Asia Gaming Weekly News Bulletin – ISSUE 52 Week of 16 February 2026
(1) UAE Lottery operator secures WLA Level 2 Responsible Gaming Certification
The UAE Lottery operator, The Game LLC, earned Level 2 certification under the World Lottery Association’s Responsible Gaming Framework, confirming strong player protection policies.
(2) In-form Jerry Chau pumped to represent Hong Kong on Self Improvement in Riyadh Dirt Sprint
Hong Kong jockey Jerry Chau Chun-lok heads to Saudi Arabia in peak form with eight February wins, leading the Tony Cruz Award and ranking fourth overall, to ride Self Improvement in Saturday’s Group Two Riyadh Dirt Sprint against tough international rivals, including US and Japanese stars.
(3) Singapore plans regulation for blind boxes over gambling risks
Singapore will regulate blind boxes to curb gambling risks by enforcing mandatory probability disclosures. The move targets mystery shopping trends popularized by Pop Mart, which has expanded rapidly in the city-state amid global mania for rare collectibles.
(4) Chinese missions in Vietnam and Singapore warn citizens to stay away from gambling
Chinese diplomatic missions in Vietnam and Singapore have warned citizens against overseas gambling after two apparent suicides linked to betting losses. The consulates stressed that cross-border gambling is illegal in China, with no consular protection for those involved, and urged reporting of illicit operators.
(1) UAE Lottery operator secures WLA Level 2 Responsible Gaming Certification
(Photo Credit: Yogonet)
The UAE Lottery operator, The Game LLC, secured Level 2 certification under the World Lottery Association’s Responsible Gaming Framework. DigitalRG assisted with the process. As the sole licensed lottery in the UAE and a WLA member, the company now demonstrates robust policies on player protection, governance, and accountability.
A lottery spokesperson emphasized alignment with global standards post-WLA membership. The certification underscores commitment to safeguards amid expansion. Since launching, the lottery drew over 800,000 players nationwide and paid out more than AED 165 million in prizes. Weekly draws have boosted participation further.
The independent audit covered self-assessments, gap analyses, and plans across key areas like staff training, retailer support, game design, digital tools, education efforts, treatment referrals, and reporting. Regulated by the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority, The Game LLC received its national license in July 2024.
(2) In-form Jerry Chau pumped to represent Hong Kong on Self Improvement in Riyadh Dirt Sprint
(Photo Credit: HKJC)
Hong Kong jockey Jerry Chau Chun-lok heads to Saudi Arabia in top form. He will ride Self Improvement in Saturday’s Group Two Riyadh Dirt Sprint over 1,200m. Chau boasts eight wins from 25 rides in February. He leads the Tony Cruz Award and ranks fourth in the jockeys’ standings.
The 25-year-old previously guided Self Improvement to victory in the Group Three Korea Sprint last September. That marked his first overseas win beyond his Australian training stint. Trainer Manfred Man Ka-leung reports the horse has adapted well to the Riyadh dirt track.
Self Improvement faces tougher rivals this time. Competitors include US Group One winner Lovesick Blues and Bob Baffert’s Imagination. Japanese, UK, and Dubai horses also join the field of 13. Chau drew barrier eight. The race starts at 10:40pm HKT.
Man remains cautiously optimistic. He views the event as a strong test but a proud chance to represent Hong Kong. The card’s highlight is the US$20 million Saudi Cup. Japanese star Forever Young defends his title after beating Romantic Warrior last year.
(3) Singapore plans regulation for blind boxes over gambling risks
(Photo Credit: Miniso)
Singapore moves to regulate blind boxes as mystery shopping mania grips consumers worldwide, the Gambling Regulatory Authority and Home Affairs Ministry announced plans following a February 12 parliamentary question. New rules aim to curb gambling-like behaviors in products concealing contents.
Coordinating Minister K Shanmugam said regulators will standardize and mandate probability disclosures for items inside boxes. Draft guidelines seek to manage inducement risks while authorities finalize the framework.
Blind boxes have boosted toy giants like Pop Mart and Miniso with fans chasing rare models for resale profits reaching thousands of dollars. Pop Mart operates at least six Singapore stores from Orchard Road to suburbs, and its annual exhibition drew hundreds in 2025 with premium tickets at S$208.
The initiative positions Singapore ahead of peers. China’s Consumers Association urged probability transparency in 2023 after share drops for operators. People’s Daily warned of children’s addictive buying and suggested minor-only zones.
Singapore’s proactive stance reflects broader concerns over mystery products fuelling compulsive purchases beyond traditional gambling.
News Source: https://jingdaily.com/posts/singapore-plans-regulation-for-blind-boxes-over-gambling-risks
(4) Chinese missions in Vietnam and Singapore warn citizens to stay away from gambling
(Photo Credit: Shutterstock)
Chinese diplomatic posts in Southeast Asia have issued stark warnings to citizens, urging them to avoid gambling activities following two deaths reportedly tied to financial distress from betting. The Chinese consulate in Da Nang, Vietnam, released a statement on Monday highlighting a recent case in which a Chinese national died after falling from a hotel in Hoi An. Local Vietnamese media reported the man showed clear signs of emotional distress due to gambling losses before taking his own life in late December.
The consulate reminded citizens that cross-border gambling remains a criminal offence under Chinese law, even in countries where it is legal. Those involved face legal accountability upon return, and consular assistance will not be provided to individuals threatened or detained over gambling debts. It also called on the public to report any Chinese nationals running or participating in overseas casino operations.
A similar alert came from the Chinese embassy in Singapore on Saturday. It referenced the alleged suicide of a Chinese citizen at the Marina Bay Sands hotel after gambling losses and noted the embassy had handled several such gambling-related deaths. The statement reinforced that gambling abroad violates Chinese law.
The warnings coincide with the Lunar New Year holiday period, when millions of Chinese travellers head to Southeast Asia, a top destination this year. Popular spots include Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, and Vietnam, where gambling is widely available despite Beijing’s long-standing domestic ban and ongoing regional crackdowns on associated crimes, including scam networks in Cambodia and Myanmar.
