Former Philippine official Alice Guo’s bail petition for her qualified human trafficking case has been denied, according to Prosecutor General Richard Fadullon on Friday.
“The evidence presented by the prosecution was found to be strong,” Fadullon stated.
Guo’s lawyer, Nicole Jamilla, previously expressed her client’s concerns about spending the holiday season at the Pasig City Jail Female Dormitory, located in Metro Manila.
“She’s worried because she’s been detained since September. That’s three months, and now it’s almost Christmas. The thought of possibly remaining in detention over the holidays adds to her anxiety and stress,” Jamilla said last week.
Guo is facing multiple charges in various courts due to her alleged involvement in the illegal operations of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs).
Despite the accusations, Guo has denied being a mastermind behind any POGO-related activities.
ZITRO, a leading global player in entertainment offering Video Bingo & Video Slots games, systems, and online gaming, has announced that its India Technology Campus in Bangalore has achieved the ISO 9001:2015 certification, a globally recognized Quality Management Systems (QMS) standard.
This milestone comes less than a year after the campus opened, underscoring Zitro’s commitment to quality management, operational efficiency, and sustainable growth.
The certification process involved a comprehensive audit of Zitro’s operations at the Bangalore Tech Campus. This included developing a robust quality management system and detailed process documentation across all departments. The audit, which took place on November 13th, confirmed the implementation and functionality of the quality system.
Zitro India’s Technology Campus, dedicated to software development, has demonstrated its unwavering focus on delivering innovative, high-quality products. This certification recognizes the effort and dedication of the Zitro team in Bangalore. It reinforces the company’s position as a benchmark in the gaming industry, highlighting its ability to maintain high-quality standards and meet the expectations of the global market.
DevilFish Poker, the pioneering creator of the free-to-play social community poker game, proudly announces its strategic partnership with EvenBet Gaming to develop cutting-edge social poker software.
The DevilFish Social Poker brand has witnessed remarkable growth over the past two quarters of 2024, fuelled by the resurgence of social-based Web3 poker on a global scale. Current industry statistics indicate that the social free-to-play market is valued at $8 billion and is projected to expand by over 8% annually. The alliance with EvenBet Gaming, a leader in poker software innovation, positions the DevilFish brand to accelerate their reach across multiple international markets.
JJ Williams, Co-Founder of W3 Marketing Ltd and Devilfish Poker, confidently stated, “The growth of social poker and free-to-play models has been undeniable in recent years. We are witnessing a revitalization of interest in poker from a diverse range of digital natives eager to engage in community gameplay and the latest Web3 innovations—such as avatars, skins, traits, NFTs (non-fungible tokens), and digital ownership.”
“Our brand is uniquely positioned, enriched by its legacy in the online poker scene and its association with the late David A. ‘Devilfish’ Ulliott, a member of the WSOP Poker Hall of Fame. Our highly engaged community represents the next generation of social poker players and followers across social media and community platforms like Discord, X and Mastodon.”
“Selecting EvenBet Gaming as a strategic partner was a critical and confident choice; they possess a deep understanding of the synergy between traditional poker, social poker, and Web3/Crypto features, allowing us to deliver unique, innovative digital products for our poker brand throughout 2025.”
Dmitry Starostenkov, CEO of EvenBet Gaming, expressed, “DevilFish embodies a powerful brand narrative within traditional online poker, and we are inspired by how the team is reimagining this digital-first/Web3 product experience.”
“From the ground up, JJ and his team have successfully built an engaged community and revitalized the gaming franchise for today’s digital players—those who have evolved with social media, crypto, gamification, and digital asset ownership. Our vision, like DevilFish is global, and my mission is to expand our poker software innovation and platform, and support JJ and his team execute their global plans, for category dominance.”
ELA Games, an innovative iGaming software provider, announces its recent strategic partnership with Interwetten, a Malta-based sports betting and casino platform founded in 1990.
Interwetten, one of Europe’s largest online betting and iGaming companies, has consistently provided entertainment and innovated its offerings since going digital in 1997. Today, it offers one of the largest catalogues of casino games and provides millions of competitive odds on live sports.
The strategic partnership between the two companies highlights ELA Games’ impressive growth and commitment to excellence as it seeks to become the industry’s leading software provider. As a result, more ELA Games titles will appear in Interwetten’s game directory for a wider audience to enjoy, ultimately increasing the former’s market presence.
David Fall, ELA Games’ Business Development Manager and spokesperson, commented on the partnership: “This strategic partnership with Interwetten is a significant milestone for ELA Games as we partner with one of the iGaming industry’s legacy companies. We look forward to having our studio’s catalogue uploaded to Interwetten’s expansive directory to increase our reach and market presence. We hope to sign similar partnerships going forward in 2025 to become the leading software provider in the industry.”
ELA Games will resume attending industry conferences in January 2025 when the studio visits ICE Barcelona. To book a meeting with the team in advance, contact [email protected].
The stage is set for an extraordinary showcase as NOVOMATIC unveils its sparkling new stand design at ICE 2025 in Barcelona – exceptional and bigger than ever before.
From January 20 to 22, visitors to the Fira Barcelona Gran Via can immerse themselves in a world of cutting-edge gaming technology, advanced hardware, and innovative solutions that are designed to dazzle and delight.
NOVOMATIC promises an unparalleled experience with its glitteringly elegant stand, showcasing exciting new product launches and beloved fan favorites. The NOVOMATIC booth at ICE Barcelona 2025 will be a bustling hub of activity, filled with groundbreaking solutions and surprises.
NOVOMATIC will present its full range of products and gaming solutions, such as land-based casino products, AWP gaming machines, casino and arcade management systems including biometric access and player tracking technologies, and secure cash handling devices, as well as sports betting products and online gaming solutions.
This 360° portfolio fulfills the highest demands in terms of technology and quality. Additionally, NOVOMATIC subsidiaries and technology partners such as NOVOMATIC Spain, NOVOMATIC Gaming UK and NOVOMATIC Italia, LÖWEN ENTERTAINMENT, APEX as well as Ainsworth Gaming Technology will showcase their current product portfolios. As a special highlight this year, a separate area has also been set up for our guests from Latin America.
A brilliant showcase: sparkling hardware highlights
The spotlight is on the magnificent V.I.P. X™ cabinet series, which sets a new standard for premium gaming entertainment. Adding even more brilliance to the show, a highly anticipated new version of one of our DIAMOND X™ cabinetswill be revealed, offering unprecedented performance and eye-catching features that will leave visitors awestruck. Monumental signs and top-tier technology will ensure an audio-visual spectacle.
Innovative gaming software takes center stage
At this year’s ICE, NOVOMATIC will shine with a game portfolio that is tuned to perfection: A range of brand-new Linked Progressives will premiere, adding further innovative elements to the NOVOMATIC content portfolio. Recent player highlights such as Piggy Prizes – Wand of Riches will attract the attention of visitors with their extraordinary gameplay and exciting mathematics. Additionally, an exceptional multigame mix will celebrate its debut, offering a customizable package solution that will cater to every operator’s needs.
With their own spectacular booth #2E40 in the iGaming area, Greentube– the digital gaming and entertainment division of NOVOMATIC – will showcase its latest iGaming offerings, perfectly complementing our land-based portfolio. Dive into an ever-expanding range of online content that includes classic NOVOMATIC hits and exclusive proprietary brands and developments. This is where innovation meets tradition in a truly thrilling way!
Finally, experience the game-changing NOVOVISION™ casino management solution built on the latest cutting-edge technologies, with a broad-based approach and constantly increasing diversification of the system functionalities, NOVOMATIC’s visionary casino management system provides a flexible solution that is made to fit any operator requirement for the modern casino and beyond. At the upcoming ICE show in Barcelona, the NOVOVISION™ team will present the latest developments specifically in two distinct set-ups: for club operations and for casino venues.
Game-changing solutions in ETG and sports betting
The future of sports betting is already here in the shape of the NOVOMATIC ActionBook™ Edge 1.43J, an upright kiosk designed for seamless betting experiences. Furthermore, the new NOVO UNITY™ PRO system will be on display: This ETG solution redefines casino gaming with unprecedented functionality and adaptability, ensuring that operators can meet the dynamic demands of the future. In particular, the Parallel Play and Simultaneous Betting options, as well as the integration of slot games are a real game changer for the casino experience – and visitors can discover this unique solution live at the ICE.
A spectacle of surprises and challenges
Visitors can expect more than just groundbreaking products. Exciting prizes, surprises, and a unique sporting challenge also await you at ICE: Can you beat the champ? Join the NOVOMATIC team and find out!
Looking forward to the brilliant premiere in Barcelona
Thomas Schmalzer, Vice President of Global Sales and Product Management at NOVOMATIC AG is looking forward to the show: “The ICE is the perfect stage for industry leaders to learn about NOVOMATIC’s diverse product range. We invite all attendees to visit one of the largest NOVOMATIC stands ever and discover how our all-encompassing solutions from elegant cabinets and spectacular signs to exciting games offering multiple feature combinations can fulfil their needs from a single source!”
Bernhard Teuchmann, Managing Director of the Product and Technology Division of NOVOMATIC Spain adds: “As this is the first time ICE is held in Barcelona, we expect a massive attendance of operators from all over the Spanish territory. NOVOMATIC Spain will have the opportunity to present the Group’s innovative potential to all of them, as well as a wide range of products”.
Don’t miss the opportunity to experience NOVOMATIC at ICE 2025! Join us at Booth #3K20-80 for a sparkling showcase that promises to set new benchmarks in gaming innovation.
Pragmatic Play, a leading content supplier to the iGaming industry, has launched Money Stacks Megaways™ with bonus game boosts and Super Collect symbols.
In this 6×7 slot with up to 117,649 ways to win, Collect and Super Collect symbols award all money values on the grid, with the latter also filling reels with extra cash prizes.
Landing 3-6 scatters activates one of two bonus games. Players can choose either 7-15 free spins with Random Wild Multipliers and a win multiplier that increases after each tumble, or 2-7 Money Spins with guaranteed Collect or Super Collect symbols on every spin.
Before the bonus game begins, players will also have the chance to select one or more random free spins modifiers to boost win potential, including extra free spins and increased win multipliers.
Money Stacks Megaways™is the latest addition to Pragmatic Play’s award-winning slots portfolio following the release of the holiday-themed Santa’s Xmas Rush and Gates of Olympus Xmas 1000.
Irina Cornides, Chief Operating Officer at Pragmatic Play, said: “Building on the popular hit slot released by Pragmatic Play in August, Money Stacks Megaways™ introduces up to 117,649 ways to win, free spins modifiers, fixed jackpot prizes, and a 10,000x max win.”
Australian gambling group Tabcorp Holdings Limited has announced a major restructuring of its Executive Leadership Team as part of a strategic initiative to enhance its wagering and media capabilities.
The changes include the creation of two key roles: Chief Wagering Officer and Chief Commercial and Media Officer, aimed at streamlining operations and boosting revenue.
The Chief Wagering Officer role will consolidate core wagering functions—spanning digital, retail, trading, marketing, and product innovation—under one executive.
According to the group, this restructuring is intended to optimize control over critical revenue-driving elements and improve connectivity within the TAB ecosystem. A search for the Chief Wagering Officer is underway, with an appointment expected in the new year.
To support these efforts, Jarrod Villani has been appointed as the new Chief Commercial and Media Officer.
The group said Villani brings ‘extensive transformation experience’ from his previous role as Regional Leader of Paramount ANZ, where he oversaw the launch of Paramount+ in Australia and negotiated key sports media rights.
Additionally, Narelle McKenzie has been named Chief Legal Officer, joining Tabcorp after nearly 20 years at Telstra, bringing in legal expertise that is expected to benefit the highly regulated technology and telecommunications sectors.
Meanwhile, Robert Fraser has been appointed Chief Technology & Transformation Officer, leveraging his experience in enterprise transformation and digital operations from his previous role at Ausnet Services.
These changes come alongside the announcement of Justin Milne’s retirement from the Tabcorp Board, effective December 31st 2024. Milne has served as a Non-Executive Director since 2011 and has contributed significantly to various Board Committees.
Managing Director & CEO Elect Gillon McLachlan expressed enthusiasm for the new structure, stating that it “will increase our wagering capability and drive growth across both wagering and media. By simplifying our model, we can ensure first-class execution.”
McLachlan also acknowledged the contributions of outgoing executives Jenni Barnett and Alan Sharvin, who will be leaving the company.
During a recent visit to Macau, Chinese President Xi Jinping has emphasized the urgent need for the Special Administrative Region (SAR) to diversify its economy away from its heavy reliance on gaming.
Xi’s remarks came as part of celebrations marking the 25th anniversary of Macau’s handover to China, and in a speech following the swearing-in of the SAR’s new Chief Executive, Sam Hou Fai.
Xi reiterated that, while Macau has made significant strides in economic recovery following the downturn caused by the pandemic, there is a need to reduce the reliance on the SAR’s casino sector.
“Efforts should be made to promote moderate economic diversification[…] and focus on cultivating new industries with international competitiveness”, the president stated.
Macau’s GDP saw an 11.5 percent increase in the first three quarters of 2024, but over 81 percent of government revenue still derives from gaming-related taxes. This dependency poses risks highlighted during the pandemic, prompting central authorities to call for a shift in economic focus.
The city’s six casino operators managed to renew their licenses in 2022 only after they pledged to invest in other sectors, with $14.9 billion ($20.13 billion) earmarked for non-gaming projects such as theme parks and conference venues.
At the same time, six historic areas – one for each concessionaire – were earmarked for revitalization.
In his address, Macau’s new top official Sam Hou Fai echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the need to address the SAR’s “economic imbalances” and address key issues impacting the life of residents such as social security, healthcare, elderly care, and urban redevelopment.
Sam proposed boosting the “1+4” strategy aimed at nurturing emerging industries, including MICE, tech, health and finance, while developing a more balanced economic landscape by supporting traditional sectors and small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
Macau’s new Chief Executive promised the new administration would tackle the the SAR’s “economic imbalances”
Xi also underscored the need to optimize the business environment and renew trade laws to attract international investment, mentioning the development of Hengqin as part of a strategy to diversify Macau’s economy and improve living conditions for residents.
Since the beginning of the year, the Central Government has announced a series of measures to support Macau, such as increasing the tax exemption limit for goods for personal use purchased by visitors from China, who, while on excursions, can also, within a period of seven days, travel several times between the SAR and Hengqin.
At the same time, Chinese authorities expanded the list of places with “individual visas” to visit Hong Kong and Macau to 10 more cities in China.
Authorities have also attempted to expand the pool of tourists visiting the city, with most tourists currently hailing from mainland China.
In the first 11 months of 2024, Macau visitor arrivals reached almost 31.9 million, 26.2 percent more than in the same period of last year and 87.8 percent of that recorded between January and November of 2019.
According to tourism authorities, Macau visitor arrivals topped 2,832,041 in November. For the first time since the end of the pandemic, the city received more international visitors in November than in the same month of 2019, with more than 241,000 visitors from outside China visiting the SAR.
Visitor arrivals 2024 vs 2023Visitor arrivals 2024 vs 2019
This value represents an increase of 20.9 percent compared to the same month in 2023 and an increase of 7 percent compared to the same period in 2019.
Still, data show that the overwhelming majority (89 percent) of tourists entering Macau in November came from mainland China or Hong Kong.
Macau Visitor Arrivals November 2024
On August 26th, the Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO) launched a draw for 100 travel packages, which include air tickets and hotel accommodation for international tourists who participate in an online survey.
At the same time, the MGTO Director Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes, said she hoped that Macau could receive more than three million international visitors in 2025.
The approval of Curacao’s new online gambling law, known as the Landsverordening op de Kansspelen (LOK), marks a turning point for the island’s gaming industry.
Enacted with 13 votes in favor and six against in Parliament, the LOK aims to establish a more transparent and regulated framework for online gaming.
Finance Minister Javier Silvania championed the law, emphasizing its potential to generate at least ANG40 million ($22.2 million) annually in licensing fees. However, the legislation has faced significant criticism, particularly from whistleblower Luigi Faneyte, who has called it a potential “money laundering law” with far-reaching risks for Curacao and its position within the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
Minister Silvania presented the LOK as a necessary step to address the challenges of Curacao’s online gambling sector. According to him, the new law will eliminate the previous system’s vulnerabilities, including inadequate oversight and the potential exploitation of licensing by criminal organizations. Under the LOK, licenses will now require a minimum fee of ANG120,000 ($66,600), and applicants must meet stricter criteria to obtain permits. Silvania argued that these measures would ensure only reputable operators remain in the market.
With 200 licenses already issued and another 1,000 applications pending, the law’s anticipated revenue has been earmarked for social initiatives, such as increasing pensions and supporting sports programs.
While Silvania remains optimistic, Faneyte’s scathing critique underscores the complexities and potential pitfalls of the legislation. He argues that the law, in its current form, lacks the safeguards needed to prevent abuse. Faneyte has raised concerns over vague promises of jobs and revenue, emphasizing that no detailed plan exists to ensure the local population benefits from the new system. Additionally, he warned that the high costs associated with implementing the LOK could create a financial burden rather than the projected profits.
One of the most contentious issues is the transition of the Gaming Control Board (GCB) into the newly established Curacao Gaming Authority (CGA). Faneyte described this process as chaotic and expensive, pointing out that the GCB is already struggling to manage the growing number of licenses. With inadequate staffing and unclear regulations, the GCB’s inability to effectively oversee the industry has led to a surge in complaints from both players and operators. Players have reported financial losses and illegal practices, while operators criticize the lack of clear guidelines and responsiveness.
Faneyte’s criticism extends to the acceptance of cryptocurrency payments by the GCB, which he claims is occurring without a solid legal framework. Both the Central Bank of Curacao and Sint Maarten and the Dutch Central Bank have warned against such practices, citing the lack of oversight and the potential for misuse. Faneyte fears this could turn Curacao into a hub for organized crime, attracting bad actors seeking to exploit the gaps in regulation. He also warned that these issues could have broader implications for the Kingdom of the Netherlands, potentially damaging its reputation in the global financial system.
The financial risks are significant. Faneyte cautioned that Curacao could face blacklisting by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) if the law’s implementation is deemed inadequate. Such a designation would make the island an undesirable partner for international financial institutions, with severe economic consequences. The FATF blacklist is reserved for jurisdictions with insufficient legislation and poor cooperation, and being included would further isolate Curacao economically and politically.
Despite these warnings, the LOK’s proponents argue that the law is a step forward in professionalizing Curacao’s gambling industry. Minister Silvania insists that the measures outlined in the LOK will bring much-needed structure and revenue to the sector, addressing longstanding criticisms of the island’s regulatory framework. Funds generated from the new licensing system are expected to support social programs and improve the quality of life for disadvantaged citizens.
Faneyte, however, remains unconvinced. He has vowed to continue advocating for those harmed by the LOK, including players and operators who may suffer under the new system. He predicts that the current implementation of the law will lead to chaos and financial instability, with the worst consequences yet to come. According to him, the LOK represents a missed opportunity to enact meaningful reform and safeguard the nation’s integrity.
The passage of the LOK has left Curacao at a crossroads. While the law’s supporters envision a more regulated and prosperous gaming sector, critics warn of potential disasters stemming from inadequate preparation and oversight.
Many operators who have been leaving the jurisdiction due to the lengthy period of uncertainty will now be looking at the Caribbean island again, but with other jurisdictions having filled the temporary gap left by Curacao, only time will tell if the island nation can indeed use the new regulations to lift itself up and above smaller jurisdictions to compete with Tier 1 licensing regimes such as Malta and the Isle of Man.
Good morning. There’s nothing better than support from the higher-ups. And Macau got exactly this praise when President Xi Jinping landed in the SAR. The top official lauded Macau for having a “promising future ahead”, hopefully indicating that the mainland will continue promising policies to allow the flow of punters into the city. Meanwhile, Australia’s responsible wagering watchdog has criticized a recent move to exclude companies from access to research and development tax incentives, asking for legislation that supports “innovation, economic growth, and jobs”.
Ahead of Macau’s 25th-anniversary celebration, the president of China, Xi Jinping, arrived in the SAR, signalling a transition of power but also cementing the belief in the gaming industry’s economic importance. After landing in the gaming hub, China’s top leader lauded Macau’s internationally recognized success, noting that it has a “promising future ahead.”
Established over a decade ago, The MongolZ has experienced numerous roster changes. However, in 2023, The MongolZ made a triumphant return, fueled by a robust partnership with 1xBet and the emergence of a new generation of talented Mongolian players.
Altenar, a leading sportsbook provider is bringing its global expertise to Asia, looking to expand its operations. Since 2011, Altenar has powered hundreds of online sports betting sites worldwide and is a major B2B provider in Europe and Latin America licensed markets.
