Malta Gaming Authority Issues Record €12M in Fines During Q1 2025
The MGA handed out its largest-ever quarterly penalty total, targeting operators found guilty of AML failures and inadequate responsible gambling controls.
By Editorial Team
One of the world's largest online casino operators has announced the launch of a state-of-the-art live dealer studio in Manila, Philippines. The facility spans over 3,000 square metres and is equipped to host more than 200 simultaneous live table sessions.
The move is driven by surging demand for live dealer products in Southeast and East Asia, where mobile-first players increasingly prefer the interactive format over standard RNG-based games. The operator reported a 41% year-on-year increase in live dealer revenue during the last fiscal year.
The Manila studio will broadcast 24 hours a day, seven days a week, with dealers trained to operate in English, Mandarin, Thai, and Vietnamese. Dedicated VIP rooms with private hosts are included in the initial rollout.
The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) confirmed it has granted the required licences following a six-month compliance review. The studio is expected to begin commercial operations within the next 90 days.
The expansion signals a broader industry shift toward regional studio infrastructure rather than relying on European hubs. Operators who localise their live product consistently outperform those using generic feeds. For regulators, the concentration of large studios in PAGCOR-licensed zones raises questions about cross-border compliance where players reside in markets where online gambling is legally restricted.
The Manila studio launch is a significant milestone for live dealer gaming in Asia-Pacific. Players in the region will benefit from lower latency and culturally relevant experiences, but should verify their local legal status before participating.
The MGA handed out its largest-ever quarterly penalty total, targeting operators found guilty of AML failures and inadequate responsible gambling controls.
A new industry report reveals that cryptocurrency-denominated casino revenues surged in 2024, driven by Bitcoin adoption and regulatory grey zones in emerging markets.
Several headline measures from the UK Gambling Act review have now taken effect, including stake limits for online slots and enhanced affordability checks.