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Illegal POGO raid nets over 100 foreigners, 35 Indonesians deported and blacklisted

Kelsey Wilhelm
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Illegal POGO raid nets over 100 foreigners, 35 Indonesians deported and blacklisted

A raid on an illegal Philippine online gaming operator (POGO) in Cebu last week has led to the deportation of 35 Indonesian citizens who have also been blacklisted by the nation’s Bureau of Immigration.

The 35 individuals were amongst over 100 foreign nationals arrested during a raid on an illegal POGO operation running out of a resort in Barangay Agus in Lapu-Lapu City.

As is now common for raids on POGOs, the raid was coordinated together with the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC), the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the Philippine Center on Transnational Crime and the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT) – which acts under the Department of Justice.

The Manila Times quoted Immigration Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado as stating “The arrest and subsequent deportation of these foreigners send a strong message that illegal online gambling operations will not be tolerated.”

Bureau-of-Immigration, Philippines, pogo raid, illegal pogo

The official furthered: “We remain committed to upholding the President’s directive to ban such activities, and we will continue to work closely with other government agencies to ensure that those involved in illegal operations are brought to justice.

“Our operations will be relentless,” noted the BI official.

Legal offshore gaming operations have until December 31st to fully shutter operations, while foreign workers were given until October 15th to downgrade their visas from work visas to temporary visitor visas, permitting them to remain in the Philippines for up to 59 days.

Fugitive recovery operations are being considered by the DOJ against those who failed to downgrade their visas.

While the Philippines has taken a hard stance on offshore gaming operations, in large part due to the stigma created by illegal operators, legitimate operators are seeking new homes in more welcoming jurisdictions. This includes countries such as Vanuatu and Timor-Leste, while operators ready to handle higher costs and lower margins seek out licenses in Europe – such as in the Isle of Man, or the Caribbean – such as in Curacao.

Newport World Resorts appoints John Lucas as new Chief Hospitality Officer

AGBrief Editorial
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Newport World Resorts appoints John Lucas as new Chief Hospitality Officer

Newport World Resorts has announced the appointment of a new Chief Hospitality Officer, John Lucas, starting in January of 2025.

With over 35 years of experience in hospitality, Lucas joins Newport after over two and a half years as General Manager at Hilton Manila.

Lucas had previously spent extensive time with the Hilton Group in Australia – in Perth, the Northern Territory, Cairns, and Melbourne. He also served as General Manager for Hilton Hotels Worldwide, based out of Papua New Guinea.

Speaking of the appointment, Newport World Resorts noted that Lucas’ ‘insights will be invaluable as we continue to elevate Newport World Resorts to new heights’.

In its most recently-published financials, the company noted that its non-gaming revenue had helped boost its results, with occupancy rates and average daily rates reaching ‘record highs’.

During the first half year, the five hotels in Newport World Resorts saw occupancy rates ranging between 77 percent and 99 percent.

Newport World Resorts, Alliance Global, Manila-Philippines

These were recorded despite a drop in gross gaming revenues, ‘swayed by overall volume driven by the VIP segment’.

Daily Asia Gaming eBrief: Philippines remains on FATF grey list despite improvements

AGBrief Editorial
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Daily Asia Gaming eBrief: Philippines remains on FATF grey list despite improvements
Good morning. Colour me grey. The Philippines’ attempt to exit the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list was unsuccessful during the recent plenary session, despite significant progress in its anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing (AML/CFT) reforms since being placed on the list in 2021. Meanwhile, the number of individuals seeking help for gambling disorders in Macau has seen a notable increase in the first half of 2024, and the year could finish with the highest number reported in a decade. At the same time, Cambodian and Vietnamese casino operator Donaco International announced stable financial results for the third quarter, as dips in Cambodia were leveled by operations in Vietnam.

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PHILIPPINES

Metro Manila, Philippines, pogos, pogo exodus

Philippines remains on the AML grey list despite progress

The Philippines’ effort to leave the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list was not successful during the recent plenary session held from October 21-25, 2024, even though the country has made significant strides in its anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing (AML/CFT) reforms since being added to the list in June 2021. Still, the FATF acknowledged the Philippines’ dedication to strengthening its AML/CFT framework, with the next on-site assessment scheduled for early 2025.

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MGM China launches residency show “Macau 2049” on December 15th

Viviana Chan
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MGM China launches residency show “Macau 2049” on December 15th

MGM China has announced the debut of its new residency show, “Macau 2049”, set to take place at the MGM Theater on December 15th, 2024. Tickets will be available for purchase starting November 2nd.

MGM China

Originally unveiled in April as MGM 2049, the rebranded show is directed by renowned Chinese filmmaker Zhang Yimou. It serves as a salute of the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China and the 25th anniversary of the Macau SAR’s establishment. MGM describes the performance as a blend of advanced technology and artistic reinterpretations of Chinese intangible heritage, offering a fusion of futuristic technologies and cultural arts unique to Macau.

MGM highlighted that Macau 2049 embodies Zhang’s breakthrough in merging culture and technology to craft a new cultural hallmark for Macau. It also reflects the aspirations of Pansy Ho, a dedicated facilitator of the Greater Bay Area, to foster the integrated development of cultural industries within the region.

“The show unites a diverse array of performing arts talent in Macau, establishing a self-sustaining cultural platform that nurtures future professionals and harnesses the region’s artistic vitality to continuously advance Macau’s cultural tourism and its status as a ‘City of Performing Arts‘,” MGM China stated.

During the election campaign, incoming Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai committed to promoting residency shows by casino operators as a key strategy to boost tourism.

In his vision for consolidating Macau’s status as a World Center for Tourism and Leisure, Sam Hou Fai proposed making the organization of concerts featuring major stars a regular initiative.

He underscored the importance of attracting international tourists, particularly from Southeast Asia, and enhancing Macau’s global image by drawing comparisons to Dubai’s successful tourism strategies.

Donaco International reports sequential drop in 3Q24 revenue

Viviana Chan
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Donaco International reports sequential drop in 3Q24 revenue

Cambodian and Vietnamese casino operator Donaco International Limited has announced stable financial results for the third quarter, as dips in Cambodia were leveled by operations in Vietnam. 

The group reported net revenue of AU$10.25 million ($6.8 million), a slight decrease from AU$10.81 million ($7.1 million) in the June quarter. Earnings before interest, taxation, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) also dipped to AU$5.55 million ($3.7 million) from AU$6.34 million ($4.2 million) in the previous quarter.

Star Vegas, Cambodia, Donaco International

The downturn in revenue was primarily attributed to lower-than-expected performance at the DNA Star Vegas operation, located on the Cambodia-Thailand border. This was impacted by approximately AU$ 0.37 million ($0.24 million) in registration fees for new slot machines introduced in September.

At Star Vegas, net revenue fell to AU$6.30 million ($4.2 million) from AU$6.84 million ($4.5 million) in the June quarter, while property-level EBITDA decreased to AU$3.83 million from AU$4.65 million ($3.1 million). Average daily visitation remained stable at 941 players, buoyed by the company’s membership loyalty program launched earlier this year.

Aristo International Hotel, Donaco International

In contrast, The Aristo International Hotel in Vietnam demonstrated stable revenue, reporting a net income of AU$3.95 million ($2.6 million), nearly unchanged from AU$3.97 million ($2.6 million) in the previous quarter. Daily visitation slightly increased to 306 players, up from 291, with property-level EBITDA rising to AU$2.52 million ($1.7 million) from AU$2.47 million ($1.6 million).

As of the end of the September quarter, Donaco’s cash position improved to AU$33.02 million ($21.8 million), up from AU$29.30 million ($19.4 million) in June. The company reported payments to related parties totaling AU$195,000 ($128,817) for salaries and contracted services.

Non-Executive Chairman Porntat Amatavivadhana commented on the results, highlighting that both operations performed in line with expectations despite the challenges faced by Star Vegas. 

He reiterated the company’s commitment to navigating the evolving gaming industry in Southeast Asia and mentioned ongoing evaluations of potential disruptors, including Thailand’s proposed Integrated Entertainment Business Act, which aims to legalize casinos within entertainment complexes.

The proposed legislation could significantly affect Donaco’s operations and cross-border tourism, as many patrons of DNA Star Vegas come from Thailand. Donaco is closely monitoring the situation, although there are currently no immediate impacts on its financials.

Additionally, Donaco is pursuing legal action against Vietnam’s General Department of Taxation (GDT) after the agency denied Aristo’s appeal regarding tax on floating chips. In October, the company was granted permission to initiate proceedings challenging the GDT’s decision, with an update on the case expected in due course. Should the GDT’s ruling not be overturned, it could pose a potential liability of approximately AU$8,86 million ($5.9 million).

Looking ahead, Donaco anticipates that the construction of Sapa Airport in Lao Cai, set to open in 2025 with a capacity of 1.5 million annual passengers, will bolster tourism to the region where Aristo is located.

Golden Matrix Group subsidiary Meridianbet launches revolutionary AI-powered bet recommender

Kelsey Wilhelm
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Golden Matrix Group subsidiary Meridianbet launches revolutionary AI-powered bet recommender

Golden Matrix Group Inc., a leading developer and licensor of online gaming platforms, systems, and content, announced the launch of the AI-powered Bet Recommender by its sports betting division Meridianbet.

The AI Bet Recommender is designed to offer real-time, personalized betting suggestions, tailored to individual player preferences and habits. By processing thousands of data points from sports events and odds parameters, the AI platform ensures that each bet is informed, timely, and highly relevant to the user.

Key features include:

  • Data-Driven Decisions: Utilizing vast sports data and odds to deliver precise betting choices.
  • Tailored Suggestions: Customized bet recommendations aligned with individual user behaviors.
  • Real-Time Adaptability: Offering dynamic, live bet recommendations during events to capture in-play opportunities.
  • Seamless CRM Integration: The AI recommender is fully integrated with top-tier CRM solutions, empowering operators with more effective user engagement and segmentation tools.

The AI Bet Recommender is built on Atlas, Meridianbet’s fifth-generation sports betting and online casino platform.

PAGCOR launches new flagship projects with DEPED, DPWH

AGBrief Editorial
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PAGCOR launches new flagship projects with DEPED, DPWH

The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) formally launched its newest flagship infrastructure projects that include school buildings with a target to complete at least 1,200 classrooms in the next four years.

PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro H. Tengco announced the details of its new projects during the signing of a Joint Memorandum Circular with its partner agencies, the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

“In four years, we hope to build at least 1,200 classrooms or about 300 classrooms per year under this new infrastructure push as part of our commitment to nation-building,” Mr. Tengco said, adding that the agency will prioritize far-flung and remote communities.

Aside from the school buildings, Mr. Tengco said PAGCOR will also build 200 E-Learning Centers which will be built in areas with a high concentration of learning institutions.

PAGCOR LAUNCHES NEW FLAGSHIP PROJECTS WITH DEPED, DPWH
PAGCOR launches new flagship projects with DEPED, DPWH

Each E-Learning Center will have 48 computer stations with an internet connection, making them ideal hubs for online research and even for computer literacy courses.

A third leg of the flagship projects will be Health and Wellness Centers which will feature doctors’ offices and consultation rooms, dental clinics, vaccination rooms, treatment rooms, and a multi-purpose area.

Mr. Tengco said PAGCOR will build at least 100 Health and Wellness Centers in the next four years nationwide to help bring quality healthcare, especially in poor communities and local government units.

Lastly, Mr. Tengco said PAGCOR will build 50 Socio-Civic Centers which beneficiary LGUs can utilize as seminar and training venues as well as for hosting social and community gatherings that could potentially generate revenues for the beneficiary LGUs.

The multi-purpose Socio-Civic Centers can also be used as evacuation facilities during calamities and disasters.

Pacific Online Systems sees significant profit drop in the first 3 quarters

Kelsey Wilhelm
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Pacific Online Systems sees significant profit drop in the first 3 quarters

Philippine lottery firm Pacific Online Systems Corporation continued to see its consolidated revenue drop in the first three quarters of this year, causing its net income to plummet when compared to the same period of 2023.

According to its recently released results, the company recorded just PHP3.8 million ($64,250) in net income over the nine months, down from PHP228.2 million ($3.89 million) a year prior.

This came amongst a 17 percent annual contraction in revenue – of PHP388.4 million ($6.63 million) – ‘mainly due to the transition from the legacy system to the nationwide lottery system under its joint operation, PinoyLotto Technologies Corp’.

The group calculated a 33 percent increase in costs and expenses due to the transition to the new system – amounting to PHP360.5 million ($6.15 million) for the three quarters. In addition, higher depreciation expenses were also registered, up from PHP3.1 million to PHP114.5 million ($1.95 million).

These were attributed to the depreciation on new equipment deployed and higher costs for communications and repairs and maintenance ‘in line with the requirements of PCSO for the PLS’.

The group’s results were also impacted by the delisting of majority shareholder Premium Leisure Corp. this year. Its latest results indicate that it realized a loss of PHP3.8 million due to the loss associated with the change, as compared to a gain of PHP267.8 million ($4.57 million) in the same nine months of 2023.

However, its cash and cash equivalents rose by 68 percent yearly during the period – to PHP577.3 ($9.86 million) million, largely due to the sale of the PLC shares to Belle Corp – offset by payment of dividends to shareholders.

Regarding the group’s other assets, it saw a 56 percent drop in investment trading as of September 30th, year-on-year, “mainly due to the sale of its Digiplus Interactive Corp” shares.

POSC in June received good news that it had been awarded a five-year, PHP4.08 billion ($69.81 million) contract with the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO), being the sole bidder.

Under the contract, it operates the app, e-lotto, and digital versions of lottery games.

Macau could report highest number of gambling disorder cases in over a decade in 2024

Nelson Moura
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Macau could report highest number of gambling disorder cases in over a decade in 2024

The number of individuals seeking help for gambling disorders in Macau has seen a notable increase in the first half of 2024, as reported by the city’s Central Registry System for Individuals with Gambling Disorders.

According to the latest data by the Macau Social Welfare Bureau (SWB), from January to June 2024, 108 cases were registered, a rise of 39 cases compared to the same period in 2023, which saw 169 cases by year-end.

This count represents 63 percent of last year’s total and suggests a possible record high if current trends persist, with 2024 possibly marking the highest number of gambling disorder cases in over a decade.

In the past five years, the data indicate a growing issue. In 2020, reported cases were notably lower due to the Covid-19 pandemic, followed by a steady increase.

In 2023, some 169 people sought help for gambling disorders, the highest amount since 2017, with a possibly higher number by the end of 2024 underscoring an escalating public health challenge, or better reporting mechanisms.

Age-wise, those affected predominantly fall within the 30–39 age bracket, but cases span a wide demographic. Employment-wise, 69 percent of affected individuals were employed, while 13 percent were unemployed, and the rest comprised students, homemakers, and retirees.

Some 16.73 million visitors entered Macau during the initial six months of 2024, according to Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO) data.

Macau visitor arrivals YOY 2024
Macau visitor arrivals YOY 2024

The figure, which is equivalent to roughly 92,000 visitor arrivals per day, represents a year-on-year growth of 43.6 percent and a recovery of around 82.5 percent in comparison to the pre-pandemic figure of 20.28 million in 2019. 

Over 43 percent of individuals flagged by the Social Welfare Bureau during the first half of the year were found to suffer from moderate gambling addiction, while approximately 38 percent were categorized with severe addiction. Mild cases accounted for about 15 percent.

The data indicate that 60 percent of affected gamblers registered between January and June were individuals with BIR (Behavioral Impulse Regulation).

Men continue to be disproportionately affected, making up around 88 percent of the cases. Notably, this year saw a shift in demographics; individuals without marital relationships were more impacted, comprising 44 percent of cases, compared to 35 percent for married individuals.

In terms of employment, a significant majority (69 percent) of those affected were employed, followed by students, homemakers, and retirees at 18 percent, and the unemployed at 13 percent.

Interestingly, among the employed gamblers seeking help from the SWB, only 4 percent reported working in the gambling industry, with 1 percent identifying as croupiers.

The data also highlight that 46 percent of those affected had lived in Macau for 20 years or more, and 56 percent stated their family members typically do not gamble.

Age demographics show that 31 percent of users sought counseling via phone, complicating data collection in this area. Among those with known ages, 24 percent were between 30 and 39, 17 percent were aged 18 to 29, and 11 percent were 60 or older.

Financial Pressures Driving Gambling

The report also highlights financial challenges as a significant factor in gambling behavior. In the first half of the year, 24 percent of individuals turned to gambling due to financial difficulties, while 21 percent did so for entertainment, and 17 percent to relieve stress.

Among the 108 individuals identified by the SWB, a staggering 71 percent were found to have debts.
A breakdown of the debt amounts shows that 14 percent owed between MOP100,000 ($12,515) and MOP250,000 ($31,287), while 12 percent had debts over MOP250,000 ($31,287) and under MOP500,000 ($62,575). Additionally, 9 percent reported lower debts ranging from MOP50,000 ($6,257) to MOP100,000 ($12,515).

As for gaming preferences, baccarat remained the most popular choice, with 45 percent of gamblers identifying it as their game of choice. Football and basketball betting accounted for 7 percent, followed by sic bo/cussec at 6 percent and poker/Mocha machines at 5 percent.

Philippines remains on FATF grey list following the latest review

Viviana Chan
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Philippines remains on FATF grey list following the latest review

The Philippines’ efforts to exit the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list were unsuccessful in the organization’s most recent plenary session, held from October 21st to 25th in Paris, France. 

This session marked the first under the FATF presidency of Elisa de Anda Madrazo from Mexico.

FATF

According to a statement released by the FATF, after being placed on the grey list in June 2021, the Philippines made a high-level political commitment to work with the FATF and the Asia/Pacific Group on Money Laundering (APG) to enhance the effectiveness of its anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing (AML/CFT) framework.

The FATF noted that, during its October 2024 plenary, the Philippines has substantially furthered its action plan, warranting an on-site assessment to verify the ongoing implementation of AML/CFT reforms and the continued political commitment to sustain these improvements.

The Philippines’ key reforms include several actions to strengthen its AML/CFT regime:
  1. Establishing risk-based supervision for designated non-financial businesses and professions (DNFBPs);
  2. Demonstrating the application of AML/CFT controls to manage risks in casino junkets;
  3. Implementing new registration requirements for money or value transfer services (MVTS) and imposing sanctions on unregistered remittance operators;
  4. Improving law enforcement access to beneficial ownership (BO) information and ensuring its accuracy and currency;
  5. Increasing the use of financial intelligence and enhancing money laundering investigations and prosecutions in line with identified risks;
  6. Identifying, investigating, and prosecuting terrorism financing cases more effectively;
  7. Implementing appropriate measures within the non-profit organization (NPO) sector, ensuring that these do not disrupt legitimate NPO activities;
  8. Enhancing the targeted financial sanctions framework for both terrorism financing and proliferation financing.

The FATF emphasized that jurisdictions under increased monitoring, such as the Philippines, are actively collaborating with the organization to address strategic deficiencies in combating money laundering, terrorist financing, and proliferation financing.

The October review saw Algeria, Angola, Côte d’Ivoire, and Lebanon added to the grey list, while Senegal was removed. Meanwhile, the FATF’s “black list” continues to include North Korea, Iran, and Myanmar.

Expected to exit grey list by 2025

After the FATF made an initial determination that the Philippines has significantly completed its action plan, the organization announced that an on-site assessment will take place to verify the progress of AML/CFT reforms in the country and to ensure that the necessary political commitment is maintained for ongoing implementation.

FATF, Grey List, Junkets, Philippines

In a related announcement, the Philippines’ Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) indicated that the FATF’s Asia/Pacific Joint Group (APJG) is scheduled to visit the Philippines early next year, marking the final step toward the country’s removal from the grey list.

According to the Philippine News Agency, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin emphasized the government’s ongoing efforts to implement and sustain these reforms, noting that a robust AML/CTF regime is essential for protecting the nation’s financial system and economy from illicit activities. 

He stated that this achievement reflects the hard work and coordination among various government agencies and demonstrates the country’s strong commitment to meeting the FATF’s stringent standards, ensuring the long-term protection of its financial system. Bersamin expressed confidence that this progress will be validated during the upcoming on-site visit.

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