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Philippine National Police intensifies crackdown on illegal POGOs

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Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil has vowed to intensify efforts against illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) activities, following President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive for a total ban on the industry.

The ban, which took effect on January 1st, 2025, aims to curb the surge in POGO-related crimes, including illegal detention, financial fraud, human trafficking and money laundering.

Since January 2024, the PNP Anti-Kidnapping Group (PNP-AKG) recorded 40 kidnapping cases, with 10 involving Chinese nationals who were reportedly abducted by their compatriots. These cases underscore the continued presence of criminal syndicates linked to POGO operations despite the official shutdown.

These incidents highlight the continuing challenges posed by criminal syndicates operating in the aftermath of the POGO shutdown,” Marbil stated, according to The Philippine News Agency.

PNP Chief General Rommel Marbil, Philippines
PNP Chief General Rommel Marbil, Philippines

The PNP is also investigating the disappearance of a Chinese national last seen on February 20th in Taguig City. Marbil assured the public of a “thorough investigation” and urged reliance on official reports, emphasizing the PNP’s commitment to “upholding the rule of law and ensuring that perpetrators are held accountable.”

Ongoing raids and law enforcement actions

On February 20th, authorities raided a POGO facility in Parañaque City, leading to the arrest of 453 individuals, including 307 Filipinos and 137 Chinese nationals. The raid is part of a broader effort to dismantle underground POGO networks.

In Metro Manila, the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group-National Capital Region (CIDG-NCR) has formed a special tracker team to target remaining illegal POGO operations.

Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators, or POGOs, were first legalized in 2016 to boost government revenues. The industry attracted many Chinese workers, given its focus on online gambling targeting mainland China, where gambling is prohibited.

However, the sector became mired in controversy due to rising crime rates, including kidnappings, extortion, and human trafficking, predominantly involving Chinese nationals. In response, President Marcos Jr. ordered a total ban, citing national security concerns and growing public backlash.

The crackdown on POGO operations marks a significant shift in the Philippine government’s stance on offshore gaming, with heightened law enforcement measures from the PNP and other government bodies since the start of the year.

Reef Casino Trust announces trade halt following ownership change speculation

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Reef Corporate Services Limited, the entity responsible for the Reef Casino Trust (RCT) has requested an immediate halt to the trading of its securities due to ongoing speculation of a possible ownership change.

Reef Casino Trust is listed on the Australian Securities Exchange.

In its statement, RCT stated that the trading halt request was made pending an announcement regarding speculation about a potential control transaction involving the trust.

The Reef Casino Trust is the operator of the Reef Hotel Casino in Cairns, Australia. The company reported a stable performance in its 2024 financial report.

The trading halt will remain in effect until RCT either makes a formal announcement about this speculation or until trading resumes on February 27th, 2025.

‘RCT has confirmed that there are no known reasons that would prevent the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) from granting this halt, nor is there any additional information necessary to inform the market about the request’, the company added.

Sri Lanka cancels casino service counter tender at Colombo Airport

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Sri Lanka’s Airport & Aviation Services has canceled the tender for a proposed casino service counter at Bandaranaike International Airport. 

Initially planned for a three-year term, the project aimed to introduce a gaming service counter in the airport’s immigration area.

The cancellation was announced on February 16th, 2025, through a public notice, which confirmed the tender, first issued on January 27th, had been withdrawn without specifying a reason. This marked the first official disclosure of plans to establish a casino service counter at Colombo Airport, intended to provide travelers with an entertainment option.

While this airport project faces uncertainty, Sri Lanka’s casino industry is expanding. The country currently operates various casinos, including Bally’s, Bellagio, Casino Marina, Stardust, Continental Club, and The Ritz Club. 

Another two major casino projects are underway in Colombo. The City of Dreams Sri Lanka, a $1 billion integrated resort by Melco Resorts & Entertainment and John Keells Holdings, is set to open its casino in 3Q25.

Additionally, Majestic Pride Casino, a partnership between Golden Island Hospitality and Majestic Group Hotels and Casinos, will open at Colombo Lotus Tower, further solidifying the city’s status as a regional gaming hub.

Ainsworth Game Technology reverses profit loss in 2024, despite drop in revenue

Australian gaming machine manufacturer Ainsworth Game Technology has reported a strong turnaround in profit after tax for 2024, reversing a AU$6.5 million ($6.12 million) loss into a AU$30.3 million ($19.2 million) gain for the year.

According to the group’s most recent financials, this came despite a 6.1 percent yearly drop in revenue for the Asia Pacific segment, which totaled AU$42.7 million ($27.05 million) – the group’s third-highest performing segment.

This resulted in a segment profit of AU$2.7 million ($1.7 million), down slightly by 0.7 percent.

The group noted that during the period, the decrease in revenue was ‘mainly driven by the lower sales unit volume within Asia and New Zealand regions due to competitive market conditions’.

Results in North America continued to lead in regards to segment, with AU$147 million ($93.12 million) in revenue, up by 6.6 percent yearly, leading to a 3.2 percent increase in the segment’s profit – at AU$68.2 million ($43.2 million).

The group’s Latin America & Europe segment saw revenue fall by 13.3 percent yearly, to AU$66.8 million ($42.32 million), with profit down by 5.6 percent to AU$27.5 million ($17.42 million).

The group’s Online Gaming segment also saw a downturn, with revenue falling by 8 percent yearly to AU$7.6 million ($4.8 million) and profit down by 7.1 percent to AU$6.9 million ($4.37 million).

Overall revenue for the year was down by 20.8 percent, to AU$264.1 million ($167.3 million), while reported EBITDA actually rose by 38.8 percent, to AU$58.9 million ($37.3 million).

No dividends were declared and paid by the company for the year.

Marina Bay Sands secures $9B dollar loan for expansion plan

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Las Vegas Sands (LVS) subsidiary Marina Bay Sands (MBS) has secured a substantial multi-billion dollar financing package, totaling approximately $9 billion (SG$12 billion), to support its ongoing expansion project and general operations.

About a week ago, Bloomberg was the first to disclose the relevant news. A filing dated February 24th, 2025, reveals that MBS entered into a significant Facility Agreement with a syndicate of lenders, with DBS Bank Ltd. acting as agent and security trustee.

The comprehensive agreement establishes three key financing mechanisms: a $2.81 billion (SG$3.75 billion) term loan facility, a $561 million (SG$750 million) revolving credit facility, and a $5.61 billion (SG$7.5 billion) delayed draw term loan facility. Together, these facilities provide MBS with enhanced financial flexibility.

The proceeds from the term loan and revolving credit facility will serve multiple purposes, including refinancing existing debt, covering fees and expenses, facilitating potential dividend payments, and supporting general corporate activities.

The substantial delayed draw term loan facility is specifically designated for the ongoing Marina Bay Sands integrated resort expansion project. This project involves significant development and construction, and the financing will cover associated costs, expenses, and fees.

Access to these funds is subject to standard conditions. The term loan facility will be available shortly after the agreement’s execution, while the revolving credit facility extends for 77 months following the initial drawdown. The availability of the delayed draw term loan facility is tied to completion milestones of the MBS expansion project, specifically the issuance of temporary occupation permits.

Repayment obligations are structured with a combination of interim amortization payments and a final balloon payment at maturity. The facilities mature between 78 and 84 months from the initial drawdown. Additionally, the agreement includes provisions for mandatory prepayments under certain circumstances, such as asset sales, new debt issuance, or changes to the Casino License. A change of control of MBS would also trigger repayment requirements.

According to the announcement, the credit facility agreement incorporates standard affirmative and negative covenants, including financial covenants. MBS is required to maintain specific ratios for debt to consolidated adjusted EBITDA, consolidated adjusted EBITDA to consolidated total interest expense, and consolidated net worth.

The agreement allows for equity contributions to cure any potential shortfalls in meeting these financial metrics, within specified limits. The obligations under the agreement are secured by a first-priority security interest in substantially all of MBS’s assets, with certain limited exceptions.

As reported by AGB, the MBS expansion plan is estimated to cost $8 billion, a significant increase from the initial $3.3 billion announced in 2019.

This project will add a fourth hotel tower to the iconic resort, featuring 570 luxury suites, a 15,000-seat arena, and 110,000 square feet of MICE space. Construction is expected to begin by June 2025, with a target opening date of January 1st, 2031.

One-quarter of the $821M lost to scams in Singapore in 2024 involved crypto

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Authorities in Singapore say that nearly one-quarter of the SG$1.1 billion ($821 million) lost to scams in the city last year involved crypto.

According to reports citing the nation’s police, cryptocurrency losses rose from just 6.8 percent of the yearly total in 2023 to 24.3 percent of the total in 2024.

The scams involved fake wallets, social media impersonation, impersonation of executives and other ruses.

On Tuesday, the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) indicated that marketing and advertising of crypto services in public areas is being restricted, while the authority is introducing consumer protection measures.

An MAS spokesperson indicated that the authority “has been strongly cautioning against trading and investments in cryptocurrencies by the retail public, given their lack of intrinsic value, volatile prices and highly speculative nature,” reports the Straits Times.

Singapore has long cautioned about the risks of crypto investment, and has made scam crackdowns a central focus, especially given the 70 percent yearly rise in money lost to scams in 2024. While e-commerce scams were the most prevalent – totaling over 11,600 cases, job scams were also one of the top concerns (despite a slight yearly drop).

While the overall money lost to scams was concentrated in a “small number of cases with very high losses”, authorities remain concerned at the average amount lost by the general public.

In an effort to tackle the rising predominance of scams, Singapore passed the Protection from Scams Bill in January of this year.

Ongoing oversight needed for online gaming after Philippines exits FATF grey list: Moody’s

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Investment bank Moody’s has highlighted that, while the Philippines’ removal from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list marks a significant step forward in combating financial crime, ongoing vigilance is needed in sectors beyond traditional finance—such as online gaming and cryptocurrency. 

These industries, according to Moody’s, still pose potential risks that could undermine the country’s efforts to address money laundering and terrorism financing.

Choon Hong Chua, Head of Financial Crime Practice Group for Asia-Pacific and the Middle East at Moody’s, emphasized that the Philippines’ exit from the FATF grey list signifies substantial progress in strengthening its anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorism financing (CTF) frameworks. 

“The Philippines has enhanced inter-agency coordination and implemented comprehensive reforms,” Chua said. “However, money laundering risks are not easy to sweep out entirely. Businesses such as online gaming and cryptocurrency would be areas beyond the financial sector that would require continuous oversight to mitigate potential risks.”

The Philippines’ removal from the grey list was a major milestone, ending more than three years of scrutiny by the FATF. This decision followed the country’s successful efforts to address all 18 deficiencies in its AML/CTF systems, which had placed it on the grey list in June 2021.

Metro Manila, Philippines, pogos, pogo exodus

The FATF’s move not only strengthens investor confidence but also bolsters financial stability in the Philippines, a country with a growing economy and a prominent role in Southeast Asia’s financial landscape.

However, the FATF has also called on the Philippines to continue improving its AML/CTF systems, particularly in the identification and prosecution of terrorism financing cases. The organization stressed that while the Philippines has made significant strides, it must maintain its efforts to ensure that the country’s counter-terrorism financing (CTF) measures are robust and do not inadvertently disrupt legitimate non-profit organizations (NPOs).

In addition to financial institutions, the FATF emphasized that sectors like online gaming and cryptocurrency, which are not as tightly regulated, present new challenges for anti-money laundering efforts. These industries are increasingly becoming channels for illicit financial activities, including money laundering, due to the ease of cross-border transactions and the anonymity they offer.

Amongst the country’s ongoing efforts to clean up the online gaming sector, following the complete ban on Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs), a Senator has also submitted a resolution aimed at reassessing the “use of cryptocurrencies in the country”.

Sherwin Gatchalian highlighted the same risks outlined by Moody’s, urging for stricter regulation of crypto due to its frequent use in scams and cross-border money laundering.

CreedRoomz takes certified live casino games to SBC Summit Rio 2025

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CreedRoomz is preparing for SBC Summit Rio 2025, scheduled for February 26-27 at Stand B890. As one of the select live casino providers certified under Brazil’s new gaming regulations, CreedRoomz is set to provide fully compliant, localized solutions customized for the Brazilian market.

At the event, we’ll present our latest show games – Richie Wheel and Richie Roulette  – designed to bring boosted excitement with dynamic multipliers, engaging gameplay and unique mechanics. These titles are set to bring fresh excitement to players while offering operators new ways to enhance player engagement and retention.

Alongside our new game releases, CreedRoomz will showcase its full suite of live casino solutions enabling operators to customise their offerings and seamlessly integrate high-quality live casino experiences.

Join us at Stand B890 at SBC Summit Rio 2025! Let’s connect and shape the future of live casino gaming in Brazil!

1xBet emerges as finalist at the SiGMA Africa Awards 2025

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Global bookmaker 1xBet confidently holds its position among the flagships of the iGaming industry and continues receiving high marks from the professional community.

This time, the brand was shortlisted for the prestigious SiGMA Africa Awards 2025 in the nominations for Best Sportsbook Operator 2025 and Best on Mobile 2025.

The winners will be chosen by the decision of an authoritative jury, and the vote results on the prize page. The award ceremony will be held on March 10, the opening day of the SiGMA Africa 2025 summit, at the Sun Exhibits at GrandWest in Cape Town, South Africa.

“Last year, 1xBet was named the best sportsbook operator in Africa, and we want to confirm this status. Our team has tried to provide clients with the best gaming experience, including various sports events and exciting promos. We also paid special attention to the mobile app, making it even more convenient for users. We are pleased that leading industry experts have recognized our work,” said a 1xBet representative.

Being a finalist at the SiGMA Africa Awards 2025 is not the only significant success for 1xBet over the past year. The brand has also previously won the Mobile Sports Product of the Year prize at the International Gaming Awards 2025, the title of Best Affiliate Program at the SiGMA Asia Awards 2024, and was recognized as Best Esports Operator in Latin America at the SiGMA Americas Awards 2024.

Daily Asia Gaming eBrief: Legal battles on the horizon over India’s GST tax

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Good morning. Gearing up for an intense legal battle. That’s what real-money online gaming operators in India are doing, as they prepare to defend their viewpoints on the country’s Goods and Services Tax. A top lawyer points out how a Supreme Court hearing in March will be crucial in how the industry moves forward. Meanwhile, Hong Kong is looking to increase its revenue streams, pondering the addition of basketball betting which could bring in billions. And down under, Victorian gambling authorities have issued hundreds of thousands in fines to operators amongst a crackdown on underage gambling.

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Gaming companies in India gear up for GST battle

Real-money online gaming operators in India are gearing up for possible legal battles, as they await a Supreme Court ruling over the Goods and Services Tax. The method of calculation of the tax is the main element in focus, with operators claiming that the 28 percent levy would be better applied to GGR or platform fees rather than total amounts deposited. A top lawyer says the court ruling will set the precedent for how the industry moves forward.


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In 2024, 1xBet achieved significant breakthroughs and successes, solidifying its position in the iGaming industry. The brand secured major partnership deals, received prestigious awards, and showcased its innovations at the world’s leading forums.


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