The latest release of Play’n GO brings a jolly makeover to the hit sea slot series. It’s time to don your Santa hat and take to the icy seas in Boat Bonanza Christmas!
This holiday twist on the beloved Boat Bonanza series invites players to brave the frosty waters to reel in some seasonal catches. But, be warned – the ocean is just as unpredictable as ever, even with a layer of festive cheer!
Following the sun-soaked fishing trips in Boat Bonanza Colossal Catch and the Australian adventure of Boat Bonanza Down Under, this holiday-themed installment transforms the high seas into a winter wonderland. Players can look forward to unique festive surprises, including bauble-bedecked marine life and a Swordfish dressed in seasonal cheer.
Players will spin across the 5×4 reels, lining up symbols beneath two holiday-themed fishing boats that sit atop the reels, casting their nets for a chance to scoop up Instant Win fish. The game’s special features, including the Mega Catch Feature and the Free Spins round, come with festive twists to keep players engaged. The exclusive Swordfish symbol is wrapped in holiday colors and delivers big multipliers, adding to the excitement of the sea slots experience!
Fans of Boat Bonanza and other popular sea-themed slots like Mega Don Feeding Frenzy and Sea Hunter will feel right at home, with added holiday magic throughout. The game’s visuals also embrace the season, with snow-topped reels, sparkling buoys, and a beautifully frosty coastline, creating an ideal winter-themed experience for players seeking festive entertainment.
George Olekszy, Head of Game Retention at Play’n GO said: “We wanted to bring some holiday cheer to our beloved Boat Bonanza series, and Boat Bonanza Christmas does exactly that. It’s the same gameplay our players know and love, enhanced with festive touches to keep things engaging. We can’t wait to see players reel in some big holiday hauls this season!”
The International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA) is shining a spotlight on the continued issue of illegal gambling in its latest quarterly update.
The November 2024 Bulletin provides a comprehensive overview of global efforts to combat illegal betting and its associated crimes. The document, authored by multiple experts in racing integrity and financial crime, highlights the transition of a regional council into a global body, offers case studies from regions heavily affected by illegal gambling, and underscores the broader implications of these activities.
One of the key news is the announcement that the Asian Racing Federation’s Council on Anti-Illegal Betting is transitioning to become a global entity under the IFHA. This development reflects the need for a unified international approach to combat illegal betting, which is increasingly a transnational issue.
The Council, originally formed in 2017, has been a leading think tank on illegal betting and related financial crimes. With its transition to a global body, the IFHA Council will now collaborate with international stakeholders, including INTERPOL, the United Nations Office on Drugs & Crime (UNODC), and the World Lottery Association. This move aims to address the growing challenges posed by offshore betting operations and unlicensed gambling platforms that exploit regulatory gaps across jurisdictions.
The situation in the Philippines has also not gone unnoticed by the organization, with the report examining the Philippine government’s recent decision to ban Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs). These entities, which had operated under a regulatory framework since the early 2000s, became hubs for criminal activity, including human trafficking, cyber fraud, and money laundering.
The report highlights how raids throughout 2023 and 2024 uncovered extensive criminal networks linked to POGOs. Despite the ban, many operators are rebranding as legitimate businesses or relocating to other jurisdictions with weaker regulatory oversight, such as Timor-Leste and the Pacific Islands. The displacement of these operations is raising concerns about the global spread of the illegal gambling model and its associated crimes.
The economic impacts of the ban are also discussed, including potential job losses and a decline in government revenue. However, the report argues that these losses are outweighed by the broader social and legal costs of allowing such operations to continue unchecked.
The Isle of Man is presented as a case study demonstrating how illegal gambling operations are extending their reach globally. In 2024, authorities in the Isle of Man suspended the licenses of King Gaming Ltd and Dalmine Ltd following investigations linking these companies to illegal betting and related scams.
The bulletin describes how these operations employed tactics such as “pig-butchering” scams, where individuals are lured into fraudulent schemes. Links to larger criminal syndicates operating in Southeast Asia, particularly the Philippines, are also detailed. The report highlights how the Isle of Man, which claimed to have a lenient regulatory environment, became a hub for these activities, illustrating the global nature of the problem. Authorities on the island have since denied these claims, but questions about the effectiveness of local rules governing offshore gambling remain.
Illegal betting is estimated to generate $1.7 trillion globally, according to the UNODC, and is often intertwined with other crimes such as money laundering, human trafficking, and corruption. The bulletin underscores how the borderless nature of online gambling enables criminal networks to operate across jurisdictions, exploiting regulatory loopholes and technological advancements.
Efforts like INTERPOL’s Operation SOGA X are emphasized as critical to tackling this issue. The operation resulted in over 5,100 arrests and the recovery of $59 million in illicit proceeds. The dismantling of illegal betting sites and the rescue of human trafficking victims highlight the far-reaching impacts of such initiatives.
The Cape Verde government stated that Macau Legend Development (MLD) violated its obligations “in a flagrant and repeated manner” regarding a tourism and gaming investment in Praia, justifying its termination and reversal.
“Considering that MLD has flagrantly and repeatedly violated its obligations (…), the State of Cape Verde has no option but to proceed with the termination” of the contracts, reads a decision from the Council of Ministers regarding the 250 million euro ($264.7 million) investment, announced 10 years ago but never completed, as reported by news agency Lusa.
“The State of Cape Verde provided MLD [in Cape Verde] with every opportunity to resume construction or negotiate the sale of shares or the transfer of its contractual position to a potential interested party in continuing the project,” but no alternatives were presented, it added.
According to the government, “the contractual violations perpetrated by MLD occurred at various levels,” granting the State of Cape Verde, as the “injured party,” the right “to terminate the Establishment Convention, as well as the contracts derived from it,” details the text signed by Prime Minister Ulisses Correia e Silva.
The resolution from the Council of Ministers was published in the Official Bulletin, along with the decree from the Ministry of Finance and Business Promotion that determines the reversal of the assets granted and constructed.
The government stated that MLD “also violated” the legal framework for gaming operations, “by transferring, without the authorization of the Government of Cape Verde, ownership of more than 20 percent of the share capital.”
The government further cites “convictions by the courts of the Macau Special Administrative Region against shareholders, directors, and other individuals with rights and responsibilities in MLD,” as well as “the economic and financial situation of the parent company.”
On August 28th of this year, Cape Verde communicated its intention to terminate all contracts with the Macau company, which, on September 16th, justified itself (in a preliminary hearing) by citing the COVID-19 pandemic to deny “culpable non-compliance with obligations.”
“However, this reasoning cannot proceed because COVID-19 ended in 2021, and to this day, the construction works remain halted and without a scheduled date for resumption,” added the resolution from the Cape Verde Council of Ministers.
In 2015, David Chow signed an agreement with the Cape Verde government to build the development on the islet of Santa Maria in Gamboa, with the project’s groundbreaking taking place in February 2016.
The project involved the largest tourism development in Cape Verde at the time, with a total expected investment of 250 million euros – approximately 15 percent of Cape Verde’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
Macau Legend received a 25-year license from the Cape Verde government, 15 of which were for exclusive operation on the island of Santiago. This gaming concession cost CV Entertainment Co., a subsidiary of Macau Legend, approximately 1.2 million euros.
Macau Legend also received a special license to exclusively operate online gambling throughout the country and the sports betting market for ten years.
The project’s construction faced opposition from various social groups, particularly environmentalists, including a group of 12 scientists and paleontologists coordinated by the Gulbenkian Institute of Science in Portugal.
It was also contested by members of the Cape Verde “Korrenti di Ativista” movement who camped on the islet of Santa Maria. The former chairman of the Cape Verde Architects’ Association (OAC), Cipriano Fernandes, even requested the intervention of the Attorney General’s Office (PGR) to suspend the project.
In recent years, there have only been guards at the gates of the site, an area of about 160,000 square meters, which includes the islet of Santa Maria, partially excavated, and a short asphalted bridge connecting it to an approximately eight-story building, empty and fenced off with barriers.
At the time, Cape Verde’s Prime Minister stated that it was necessary to revert the concession before deciding “the fate of this investment, which cannot remain as it is,” he concluded.
Realistic Games, a leading casino content developer, has teamed up with major operator Flutter UK & Ireland, expanding its content reach to a significant new player base and boosting its profile in the UK and Ireland.
The deal encompasses Realistic Games’ entire portfolio of slots, instant win and table games and sees them live with a considerable player base across the operator’s Paddy Power and Betfair brands.
One of its most successful games that delivers a blend of two hugely popular player-favourite themes, Book of Charms, kicks off the partnership, backed up by one of its more recent hits Chicken or the Egg, with the remainder of its content set to follow.
Significantly underpinning its presence in its traditional stronghold market, this latest collaboration marks a further expansion for the studio as it continues to roll out its game roadmap that features a higher volume of diversely themed game releases.
The Flutter UK & Ireland announcement is the latest for Realistic Games in a string of commercial agreements across regulated European markets following similar agreements with Anakatech, Midnite, The Rank Group and Napoleon Casino.
Amy Brewis, Head of Account Management at Realistic Games, said: “By partnering with Flutter UK & Ireland, a major name in the region, we are further cementing our presence within our core domestic market.
“This collaboration aligns with our ongoing strategy to expand our game portfolio and deliver more exciting titles to our players and given Flutter UK & Ireland’s trademark reputation for entertainment and fun, it couldn’t be a more appropriate alliance.”
In a powerful demonstration of community dedication, Macau gaming operator SJM Resorts, S.A. (“SJM”) has contributed MOP 700,000 to support the 41st “Walk for Millions.”
The company is mobilizing a substantial team of staff members, along with their families and friends, to participate in the walk on 8 December. This initiative embodies SJM’s commitment to teamwork and bringing in a positive and cooperative spirit through impactful actions.
The cheque presentation ceremony was held today at the Grand Lisboa Palace Resort Macau, where Ms. Daisy Ho, Managing Director of SJM, and Ms. Angela Leong, Director of SJM and Chairman of its Staff Welfare Consultative Committee, presented the donation to the Macau Daily News’ Readers Foundation, the organizer of “Walk for Millions.”
Representatives from the Foundation included Chairman Ms. Ho Teng Iat, President Mr. Vong Kok Seng, Vice-Chairmen Mr. Lok Po and Mr. Hoi Kin Chong, Supervisory Director Mr. Ung Chu Pong, and Executive Vice President Ms. Ho Hoi Leng.
Ms. Daisy Ho, Managing Director of SJM, said, “SJM stands firmly on the principle of ‘from society to society’ and fully supports ‘Walk for Millions.’ Over its 40-year history, the walk has significantly contributed to society. Funds raised have been used to support philanthropic and public welfare initiatives locally. SJM is committed to showing love and care for the community, creating a harmonious and inclusive society, and contributing to the development of Macau.”
Sands China Ltd. held its annual ceremonial cheque presentation on Nov. 5 at The Venetian Macao, donating MOP1.08 million to representatives of 7 higher education institutions.
This year marks the 18th consecutive year of Sands China providing scholarship and fellowship money to Macao tertiary institutions in support of higher education in Macao.
“Macao’s youth are the future of our community and the main driving force of the city’s development,” said Dr. Wilfred Wong, executive vice chairman of Sands China Ltd.
“It is a pleasure for Sands China to help nurture young people through talent development initiatives like this, encouraging them to pursue excellence while laying a foundation for their academic achievements and future careers. We are honored to support higher education in Macao and we hope the fruits of this initiative will continue to strengthen and increase Macao’s pool of diversified talent and contribute to the development of both the nation and Macao.”
Sands China representatives presented the ceremonial donation including:
Carol Wong, director of the Rector’s Office of the University of Macau;
Louisa Lam Pou Iok, head of registrar of the Pedagogic Affairs Department of the Macao University of Tourism;
Macao Polytechnic University vice-rector Vivian Lei Ngan Lin;
Remus Wong Ka Weng, head of the Student Affairs Office of the Macau University of Science and Technology;
University of Saint Joseph rector Professor Stephen Morgan;
City University of Macau vice rector Professor Han Wei;
Professor Samuel Tong Kai Chung, president of the Macau Institute of Management.
With this year’s donation, Sands China has now donated over MOP 15.7 million for tertiary scholarships and fellowships in Macao since 2006, benefitting more than 1,800 students to date. This year’s donation of MOP 1.08 million will be distributed among 108 students to support their studies for the current academic year. The educational institutions select beneficiary students based on their academic performance and financial status during the previous academic year.
Good morning. No loopholes, no exceptions. The ban on POGOs and IGLs applies universally, independent of the location or licensing entity, says a top legal expert. Meanwhile, in Macau, a recent survey shows positive growth in Macau’s premium mass segment this month, with more whales and new products driving growth. And in Singapore, Resorts World Sentosa faced a setback, after being handed a shortened two-year renewal on its casino license due to ‘unsatisfactory’ tourism performance.
A top legal expert says that the Executive Order issued by the Philippine President banning all offshore gaming operations was “explicit in its scope” and applies universally, regardless of location or licensing. Clarification from the Office of the President furthered that there are no exceptions or loopholes in the ban on POGOs and IGLs, noting that they are “now classified as illegal gambling”.
Asia is the most populated continent on the planet and Football is the No. 1 sport in most countries. The World Cup qualifying matches are traditionally watched by billions of fans in the region, but FIFA has decided to reward Asia with a significant representation at the tournament only now.
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.
The Bureau of Immigration (BI) disclosed that around 100,000 workers from Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) are still awaiting deportation.
The information came to light during Senate plenary deliberations on the 2025 General Appropriations Bill, with Senator Grace Poe, chairperson of the Senate finance committee, presenting the figures.
According to BI data shared by Poe, 1,370 POGO workers have already been deported, while an additional 1,172 have been repatriated.
During the session, Senator Raffy Tulfo questioned the BI’s procedures for ensuring that departing POGO workers fulfill their obligations and resolve any pending legal issues before exiting the Philippines. Tulfo raised concerns about potential responsibilities these workers might leave behind, including unresolved cases or obligations to former employees.
Responding to the inquiry, Poe explained that the BI has been downgrading the working visas of POGO employees, allowing them to stay in the country temporarily while their individual cases are addressed.
“Rescued POGO workers are facing cases, and their visas are being downgraded to allow them to remain while these cases are resolved. This ensures proper handling of their deportation or repatriation,” Poe clarified.
Last September, the BI announced an expedited process for exit applications of POGO workers, setting a deadline of October 15th for voluntary downgrades. Workers failing to comply faced deportation proceedings by December 31st.
As of late September, the BI had downgraded 5,955 visas, with over half of these workers having left the country.
The government’s crackdown on POGOs follows President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to end all POGO operations by the end of 2024. In his third State of the Nation Address, Marcos highlighted the negative societal impacts of POGOs, including links to criminal activities.
Last week, the President signed Executive Order 74, officially banning POGOs and other offshore gaming operations in the Philippines.
The defendants in the $1.6 billion alleged fraud case linked to the Baha Mar casino, in the Bahamas, have requested a stay of enforcement on the court’s ruling noting that the companies in question ‘will be forced into insolvency’.
According to a reply affirmation filed with the Supreme Court of the State of New York Appellate Division, CCA Construction Inc, CSCEC Bahamas Ltd and CCA Bahamas Ltd requested the stay. The plaintiff is BML Properties Ltd.
In a copy viewed by AGB, the defendants claim ‘the trial court piled error on error in awarding the real estate developer Plaintiff $1.6 billion in damages […] including one {CCA} that had no contractual relationship to or role in the construction project at issue’.
The request furthers ‘the trial court ignored swaths of unrebutted testimony and entire defense witnesses, mixed and matched contractual obligations without importing limitations on liability, and misapplied the same bedrock damages principle that this Court corrected the trial judge on in this same case at summary judgment less than a year ago’.
The defendants have agreed to secure the stay on the condition of pledging 100 percent of CCAB’s ownership interest in its subsidiaries that own two hotels in Nassau, Bahamas, valued at between $232.7 million and $355.1 million.
‘This offer of security encompasses nearly all of the total combined value of the three Defendants’.
The group further notes that ‘because Defendants are worth collectively a fraction of the judgment, they were unable to secure a bond, […] if Plaintiff is allowed to begin enforcement proceedings immediately, Defendants will be forced into insolvency […] it is effectively certain, and it will inflict irreparable harm by the time a full panel of this Court decides Defendants’ appeal’.
The defense further argues that ‘the appeal raises dispositive legal issues, and Defendants are highly likely to prevail’.
This would ‘either reduce damages drastically and/or release one or more defendants from liability altogether’.
A spokesperson for the defendants added that “BML Properties brought about its own failures through its gross mismanagement of the Baha Mar project and the trial court piled error on error in finding otherwise. The actions we have now taken are in the best interests of all our stakeholders and, importantly, will have no impact on our operations as we pursue our appeal or on the operation of the British Colonial and Margaritaville Beach Resort hotels and their guests, employees and vendors.”
BLM Properties has made claims of $845 million, with the judge ruling to also include interest on the figure dating to May of 2014.
The company is led by businessman Sarkis Izmirlian, who issued a suit against the CCA in 2017 claiming “massive fraud” which led to the collapse of the project in 2015.
The project was later sold to Hong Kong-based conglomerate Chow Tai Fook – a major investor in The Star Entertainment and particularly in Queen’s Wharf Brisbane.
Singapore’s Gambling Regulatory Authority (GRA) has renewed the casino license of Resorts World Sentosa for a shortened period of two years due to ‘unsatisfactory’ performance in meeting market demand and industry standards as a ‘compelling tourist destination’.
The GRA announced on Monday, noting that an evaluation of the group’s tourism performance between January 1st of 2021 and December 31st of 2023 found ‘a number of areas that require rectification and substantial improvement’.
The Evaluation Panel has now recommended that the next evaluation be conducted in 2026, while the new two-year extension begins on February 6th, 2025.
The GRA notes that it decided on the shortened period after taking into consideration the opinion of the Evaluation Panel, and the views of the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI), Singapore Tourism Board (STB), and Sentosa Development Corporation (SDC).
Looking ahead, the GRA notes that it will ‘continue to work with MTI, STB, and SDC, to ensure that RWS meets the requirement to develop, maintain and promote its IR as a compelling tourist destination’.
Singapore has been working to further strengthen its casino controls and enhance its regulatory regime, while also taking a hard line on money laundering.
Resorts World Sentosa was caught in the regulatory web in December of 2023, being fined SG$2.25 million ($1.68 million) for failure to perform customer due diligence checks required by law.
However, the fine was a result of a review mandated in 2020 of Singapore’s two casino operators. During the review and subsequent investigation by the GRA, it was found that RWS didn’t perform customer due diligence checks ‘for certain transactions where RWS’ employees collected cash of SG$5,000 ($3,700) or more from third parties for purposes of depositing into the accounts of RWS’ patrons’.
The period in question doesn’t directly correspond with the evaluation which resulted in the shortened casino license extension, and the GRA when issuing the fine noted that ‘RWS took prompt action to improve its processes’.
This includes two new luxury hotels, adding 700 rooms, a waterfront promenade, a four-story retail, entertainment, and dining podium and a mountain trail.
