The Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) has raised concerns about reports of Filipinos managing independent scam farms, noting that these individuals are primarily former POGO workers.
PAOCC spokesperson Winston Casio described the situation as a “ticking time bomb.”
Estimates suggest that nearly 20,000 local workers were employed in the POGO industry and are now facing unemployment or have already lost their jobs following the POGO ban order announced by President Marcos in July.
According to the Philippine News Agency, Casio indicated that this trend has emerged from the PAOCC’s recent operations targeting smaller scam hubs. He highlighted the legal complications arising from the significant number of Filipinos arrested during these crackdowns, emphasizing the difficulty of building cases against such large groups.
These scam operations primarily focus on online shopping scams, where victims order products but receive substandard items or nothing at all. Some scams even involve online raffles. Many of those arrested are experienced former POGO workers.
Due to the challenges in constructing credible cases against the detainees, the PAOCC has released them with strong warnings against re-engaging in such activities. Casio emphasized that repeat offenders could face charges.
Additionally, he mentioned that a draft executive order banning all POGOs is awaiting President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s signature. This order would extend to investment promotion areas and special economic zones, leaving no exceptions for offshore gaming operations that employ foreigners.
The Judiciary Police of Macau met on Thursday with representatives from the gaming and hotel industries to discuss the “Security Reporting Mechanism for the Hotel Industry.”
The initiative aims to enhance the existing reporting system and strengthen collaboration between law enforcement and the community in preventing crime.
According to a press release issued on Friday, the Judiciary Police (PJ) stated that this initiative seeks to “deepen communication and cooperation with the local hotel industry to jointly prevent and combat crimes or illegal activities occurring in hotels and surrounding areas.” This effort is also focused on maintaining social order and safeguarding Macau’s tourism image while ensuring the safety of both residents and visitors.
Deputy Director of the Judiciary Police, Sou Sio Keong
The Deputy Director of the Judiciary Police, Sou Sio Keong, along with several department heads, attended the meeting, which engaged 76 representatives from 74 local gaming and hotel operators.
In his address, Sou emphasized that the established security reporting mechanism has provided an efficient communication channel, especially during serious criminal incidents. This collaboration allows for swift investigative responses, leading to the rapid resolution of multiple cases. Hotel operators’ increasing awareness of supporting police efforts reflects a proactive approach, contributing significantly to crime prevention and fostering a safe environment for tourists and the public.
Sou also highlighted that Macau’s tourism sector is experiencing a strong recovery, resulting in high visitor numbers that elevate safety risks in hotels, resorts, and entertainment venues. Therefore, enhanced cooperation and streamlined communication between police and the industry are essential for improving emergency response effectiveness. The goal is to achieve “quick reporting, rapid intervention, and joint crime elimination” to ensure the safety of hotel environments.
During the meeting, PJ officials discussed prevalent illegal activities within hotels and casinos, offering insights into telecommunications fraud and preventive measures to bolster industry vigilance. They also explored current security conditions in hotels and surrounding areas, optimizing the reporting mechanism, enhancing hotel security, and raising awareness among frontline staff regarding crime prevention. Industry representatives acknowledged the PJ’s efforts in maintaining public order and provided suggestions for improving security measures and management practices.
The Judiciary Police awarded certificates to 10 gaming and hotel companies for their proactive collaboration in disseminating crime prevention information and assisting police investigations. Their efforts have significantly contributed to resolving cases involving murder, robbery, fraud, money laundering, drug offenses, and prostitution within hotels.
The PJ stated it will closely monitor security developments in hotels and surrounding areas, formulate targeted policing strategies, and enhance collaboration with the hotel industry. This ongoing effort aims to continually optimize the security reporting mechanism, thereby jointly maintaining Macau’s favorable security environment and tourism image.
Good morning. Australia and New Zealand are intensifying their efforts to curb gambling-related harm, as a new report highlights the prevalence of gambling. But both countries are facing challenges in identifying which strategies can work in the long term, due to high rates of relapsing. Meanwhile Genting Malaysia is fighting back against the $600 million claim against it by its partner in the Bahamas, calling the claim ‘baseless. And in South Korea, Kangwon Land has announced a new corporate value-up plan as it heavily expands its property.
What you need to know
Gambling disorder has emerged as a significant public health concern in Australia and New Zealand, a recent narrative review on the issue argues.
A recent study has highlighted the challenges faced by Australia and New Zealand in curbing gambling disorder. The findings show the difficulty of effective treatment, in particular, due to relapsing gamblers, while the rise of online gambling has further exacerbated the issue. Governments in both countries are trying to implement new strategies to curb the behavior and encourage those suffering from the disorder to seek help.
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.
For global betting company 1xBet, Asia is a key market for several reasons. This is why 1xBet pays special attention to the Asian market and actively promotes its sports betting platform and the most popular gambling games on the continent.
Gambling disorder has emerged as a significant public health concern in Australia and New Zealand, a recent narrative review on the issue argues.
The review published in the Medical Journal of Australia highlights the disorder’s widespread impact, outlining current strategies for identification and treatment, and emphasizing the urgent need for improved long-term solutions.
According to the report, carried out by researchers from the Auckland University of Technology and Deakin University in Melbourne, gambling disorder is not just a matter of personal financial ruin but a catalyst for profound mental health crises, including depression, anxiety, and even suicide.
‘The past 25 years has seen a rapid expansion in gambling disorder research, prompted mainly by the introduction of levies on gambling operators. Across Australia, more than $24 billion is gambled each year on poker machines, wagering, lotteries, and sports and casino gambling, with the highest expenditure and prevalence of problems associated with poker machines’, the study suggests.
In recent months, gambling reform debate has intensified in Australia over gambling advertising and youth protection.
As reported by AGB, the Australian government is contemplating significant restrictions on gambling advertising, which could include a complete ban on digital ads and a prohibition on television commercials for one hour before and after sports broadcasts.
With an estimated 1 percent of the adult population in both countries suffering from the disorder, and an additional 3-5 percent at risk, the review described the issue as affecting a diverse demographic, with certain groups like men, online gamblers, and those using poker machines being particularly vulnerable.
At the same time the prevalence of gambling disorder or problem gambling internationally was said to range from 0.5 percent to 7.6 percent, with an average of 1.3–2.3 percent.
According to the review, the gambling landscape has shifted dramatically over the past decades, with the rise of online betting exacerbating the issue, and although poker machine gambling has been declining across Australia and New Zealand, engagement with sports betting and wagering has been increasing.
The COVID-19 pandemic also intensified this trend, pushing gamblers towards online platforms, which are often harder to regulate.
Meanwhile, efforts to tackle gambling harm in both countries are robust but fragmented, with government-funded counseling services, available both in-person and online, provide free support to those struggling with addiction.
However, the report reveals that only 20 percent of those with gambling problems seek help, with barriers such as shame and self-reliance deterring many from treatment.
From a clinical standpoint, the most effective treatments for gambling disorder include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and motivational interviewing, but long-term data on treatment outcomes remain scarce.
While short-term interventions show promise, the report highlights a troubling gap in understanding what works best for different populations, particularly in community-based settings where many people access care.
Moreover, the introduction of self-help tools, including smartphone apps and online resources, has opened new avenues for treatment. Yet, despite their accessibility, their long-term efficacy is still unclear.
A significant hurdle in effectively managing gambling disorder is treatment retention, as longer treatment durations lead to better long-term outcomes. While gambling disorder can inflict serious harm on both the individual and their loved ones, many individuals delay seeking help.
In New Zealand, for instance, gambling issues are most common among those aged 18-24, yet the highest rates of help-seeking occur in the 25-44 age group. The progression of gambling disorder varies, with individuals alternating between regular and binge gambling, or experiencing periods of remission.
Relapse is a critical concern, with approximately 25 percent of individuals relapsing within their first year of recovery, and rates increasing to 30 percent by the second year and 40 percent by the third. Consequently, relapse prevention strategies and ongoing monitoring are essential components of effective treatment.
The review also stresses the need to focus on prevention, with Australia and New Zealand shifting towards a harm-reduction approach, recognizing that intervening earlier may be more effective than waiting until individuals meet the clinical threshold for gambling disorder.
In conclusion, the researchers argued that gambling disorder is not just an addiction but a complex public health issue that demands coordinated efforts across government, healthcare, and community sectors.
Genting Malaysia has fired back against the $600 million legal action taken against it by its partner in Resorts World Bimini, in the Bahamas, calling the claim ‘baseless’ and that it is ‘nothing more than a shareholder dispute’.
In a filing by Genting Malaysia Berhad on Thursday, the company states that its partner in the venture, RAV Bahamas ‘seeks unsubstantiated damages in excess of $600 million, and also requests pre- and post-judgment interest at unspecified rates’.
The company furthers: ‘these malicious and baseless claims are an attempt by RAV and its principals to extract an exorbitant payment from GAI and inflict severe reputational damage upon GAI (Genting Americas)’.
Earlier this week, Genting indicated that it had been informed of the claims against it, which are classified by the courts as ‘fraud’.
Genting operates RW Bimini via BB Entertainment, in which GENM indirectly holds a 78 percent interest via GAI.
Resorts World Bimini, Bahamas
According to a report by The Bahamas Tribune, RAV Bahamas is claiming that Genting used its majority ownership to conceal liabilities incurred at other properties and placed on the books of RW Bimini.
RAV Bahamas reportedly claims that GAI conducted ‘a massive and co-ordinated fraud’ and that it has been ‘depriving’ RAV Bahamas of profits and limiting access to the property’s financial records.
In the Thursday filing with Bursa Malaysia, the group indicates that ‘as the Complaint is entirely baseless and without merit, we do not expect there to be any material impact on the financial results or operations of the GENM Group from such claims.’
The group furthers that ‘there are no expected losses, other than the cost of defense’.
The group indicated that GAI ‘is preparing a comprehensive response to the Complaint, which will be filed with the Court in the coming weeks.’
Kangwon Land, Korea’s only casino accepting local patrons, has announced a corporate value-up plan that includes a share buyback initiative and financial goals aimed for achievement by 2028.
In a voluntary disclosure filed with the Korea Stock Exchange on Thursday, Kangwon Land pledged to initiate a share buyback program totaling KRW100 billion ($73 million). The first phase will involve a buyback of KRW40 billion ($29 million) in 2024, with an additional KRW 60 billion ($44 million) planned for 2025 and 2026.
Additionally, the company has committed to maintaining a minimum dividend payout ratio of 50 percent. The plan also includes achieving a price-to-book ratio (PBR) of 1.2x, a total shareholder payout ratio of 60 percent, and 100 percent compliance with key corporate governance indicators.
As reported by AGB last week, Kangwon Land aims to evolve into a global integrated resort (IR) by enhancing its non-gaming facilities. The company seeks to increase its non-casino revenue from 13 percent to 30 percent by 2032. With a strong commitment to improving the resort, set amidst highlands and natural surroundings, Kangwon Land aspires to be recognized as Korea’s version of Las Vegas.
In April of this year, the gaming resort operator announced a new phase of development valued at KRW2.5 trillion ($1.8 billion). This expansion is expected to triple the size of its casino space to 49,500 square meters by 2032. The new phase will also include an increase in hotel capacity and investments in various non-gaming facilities.
In early September, it was announced that the country’s Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism would allow an expansion of the Kangwon Land resort’s mass gaming area, including an increase in the number of gaming tables and machines.
Australian gaming machine group Aristocrat Leisure Limited has announced that its upcoming FY24 final dividend is expected to be unfranked, reflecting the company’s robust growth outside of Australia.
The full-year results for the period ending 30th September 2024 will be reported on 13th November 2024.
The company’s prior statements had already indicated that future dividends might not be fully franked, and today’s update confirms this trend. The determination of the FY24 final dividend remains subject to Board approval.
In addition to its dividend strategy, Aristocrat is committed to disciplined capital allocation aimed at maximizing shareholder returns. A key component of this strategy includes on-market share buybacks.
In a filing sent to the Australian Stock Exchange on Thursday, the company noted that since launching its buyback program it has successfully repurchased 40.2 million shares at an average price of AU$39.56 ($26.5) per share, totaling approximately AU$1.6 billion ($1.1 billion).
The Bureau of Immigration (BI) of the Philippines has revealed that, out of more than 30,000 foreign workers employed by Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs), only 12,000 have voluntarily downgraded their visas.
This process allowed these individuals to switch from work visas to temporary visitor visas, permitting a legal stay in the Philippines for up to 59 days while they settle their affairs.
The deadline for voluntary visa downgrading expired on October 15th, with no extensions granted.
According to The Manila Times, the BI, along with other government agencies, will now focus on pursuing foreign employees who failed to comply and continue to operate in smaller, less visible online gaming hubs. These operations, often located in resorts or residential areas, have become the new target of enforcement efforts.
Authorities are determined to address this issue before the year ends, with the BI aiming to take action by December 31st. Foreign workers who do not comply with the visa downgrading directive will be arrested and face deportation proceedings.
A task force has been established to address the situation, composed of multiple government bodies, including the Department of Justice, the Department of Labor and Employment, the Department of the Interior and Local Government, the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation, the Philippine National Police, the National Bureau of Investigation, and the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission.
This coordinated effort underscores the government’s commitment to ensuring that the remaining POGO workers either regularize their status or leave the country.
The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has requested Australian internet service providers (ISPs) to block two additional offshore gambling websites.
The latest sites targeted for blocking include Lucky Block and Rooli. This website-blocking initiative is part of a broader enforcement strategy aimed at protecting Australians from illegal online gambling practices.
Since the ACMA issued its first blocking request in November 2019, more than 1,000 illegal gambling and affiliate websites have been successfully blocked.
In addition to blocking websites, the ACMA reports that over 220 illegal gambling services have withdrawn from the Australian market since the enforcement of new regulations in 2017.
The ACMA also cautioned consumers about the risks associated with using unlicensed gambling services, since even if a site appears legitimate, it often lacks essential customer protections, putting users at risk of financial loss.
Macau’s Prosecutor General, Ip Son Sang, highlighted a “marked increase” in legal investigations and trials related to illegal gambling activities, emphasizing the need for enhanced prevention and control measures.
According to data provided during Ip’s speech at the 2024/2025 Judicial Year opening ceremony, the previous year saw 238 investigations into loan shark activities associated with illegal gambling, alongside 31 investigations into the acceptance of identification documents and 53 into kidnapping.
“As regards fraud crimes, mainly illicit money exchange activities, and theft related to gambling activities, a significant increase was also recorded”, Ip added.
These figures reflect a two to threefold increase compared to the prior year, although they remain significantly lower than those recorded in the 2018/2019 judicial year, before the pandemic.
Ip also pointed out that the Public Prosecutor’s office has recently initiated major investigations and trials against the Suncity Group and Tak Chun Group for illegal gambling operations, as well as former leaders of the Land, Public Works, and Transport Services for corruption.
The Prosecutor General acknowledged the unprecedented challenges his office faced due to the simultaneous investigations involving complex information and numerous individuals.
“The Public Prosecutor Office could not avoid unprecedented challenges regarding processing timelines, professional capacity, staff overload, and epidemic safety measures”, Ip stated.
The Prosecutor General then expressed optimism that the outcomes of the ongoing mega-cases would set important legal precedents in Macau, contributing to the region’s development in terms of the rule of law, integrity, and stability.
Macau’s security authorities have already reported a sharp increase in gaming-related crimes during the first half of 2024, as visitor numbers and the gaming industry continue to recover.
The SAR recently approved strong new legislative changes aimed at tackling gambling-related crime – including parallel betting, money exchanges and allowing for undercover agents.
