Thailand Casino and Gambling Law Approved as Draft

Regulated gambling markets are popping up all over the world, and the industry appears to be going through a boom time of legalisation. This month, the government in Thailand approved a draft version of a law to legalise gambling and casinos in the country. Let’s take a look at this Thailand casino and gambling law in more detail and discuss what it means for Thailand and the wider gambling industry.

A History of Gambling in Thailand

Thailand has had something of a love-hate relationship with gambling over the years. In the late 19^th and early 20th centuries, gambling was incredibly popular among citizens and tourists alike. However, in 1935 Thailand passed the Gambling Act, which outlawed all forms of gambling except horserace betting and the state lottery.

Since then, Thai authorities have struggled to stamp out black market gambling activities, which are often associated with other forms of organised crime.

In recent years, calls to regulated gambling in Thailand have steadily increased. Supporters highlighted the revenue potential it could bring, as well as the negative effect it would have on the black market.

It would appear that the government have heard these calls, and a draft Thailand casino and gambling law has been approved by the cabinet.

The Details of the Bill

The Thailand casino and gambling law, officially known as the Integrated Entertainment Business Act, is planned legislation that will allow for the operation of casinos in Thailand for the first time in nine decades.

However, the bill states that these casinos will only be permitted if they are part of an integrated resort. These include things like hotels, stadiums and theme parks. An important detail specified in the legislation is that these casinos will only be permitted if they occupy no more than 5% of the attached resort’s total area.

Some details regarding licensing have also been outlined in the bill. The proposal states that licences will be distributed on 30-year terms, with reviews every 10 years. To obtain a licence, operators must be registered in Thailand and hold capital of at least $288 million. Licences will incur an initial cost of $144 million as well as annual fees of $29 million. Five initial licences are expected to be granted.

Furthermore, the Thailand casino and gambling law will see the introduction of a 17% GGR tax levy.

What Happens Next?

Supporters of a regulated gambling market in Thailand hope the legislation will enhance the country’s economy and create new state revenue streams. Some forecasts predict casinos could boost tourism numbers by as much as 10% and create up to 15,000 jobs.

In addition, a regulated market will be effective in stamping out black market activities, which have plagued Thailand for decades.

However, before Thailand can reap the benefits of a regulated gambling market, the bill must first pass through the country’s parliament. Before it can be enshrined in law, it must be approved by the country’s house of representatives and senate.

If there are no delays, some predict the bill could pass by the middle of the year. A regulated gambling market in Thailand would be big news for the industry, so this situation is worth watching closely.

Vivo Gaming at ICE Barcelona

Vivo Gaming exhibited at ICE Barcelona, the first edition of the industry’s flagship event in its new home, previewing its latest game shows and AI developments.

From Jackpot Roulette to the AI prompter, Vivo Gaming used the show to demonstrate how far AI-native live production has come.

The team meets operators and partners at events across the calendar. Book a meeting with Vivo Gaming, or explore our live dealer solutions.

The Importance of Casino Brand Identity

As the operator of an online casino platform, it can be easy to fall into the trap of thinking that you’ll be able to attract players easily. The truth is that today’s iGaming landscape is more competitive than ever, which means that developing and nurturing a casino brand identity is key to success.

What exactly do we mean by casino brand identity? In this guide, we explain what brand image is, discuss why it’s so important and list some strategies you can use to ensure players know and recognise your brand. Read on to learn more.

What is Brand Identity?

Brand identity, or brand image, is the way in which customers perceive a company or business. It doesn’t matter if you’re selling shoes or live dealer casino games, customers will have a perception of your brand, and this can have a significant impact on potential success.

Beyond just a business name and logo, brand identity encompasses a wide range of different things. These include the visual appearance of a website and products, tone of voice and social media presence.

When a customer thinks of your brand, what do they see visually and feel emotionally? Through the correct approach, you can hone your brand identity so that it elicits specific positive reactions in your customers.

Why is Casino Brand Identity So Important?

As we touched on earlier, today’s gambling market landscape is highly competitive. Digital technology has revolutionized the industry, bringing with it huge swathes of new platforms and players. According to research, the total number of online gamblers is expected to exceed 291 million by 2029.

With such incredible figures, it’s no surprise that the sector is booming. However, as an increasing number of operators attempt to target these player groups, how can you ensure that your online casino stands out from the crowd? The answer is by carefully crafting your casino brand identity.

Brand identity goes beyond mere recognition. It can impact everything from conversions to customer loyalty. The correct brand identity can also make your casino more credible and reputable in the eyes of players, an extremely advantageous attribute in iGaming.

If a player is given a choice between an online casino they recognize, know and trust and another casino they have never heard of and know nothing about, which are they likely to choose? Nine times out of ten, they’ll opt for what they know. This is why fostering a positive brand identity for your online casino is so crucial. Let’s look at how you can do so.

Branding at Every Opportunity

Your online casino’s logo is like its calling card. You want your logo to be immediately recognizable and showing it off at every opportunity should be a top priority.

Naturally, you’ll want to feature your logo extensively on your website. However, there are additional branding opportunities in games and products themselves that many operators overlook.

By utilizing customizable chromakey technology, you can brand your games with your casino’s logo and messaging. This can be a powerful approach that ensures your brand is never far from players’ minds.

With customizable chromakey, you can create high-definition static or motion backdrops for your games. These can be used to display your logo or information about specific offers and promos to help boost engagement with your brand.

Social Media

Social media has become an indispensable tool for modern businesses. Online casinos are no exception, you should make full use of social media to engage your existing players and target new customers.

Diversify the content you produce. Game previews, reviews and tutorials can all work well. Think about the value of your content; what are your players getting from it? Rather than using social media simply as an advertising platform, think of it as a means through which you can really connect with your players and build relationships.

However, it’s vital that you maintain a consistent tone of voice across your social media marketing. This will help further build your brand identity into something your players know and trust.

Another thing to keep in mind is that some social media platforms have rules surrounding gambling advertising and marketing. It’s essential that you make yourself aware of these rules before posting anything.

Final Thoughts

Of course, brand identity isn’t the be-all and end-all when it comes to success as an online casino operator. However, it plays an incredibly important role and can be the defining factor that sets your online casino apart from the competition.

Brazilian Online Betting Market Goes Live

Brazil’s road to launching a regulated online betting market has been a long one. We’ve covered the story as it’s developed, including the publication of ordinances, and touched on potential delays. However, things ramped up towards the end of 2024, and on 1 January 2025, the Brazilian online betting market finally went live.

Of course, there will be bumps in the road to come, which is to be expected from any new gambling market. Despite this, it’s still an exciting time for the industry in South America, and indeed around the world. Let’s take a look at the new Brazilian online betting market in more detail.

How We Got Here

In Brazil, most forms of gambling have been outlawed since the 1940s. However, increasing calls for a review of the laws eventually forced the government to take note. In 2023, the Brazilian authorities passed legislation that would see the launch of a regulated online casino and sports betting market in the country.

In 2024, Brazil passed further legislation that set out tax rules for new casinos in the country and laws concerning player protection. Further legislation laid out rules for licensing and restrictions on advertising.

Initial Operators in Brazil

As the new Brazilian online betting market kicks off, a total of 14 operators are currently licensed to provide gambling services in the country. Together, these operators represent 30 different gambling brands.

There are also an additional 52 operators holding provisional licenses. Once these companies have made changes to meet Brazilian regulations, they’ll receive the green light to start operating. While these provisional licenses are only valid for 30 days, operators will have the chance to extend them for an additional 30 days to give themselves more time to review their systems and ensure they are compliant before launch.

What are the Rules?

Naturally, Brazil has established a set of unique rules and regulations that all operators must adhere to.

All licensed operators must hold .br domains. This is for the benefit of regulators and will help them more easily distinguish between operators with a license and those without.

When it comes to player protection, the Brazilian authorities have requested that all operators make use of facial recognition technology to ensure no underage players are using their platforms.

Rules surrounding payment methods have also been established. Payments using credit cards and cryptocurrencies are prohibited, and any bank transfers must first be authorised by the Central Bank of Brazil.

What Does the Future Hold?

It may only be early days for the Brazilian online betting market, but things are moving quickly and it’s an exciting time for iGaming in South America. Brazil is an enormous country, with a population of over 211 million, so it’s unsurprising that it’s long been a target for gambling brands.

The Brazilian government has approached things in the correct way – taking the time to ensure a regulatory framework is in place before moving ahead. While operators may have work to do to meet the country’s unique laws and regulations, they’ll no doubt reap the benefits once everything is up and running.

Tech Trends in iGaming: What You Need to Know

The iGaming industry has always been driven by technology. From the very first digital games to the immersive experiences of today, tech has been the key factor in the incredible success of the sector. Tech trends in iGaming are changing all the time, and it’s important that operators stay on top of the latest developments.

However, staying on top of the latest trends can be tricky, especially in such a fast-moving, ever-evolving landscape. To help you out, we’ve put together a list of some of the top tech trends in iGaming to ensure nothing flies under your radar. Read on to check them out.

Artificial Intelligence

Artificial intelligence (AI) is without doubt the hottest topic in the tech world today. These intelligent software tools are designed to replicate human patterns of thinking and reasoning, and we’ve seen them absolutely explode onto the tech scene in the past few years. Now, AI is being utilised across a vast range of industries, including manufacturing, healthcare and, of course, iGaming.

How is AI being implemented in the iGaming space? It’s being used for everything from personalisation to security. Another important use for AI in iGaming is for result recognition. AI tools can be used to automate the checking of bets and results for online games. This speeds up the process, making the playing experience smoother and faster and boosting fairness and accuracy.

AR & VR

Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) look set to take digital entertainment to the next level. For iGaming, AR and VR are being used to enhance the online gaming experience.

With AR, players can enjoy games with elements and graphics overlaid on real-world environments. In addition, AR can deliver things like real-time odds and game results, allowing players to effectively merge the games they love with their daily lives.

VR, on the other hand, can be used to construct entire virtual environments that players can immerse themselves in. For example, an operator could design a fully virtual casino where players can enter, play at different tables and interact with other virtual guests.

Crypto & Blockchain

The financial world has been revolutionised by the advent of cryptocurrency and blockchain technologies, and they are having a similarly significant impact on the iGaming world.

We’re seeing an increase in the number of online casino platforms offering cryptocurrency transactions. By using these digital currencies, players can benefit from improved transaction speeds and security. They can be used to conduct anonymous transactions without the need to disclose personal details, significantly boosting data security standards.

Blockchain networks are digital ledgers used to log crypto transactions. However, now we’re seeing applications and games built on these platforms. For iGaming operators and game designers, this offers an opportunity to create highly unique games with exclusive features and advanced security that will appeal to a new demographic of tech-savvy users.

Mobile Gaming

Today’s smartphones are more powerful than ever. Long gone are the days when Snake was the only mobile gaming option, today’s smartphone games are nearly at the level of those found on consoles and PCs, and these incredible tech developments are having a clear impact on the iGaming space.

Research conducted by the Gambling Commission has revealed that the majority of online gamblers use mobile phones to access games and services. This majority only increases when looking at younger demographics.

What does this mean for operators? Simply put, it’s absolutely essential that your site and your games work well on mobile. Failure to make your products mobile-compatible means you run the risk of alienating huge swathes of potential customers.

Responsible Gambling Tools

Responsible gambling is an increasingly important topic in today’s iGaming industry. More onus is being put on operators to protect potentially vulnerable players and mitigate gambling-related harm. To do so, operators are turning to tech solutions that can automate this process and deliver more accurate results.

Responsible gambling tools can be used to perform automated scans and checks on player behaviour. For example, a tool could monitor how long a player is staying on a particular game, or how much they have wagered. If their behaviour is flagged as potentially problematic, they can be issued a warning or even temporarily suspended from playing.

Conclusion

As you can see from the list above, there are numerous tech trends currently impacting the iGaming industry. As an operator, staying on top of the latest developments is essential, and doing so will ensure you are ready to take advantage of all the benefits the latest tech can offer.

UK Government Rolls Out Statutory Levy and Slot Stake Limits

First announced in 2023, the Gambling Act Review, also referred to as the white paper, has been through several iterations and passed through numerous different stages. Now, the UK government has moved to roll out some of the actions outlined in the legislation, namely the introduction of a new statutory levy on gambling profits and online slot stake limits.

Any regulatory changes are big news in the iGaming world, so it’s no surprise to learn that this recent move by the UK government has been causing quite a stir. Let’s take a look at the new rules in more detail.

Why Have These Changes Been Made?

The gambling industry has come under mounting pressure in recent years, with opposition groups maintaining that operators aren’t doing enough to minimise the impact of gambling-related harm and to protect potentially vulnerable players.

The Gambling Act Review was designed to reduce rates of gambling-related harm and has proposed a variety of ways to do so. One of the review’s key targets is to raise £100 million which will be directed to gambling harm services. In addition, tighter rules on things like slot stake limits are designed to improve protections for vulnerable players.

The New Statutory Levy

To raise the £100 million set out in the white paper, the UK government has updated the statutory levy paid out by gambling companies. According to the government, the new rate will be fairer and will ensure all pay their share towards gambling harm prevention and treatment services.

Rather than a flat rate, businesses will be assessed on a range of criteria, including vertical and the particular sector they operate, before being required to pay a rate of between 0.1 – 1.1% of gross gambling yield. Approximately 50% of the funds raised through the levy will go directly to NHS gambling treatment services, while 30% will be used to invest in prevention initiatives.

The new levy is set to come into effect in 2025. The impact and success of the new rate will be reviewed within five years.

Slot Stake Limits

As well as the levy, the government is set to roll out new online slot stake limits. The white paper has identified slots as ‘high-risk’ products that pose more of a risk to vulnerable players.

Slot stake limits have long been a subject of debate, and this increase was announced back in February of this year. Under the new rules, slot stake limits will be capped at £2 per spin for players under the age of 25. For players over the age of 25, slot stake limits will be capped at £5 per spin.

Research has revealed that young players are more at risk of gambling-related harm, which is why the plans have made the distinction between players under and over the age of 25.

Conclusion

The Gambling Act Review has been in the works for a considerable amount of time. Given the tumultuous government situation in the UK over the past few years, it has struggled to gain any real momentum. However, it would appear that the wheels are finally in motion, and the new levy and online slot stake limits are likely just the first of many new rules and regulations to be introduced.

Jackpot Roulette Goes Live

Vivo Gaming has launched Jackpot Roulette, a jackpot-charged take on live roulette that layers escalating prizes onto the classic wheel.

It’s built for engagement, the drama of a live spin with the upside of a jackpot, broadcast from a dedicated set with real-time graphics.

Jackpot Roulette joins Wheel of Fortune in Vivo Gaming’s expanding game-show portfolio.

See the full range on our live dealer games page, or book a meeting to bring them to your players.

Live Andar Bahar: What Can It Offer Your Online Casino?

The world of online gambling is bigger than ever. Players today have more choices than ever before, and as an operator, figuring out how best to attract customers to your platform is increasingly difficult. While there are plenty of marketing tricks you can employ, games like live Andar Bahar can be a far simpler and more effective solution.

Game variety is a big plus point for any online casino platform. Players want options, and if you provide them with a range of different games to choose from, they’re more likely to stick around. With that in mind, let’s take a look at live Andar Bahar and discuss what it can offer your online casino.

What is Live Andar Bahar?

First things first, what is live Andar Bahar? First popularised in India, this simple card game is taking the gambling world by storm.

Played with a regular deck of cards, the goal of Andar Bahar is to correctly predict which of two cards – Andar and Bahar – will be the same value as the dealer’s card.

It’s these basic and easy-to-understand rules that are driving the popularity of the game. Players don’t want anything overly complex or technical, most would rather a game that they can jump in and out of and that requires little in the way of prior skills or specialist knowledge.

Traditionally, this game was played in casinos and gambling halls with a physical deck of cards. However, Andar Bahar was left behind during the digital gambling revolution, eclipsed by other popular games like blackjack. Recently, with the development of new technology, the game has seen a resurgence, with live Andar Bahar quickly becoming a favourite of players around the world.

Now that we know what the game is, let’s examine what live Andar Bahar can offer your live casino.

Game Variety

As we touched on above, game variety is an important factor that players consider when choosing an online casino platform. Players want to feel like they have the freedom to test and try a number of different games, and as an operator, it’s vital that you give them these options.

However, this isn’t just about ensuring you have the classic casino titles like roulette and poker. Players expect to see these games, and so if you really want to set your brand apart from the competition you’re going to need to think outside of the box.

This is where live Andar Bahar comes in. This is the perfect game to include as part of your product offering. It’s something a little different and may offer your players an option they haven’t seen elsewhere. What’s more, the game’s easy rules mean players can start enjoying it straight away.

Access to New Demographics

According to research, the total number of online gambling users is expected to exceed 291 million by the year 2029. This is an incredible number and perfectly illustrates the health and growth of the sector. However, while there are more players than ever, effectively targeting these customers is an increasingly difficult prospect.

While standard games like blackjack and roulette might be enough to attract customers from Western jurisdictions, you’re going to need to target players from other locations if you want to see sustained growth for your online casino brand.

One of the most effective ways to do this is by offering new games. Live Andar Bahar is the perfect example; this game can help you target new demographics and player bases, particularly from Eastern territories where the game is much more popular.

The Power of Live Casino Gaming

Live Andar Bahar uses the power of live dealer casino technology to deliver an unforgettable experience for your players. By combining elements of both in-person and online gaming, live Andar Bahar will offer your players the best of both worlds.

A dealer will be streamed live to a network of remote players, who can place wagers and communicate with each other from the comfort of their homes. By introducing this social aspect to the world of online gaming, live dealer games like live Andar Bahar ensure that your players can experience the thrill of a casino floor while reaping the benefits and convenience that only online casinos can offer.

Conclusion

Live Andar Bahar is quickly becoming a favourite among online players. With simple rules, engaging gameplay and live dealer capabilities, this is a title you don’t want to miss out on. Offer live Andar Bahar to diversify your product offering and tap into new market demographics.

Australian Gambling Advertising Reforms To Be Delayed

Gambling advertising has come under heavy criticism in recent years. Detractors maintain that these adverts can put vulnerable players and young people at risk. As a result, we’ve seen an increasing number of restrictions put in place worldwide, and the upcoming Australian gambling advertising reforms serve as a prime example.

However, recent reports suggest that the Australian gambling advertising reforms are set to be delayed. Let’s take a look at what the reforms might look like and when we can expect to see them rolled out.

What Will the Reforms Involve?

In today’s world, advertising comes in many forms. The traditional channels, such as TV, magazine and radio, are still alive and well, but these now exist alongside more modern forms, such as social media. For regulators, this makes controlling and monitoring advertising much more difficult, as it’s now a much broader and more complex landscape.

The proposed Australian gambling advertising reforms were a direct result of a report published in 2023. In this report, a number of recommendations were made to more effectively regulate gambling advertising and reduce rates of associated harm.

While exact details of what the reforms will involve are yet to be officially confirmed, they are widely believed to include a ban on gambling ads before, during and after sports events, as well as a complete ban on ads during TV programmes aimed at children.

In addition, there are rumours that there could be a blanket ban on digital gambling advertising. This would be a significant move that would leave the industry reeling.

Why Have They Been Delayed?

Initially, authorities reported that the Australian gambling advertising reforms would be rolled out in 2024. However, it would appear this timeframe isn’t going to be met, and the reasons for the delay remain unclear.

Australia’s Sports Minister, Anika Wells, has claimed that the reforms have been delayed to give the government more time to work with sports stakeholders, in the hopes a compromise that suits all parties will be reached.

However, this was refuted by another government source, who countered that the real reason behind the delay was that the proposed legislation has thus far failed to gather the required level of senate support.

When Will They Be Rolled Out?

According to the government, we can now expect to see the Australian gambling advertising reforms rolled out sometime in 2025. However, given the lack of clarity around the reasons for the delay and exactly what the reforms will involve, we could see this proposed date pushed back even further.

Activists and anti-gambling groups will be keen to see the reforms introduced quickly and will be hoping for the strictest regulations possible. On the other hand, operators will hope for more lenient reforms. Pressure from these two opposing groups could lead to a deadlock.

Conclusion

While the Australian gambling advertising reforms have been delayed, they clearly indicate shifting attitudes towards the advertising of gambling products and services. We can certainly expect to see similar legislation passed in countries around the world.

Limitless Blackjack: What Benefits Does This Game Offer?

While blackjack is undoubtedly one of the world’s most popular gambling games, many players don’t realise just how many variations of this classic card game there are. One version that has become particularly popular in recent times is limitless blackjack.

As an operator, it’s essential that you’re aware of different game variants, as many of them offer unique benefits. Let’s take a closer look at limitless blackjack and discuss its benefits and why operators should include it as part of their product offering.

What is Limitless Blackjack?

First things first, what exactly is limitless blackjack?

Traditionally blackjack is played in land-based casinos on a floor gaming table. These tables can usually seat up to seven players, who are arranged in a semicircle around the dealer. As online gambling arrived on the scene, digital recreations of blackjack began to appear. At first, these were single-player games, before eventually allowing multiplayer game modes with an ever-increasing player capacity.

There has, however, always been a limit on the number of players that can sit at a table – until now. Limitless blackjack, as the name might suggest, allows for an unlimited number of players to sit in on any one blackjack game. A key feature of Vivo Gaming’s Limitless Blackjack is that an unlimited number of players can place wagers on the same hand.

This is a never-before-seen twist on the classic casino game and is one that offers a number of benefits for operators and players alike. Let’s find out what these are.

Increased Play Speed

One of the reasons many players opt for online gambling services rather than in-person games is that they are more accessible and more convenient. There’s no queuing or standing around at an online casino; players expect to be able to play games instantly.

When it comes to online services of any kind, speed and performance are absolutely paramount. If an online experience is slow or laggy, users aren’t going to stick around for long. This certainly applies to online casinos, and limitless blackjack is the perfect way to ensure your customers are discouraged by slow playtime.

Rather than having to wait for a space to open up at a table, players can jump straight in and start placing wagers. This makes for a faster, more seamless gaming experience that will ensure your players come back again and again.

Revenue Boost

It might sound obvious, but it’s worth emphasising this point anyway – the more players you have on your game tables, the more revenue you’re going to make.

Picture this – a player loads up your online casino to enjoy a game of blackjack only to find all the tables are full. In a land-based casino, a player might wait for a space or play something else, but online players are less patient and will be more likely to leave and play at one of your competitors instead.

Limitless blackjack is the perfect solution to this problem. Rather than leaving players waiting around or driving them away from your platform, limitless blackjack means they can all enjoy a game of blackjack at one time, ensuring you are getting the maximum value from your players.

The Live Dealer Experience

Limitless blackjack will also offer your players the chance to enjoy the live dealer casino experience. Live dealer games are taking the online gambling world by storm – offering a uniquely immersive experience that boasts attributes of both land-based and online casinos.

Live dealer games are fast, accessible and convenient. Your players can enjoy these games from their homes, without having to pay travel expenses or book hotels. Crucially, these games offer this without sacrificing the social element of gambling, which many online games in the past did. The interactive elements of live dealer games mean players can chat amongst themselves, bringing the atmosphere and buzz of a real-life casino directly into the online sphere.

Chroma Key Customisation

The online gambling world is bigger than ever. While this means there are endless opportunities for players, it has also made the sector highly competitive. To stand out as an operator, you must take steps to deliver your brand messaging wherever and whenever possible.

Limitless blackjack uses our Chroma Key technology, which allows you to fully customise the visual appearance of the game. You can adorn your tables and streams with your branding and logos and even display specific messaging about current promos and offers.

Conclusion

There are plenty of games available to players nowadays, but few can offer the same range of fantastic benefits as limitless blackjack. Improved game speeds and the live dealer setup make for an enhanced player experience, while benefits for operators include potential revenue boosts and Chroma Key customisation opportunities.