Australia's former political leaders John Howard (photo above left), and Malcolm Turnbull (photo above right), have joined forces with other prominent Australians in a call for a ban on gambling ads. The Australian government finds itself at the centre of a storm, tasked with the monumental responsibility of resolving the online gambling advertising conundrum. The critical decision that lies ahead - to enforce a ban or permit the persistence of online gambling advertisements - is one that will indelibly shape the trajectory of online gambling in the nation. The gravity of this decision cannot be understated.

The Alliance for Gambling Reform (AGR), backed by these influential figures, has issued an open letter demanding that the government and opposition commit to implementing all 31 recommendations from the Murphy report. This report, chaired by the late Labor MP Peta Murphy, advocates for a phased three-year ban on all forms of online gambling advertising.

The AGR warns of the escalating social harm caused by Australia’s “gambling addiction”, including financial loss, health and mental health issues, partner violence, family break up, and suicide. The letter highlights the insidious tactics of gambling companies, which are allegedly grooming children as young as 14 through social media.

The inundation of gambling ads, particularly during major sporting events, is seen as a significant factor in ensnaring a new generation of gamblers. AGR’s chief advocate, Tim Costello, has vowed to intensify pressure on the government as the election approaches.

Despite the government’s fear of backlash from gambling companies and media organisations profiting from their advertising, the AGR remains steadfast in its mission. The alliance believes that a total ban on all gambling advertising is essential to protect children and prevent the devastating consequences of gambling addiction.

The opposition leader, Peter Dutton, has acknowledged the concerns of gambling companies and is awaiting the government’s proposal. Meanwhile, Communications Minister Michelle Rowland has affirmed the government’s commitment to minimising harms from online wagering.

As Australians lose $25 billion a year to gambling, the real cost of inaction is becoming increasingly apparent. The question remains whether the government will heed the call for a total ban on online gambling advertising, or will it succumb to the vested interests of the gambling industry?

Stay in the loop with the latest updates for the SiGMA East Europe Summit in Budapest from 2-4 September powered by Soft2Bet

MGM Resorts International's ambitious plan to open Japan's first regulated casino resort in Osaka by 2030 may face another setback. According to reports from Japanese media, the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE), which oversees Expo 2025, has requested a six-month pause in construction on MGM’s integrated resort (IR) during the event.   

The Expo is set to take place on Yumeshima Island in Osaka Bay from April to October 2025, and officials fear that ongoing construction could disrupt the aesthetics and operations of the World Fair.  

This potential pause in construction adds to a series of delays and challenges that have plagued the Osaka IR project. Originally, MGM hoped to complete the resort in time for Expo 2025, positioning it to capitalise on the influx of tourists expected during the event. However, the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent bureaucratic hurdles have pushed the opening date to 2030. A six-month halt in construction could delay the project even further, possibly extending the timeline into 2031.  

Such delays could significantly impact the project's financial outlook. The resort, which already carries a hefty price tag of $9.1 billion, (€8.3 billion) may see further cost increases due to the prolonged construction timeline. MGM’s CEO, Bill Hornbuckle, recently expressed optimism about the project during a Q2 earnings call, stating that construction was "moving along nicely." However, his comments were made before the BIE requested a construction pause, which could alter the projected timeline and financial expectations.  

The delay in Osaka could also have broader regional implications. Thailand, which is actively advancing its own gaming regulations, aims to establish a competing integrated resort before MGM’s Osaka project is completed. If MGM's opening is pushed back due to the construction pause, Thailand could launch its casino operations first, gaining early momentum in the regional market.  

The Osaka IR project, which represents Japan’s first foray into legalised casino gaming, has been seen as a significant opportunity for MGM Resorts International. Despite the challenges, the company remains committed to the project. However, as construction timelines and costs continue to fluctuate, the road to opening day in Osaka remains uncertain.  

Local media also reported that Osaka’s governor, Hirofumi Yoshimura, and Mayor Hideyuki Yokoyama are expected to meet with MGM officials soon to discuss the implications of the BIE's request. This meeting will be crucial in determining the future of the Osaka IR project and its timeline. The outcome of these discussions will likely influence whether MGM can maintain its target opening date of 2030 or if further delays will push the project into the following decade.??

The Ho family, renowned for their pioneering impact on Macau's casino industry, has now set their sights on the world of esports. Mario Ho (pictured above), the youngest son of the late Stanley Ho, a prominent figure in Macau's casino business, spearheads this ambitious transition. Aged just 29, Mario has propelled his esports company, Ninjas in Pyjamas (NIP) Group Inc., to notable achievements, including a remarkable debut on the Nasdaq stock exchange.

The Ho family's legacy traces back to Stanley Ho, the visionary who transformed Macau into a global gambling hub. Renowned as "The King of Gambling," Stanley established SJM Holdings, which held a government-granted monopoly for 75 years, making Macau's casinos more lucrative than those in Las Vegas. Beyond gambling, Stanley's Shun Tak Holdings ventures into real estate, shipping, entertainment, and air transportation, significantly contributing to Macau's economic landscape.

Stanley's entrepreneurial spirit and business acumen made a lasting impact on the market. However, his passing in 2020 led to a family dispute over his fortune.

Even after Stanley's passing, Angela Leong, his fourth wife and Mario's mother, remained an influential figure in her own right. Angela Leong is a prominent politician in Macau and holds a significant stake in SJM Holdings. With a net worth of approximately $3 billion (around €2.8 billion), she ranks among the wealthiest individuals in Hong Kong and is also known for her philanthropic work.

Pansy Ho, one of Stanley's daughters from his second wife, Lucina Laam King Ying, is another influential member of the family. Pansy holds a 50 percent stake in MGM Macau and commands an estimated net worth of $5.3 billion (approximately €4.9 billion). She has played a pivotal role in expanding the family's casino empire and continues to be a prominent figure in the industry.

Lawrence Ho, another of Stanley's sons, serves as the CEO of Melco Resorts & Entertainment, overseeing casino operations across Asia. With a net worth of $2.6 billion (approximately €2.4 billion), Lawrence has been instrumental in diversifying the family's business interests, focusing on the integration of entertainment and technology with traditional gaming.

Alice Ho, Mario's younger sister, is also making her mark. At 24, Alice has demonstrated exceptional academic and athletic prowess. Opting to attend Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) over an offer from Cambridge, she pursued a major in Mathematics with Computer Science. Fluent in multiple languages and accomplished in playing the violin, Alice embodies the blend of talent and ambition that characterises the Ho family.

Laurinda Ho, 33, a socialite and businesswoman, daughter of Stanley Ho to his third wife Ina Chan. She has been making a successful transition in her career with a lead role in an upcoming major movie. She's known for her youthful and lively energy. Laurinda is co-starring with Chinese actor Ci Sha in the film, which is already in production. Her first role as a protagonist comes after her previous appearance in "Heroes of Dunhuang" alongside her husband, actor Shawn Dou. With her affluent background and successful career move, Laurinda adds a new dimension to her personal journey and contributes to the ongoing narrative of the Ho family's rich history.

Mario Ho, the third child of Stanley and Angela, has achieved success in the esports industry. The initial public offering (IPO) of NIP Group raised over $20 million (about €18.5 million), thus valuing his stake at approximately $69 million (about €63.7 million). Mario's journey began with roles at iDreamsky Technology Holdings Ltd. and as President of the Macau E-Sports Federation. He co-founded NIP Group by merging with ESVF Esports Group and Ninjas in Pyjamas Gaming. Mario is also known for his academic accomplishments, media presence, and his marriage to Chinese model Ming Xi, with whom he has two children. Mario was recognized in Fortune China’s “40 Under 40” 2023 list for his innovation and leadership in the esports industry. Under Mario’s guidance, NIP Group has become a prominent digital sports entity.

Stanley Ho's children from various marriages have all contributed to their respective fields. Daisy Ho, another of Stanley's daughters, now chairs SJM Holdings, continuing her father's legacy in the casino industry. Josie Ho, a daughter from Stanley's second wife, is a celebrated actress and singer, showcasing the family's diverse talents.

The Ho family's influence on the gaming and entertainment industries is deep. From Stanley Ho's pioneering efforts in Macau's casino scene to Mario Ho's innovative strides in esports, the dynasty continues to shape the future of gaming and digital entertainment.

Stay in the loop with the latest updates for the SiGMA East Europe Summit  in Budapest from 2-4 September powered by Soft2Bet

In the USA, millions of dollars are being wagered on obscure table tennis matches in Eastern Europe. Last year in February, in a sparsely filled gymnasium in Poland, two relatively unknown players battled it out in a 14-minute match. Thousands of miles away, an American sports bettor placed an impressive $35,000 bet on the outcome, one of the biggest bets ever placed on the sport.

In 2023 alone, Colorado saw $107 million in wagers placed on table tennis. Data from the Oregon Lottery reveals that table tennis has quietly become one of the most popular sports for betting. In 2023, $57 million was bet on the sport, a dramatic increase from the $18.5 million wagered in 2022. This surge represents 890,000 individual bets. Although table tennis still comes behind basketball, football, and baseball, it now outpaces more traditional sports like tennis, soccer, hockey, and golf in terms of betting interest.

Bettors are even wagering more per game on table tennis than on other sports. The average table tennis bet stands at $66, compared to $24 on NFL games, $34 on Major League Baseball, and $41 on NBA games.

The matches, are often held in rundown gymnasiums with no live audience, announcers, or fans, and have scores kept manually. The players, while skilled, are far from elite.

“It isn’t the highest level. I would consider it club-level. These are serious players but not close to the national team,” said Sean O’Neill, a two-time Olympian. So, why the intense betting interest?

“This is like the crack cocaine of sports gambling,” explained Dr. Ken Pendleton from the University of Oregon. He pointed out that the sheer volume of matches, with new games starting constantly, coupled with their short duration, allows for rapid, repeated betting. The relentless pace and continuous action leave little room for downtime, keeping bettors constantly engaged. Most of them watch these matches on YouTube or directly through betting platforms.

The surge in popularity began during the COVID-19 pandemic when most mainstream sporting events were cancelled. The demand for these table tennis matches was so overwhelming that the number of games skyrocketed, and continues to grow.

“They’ve got players competing 24/7, around the clock,” said O’Neill. “Matches are happening at 3 a.m., 4 a.m., 5 a.m., all because they’re being broadcast for the betting community. Bettors are always looking for the next match.”

In 2020, authorities in Colorado and New Jersey temporarily banned betting on table tennis over concerns about potential match-fixing in Ukraine. However, most of these matches are organised by the TT Elite Series, based in Poland. This organisation has never been implicated in match-fixing scandals and has been diligent in maintaining the integrity of its matches.

Platforms like DraftKings, which stream these games to American bettors, also play a role in safeguarding against match-fixing by closely monitoring betting patterns.