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POGO raid in Pasay hotel results in arrest of 6 Korean nationals, 15 Filipinos

Kelsey Wilhelm
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POGO raid in Pasay hotel results in arrest of 6 Korean nationals, 15 Filipinos

Philippine authorities have arrested six South Korean nationals and 15 Filipinos in yet another raid on an alleged Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) hub in Pasay City.

The raid was conducted on Monday, with the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) coordinating with the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) and the Bureau of Immigration.

The raid was conducted based on intelligence that the group was “engaged in online gaming that targets Korean nationals,” notes the Philippine News Agency.

The operation was conducted in a room in the basement of the Heritage Hotel in Pasay City, with the raid being carried out at 5:20pm on Monday.

According to the PAOCC, the individuals involved were also allegedly involved in game fixing and online scamming.

The suspects have been detained at the PAOCC custodial facility and are facing possible charges including violating the Securities Regulation Code, Illegal Gambling in Relation to Republic Act 10175, Money Laundering and the Anti-Financial Account Scamming Act.

Authorities have been carrying out a series of raids to eliminate all vestiges of POGO operations in the country after they were banned by executive order, effective from January 1st, 2025.

Daily Asia Gaming eBrief: Former The Star executive settles with ASIC

AGBrief Editorial
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Daily Asia Gaming eBrief: Former The Star executive settles with ASIC
Good morning. The Australian Securities and Investments Commission doesn’t want to miss out on the regulatory action against casino operators and executives, going after the former Chief Casino Officer of The Star for breaches of directors’ duties. The settlement agreement marks a first, as ASIC is targeting a non-executive director. Meanwhile, cold water has been thrown on Thai punters’ local gaming aspirations, with proposals for proof of $1.5 million in fixed deposits for locals to gamble in future casinos. And in South Korea, INSPIRE is getting a rebrand, as Bain Capital takes over management rights for the property.

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The Star Entertainment, Sydney, Australia_

Former Star executive settles with ASIC over junket issue 

Australian casino operators and executives continue to face the backlash from ties to Macau-based junkets years after they ended. In a first, the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has gone after a non-executive director, this time focusing on former The Star executive Greg Hawkins. ASIC has mandated Hawkins pay a near-$115,000 settlement and face an 18-month disqualification from managing ASX-listed companies.

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1xBet’s 2024 Milestones: key achievements & heights of success

1xBet 2024 Milestones Key achievements and new heights of success

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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Macau MICE events rise, but participation drops in 2024

Kelsey Wilhelm
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Macau MICE events rise, but participation drops in 2024

Macau continued to bank on non-gaming spend in 2024, with recent data showing that the number of MICE events in the territory rose by 31.4 percent yearly to 1,524 last year.

Despite the increase in events, the total number of MICE participants fell by 17.1 percent to just 1.33 million, due to less exhibition attendees.

This also caused a fall in MICE receipts for non-gaming industries of 8.2 percent yearly, to MOP5.48 billion ($684.28 million).

Meetings and conferences saw a 32.2 increase in number during the year, amounting to 1,423, with the number of participants growing by 8.2 percent yearly to 185,000.

Exhibitions totaled just 61, down by 3 yearly, with attendee numbers falling by 20.5 percent to 1.13 million.

Exhibitions brought in 7,093 exhibitors and 52,651 professional visitors, decreases of 1.5 percent and 12.1 percent, respectively. Of the exhibitors and attendees, 51.9 percent and 51.5 percent, respectively, were non-locals.

Stalking horse bidder for IPI’s assets makes $1.25M good faith deposit

Kelsey Wilhelm
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Stalking horse bidder for IPI’s assets makes $1.25M good faith deposit

The stalking horse bidder for Imperial Pacific International’s casino assets has made a $1.25 million good faith deposit for the purchase.

According to the Marianas Variety, Loi Lam Sit made the deposit on February 10th -as indicated in a motion filed in the federal bankruptcy court.

The move paves the way for other potential bidders to enter the scene and ensure a fair market price.

Loi is a Hong Kong resident and general manager of cosmetic products distributor Top Pride International.

Earlier this month, IPI and its committee of unsecured creditors requested approval for Loi Lam Sit to be the designated stalking horse bidder for the assets for sale – including contracts, property in Saipan, and a potential casino license.

According to a motion filed this includes the hotel building currently under construction and the casino, a leasehold of approximately 19,204 square meters and ownership interest in Imperial Pacific Properties LLC, which holds leasehold interests on eight lots adjacent to the main property.

An auction has been scheduled for February 26th, 2025, to determine the highest bid.

IPI filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in April of 2024, owing creditors over $165.8 million.

Marina Bay Sands secures $9B syndicated loan: report

Kelsey Wilhelm
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Marina Bay Sands secures $9B syndicated loan: report

Marina Bay Sands has reportedly secured a record SG$12 billion ($9 billion) loan to help fund the expansion of the integrated resort in Singapore.

According to Bloomberg, the multi-tranche loan was coordinated by DBS Group Holdings, Malayan Banking, OCBC and the United Overseas Bank. Some 22 other lenders were involved when the loan was syndicated to the broader market.

Information about the loan was first revealed last November, with the proceeds expected to be used to finance an existing SG$ billion ($3 billion) seven-year loan from August 2019, as well as to help fund MBS’ expansion. Expansion costs have risen to around $8 billion, up from the $3.3 billion estimate in 2019.

The expansion plan – entitled MBS IR2 – includes a fourth hotel tower with over 570 rooms, expanded casino space, a 15,000-seat arena, sky roof and 110,000 square feet for MICE.

The new loan is said to be the largest syndicated loan in Singapore’s history, beating a 2012 loan that totaled SG$9.3 billion ($6.93 billion).

Bain Capital takes over management rights of Mohegan INSPIRE resort

Kelsey Wilhelm
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Bain Capital takes over management rights of Mohegan INSPIRE resort

Management rights for the Mohegan INSPIRE resort in Incheon, South Korea, have been taken over by private equity firm Bain Capital.

The US-based firm has exercised its acquisition rights for INSPIRE’s parent firm MGE Korea Limited, in what appears to be a conversion of bonds in MGE Korea to equity.

The move was likely due to the financial difficulties the property has been experiencing since its opening, with lenders recently demanding repayment acceleration on a loan used to finance the $1.6 billion property.

The loan, totaling approximately $275 million, was backed by Bain – with the lender earlier this month demanding full repayment if the borrower failed to meet specific contract terms.

The management change also implies a rebranding of the property to Inspire Entertainment Resort.

According to an Inspire official quoted by media, the acquisition will not affect employee security or the routine operation of the resort.

Inspire’s current management is now working with Bain on a smooth transition.

Thai punters would require $1.5M in fixed deposits for casino entry: draft law

Kelsey Wilhelm
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Thai punters would require $1.5M in fixed deposits for casino entry: draft law

Thailand is aiming to put in place strict entry requirements for locals wishing to gamble in possible future casinos in the country, with a minimum of THB50 million ($1.5 million) in fixed deposits for at least six months.

According to Reuters, the new draft regulation – issued by the Office of the Council of State – also includes an entry fee capped at THB5,000 ($148). This contrasts to Singapore’s entry fee for locals of SG$150 ($110) per 24-hour period, or SG$3,000 ($2,230) for a one-year period.

Experts consulted by the publication state that the entry fee could effectively make Thailand a foreigner-only regime, such as South Korea.

Public hearings for the draft law are being held now until March 1st, after which the draft law has to be approved by the cabinet before progressing to parliament for debate.

Aside from the entry levy and financial security requirement for Thai punters, another point of debate is the size of the casino space. Deputy Finance Minister Jualporn Amonvivat has proposed limiting casino space to 10 percent of each complex, currently outlined in the draft law.

Despite studies indicating the potential for strong local play in Thailand, helping possibly drive the country to become the third-largest gaming jurisdiction worldwide, public opposition still remains strong. A poll conducted by the National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA) revealed that a majority of the Thai public still opposes the legalization of casinos.

Melco Resorts receives global recognition for leading Corporate Sustainability initiatives

AGBrief Editorial
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Melco Resorts receives global recognition for leading Corporate Sustainability initiatives

Melco Resorts & Entertainment has been honored by the renowned S&P Corporate Sustainability Assessment (CSA), which evaluates companies’ sustainability performance.

Melco has also attained a Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM) certification for Studio City Phase II for its efforts in sustainable development.

Melco has been included and named “Industry Mover” within the Casinos & Gaming industry in the newly published S&P Global Sustainability Yearbook 2025, widely regarded as the benchmarking resource for corporate sustainability performance. Yearbook members are selected based on their score from the S&P Global 2024 CSA.

To be listed, companies must score within the top 15% of their industry and achieve a CSA score within 30% of their industry’s top-performing company. Melco is positioned among the top performing companies selected for inclusion from a total of 7,690 global companies across more than 60 industries. 

Furthermore, by incorporating the very highest sustainability standards, Melco’s Studio City Phase 2 development has achieved the BREEAM “Excellent” rating for New Construction, becoming the first BREEAM certified project in Macau, following its earlier “Excellent” rating for the design stage. The BREEAM New Construction standards provide a framework to support the delivery of new build assets which are both high performing and sustainable. The framework aims to create positive environmental and social impact while supporting commercial success. 

Studio City Epic Tower, Melco Resorts, Macau

Mr. Lawrence Ho, Chairman and CEO of Melco, said, “In our goal to inspire guests by showing them a sustainable future is a better future, we are honored to be recognized by S&P and BREEAM for our dedicated efforts towards our sustainability ethos, reflecting our commitment at every operational level and touchpoint. As highlighted in our sustainability strategy ‘Above & Beyond’, we will strive to continue to make a positive impact in everything we do, leading by example, and showing that it is possible to be successful while being responsible stewards of our planet and communities.” 

In addition, the Studio City Phase 2 development is also the first BREEAM-certified project in China under the category International 2016 New Construction: Bespoke scheme with an “Excellent” rating. In 2021, Studio City Phase 2 was named the “Regional Award, Asia” winner at the BREEAM Awards. 

1xAffiliates to participate in Affiliate World Dubai exhibition

AGBrief Editorial
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1xAffiliates to participate in Affiliate World Dubai exhibition

1xAffiliates, a leader in the betting industry, will take part in Affiliate World Dubai, one of the year’s largest affiliate marketing events, held on February 26-27 in Dubai, UAE, with over 7,500 participants from 110 countries.

1xAffiliates has become a Diamond Sponsor of the summit, and attendees can meet with representatives of the global company at booth B14. 1xAffiliates top managers will be happy to discuss the latest trends in affiliate marketing and the opportunities available to both old and new partners through the brand’s affiliate program.

Some of the questions that the 1xAffiliates team will be happy to answer include:

  • How to increase conversions and profits?
  • What exclusive approaches can help solve current challenges?
  • How to make collaboration as effective as possible?

    The 1xAffiliates team will give away an iPhone 16 and AirPods Max among the visitors at the booth. The draws will take place on February 26 and 27 at 3:00 PM. 1xAffiliates team has also prepared exciting activities for its partners.

    The 1xAffiliates betting company sees events of this size as a unique opportunity to strengthen existing partnerships and build new connections in one of the key regions for the company’s business. Such events contribute to steady progress in partner relations and the entire industry’s growth.

    The 1xAffiliates program has over 100,000 partners from dozens of countries. They have access to unique marketing tools and a vast collection of promo materials that help achieve high conversion rates. Automatic payouts are available every week, and partners can use over 200 payment systems for commission withdrawals. A personal approach to each partner and prompt consultations attract new participants to the program. It’s no surprise that 1xAffiliates has received the most prestigious industry awards.

    FBM introduces Jí Hǎo Link Spirits at Gulfstream Casino

    AGBrief Editorial
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    FBM introduces Jí Hǎo Link Spirits at Gulfstream Casino

    The Jí Hǎo Link Spirits game suite has landed at Gulfstream Casino, introducing the Golden Lóng Spirits and Eternal Fènghuáng Spirits themes for an exciting gaming experience. This installation represents an important expansion for FBM, a leading global gaming brand increasing its slots presence in Miami.

    February has been an intense month for FBM’s casino operations in the United States. Following the impactful launch of Jí Hǎo Link Spirits, the brand has now introduced this exciting slot product line at Gulfstream Casino, adding value and excitement to the casino floor.

    FBM launches Jí Hǎo Link Spirits slot games in the United States

    Gulfstream Racing and Casino is a premier destination for gaming and horse racing enthusiasts’ destination in Hallandale Beach, Florida. The casino features state-of-the-art slot machines and thrilling electronic table games, with action-packed promotions and giveaways, as well as thoroughbred racing year-round featuring prestigious race events in the sport, including the Pegasus World Cup and Florida Derby. 

    Gulfstream Racing and Casino
    Gulfstream Racing and Casino

    Jí Hǎo Link Spirits is the perfect choice for players seeking thrilling, long-lasting, and entertaining gaming sessions. The unpredictability of the Spirits feature, which can reward players with free “flights” and big wins during the main game or free spins, builds excitement around the Golden Lóng Spirits and Eternal Fènghuáng Spirits slots.

    FBM launches Jí Hao Link™ Spirits in the United States

    Slot players at Gulfstream Casino can now enjoy engaging gaming sessions with the two Jí Hǎo Link Spirits slots, collecting Extra Coins, Spirits Coins, and Jackpot Coins on the Auria casino cabinet.

    Mike Medlin (GM, Sales & Operations at FBM) expressed his gratitude to Psalm Bautista (Director of Slot Operations) for his confidence and trust in FBM Gaming and for launching this innovative new game suite in Gulfstream Casino. FBM appreciated the efforts and collaboration of Psalm and his entire technical team, led by Barrion “Butch” Martin and Bonifacio Gonzalez.

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