China has announced a commitment to enhance cooperation with the countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to address the increasing threats of online gambling and telecom fraud. This pledge was made by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi during a crucial meeting with representatives from the 10 ASEAN nations on January 16, in Beijing.
The Escalation of Online Crimes
Recent incidents across the Myanmar-Thailand border have intensified worries concerning these crimes, which affect not only China but also its neighbors. Reports from China Daily highlight the significant rise in cases where individuals are deceived by offers of lucrative jobs abroad, only to find themselves caught in scams. The Bangkok Post conveyed Wang Yi’s view that these criminal activities pose a serious risk to both public safety and economic stability, stressing the need for collective action to tackle these threats.
China’s Proactive Measures and Collaboration Initiatives
Wang Yi’s discussions emphasized China’s readiness to strengthen both bilateral and multilateral law enforcement collaborations with ASEAN nations. The focus is on dismantling the intricate networks of fraud that span across borders, targeting vulnerable individuals under the guise of employment or travel opportunities. Through increased law enforcement cooperation, China and ASEAN are working to secure the region against these scams.
Rescue Operations and Crackdown on Fraud Networks
China has also committed to aiding victims of these frauds. The Chinese Ministry of Public Security has actively coordinated rescues for nationals trapped in Southeast Asia’s fraud dens. In July 2023, China launched a nationwide initiative, resulting in significant crackdowns on telecom fraud networks in northern Myanmar, in partnership with local authorities. However, as these criminal groups adapt and relocate, the challenge to completely eradicate their operations persists.
Highlighting the Urgency: A High-Profile Abduction Case
The abduction of Chinese actor Wang Xing in Myanmar, who was later found to be a victim of human trafficking, underscored the ongoing risks in the region. This incident has heightened awareness and prompted Chinese authorities to advise the public to be exceedingly cautious with seemingly lucrative overseas offers.
ASEAN’s Response and Ongoing Challenges
ASEAN, acknowledging the gravity of these issues, has intensified its efforts, particularly through Thailand’s initiatives to enhance its image as a safe tourism destination and to better handle cross-border crime. Thailand and Myanmar have been instrumental in the repatriation of fraud suspects to China, demonstrating a firm commitment to international law enforcement cooperation.
Despite these efforts, the complexity of cross-border criminal activities necessitates persistent vigilance and enhanced cooperation between China and ASEAN member states. By solidifying law enforcement ties and intelligence sharing, they aim to curb the continuing threats of telecom fraud and human trafficking, ensuring a safer environment for all residents in the region.
In a landmark decision on 10 January 2025, the Supreme Court of India temporarily stayed ₹1.12 lakh crore in Goods and Services Tax (GST) show-cause notices issued to online gaming companies. This decision, which halts proceedings until a conclusive resolution is reached, provides much-needed relief to an industry already grappling with regulatory uncertainties. The Court has consolidated all related cases for a final hearing scheduled on 18 March 2025.
Core Issue: Taxing Games of Skill vs Gambling
The crux of the debate revolves around the interpretation of GST’s applicability to online gaming. While the government argues for a 28% GST on the full contest entry fees—including prize pools—gaming companies maintain that the tax should be applied only to platform commissions, particularly for skill-based games. The industry contends that equating games of skill with gambling or betting is unjustified and stifles innovation.
Impact of 28% GST: A Sector at Risk
The GST Council’s reclassification of all online games under the 28% tax slab in October 2023 has drawn sharp criticism from industry stakeholders. Previously, skill-based games were taxed at a lower rate of 18%. The retrospective application of this higher rate, going back to 2018, has further exacerbated concerns.
Tax experts have voiced their concerns. Saurabh Agarwal, Tax Partner at EY, described the upcoming March hearing as pivotal for shaping the regulatory framework. “A balanced taxation system is crucial to nurture this rapidly growing sector,” he noted.
Industry Reactions: Hope Amidst Uncertainty
The Supreme Court’s stay has sparked optimism across the online gaming industry. Abhishek Rastogi, legal counsel for several gaming companies, highlighted the significance of the decision. “This stay prevents coercive action by tax authorities and safeguards procedural fairness,” he stated.
Anuraag Saxena, CEO of the E-Gaming Federation, welcomed the ruling as a “win-win” for both operators and the government. He expressed confidence that a fair resolution could catalyse investment, job creation, and sector growth. The market mirrored this optimism, with Delta Corp’s stock surging by 17% following the announcement.
Challenges Ahead: Legal and Financial Hurdles
The Supreme Court’s intervention comes amidst a broader crackdown on alleged GST evasion. Between 2022 and mid-2023, the Directorate General of GST Intelligence issued 71 show-cause notices to online gaming firms. The government claims that these companies exploited ambiguities in taxation laws to underreport liabilities.
The industry’s challenges are compounded by the mandatory registration of overseas gaming firms in India, a policy introduced in October 2023. Gaming platforms have also criticised the government for taxing the total value of bets instead of the gross gaming revenue, arguing that this approach undermines the viability of their operations.
A Defining Moment for Online Gaming
The March 2025 hearing will be a turning point for India’s online gaming landscape. A decision to tax skill-based games differently from gambling could pave the way for regulatory clarity, fostering innovation and global competitiveness. Conversely, maintaining the current approach may jeopardise the industry’s growth, with several firms warning of potential closures.
Looking Ahead: Balancing Growth and Governance
The resolution of this GST dispute will not only shape the future of online gaming in India but also set a precedent for balancing taxation with innovation. As India aspires to become a global hub for digital gaming, the industry hopes for a regulatory environment that supports its potential while addressing legitimate governance concerns.
Delta Air Lines has embarked on an ambitious journey into the world of gaming, partnering with DraftKings in a collaboration that has aviation and gambling enthusiasts buzzing. The announcement came during Delta CEO Ed Bastian’s keynote at the 2025 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas. While the details remain scarce, the move signals Delta’s determination to redefine inflight entertainment with its innovative Delta Sync experience.
“Gaming has become a daily staple for many of our customers,” said Bastian. “They shouldn’t have to hit pause just because they’re in the sky.” The announcement, made fittingly in the gaming capital of the world, hints at a future where passengers might enjoy a more interactive and engaging inflight experience.
Gaming in the Sky: A Dream Deferred by Legislation
Despite the excitement, Delta’s vision faces a significant hurdle: the Gambling Devices Act of 1962, which prohibits gambling on U.S. commercial flights. This federal regulation applies to all U.S. carriers and flights beginning or ending in the United States, effectively grounding any hopes of real-money betting onboard—at least for now.
Yet, the rapid expansion of legalized sports betting in various states has reignited discussions about revisiting these regulations. Analysts speculate that Delta’s partnership with DraftKings may be laying the groundwork for a potential future where inflight gambling is legal. Until then, the collaboration is likely to focus on gamified experiences like fantasy sports or play-money games, allowing Delta to sidestep legal restrictions while offering passengers a taste of what could be.
What Could This Partnership Look Like?
Delta and DraftKings have been tight-lipped about the specifics, but several possibilities have been floated. Passengers might soon be able to enjoy interactive games, fantasy sports competitions, or even earn rewards like SkyMiles through DraftKings. The idea of integrating gaming into seatback screens could mark a turning point for inflight entertainment, pushing boundaries beyond movies and music.
“Delta is excited to collaborate with DraftKings as we expand our gaming portfolio,” the airline stated. “Details on how DraftKings will be incorporated into Delta Sync will be revealed in due time.”
Aviation and Gaming: The Next Frontier?
Delta’s move mirrors efforts by other airlines to monetize entertainment. In 2024, EasyJet’s parent company launched easyBet.net, a peer-to-peer betting platform, while UK budget airlines have long sold scratchcards onboard. These ventures underscore the growing synergy between aviation and gaming.
Historically, inflight gambling has faced challenges. Singapore Airlines’ 1980s experiment with onboard slot machines ended due to logistical issues, while concerns about passenger behavior have kept other airlines from adopting gambling. Nevertheless, studies suggest inflight gambling could generate significant revenue, with past estimates projecting up to $1.3 billion annually for large carriers.
Will Delta Lead a Regulatory Shift?
With the potential for lucrative returns, could Delta and DraftKings spearhead efforts to revisit inflight gambling laws? Industry experts believe it’s possible. By aligning with a major player like DraftKings, Delta positions itself to be at the forefront of this potential transformation. If the legal landscape shifts, Delta could roll out inflight gambling faster than its competitors.
For now, the partnership represents a bold step into uncharted territory. Whether it leads to legislative change or simply enhances inflight entertainment, Delta is making it clear that it’s ready to soar into the future of gaming.
Stake, a leading name in the online gambling industry, has announced its entry into the Danish market through the acquisition of MocinoPlay, the company behind the rapidly growing VinderCasino brand. This move underlines Stake’s commitment to expanding its presence in regulated markets globally. The acquisition, pending approval by Denmark’s regulatory authority, Spillemyndigheden, represents a significant step in Stake’s broader vision of becoming a dominant force in the international casino and entertainment sector.
Breaking into Northern Europe
The deal grants Stake access to Denmark’s competitive and lucrative online gambling market. Brais Pena, Chief Strategy Officer at Easygo, the technology powerhouse supporting Stake, highlighted the strategic importance of this acquisition.
“We’ve already achieved significant milestones in Latin America and Southern Europe, with recent expansions in Brazil and Italy,” said Pena. “Establishing a presence in the Nordic region was a natural progression, and Denmark offers exciting growth opportunities.”
MocinoPlay’s success with VinderCasino, known for its dynamic and innovative approach in the Danish market, has made it a valuable addition to Stake’s portfolio. With the backing of Stake’s resources, the brand is poised for accelerated growth, catering to Denmark’s evolving player base.
Stake’s Growing Acquisition Portfolio
This acquisition marks another chapter in Stake’s strategy of entering regulated markets through mergers and acquisitions. Recent milestones include the purchase of IdealBet in Italy in 2024 and Betfair Colombia in 2023, solidifying Stake’s foothold in Europe and Latin America.
Peter Eugen Clausen, CEO of MocinoPlay, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “The combination of our local expertise and Stake’s exceptional product and brand creates a winning formula. We are thrilled to bring Stake to Danish players.”
A Blueprint for Sustainable Growth
Stake’s approach emphasizes compliance and sustainable expansion. In January 2025, Stake launched operations in Brazil’s newly regulated market, a move preceded by securing a license in late 2024. Similarly, its acquisition of Betfair Colombia has allowed Stake to establish a stronghold in Latin America.
Pena elaborated on Stake’s ambitions, stating, “Our success in regulated markets provides a roadmap for entering other regions where compliance is critical. By integrating Stake’s winning formula with the expertise of local teams like MocinoPlay, we’re setting new standards in the global gaming industry.”
What Comes Next
While the financial details of the deal remain undisclosed, the acquisition is expected to solidify Stake’s position as a leading player in Northern Europe. Pending regulatory approval, the integration of MocinoPlay into Stake’s operations will further enhance its global footprint.
This latest move aligns with Stake’s long-term goal of becoming a global leader in the gaming and entertainment industry. With a growing portfolio of acquisitions and a focus on regulated markets, Stake continues to shape the future of online gambling.
A Strategic Step into the Belgian Market
Octoplay, a leading online casino supplier, has further extended its European footprint by partnering with Gaming1’s Casino777 platform in Belgium. This collaboration grants Belgian players access to several popular Octoplay titles, including Cash Link Express: Hold and Win, 5 Star Coins: Hold & Win, and Lightning Blitz: Supercharged.
Octoplay’s Growing Presence in Europe
The entry into Belgium marks Octoplay’s ninth active jurisdiction in Europe, complementing its operations in markets such as the UK, Denmark, and Italy. Octoplay has demonstrated consistent growth, with recent expansions into regulated territories such as Sweden and partnerships with prominent operators like NetBet Casino, William Hill, and Svenska Spel.
Innovative Gaming Solutions for Belgian Players
The Casino777 collaboration introduces not only Octoplay’s acclaimed games but also its innovative opt-in jackpot feature, JackpotHunt, tailored to enhance player engagement. Casino777.be players can now enjoy an enriched gaming experience with fresh, high-quality content.
Leadership Insights
Nick Vuchev, Octoplay’s Commercial Director, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership:
“Our entry into Belgium with Casino777 represents another significant milestone in our expansion strategy. By partnering with established operators in regulated markets, we continue to bring our innovative gaming experiences to new audiences across Europe.”
David Carrion, COO of Interactive at Gaming1, also commented on the synergy between the two companies:
“Adding Octoplay’s innovative portfolio to our platform enhances our next-level entertainment offering. Their forward-thinking approach and commitment to excellence align perfectly with Casino777’s mission to deliver premium and responsible gaming experiences.”
Casino777: A Key Player in Belgium’s iGaming Scene
Casino777.be operates as the online arm of Casino de Spa under the Ardent Group subsidiary, Gaming1. The platform has a reputation for curating cutting-edge content and forging partnerships that prioritize player satisfaction and responsible gaming.
A Glimpse into Casino777’s Recent Partnerships
- May 2023: Casino777 Spain collaborated with Wazdan, introducing a diverse range of games to Spanish players.
- March 2023: Casino777 Netherlands partnered with Play’n GO, expanding its Dutch gaming library.
With this latest partnership, Octoplay continues to cement its role as an innovator in the online gaming industry, bringing its expertise and player-centric solutions to yet another regulated market.