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ASIC Takes Legal Action Against 11 Current and Former Star Entertainment Directors and Officers

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The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has commenced civil penalty proceedings in the Federal Court against 11 current and former directors and officers of The Star Entertainment Group Limited (Star) for alleged breaches of their duties under section 180 of the Corporations Act.

ASIC Deputy Chair Sarah Court said: “ASIC alleges that Star’s board and executives failed to give sufficient focus to the risk of money laundering and criminal associations, which are inherent in the operation of a large casino with an international customer base.”

ASIC’s case includes claims against members of the Star Board between 2017 to 2019, being John O Neill (former Chair), Matthias Bekier (former Managing Director and CEO), Kathleen Lahey, Richard Sheppard, Gerard Bradley, Sally Pitkin, Benjamin Heap and Zlatko Todorcevski.

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ASIC alleges the Board members approved the expansion of Star’s relationship with certain individuals with reported criminal links, rather than addressing money laundering risk by inquiring into whether Star should be dealing with them. ASIC also alleges that Board members, when provided with information about money laundering risks affecting Star, did not take steps to make further enquiries of management about those critical risks and that this was a breach of their director duty obligations.

ASIC further alleges that Mr Bekier and Star executives Paula Martin (former Company Secretary and Group General Counsel) and Greg Hawkins (former Chief Casino Officer) breached their duties by:

  • not adequately addressing the money laundering risks that arose from dealing with Asian gambling junket Suncity and its funder, as well as continuing to deal with them despite becoming aware of reports of criminal links; and
  • not appropriately escalating money laundering issues to the Board.

As to Ms Martin and Harry Theodore (former Chief Financial Officer), ASIC also alleges they knowingly permitted misleading statements being provided to National Australia Bank (NAB) regarding the use of debit cards issued by China Union Pay International Ltd (CUP) at NAB ATMs located on Star’s premises. Those statements disguised the fact that Star was permitting CUP cards to be used for gambling, which was prohibited by CUP. ASIC is aware over $900 million was obtained by Star customers using CUP cards in NAB ATMs from 2013 to 2019. ASIC also alleges that they, and Mr Bekier, failed to report these matters to Star’s Board.

ASIC Chair Joe Longo said the role of directors was critical to a company’s general standing and performance, including how a company deals with significant issues.

“As I’ve said on many occasions, directors and officers are a critical part of the conduct of business in Australia. Their duty is to understand the operations of the company over which they preside, and the particular risks faced by the business. They are required to bring an inquiring mind to business operations. It is not ‘set and forget.’”

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NODWIN Gaming partners with Esports World Cup Foundation to manage media rights sales across South Asia

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NODWIN Gaming, a leader in South Asia’s esports and gaming ecosystem has officially partnered with the Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF) to manage media rights sales across South Asia including India, Bangladesh, Nepal, and other surrounding territories.

NODWIN Gaming will act as the strategic support for the EWCF in the region, supporting with media rights sales and distribution strategies for the EWC across South Asia. The partnership aims to bring the Esports World Cup to a broader audience of fans in one of the fastest-growing esports markets globally. Additionally, NODWIN Gaming will act as the EWCF’s marketing partner for the Indian market, to conceptualize and execute local campaigns and initiatives that support the Foundation’s mission of elevating esports and gaming culture worldwide.

The EWCF is the nonprofit organization behind the Esports World Cup (EWC), the world’s largest multi-title esports competition. The 2024 inaugural edition featured 1,500 elite players and 200 clubs from over 100 countries, competing across 21 titles for a record-breaking $60 million prize pool. With 500 million online viewers and 2.6 million in-person attendees, the EWC set a new benchmark for esports competitions worldwide.

With a proven legacy in managing media rights for the targeted distribution of world-class esports and entertainment content, NODWIN Gaming has successfully brought competitive gaming to mainstream audiences through multiple broadcast platforms, including television and OTT services. Its marquee IP, the Battlegrounds Mobile India Masters Series (BGMS), is currently the only Indian esports tournament to air on national television, broadcasting on Star Sports for three consecutive years. The company has also delivered top-tier productions and media rights solutions for properties such as the eISL in collaboration with Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL), the VALORANT Challengers South Asia with Riot Games, the Mountain Dew Arena with ESL India, and the Kingfisher India Premiership, among others.

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Akshat Rathee, Co-Founder and Managing Director of NODWIN Gaming said, “The Esports World Cup is a landmark moment for global esports, and we’re proud to partner with the EWCF to bring that experience to South Asia. This partnership is about more than just broadcasting a tournament – it’s about building a bridge between South Asia’s incredibly passionate gaming communities and the global stage that the EWCF represents. Whether it’s in India, Bangladesh,
Nepal or beyond, our goal is to make world-class esports content more accessible than ever. We’re excited to work closely with the EWCF to not only grow the tournament’s reach but to also support the larger ecosystem and community it helps foster.”

The EWCF is dedicated to supporting the long-term growth and financial sustainability of the global esports and gaming sectors. The foundation’s mission is to advocate for the entire ecosystem including players, fans, and businesses and to reinvest any proceeds back into initiatives that fuel the development of the industry.

“Our mission at the Esports World Cup Foundation is to create lasting impact for the global esports industry by setting new competitive benchmarks and forging partnerships that understand the nuances of each region. South Asia represents an incredibly dynamic and fast-growing gaming market, and NODWIN Gaming brings unparalleled knowledge, reach, and local trust to this ecosystem. By partnering with NODWIN, we are not only ensuring that the Esports World Cup reaches more fans, but we are also reinforcing our commitment to making esports more accessible, inclusive, and sustainable.” stated Mike McCabe, COO of the Esports World Cup Foundation.

Through this association, the EWCF strengthens its global presence while leveraging NODWIN Gaming’s deep-rooted experience in youth engagement, esports content, and regional distribution across emerging economies.

The post NODWIN Gaming partners with Esports World Cup Foundation to manage media rights sales across South Asia appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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Esports World Cup Foundation Expands India Presence with S8UL’s Inclusion in the EWCF Club Partner Program, BGMI Invitation to EWC 2025, and broadcast on one of India’s leading streaming platforms

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The Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF) today announced a major expansion of its engagement with the Indian esports ecosystem. Key developments include a soon-to-be-announced strategic broadcast partnership with India’s leading streaming and digital services company, an official invitation of a Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI) team to compete at the Esports World Cup 2025 (EWC), and the inclusion of premier Indian organization S8UL in the 2025 EWCF Club Partner Program.

The initiatives mark a key milestone in EWCF’s mission to unite global esports fans under one competitive platform and reinforces its commitment to integrating one of the world’s fastest-growing esports markets into EWC while expanding opportunities for players, clubs and fans across the region.

“The Esports World Cup’s purpose is to unite the global gaming community, and that means investing in regions driving the future of the industry,” said Mike McCabe, Chief Operating Officer of the Esports World Cup Foundation“India is central to that vision. With hundreds of millions of mobile-first players, it’s home to an ecosystem evolving at an incredible pace—from championship Clubs like S8UL to leading digital platforms that are transforming how fans experience esports. Through expanded partnerships and competitive pathways, we’re shaping the future of Indian esports, empowering its players and Clubs to compete at the highest level at EWC, bringing the best of the Esports World Cup to the country.”

The invitation to the winner of the BATTLEGROUNDS MOBILE INDIA PRO SERIES (BMPS) marks the first time that an Indian team will compete against the best teams from the rest of the world at the Esports World Cup, representing a milestone moment for the title’s integration into international competition and a reflection of the rapid growth and potential of mobile gaming in the country.

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India’s leading broadcast partner, soon to be announced, will play a pivotal role in expanding access, amplifying fan engagement, and supporting India-based programming throughout the EWC 2025 season, including localized broadcasts, community events, and exclusive content offerings aimed at the subcontinent’s 500+ million gamers.

This year, the Mumbai-based organization S8UL Esports joined the EWCF Club Partner Program. S8UL, forged via a merger of two legendary Indian teams in SOUL and 8bit, is a prime example of a Club that’s accelerated their growth through the Program. The Club has already qualified for EWC 2025 in Apex Legends, EA SPORTS FC, and is competing for qualification in additional titles including Tekken, FATAL FURY: City of the Wolves, BGMI and Chess.

The Esports World Cup 2025 will once again unite gaming and esports communities in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, for a global competition that will crown the next Esports World Cup Club Champion. The tournament’s unique cross-game format will reward Clubs and players competing for a life-changing prize pool across a mix of platforms and genres, bringing together esports’ best teams, players and games under one banner in the largest-ever celebration of esports.

The EWC 2025 will feature 2,000 elite players and 200 Clubs from more than 100 countries competing in 25 tournaments across 24 games for a record-breaking $70+ million prize pool.

The post Esports World Cup Foundation Expands India Presence with S8UL’s Inclusion in the EWCF Club Partner Program, BGMI Invitation to EWC 2025, and broadcast on one of India’s leading streaming platforms appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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Wildz Group: iGaming Industry Leaders

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A brand-new industry-facing name has been announced: Wildz Group™, powered by award-winning iGaming platform Rootz. In recognition of industry developments and company growth, Wildz Group™ has formed, as a collective of leading gambling entertainment brands.

The name directly references the Group’s iconic online casino and sports superbrand, Wildz.

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The new Group will contain the Rootz Platform, powering the six existing gambling brands – Wildz™ Casino, Caxino™ Casino, Wheelz™ Casino, Spinz™ Casino, Chipz™ Casino, and Tuplaus™ Casino – with some exciting new additions in 2025 and beyond.

The leadership team believes Wildz Group will be the catalyst for even greater growth with suppliers, business partners, and collaborators across the gaming industry.

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