Areas of Expertise
2301 stories by Erik Gibbs
Japan Rejects Integrated Resort Plan for Nagasaki
The Japanese national government's expert panel on integrated resorts (IRs) has rejected Nagasaki Prefecture's plan to develop a casino resort in Sasebo. It was the expected outcome, given the extensive delays in considering and approving the project following the approval of Osaka's...
‘Massively Intrusive’ Gambling Affordability Checks Not Welcome in Ireland
In a move that diverges from the UK's approach, the Irish government has ruled out implementing affordability checks for gambling customers who lose more than £100 (US$127) per month. This decision comes amidst growing concerns over the potential impact of such checks...
Cambodia Denies Human Trafficking Claims Tied to Fake Gambling Business
Cambodian authorities have arrested a group of Thai nationals on allegations of criminal mischief and arson. They reject the assertion of the nine people that they were victims of human trafficking tied to false promises of high-paying casino jobs. Cambodian authorities issued...
Crown Casinos Sued by Same-Sex Couple Over Alleged Retaliation for Sexual Orientation
A lesbian couple is suing Crown Resorts, G4S security, and Australia's Victoria state government. That's after they were arrested and allegedly assaulted by security guards at Crown Casino in Melbourne. The couple claim they were singled out solely because of their sexual...
Brazil’s Sports Betting Market Closer to Launch Following Latest Approval
In a decisive move for the country and Latin American gaming, Brazil's Chamber of Deputies has finally approved the bill that regulates fixed-odd sports betting. The bill, which had been languishing in the legislative process for months because of opposition from the...
Dutch Gamblers Face Possibility of Mandatory Affordability Checks
In June of last year, the Netherlands' Minister for Legal Protection, Franc Weerwind, stated that the country wasn't likely to entertain overly strict online gambling measures. He's since changed his point of view, with restrictive affordability checks now on the table. The...
Gambling Ads Land Google, TikTok and Facebook in Trouble in Brazil
Only days after streaming platforms faced problems in Italy because of gambling ads, Facebook, Google, and TikTok are now in trouble elsewhere. Brazil has targeted the social media and tech giants for the same issues. The Ministry of Finance (MoF) has issued...
Curaçao Moves Closer to iGaming Overhaul as Reforms Head to Parliament
Curaçao is at a critical juncture with its National Ordinance for Games of Chance (LOK, for its Dutch acronym). The comprehensive gambling reform bill has reached Parliament for its approval, and promises to transform the island's gaming industry, which has historically been...
Italy’s Planned iGaming Reforms May Violate EU Laws, Association Claims
The European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA) has issued a strongly worded statement expressing its deep concerns regarding Italy's proposed online gambling reforms. The message comes shortly after Italian trade groups voiced their concerns over the measures, as well. The decree, which...
Australia’s Top Electronic Gaming Machines Operator Fined in Victoria
The Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) has fined the Australian Leisure and Hospitality Group (ALH) for not playing by the rules. The Endeavour Group subsidiary reportedly operated electronic gaming machines (EGM) outside of permitted hours at several of its properties....