The Philippine National Police (PNP) announced on Thursday that they are investigating 24 of their former chiefs following allegations that one of them may have helped dismissed Mayor Alice Guo and her group escape the country.
During a recent Senate hearing focused on gambling hubs, Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) Senior Vice President Raul Villanueva revealed that the intelligence community had flagged information suggesting a former PNP chief might have received bribes from Guo.
PNP Chief General Rommel Marbil, speaking at the Senate hearing on the PNP’s 2025 budget, expressed his frustration with the allegation. “We are investigating 24 of our former PNP chiefs. We are not happy with what Villanueva said. Since he made these statements under oath, he must reveal the name because it affects the entire organization. This is not just about the PNP; it impacts peace and order,” Marbil stated.
PNP Chief General Rommel Marbil, Philippines
He explained that the investigation must cover all former chiefs, unless Villanueva identifies the specific individual involved.
Marbil also mentioned that the PNP has not yet received a formal report from Villanueva, who is a retired army general. “We are drafting a letter to General Raul Villanueva asking him to name names or clarify the matter in the Senate, especially since he made this claim under oath. He must tell us who is involved,” Marbil added.
Senator Robin Padilla echoed the need for clarification, emphasizing that the allegation affects the reputation of the police force.
Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos, on the other hand, said he had not yet discussed the matter with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. “I’m not aware of anything regarding a former PNP chief. Let the current PNP chief address this issue,” Abalos said, referring to General Marbil. “I believe they are already taking action on this,” he added.
Villanueva had previously clarified that the information he shared was still unverified. “There have been discussions at the border immigration, but I don’t know the exact amount of the bribe, including any involvement of a PNP official. I just cannot confirm it yet,” Villanueva said during the hearing.
Former Philippines National Police (PNP) chiefs have expressed concern over unverified reports that one of their own allegedly received bribes from Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs).
The comments were made by Senator Ronald dela Rosa, revealed on Wednesday. This concern emerged after Raul Villanueva, a senior vice president for security at the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), disclosed during a Senate hearing that the intelligence community is investigating whether a former PNP chief was on the payroll of dismissed Bamban MayorAlice Guo and the illegal POGO operations linked to her.
Alice Guo hearing
In a media interview, Senator Ronald dela Rosa, himself a former PNP chief, mentioned that he and other ex-PNP heads discussed the issue in their group chat, where the revelation caused significant worry. “It affected them because it’s a sweeping statement that brought concerns to retired PNP chiefs who are now living peaceful lives, only to be dragged into this controversy,” dela Rosa said.
He expressed dismay that the information, still unverified, was shared in a public forum, as it cast doubts not only among police officers but also in the public. Dela Rosa stressed that such allegations should have been thoroughly verified and the specific individual named before being made public. “Before they released it, they should have confirmed and validated it thoroughly. Once verified, the name should have been revealed,” he said.
Although the information remains unconfirmed, dela Rosa admitted that given the vast amounts of money involved in POGOs, the allegations are not beyond the realm of possibility. If proven true, he believes the former PNP chief in question should face the consequences. “There is no exemption here. If you violated the law, face it,” he stated.
Dela Rosa also mentioned his intention to seek more information from Villanueva regarding the intelligence report during the next Senate hearing on POGOs.
Bamban POGO hub, Philippines
PNP Chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil has ordered a full investigation into the matter. In a press briefing at Camp Crame, PNP spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo shared that the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) has been tasked with coordinating with PAGCOR to gather further details about the intelligence community’s claims regarding the former PNP chief’s involvement.
Fajardo emphasized that Marbil is committed to accountability, regardless of the individual’s rank or position. “If proven to have played a role in the escape and worse, received monthly payola, he will be held accountable. There is no sacred cow in this,” Fajardo said. However, she acknowledged that the allegations, according to Villanueva himself, are still considered rumors.
As the country’s 30th top cop, Marbil leads an institution with 24 former PNP chiefs. Fajardo reassured the public that the PNP will stay focused on its responsibilities while working closely with PAGCOR and other agencies to identify the person involved and determine if there is sufficient evidence for the filing of criminal charges.
Several former PNP chiefs have outright denied any links to Alice Guo or her illegal POGO operations. Retired Generals Benjamin Acorda, Rodolfo Azurin, and Oscar Albayalde, in separate messages to the media on Wednesday, all firmly denied receiving bribes or assisting in Guo’s escape from the country.
Albayalde stated that he never encountered or met Guo at any point, while Azurin asserted that he was never involved in any POGO-related activities. Acorda called on Villanueva to name the specific individual he was referring to in the Senate hearing.
Azurin echoed this demand, noting that Villanueva’s statement should not have been made public without proper verification. He criticized the remark as “irresponsible, baseless, and preposterous” and urged that if Villanueva’s claims remain unsubstantiated, the PNP leadership should consider filing charges against him.
Former senator and ex-PNP chief Panfilo Lacson weighed in, stating that it is not surprising for rogue police officers or government officials to be implicated in illegal activities, given the wide influence and connections of Alice Guo and her group. However, Lacson found the allegation involving a former PNP chief particularly alarming.
“If the intelligence reports shared by the PAGCOR official are credible, it’s not only alarming but reprehensible,” Lacson said. He called on intelligence and investigation agencies to thoroughly pursue the matter, leave no stone unturned, and ensure that any individuals involved face criminal charges and appropriate punishment.
Laurence Escalante’s online casino, Virtual Gaming Worlds (VGW), is expanding into the lottery business following another profitable year.
Despite facing regulatory hurdles in its key US market, the Perth-based VGW Holdings reported a 30 percent increase in net profit, reaching AU$492 million ($335.2 million) for the year ending June 30th, with record revenue of AU$6.1 billion ($4.15 billion), according to its latest financial reports.
These figures have propelled Escalante, 42, to become one of Australia’s youngest billionaires, with a net worth approaching AU$4 billion ($2.72 billion). His success has allowed him to pocket AU$360 million ($245.3 million) in dividends from VGW last year, a rise from the AU$318.9 million ($217.35 million) he received the previous year.
Laurence Escalante, CEO of VGW – Virtual Gaming Worlds
In a press statement, Escalante expressed satisfaction with VGW’s performance, attributing the results to the company’s ability to maintain strong engagement with players through its leading brands and social games. “VGW has once again delivered another set of strong full-year results,” he noted, citing “strong profit growth as our industry-leading brands continue to resonate with players.”
The company, which saw massive growth during the COVID-19 pandemic due to the surge in demand for its digital poker machines and card games in the US, has become one of Australia’s fastest-growing businesses. VGW’s annual revenue has skyrocketed, from AU$379 million ($258.3 million) in 2018 to a staggering AU$6.1 billion ($4.15 billion) in 2023. In the second half of the last fiscal year alone, the company generated AU$3.3 billion ($2.24 billion) in turnover.
VGW operates using a sweepstakes model under a Maltese gaming license, allowing it to navigate US laws that largely prohibit internet gambling. Customers purchase virtual gold coins to play games like Chumba Casino and Luckyland Slots, though these coins hold no actual value. However, with most gold coin packages, players also receive bonus “sweeps coins,” which can be used in the games and are redeemable for cash in the US and Canada.
While the model has proven successful, it has not been without its challenges. Several lawsuits have been filed in US states, including a recent case in Georgia, seeking to block VGW’s games on the grounds that they constitute illegal gambling. VGW has addressed these legal actions in its annual report, stating that management does not currently expect any of these proceedings to have a ‘material adverse effect’ on the company’s financial standing or operational results.
In addition to its gaming ventures, VGW has now ventured into the lottery market. The company recently purchased a 13.9 percent stake in the British lottery services firm 99Dynamics for $25 million. 99Dynamics operates the website Jackpot.com, which offers access to numerous high-dollar US lottery games. Escalante described the acquisition as an opportunity for “exposure to an attractive adjacent market, diversification, and future optionality.”
However, VGW is also facing inquiries from the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) regarding its tax obligations in Australia, the US, and Malta. The company has launched a review of its tax liabilities, acknowledging the possibility that additional taxes might be owed on historical positions. The company’s annual report noted, ‘It is possible that the review may identify that additional tax may be required to be paid.’
Alongside tax and legal challenges, VGW is reviewing its corporate governance and operational structure. The company’s board, which currently consists of three members without independent directors, is evaluating its governance practices. VGW is also investing in a new centralized tech platform to support its continued growth.
Despite rising operational costs, VGW’s expenses have remained in line with revenue growth, and Escalante emphasized that the company’s investments in its workforce, operations, and marketing will support its “prudent ongoing expansion at an industry-leading level of practices and responsibility.”
“Our balance sheet remains strong, and the future is bright, with several exciting growth opportunities,” Escalante concluded.
Australia’s new rules on video games featuring loot boxes and “simulated gambling” content will come into effect on Sunday, September 22nd.
The measures are imposing stricter age restrictions on titles with gambling-like features or chance-based in-app purchases. The updated classification guidelines will automatically assign an R18+ rating to video games containing simulated gambling, effectively barring access to players under 18. Additionally, games featuring loot boxes or other in-game purchases with an element of chance will receive at least an M rating, restricting access to those aged 15 and above.
These regulations, first announced in 2023, will only apply to games classified after September 22nd, 2024. Existing games won’t need reclassification unless they undergo major updates or changes. Titles with chance-based mechanics that do not involve real-world currency or interactive gambling elements will be exempt from the new rules.
Although the M rating for games with loot boxes serves as a warning, it does not legally restrict their sale. Parents are encouraged to monitor the content their children access. Games featuring non-interactive gambling imagery or themes will also remain exempt from the stricter guidelines.
The changes are a response to a government inquiry led by the late Labor MP Peta Murphy, which examined the potential harm of online gambling and loot boxes on minors and problem gamblers. The inquiry also raised concerns about the growing influence of sports betting advertisements on vulnerable groups.
The findings have sparked wider discussions about the need for more extensive gambling regulations, with some advocates calling for a nationwide ban on sports betting ads. The new rules represent Australia’s first significant step toward addressing concerns about gambling-related content in video games and the impact on younger players.
The proposed casino project in Thailand has ignited debate, with the opposition People’s Party expressing concerns about the future of the integrated resort (IR) industry. Daniel Cheng, a gaming expert, has noted that while parliamentary discussions are encouraging diverse perspectives, they also reveal a broader lack of understanding of the IR industry among politicians and government ministries.
Daniel Cheng, author ‘How I Built an Integrated Resort’
Speaking to AGB, Cheng suggested that the Paetongtarn government needs to make greater efforts to provide lawmakers, ministries, and the business community with adequate research and information about the industry.
Cheng’s comments followed a statement by Nont Pisarnlimjaroenkit, a member of the opposition People’s Party, who provided recent input on the draft Thai casino bill during parliamentary sessions.
According to the Bangkok Post, Nont stated that Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s administration aims to generate new revenue by bringing underground businesses into the tax system, including the development of an entertainment complex featuring a casino. This initiative is seen as a strategy to combat illegal gambling and increase national revenue.
However, the government has yet to clarify whether the entertainment complex will be a large-scale project comparable to Macau’s upscale casinos or a more modest venture like those in neighboring countries. Meanwhile, Nont also warned that legalizing casinos in the country could trigger shady business dealings.
Cheng cautioned that Nont’s feedback, alongside that of other MPs, highlights a broader lack of understanding of the IR sector among politicians and ministries. “Their shortcomings became evident when Nont raised valid points about the multi-ministry drafted bill,” Cheng said.
Cheng noted Nont pointed out that key details—such as the proportion of casino space within the entertainment complex, the tax rate, and the locals’ entry fee—were left unconfirmed in the draft bill, giving broad discretionary power to a policy committee led by the prime minister.
“This flexibility could significantly alter the framework of the entertainment complex and raises concerns about potential abuse,” Cheng added.
With the draft bill only requiring investments to cover up to four of the dozen listed components of the entertainment complex, there is concern that the government may opt for a more liberal interpretation. “This may allow local companies to pursue less ambitious developments similar to those in neighboring Indochinese countries,” he warned.
Cheng further cited a Bhumjaithai MP’s suggestion to create state-owned entertainment complexes and a proposal from an equestrian club to build a complex in Bangkok as indicative of this shift.
Focusing solely on visitor numbers
In the discussion, Thai politician Nont also highlighted that even countries like Singapore, Vietnam, and the Philippines have struggled to match the tourist appeal of Macau’s casinos. He expressed skepticism about Thailand’s ability to replicate Macau’s success and argued that the government had not fully considered the potential impacts of legalizing casinos.
Nont Pisarnlimjaroenkit, Thai politician
Commenting on this, Cheng cautioned that focusing solely on visitor numbers, while comparing Thailand unfavorably to Singapore, Vietnam, and the Philippines, overlooks the broader context. “Nont’s belief that the Macau model is the industry benchmark reveals a significant misunderstanding of the sector. He seems unaware that the Chinese central government is actively steering Macau’s gaming industry towards a more successful model, like that of Singapore’s integrated resorts.”
All this feedback in Parliament, Cheng stated, underscores the need for the Paetongtarn government to provide lawmakers, ministries, and business leaders with more comprehensive industry research and information.
Amid these challenges, the Thai government had not yet engaged global industry consultants to assist in formulating its plans, resulting in widespread misconceptions among MPs and significant gaps in the draft bill.
In his view, Cheng concluded, “the Thais would be significantly underestimating their potential if they do anything less than auctioning off and awarding half a dozen licenses to top global gaming companies. Each of these companies should be tasked with developing a world-class entertainment complex to rival those in Las Vegas and Singapore.”
He also emphasized the importance of understanding the major players in the global IR industry. “For any Thai officials or politicians who may not be familiar with the industry’s leading companies, they include, in no particular order: Wynn Resorts, MGM, Galaxy Entertainment, Genting Group, Las Vegas Sands, Hard Rock International, Caesars Entertainment, and Melco Resorts,” he said.
*Daniel Cheng is the author of the handbook for integrated resort development, How I Built an Integrated Resort, published by AGB. A Thai-language translation of the book will be introduced in Bangkok in the fourth quarter of this year, aligning perfectly with the current market needs.
International gaming licensing, compliance and gambling consultancy experts Manavia Limited will showcase their expertise at the upcoming SBC Lisbon eGaming summit.
Visitors can find Manavia at stand B20, where their team of experts will be joined by a delegation from the Vanuatu government to provide comprehensive guidance on licensing, compliance, and general gambling consultancy.
Manavia, part of the MannBenham Group, has established itself as a trusted partner in the eGaming sector over the last 25 years, offering expertise in navigating the often-complex regulatory requirements for global gaming operations. With a focus on obtaining licenses in the Isle of Man and Vanuatu—both highly respected jurisdictions in the gaming world—Manavia is well-positioned to help operators looking to expand internationally.
What sets Manavia’s presence at this year’s summit apart is the support of the Vanuatu government delegation at their stand. This collaboration highlights the importance Vanuatu places on promoting its jurisdiction as a credible and business-friendly licensing option for eGaming operators. Potential clients visiting stand B20 will have the unique opportunity to get direct insights from both Manavia’s specialists and Vanuatu government representatives on the entire licensing process, as well as the regulatory advantages of setting up operations in Vanuatu and the Isle of Man.
In addition to licensing, Manavia’s team specializes in compliance services, a critical aspect of any successful gaming operation. With regulations constantly evolving, the experts at stand B20 will discuss strategies to maintain compliance across multiple jurisdictions, including anti-money laundering (AML) measures, responsible gambling practices, and more.
Manavia also offers broader gambling consultancy services, guiding operators through market entry strategies, taxation, corporate structuring, and operational best practices. By having both Manavia’s team and the Vanuatu delegation on-site, visitors can gain a holistic view of the opportunities and requirements associated with launching and managing a gaming business in these key jurisdictions.
For more information, visit Manavia and the Vanuatu government representatives at the SBC Summit on stand B20 or arrange a meeting by emailing [email protected] or via Telegram, WhatsApp or Signal at +447624290962.
Foreign employees of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) have been given the deadline of October 15th to voluntarily repatriate.
The date was set by the “Task Force POGO Closure”, encompassing the Department of Justice (DOJ), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) and the Bureau of Immigration (BI).
After the October 15th deadline, foreign employees of POGOs currently holding 9G visas “will be downgraded to tourist visas and they would have to leave the Philippines within 60 days or face involuntary repatriation,” noted the DOJ in a release.
Task Force POGO Closure meeting
The task force met on Thursday to finalize the date, but Justice Undersecretary Raul Vazquez indicated that “this may just the first one” referring to the meeting, “in order for us to have a streamlined, systematic and efficient process of implementing the policy directive of our President”.
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. deliver the order to shut down POGO operations in the country during his State of the Nation Address (SONA) in late July.
POGO operations have been ordered to completely shutter by December 31st, with PAGCOR’s Chairman Alejandro H. Tengco warning that the Task Force will face an uphill battle in tracking down and closing all POGOS.
Tengco noted “POGO operators will try to employ dirty tactics to hide their illegal business”.
Currently 41 licensed POGO operators have indicated they will comply with the mandate to shutter.
The DOJ furthered that it will work with the Task Force to smoothly implement the POGO ban by the end of the year.
Justice Secretary Jesus Cripsin Remulla commented that “with the President’s guidance, we can now unleash the full consequences of the law against these undesirable elements of socity,” cited the Philippine News Agency.
While offshore gaming operations will be closed, authorities are working to assure Special Class Business Process Outsourcing (SCBPO) companies that they will not be affected by the ban and related Filipino workers will not lose their jobs.
Local POGO workers, which are estimated to total up to 20,000, will be able to transition their roles via a job fair scheduled by the DOLE for October 10th in Parañaque City.
Taiwanese billionaire Shen Qing-jing, chairman of Core Pacific Group, has reportedly incurred significant losses at Macau casinos, leading to his pursuit by creditors linked to Alvin Chau.
According to Taiwanese media reports, Shen Qing-jing used a 30 percent stake in a company as collateral to borrow NT$6 billion ($188 million) from a Hong Kong-based company connected to Alvin Chau in 2014.
Alvin Chau, former head of Macau top junket Suncity Group
He also signed 17 promissory notes under various company and personal names. However, failure to continue payments led to debt collection efforts. In April 2017, Shen faced forced asset seizure by the Taipei District Court, which brought the debt issue to light.
The report cites informed sources stating that the major shareholder of the Hong Kong-based company is Alvin Chau. Given Chau’s association with the gambling industry, there is speculation that Shen Qing-jing’s debt might be related to gambling losses in Macau.
Alvin Chau, the former chairman of Macau’s largest junket company Suncity, saw his gambling empire collapse due to China’s crackdown. He is currently serving a prison sentence in Macau.
Meanwhile, Shen Qing-jing is involved in one of the most influential political corruption cases in Taiwan, which also implicates Taiwan People’s Party Chairman Ko Wen-je. Shen remains in detention, awaiting trial in connection with the scandal.
Pragmatic Play, a top content supplier for the iGaming industry, has launched High Flyer, the latest addition to its Crash Games portfolio. High Flyer is set to soar with wins of up to 1,000,000x the player’s bet.
The aim of the game is simple. With two bet spots available, each featuring autoplay and auto cashout, players place their bets before the plane takes off alongside a rapidly increasing multiplier, which can end at any time. Players who cash out before the plane flies off win the value of the bet multiplier shown on the screen in that moment.
The auto cashout option allows players to cash out automatically at a predetermined multiplier value. Advanced statistics show the top results, previous round details across all players, and the percentage breakdown of multipliers from the last 500 games. High Flyer has a social element, too, with optional chat functionality and a leaderboard showing the biggest bets (and their associated wins) designed to engage players between flights.
High Flyer joins the iconic Spaceman and player-favourite Big Bass Crash in Pragmatic Play’s growing range of crash titles, which are renowned for delivering fun and fast-paced gaming experiences.
Irina Cornides, Chief Operating Officer at Pragmatic Play, said: “High Flyer is an action-packed addition to Pragmatic Play’s Crash Games portfolio. Featuring intuitive gameplay with an engaging theme, multiplayer chat, and only five seconds between flights, opportunities for players to win will come thick and fast.”
Pragmatic Play currently produces up to eight new Slot titles a month, while also delivering Live Casino and Bingo games as part of its multi-product portfolio, available through a single API.
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Divine Divas by Play’n GO
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