The bill to institutionalize the ban on Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) has moved to the Senate plenary on Monday.
Senator Sherwin Gatchalian introduced Senate Bill 2868, known as the proposed Anti-POGO Act of 2024, which includes the committee report 342 crafted by the Senate ways and means committee.
Gatchalian explained that the bill aims to permanently end POGO operations in the Philippines and is in line with the Executive Order issued by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. He emphasized that the bill would ensure the prohibition remains in effect beyond the current administration.
Gatchalian highlighted that the proposed law outlines clear provisions to terminate offshore gaming in the country, with the goal of ensuring that no individual or entity can operate or offer offshore gaming within Philippine territory starting January 1st, 2025.
The bill also prohibits and penalizes a range of activities related to POGOs, including the establishment, operation, or conduct of offshore gaming, accepting bets linked to these operations, providing gaming content or services for POGOs, operating a POGO hub or site, and possessing gaming equipment related to offshore gaming. The law further stipulates that all POGO-related licenses will be revoked by December 31st, 2024.
Risa Hontiveros
In the plenary session, Deputy Minority Leader Risa Hontiveros reiterated the need for a law that would permanently expel and ban POGOs from the Philippines. She emphasized that Senate Bill 2868 would effectively end POGO operations in the country.
Hontiveros criticized POGOs for promising jobs and benefits, but delivering instead harm and security risks. She reaffirmed her longstanding opposition to POGOs, saying that their operations have brought deception and danger to Filipinos and undermined national order.
The senator also pledged to introduce amendments to the bill to impose harsher penalties on government officials who assist or allow the continuation of POGO operations.
New Zealand has officially announced its intention to ban greyhound racing, citing an alarming rate of injuries among the dogs involved in the sport.
This decision marks a significant shift in the country’s stance on greyhound racing, which has faced considerable scrutiny and criticism over the years.
According to BBC, Racing Minister Winston Peters stated that the decision to ban the sport is driven by the need to protect the welfare of racing dogs. Despite notable progress within the industry, the percentage of injuries has remained persistently high.
In 2021 alone, 232 racing greyhounds died, and approximately 900 suffered injuries. These figures, highlighted in local media reports, underscore the ongoing concerns surrounding the treatment of these animals.
The government plans to wind down the greyhound racing industry over the next 20 months, providing time for the rehoming of racing dogs and helping individuals in the industry transition to alternative employment. This phased approach aims to minimize disruption and ensure that the welfare of the dogs is prioritized during the transition.
A “monumental win”
The announcement has elicited mixed reactions. Animal rights organizations, such as Safe, have celebrated the decision, calling it a “monumental win for animal rights.” They have long campaigned against greyhound racing, emphasizing the need for better treatment of animals within the industry.
The SPCA, New Zealand’s oldest animal welfare charity, also expressed its excitement, urging other countries that permit greyhound racing to consider similar actions.
Conversely, Greyhound Racing New Zealand, which represents various racing clubs across the country, expressed devastation over the government’s proposal. The association’s chairman, Sean Hannan, voiced concerns about the potential cultural and economic void that the ban could create.
Greyhound racing contributes significantly to New Zealand’s racing industry, accounting for 8.5 percent of the NZ$1.3 billion ($754.3 million) racing sector and supporting over 1,000 full-time jobs.
The price list for the Macau outdoor performance venue has been approved by the government and was made public on Tuesday.
According to the dispatch, the fees will be based on the scale of the event, with a maximum charge of MOP500,000 ($62,380) per day. During the trial operation period next year, a 25 percent discount will be applied.
The venue cost MOP 84 million ($10.5 million) to build. Fees for the outdoor performance area are calculated based on the maximum number of attendees per performance, with different rates depending on audience size.
For events with fewer than 30,000 attendees, the fee for the performance day is MOP350,000 ($43,667), and MOP175,000 ($21,834) for rehearsal or setup days. For events with more than 30,000 attendees, the fee for the performance day is MOP500,000 ($62,380), and MOP250,000 ($31,190) for rehearsal or setup days.
The outdoor performance venue, located in Cotai, officially opened last Saturday, with its first concert scheduled for December 28. For residents, concert tickets will be available at a discounted price of just MOP 50 ($6.30).
The government-organized concert will coincide with two other events hosted by gaming operators. One will be a fan meeting with Korean singer and actor Lee Joon Gi at Studio City, while the other will feature Hong Kong pop star MC Cheung Tinfu, who will perform at least four shows over two weekends at The Londoner Arena.
The Venetian Arena, after months of refurbishment, has just reopened and hosted its first event, the NBA Legends Celebrity Game, last Saturday.
The head of the Cultural Affairs Bureau, Leong Wai Man, has revealed that some international event organizers have shown interest in the outdoor performance venue. In the future, the government will also open a call for performance proposals, using criteria such as the reputation and international influence of the performers, cultural tourism benefits, and the potential impact on local development to select events for the outdoor performance area.
Meanwhile, Galaxy Entertainment‘s Senior Vice President of Entertainment Services, Jeffrey Jiang, expressed his optimism about developing the city as the “City of Performances.” He indicated that concerts could help boost the local economy and believes Macau is now ready to host larger international concerts featuring superstars.
The Isle of Man Gambling Supervision Commission (GSC) has revoked the license of Metagrow Solutions Limited.
The cancellation, effective December 6th, 2024, comes amid broader allegations of misconduct involving Metagrow’s stakeholders and a parallel scandal impacting Malaysian software company Rexit Bhd.
Metagrow, licensed under the Isle of Man’s Online Gambling Regulation Act 2001 (OGRA) since March 2023, had its license suspended on November 12th, 2024, before being fully revoked.
The GSC cited a critical failure in meeting the integrity standards required for license holders, stating it was “no longer satisfied that Metagrow was under the control of a person of integrity.” This decision aligns with the GSC’s mandate to safeguard the Isle of Man’s reputation as a globally trusted jurisdiction for online gaming operations.
The GSC emphasized its commitment to regulatory excellence, citing section 5(3)(e) of the Gambling Supervision Act 2010, which prioritizes maintaining the island’s standing as a reputable hub for regulated gaming.
The cancellation follows a high-profile legal case in Singapore involving two prominent stakeholders linked to Metagrow. Malaysian nationals Datuk Seow Gim Shen and Kong Chien Hoi were sentenced to 14 weeks in jail on October 24th, 2024, for conspiring with Chinese national Sun Jiao to illegally obtain the personal data of 9,369 individuals. Seow and Kong were major shareholders in Rexit Bhd, a Malaysian SaaS provider, with Seow holding 23.33 percent and Kong indirectly owning 18 percent through Metaco Asset Holdings Sdn Bhd.
This scandal has cast a shadow over Rexit, whose shares slid 4 percent in the wake of the sentencing. The company has seen a total decline of over 16 percent in share value this year, with 1.1 million shares traded immediately after the news broke. The ripple effects of the scandal extend beyond financial markets, highlighting the challenges posed by cross-border data crimes and their implications for corporate governance.
The GSC’s swift action to revoke Metagrow’s license underscores the Isle of Man’s zero-tolerance approach to unethical behavior. By distancing itself from entities linked to questionable activities, the Isle of Man reinforces its standing as a gold standard in gaming regulation. For Metagrow, the license cancellation effectively halts its operations under the Isle of Man’s jurisdiction, significantly impacting its global business prospects.
Through a rigorous selection process, the NOVOVISION™ casino management system emerged victorious, meeting the highest standards of Estoril Sol, SGPS. NOVOMATIC’s innovative solution for future-proof casino operations went live at Casino Lisboa at the end of November, with Casino Estoril set to follow in phase two during Q1/25.
Casino Estoril, and its sister location Casino Lisboa range without doubt among the most exciting continental venues for those seeking an enthralling gaming and leisure entertainment experience.
With a strong focus on modern gaming and hospitality as well as promoting culture and arts, the venues of Estoril Sol provide attractive offers for tourists and local guests alike.
Excellent customer service and maximum convenience for the guests were a key focus in the operator’s search for a modern casino management solution that would increase operational efficiency, profitability and security at the same time as taking the customer journey to the next level.
The ideal solution was found in the wide NOVOMATIC portfolio of gaming technologies: NOVOVISION™, a proprietary casino management system that was originally developed for the Group’s own operations before it turned into a growing success with third party customers. Built on the latest cutting-edge technologies, NOVOVISION™ is a visionary solution with extensive features that cover all areas of a modern gaming operation and beyond.
Once all the requirements had been determined, the expert team behind NOVOVISION™ went above and beyond to implement a comprehensive solution with a variety of fully customized functionalities that have been specially developed for the specific requirements of Estoril Sol. The first installation at the Casino Lisboa went live in November after a smooth three-week roll-out that was conducted during ongoing business – and it has introduced a next generation player journey.
The well-diversified gaming offer at the Casino Lisboa spans across three floors, with hundreds of video slots and live games comprising Poker, Roulette, Black Jack, Macau Baccarat as well as the typically Portuguese dice game French Bank, next to two restaurants and four bars. NOVOVISION™ was implemented in Lisbon with an almost full suite of the modular functionalities encompassing the entire business operation as well as the player journey from A to Z, via NV core, access, pay, wallet, promo, smart and more.
The first point of contact with NOVOVISION™ for the guest entering the casino are the brand-new NOVOVISION™ Self-Registration Terminals (SRT) and the registration desks at the entrance where, after the obligatory due diligence, KYC and GDPR procedures, they can choose to either agree to a biometric registration via fingerprint / facial scan with card or will receive a QR code that entitles them to pass the new NOVOVISION™ access gates.
In total, all 634 EGMs have been equipped with biometric NOVOVISION™ player tracking modules and 27 live tables retrofitted with facial recognition equipment. The single wallet functionality guarantees maximum ease of play, an accurate allocation of promotional points and extra loyalty features at the Promo Tower for the guests as well as accounting and player tracking data in real-time for the casino. Estoril Sol has opted for the full biometric functionalities as well as NOVOVISION™ BI, the NOVOVISION™ notifier smart staff app, comprehensive marketing & loyalty features, and the custom-tailored QR code solution.
Jens Einhaus, Head of Sales & Product Marketing NBS at NOVOMATIC
Jens Einhaus, Head of Sales & Product Marketing NBS at NOVOMATIC, said: “It is very gratifying to see such a comprehensive system installation in operation with such a renowned customer. The NOVOVISION™ functionalities have been designed to closely interlock and work in tandem in order to fully exploit the powerful potential of the solution, which offers so much more than your standard CMS.”
“I would also like to express my thanks for Estoril Sol management’s trust and support and the excellent cooperation with all Estoril Sol’s teams that have been directly involved. A special thanks also to our long-time distributor, Diverstock Entertainment, that has been supporting us for more than 20 years in Portugal and has contributed to this hard but successful journey.”
Bruno Ferreira, Gaming Manager at Casinos Lisboa and Estoril
Bruno Ferreira, Gaming Manager/Coordinator Casinos Lisboa and Estoril, added: “By choosing NOVOVISION™, Estoril Sol sought to stand out and position itself technologically at the forefront of the national sector. We want to revolutionize the experience we offer our customers today and for that we need to know them better. We are convinced that with this system, which is much more comprehensive than the previous one, we will be able to achieve our goals.”
“The migration process was quick and efficient. I would like to thank NOVOMATIC’s management team for their support throughout the process, and their entire operational team involved in this implementation. I also need to thank Diverstock, Estoril Sol’s long-standing partner, for their commitment and support throughout the process. And, last but not least, to the entire Estoril Sol team and consultants that were involved in the project. Together they were all crucial to the success of this implementation.”
Evoplay, the award-winning game development studio, has launched Hot Triple Sevens Hold and Win, the latest addition to its popular flaming sevens series.
The game features a traditional 5×3 reel layout enhanced with dynamic visuals and a light board that tracks every win, creating an interactive and visually appealing experience.
Its standout Bonus Game, triggered by six or more Bonus symbols, allows players to win four jackpots, including the Grand Jackpot worth 3,000x the bet.
In the Bonus Game, Hot Bonus symbols elevate gameplay by increasing the potential for bigger rewards. These symbols are boosted with a random money value with the chance to be upgraded to the MINI, MEGA, or SUPER jackpot.
Additional features include a Free Spins mode, where all wins are tripled, and a Bonus Buy option for immediate access to the game’s most rewarding mechanics.
With its familiar mechanics and rewarding new features, Hot Triple Sevens Hold and Win is a versatile addition to any operator’s portfolio, designed to attract and retain a broad player base.
Ivan Kravchuk, CEO at Evoplay, said: “Hot Triple Sevens Hold and Win marks another milestone in our mission to deliver high-energy, player-focused experiences. This latest addition to the series builds on its success, offering even more ways to win and enjoy the thrill of gameplay. From captivating visuals to innovative features, we’re confident this game will heat up our portfolio and provide operators with a valuable addition to their offerings.”
Altenar, a leading sportsbook and iGaming software provider, has announced a strategic partnership with iGaming technology and service provider, BetStarters.
The collaboration will see Altenar’s award-winning sportsbook platform integrated into BetStarters’ solutions, enhancing its offering across emerging markets.
BetStarters specialises in delivering white-label and turnkey platforms for online casinos and sportsbooks, catering to operators in rapidly growing regions such as Africa, Asia, and South America.
The company’s focus on customisable solutions, seamless integrations, and operational support empowers operators to launch and scale their gaming businesses with confidence.
Through this partnership, Altenar continues to solidify its position as a trusted sportsbook provider to hundreds of operators worldwide. Renowned for its robust, flexible technology, Altenar enables partners to navigate diverse markets whilst delivering engaging player experiences.
Francesco Papallo, Regional Director at Altenar, said: “We are delighted to collaborate with BetStarters and provide them with our award-winning sportsbook. With our best-in-class solutions, BetStarters will have the tools to deliver exceptional player engagement and grow their presence in key markets. Altenar has a strong track record of empowering operators, and we’re excited to embark on this journey with BetStarters.”
Glenn Debattista, COO at BetStarters, said: “At BetStarters, we strive to offer our clients industry-leading technology, and our partnership with Altenar exemplifies this commitment. Altenar’s robust sportsbook platform, paired with their innovative approach, aligns perfectly with our vision for delivering top-tier turnkey and white-label solutions. This new agreement will enable us to provide unparalleled opportunities to our operator partners worldwide.”
ZITRO, a leading global player in entertainment offering Video Bingo & Video Slots games, systems, and online gaming, is set to showcase its CONCEPT cabinet line at the upcoming ICE Barcelona.
This innovative series introduces three distinct cabinet models: the ‘Concept Prime,’ ‘Concept Prime-J,’ and the ‘Concept Deluxe.’ Each form factor is crafted to elevate the gaming experience with exceptional features, including its ‘Magic Lighting’ show synchronized with gameplay, the spacious ‘XXL deck,’ designed for exceptional ergonomics and unmatched comfort, and larger screens that further elevate player immersion.
Zitro will also highlight a diverse lineup of games compatible with the new CONCEPT and GLARE form factors. This strategic move reinforces Zitro’s commitment to providing operators with maximum flexibility and securing their investment. Among the standout titles featured are: ‘Legendary Sword,’ ‘Triple Charm Journey,’ ‘Lucky Vault,’ ‘Cash Totems,’ ‘Fairyland Quest,’ ‘Merging Fu Pots,’ ‘King Fu Frog,’ and many more.
Zitro’s games and cabinets are designed to interconnect through ‘Mega Lounge’ or ‘Grand Mega Lounge’ products. These dedicated areas within the casino feature Zitro machines, all linked and contributing to a shared Mega or Grand Mega Jackpot. Zitro will also display its WAP (Wide Area Progressive) game portfolio, already operational in Latin America, with plans to expand globally in 2025.
In addition to its land-based innovations, Zitro Digital will showcase its ever-growing portfolio of digital video bingo and video slot games enhanced by player engagement tools. Among the featured titles is the highly successful land-based hit, ‘Legendary Sword,’ making its online debut with the first game in the series, ‘Avalon’. Other new releases include ‘Fu Pots Winter,’ ‘Fu Pots Spring,’ ‘Calaca Cash,’ ‘Strikers Fortune,’ ‘Monkey vs. Dark Warrior,’ and ‘Twist Casino,’ along with many new launches.
Sebastián Salat, President—International at Zitro, shared his anticipation for ICE Barcelona 2025: “As the event transitions to Barcelona—a city where Zitro transforms great ideas into great products at our Technology Campus—we are proud to host this exceptional gathering of the global gaming community. Barcelona positions us to connect more closely with our clients and partners from Europe and all continents. At ICE Barcelona, we will showcase innovative products tailored to enhance our customer’s business success, all while delivering a gaming experience that’s BRIGHTER, BOLDER, and BETTER. We look forward to contributing to an event that will open the door to incredible networking, collaboration, and growth opportunities for the entire Industry.”
Hub88, a dynamic integration platform providing a single API for all online gaming operations, has bolstered its leading position as an aggregation platform provider by adding the sought-after titles of emerging studio Playnetic.
Playnetic is led by a team with a wealth of experience in the entertainment world, including iGaming, social gaming, compliance and state-of-the-art innovation of game development. All games are optimised and tailored to specific regions, including Europe and LatAm.
The strategic collaboration reflects Hub88’s commitment to enhancing its operator partners with fresh, in-demand content that meets the evolving demands of global players.
Through Hub88’s platform, Playnetic’s fully immersive game portfolio which incorporates popular themes and mechanics that players love, will be made available to a wide network of operators across global key markets, with significant opportunities for growth.
As a respected partner to providers and operators of all sizes, Hub88 excels in supporting emerging studios by giving them access to a vast, global audience, while enabling brands to quickly enhance their game libraries with diverse premium titles.
Ollie Castleman, Head of Hub88, said: “We are pleased to welcome Playnetic’s high-quality game portfolio to our platform. Their mix of innovative titles and attention to detail makes them an ideal partner as we continue to diversify our offering. We take pride in supporting studios on their journey to established providers and we are looking forward to expanding Playnetic’s reach across our extensive operator network.”
Julian Borg-Barthet, CCO at Playnetic said: “Collaborating with Hub88 is a fantastic opportunity for us to continue showcasing our premium content to a global audience, content that has been created by our highly skilled game development team that love slots, table games and understand what it is that players want. Hub88 also mirrors our ‘customer first’ approach to business and we are really looking forward to building on this relationship as we continue to regularly release new games.”
Hengqin authorities have initiated enhanced supervision of various residential areas following a surge in applications for residence permits, which makes applicants eligible to apply for multiple-entry visas to travel to Macau.
AGB has learned that Hengqin security officials conducted on-site inspections across different zones in response to the significant increase in residence permit applications. The inspections aim to ensure that residents with household registration and a Hengqin residence permit are living at their registered addresses, in order to prevent the misuse of travel rules to Macau.
The supervision also includes double-checking the status of individuals who have already obtained a residence permit. If it is found that they do not meet the required conditions, their residence permit will be canceled.
Specifically, the authorities are working to prevent syndicates from exploiting this mechanism for illicit activities, such as smuggling and illegal money exchange operations.
Starting January 1st, 2025, mainland Chinese residents with household registration and a Hengqin residence permit will be eligible to apply for a multiple-entry visa to travel to Macau. While there is no limit on the number of trips, each visit will be restricted to a maximum of seven days.
As reported by AGB, although the travel visa does not set a limit on the number of trips, some border control measures, including a policy aimed at preventing gaming addiction, will be implemented internally by the National Immigration Administration (NIA). This means there may still be limits on the number of visits for residents of Zhuhai and Hengqin traveling to Macau. However, normal leisure visits will not be affected.
According to official data, as of the end of September, there were 38,620 residents with household registration in Hengqin, though no official data is available on the number of residents holding a Hengqin residence permit.
