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UNODC: Casinos and Cryptocurrency Fueling Underground Banking and Crime in Asia

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A new report by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has found that casinos, junkets and cryptocurrency have emerged as a critical piece of the underground banking and money laundering infrastructure in East and Southeast Asia, fuelling transnational organised crime in the region.

Titled “Casinos, Money Laundering, Underground Banking, and Transnational Organized Crime in East and Southeast Asia: A Hidden, Accelerating Threat”, the study highlights the nexus between illegal online casinos, e-junkets and cryptocurrency exchanges that have proliferated in recent years alongside surging cross-border criminality throughout the region.

“Casinos and related high-cash-volume businesses have been vehicles for underground banking and money laundering for years, but the explosion of underregulated online gambling platforms and crypto exchanges has changed the game. Expansion of the illicit economy has required a technology-driven revolution in underground banking to allow for faster anonymized transactions, commingling of funds, and new business opportunities for organized crime. The development of scalable, digitized casino- and crypto-based solutions has supercharged the criminal business environment across Southeast Asia, and particularly in the Mekong,” said Jeremy Douglas, UNODC Regional Representative for Southeast Asia and the Pacific.

As outlined in the report, countless recent cases demonstrate that online casinos and related businesses have been used by major organised crime groups to move and launder massive volumes of state-backed fiat as well as cryptocurrencies, effectively creating channels for integrating billions in criminal proceeds into the financial system. At the same time, the creation and success of these underground banking mechanisms has helped expand the region’s broader illicit economy, in turn attracting new networks, innovators and service providers to the criminal ecosystem.

Cases examined also highlight how illegal online casino operators have diversified business lines to include cyberfraud and cryptocurrency laundering, with extensive evidence of organised crime influence within casino compounds, special economic zones and border areas, including those controlled by armed groups in Myanmar to conceal illicit activities.

“Organized crime groups have converged where they see vulnerabilities, and casinos and crypto have proven the point of least resistance. That said, operations against syndicates in countries including Cambodia and the Philippines have caused a partial displacement, and we have seen criminals moving infrastructure into other places where they see opportunity — basically where they expect they will be able to take advantage and not be held to account, to remote and border areas of the Mekong, and recently elsewhere,” Douglas added.

UNODC analysis estimates there were more than 340 licensed and unlicensed land-based casinos operating in Southeast Asia as of early 2022, with most having shifted online to offer live-dealer streaming and various proxy betting services. According to latest available industry data, the formal online gambling market is projected to grow to more than US $205 billion by 2030, with the Asia Pacific region representing the largest share of market growth between 2022 to 2026 at a projected 37%. The study describes several policy developments and enforcement measures implemented by governments in the region to address illegal casino-based capital outflows, corruption, and money laundering that have in part driven these trends.

The technical policy brief describes the mechanics, intricacies and drivers of underground banking in the region, and has been developed through extensive examination and analysis of criminal indictments, case records, court filings, related public disclosure and other data collected in consultation with authorities and partners over more than a year. Its development has included an extensive mapping and analysis of thousands of so-called “grey and black business” online groups, including clear web and dark web forums and marketplaces, used for illicit activities. The study also provides a list of recommendations geared towards strengthening knowledge and awareness, legislation and policy, and enforcement and regulatory responses in the region, intended to assist governments to address the situation.

“It’s clear that the gap between organized crime and enforcement authorities is widening quickly. If the region fails to address this criminal landscape the consequences will be seen in Southeast Asia and beyond as criminals look to reinvest profits and innovate operations. We trust the report will prove as a useful reference for deeper engagement between countries in Southeast Asia, UNODC, and international partners. At this point, we are just scratching the surface,” said Benedikt Hofmann, UNODC Deputy Regional Representative.

George Miller (Gyorgy Molnar) started his career in content marketing and has started working as an Editor/Content Manager for our company in 2016. George has acquired many experiences when it comes to interviews and newsworthy content becoming Head of Content in 2017. He is responsible for the news being shared on multiple websites that are part of the European Gaming Media Network.

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Will Bolton named ‘David Orrick Journalist of the Year’ at ICE Barcelona

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Will Bolton, Editor of G3 has been named the first ‘David Orrick Journalist of the Year’. Presented at ICE Barcelona by Clarion Gaming Managing Director Stuart Hunter, the Award has been created in memory of respected gambling industry writer David Orrick who passed in September 2024 aged 75.

Making the presentation, Stuart Hunter said: “Last year the industry sadly lost one of its most ardent and articulate supporters with the passing of David Orrick. David worked in the industry first as a journalist editing trade title EuroSlot and then heading-up PR and media relations for a raft of internationally recognised gambling brands.

“From the moment he joined the industry in 1995 he participated in our events first as a journalist and then as an exhibitor handling comms for many of the land-based sector’s best known manufacturers.

“David was a formidable personality steeped in the industry, highly knowledgeable and internationally respected. When David shared his opinion you listened and took note of his insights. He was a true ‘critical friend’ and made important contributions to the success of our brands not least ICE which he supported with a passion. He is greatly missed by everyone who knew him.

“In David’s honour and having consulted with his family we decided to launch a special award which carries his name. The David Orrick Journalist Of The Year Award recognises the talent and dedication which exists within the community of writers who report on the industry. Often overlooked, they provide an essential service helping to bring together games creators and providers with consumer-facing brands.

“To launch the David Orrick Award we invited publishers to nominate one of their star writers. From what was an extremely high quality short list a judging panel comprising members of the Clarion team identified our inaugural winner. Described by our judges as being extremely talented, diligent, easy to build a rapport with incisive and knowledgeable. I am delighted to confirm G3’s Will Bolton as the winner of the inaugural David Orrick Journalist of the Year.”

David’s son James Davidson reflected: “David lived and breathed the industry with everything that he had. It wasn’t a job , it was a way of life and something that he cherished dearly. David is hugely missed but he would be undoubtedly proud of the fact that his work and commitment to the industry has been valued. This Award would be something he would have hugely endorsed and shared avidly with the winners. Thank you for creating an award that shares and recognises David’s work.”

 

The post Will Bolton named ‘David Orrick Journalist of the Year’ at ICE Barcelona appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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Toshi.bet Expands in Crypto Gambling Market with Instant Withdrawals and Privacy-Focused Gaming

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Toshi.bet introduces a streamlined crypto gambling experience with instant transactions, no KYC requirements, and tailored deposit bonuses.

Toshi.bet, a growing cryptocurrency casino, is expanding its presence in the online gambling industry with a focus on instant withdrawals, privacy, and a broad selection of gaming options. Operating as a no-KYC platform, Toshi.bet provides players with an alternative to traditional online casinos by leveraging blockchain-backed security and provably fair gaming.

Key Features of Toshi.bet

  • Notable Growth in the Crypto Casino Sector – Toshi.bet has seen an increase in its user base, with thousands of players engaging in its gaming platform daily.
  • Instant Deposits & Withdrawals – The platform supports Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), USDT, and various other cryptocurrencies, enabling near-instant, fee-free transactions.
  • Privacy-Focused Gaming – With no KYC requirements, Toshi.bet offers users the ability to place bets while maintaining their anonymity.
  • Deposit Bonuses & Reward Programs – Players can access tailored deposit bonuses of up to 200%, free spins, and rakeback rewards.
  • Diverse Game Selection – The platform features a variety of gaming options, including slots, live casino, Plinko, dice, and other blockchain-optimized games.

 

The post Toshi.bet Expands in Crypto Gambling Market with Instant Withdrawals and Privacy-Focused Gaming appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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PopOK Gaming Introduces Poly Live Casino Studio by Alec Monopoly, Featuring Poly Blackjack & Poly Roulette

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PopOK Gaming, a leading innovator in the iGaming industry, is pleased to announce the launch of the groundbreaking Poly Live Casino Studio by world-renowned street artist Alec Monopoly.

This one-of-a-kind live casino experience merges the excitement of classic table games with Monopoly’s signature artistic flair, offering an electrifying new dimension to online gaming.

The Poly Live Casino Studio introduces two premium live dealer games – Poly Blackjack and Poly Roulette – delivering an unparalleled fusion of art, entertainment, and immersive gameplay. Featuring exclusive designs by Alec Monopoly, the studio is set to captivate players with its bold visuals and dynamic atmosphere, transforming traditional casino gaming into a work of art.

A Live Casino Experience Like No Other

The Poly Live Casino Studio is a fully interactive, high-energy gaming environment where players can engage with professional dealers in real time. Designed to reflect Alec Monopoly’s iconic street art style, every element of the studio – from the tables to the backdrops – exudes creativity and luxury.

  • Poly Blackjack: A fresh take on the timeless classic, featuring a customized table design with bold, colorful artwork and dynamic visuals that elevate the traditional roulette experience. Players can enjoy all the standard inside and outside bets, complemented by an electrifying atmosphere inspired by Monopoly’s signature art.
  • Poly Roulette: This exclusive Blackjack table offers a seamless combination of strategy and style. With a fully immersive studio setting and high-quality streaming, players can engage in classic Blackjack gameplay while surrounded by a unique artistic backdrop. The game maintains all standard rules while offering an elevated, collector’s edition feel.

A Collaboration That Redefines Gaming

Alec Monopoly, known for his vibrant and unconventional artistic expressions, brings his signature touch to the live casino space in collaboration with PopOK Gaming. This partnership pushes the boundaries of iGaming by blending fine art with cutting-edge technology, offering players a gaming experience that is as visually striking as it is thrilling.

Elevating the Future of Live Casino Gaming

The launch of the Poly Live Casino Studio marks a new era for live dealer games, where creativity and gaming converge to create a uniquely engaging atmosphere. With PopOK Gaming’s cutting-edge technology and Monopoly’s artistic brilliance, this live casino experience is set to redefine industry standards.

The Poly Live Casino Studio is now available for operators worldwide, bringing a visually stunning and highly interactive gaming experience to players across multiple platforms.

For more information about Poly Blackjack, Poly Roulette, and the Poly Live Casino Studio, visit popokgaming.com.

 

The post PopOK Gaming Introduces Poly Live Casino Studio by Alec Monopoly, Featuring Poly Blackjack & Poly Roulette appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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