlehan is one of this country’s most-respected bookmakers and will further strengthen our market-leading risk and trading capability, driving margin improvement and sustainable profitability for shareholders,” BlueBet CEO Andrew Menz said.