Australian gaming operator The Star Entertainment has released an update, confirming that it is ‘reviewing its financial and liquidity position with various advisors’ in preparation of the launch of its financial results for the January-June period.
According to reports, the results were not supportive of the company’s aim to retain its casino license.
The group particularly notes that ‘The Company confirms that the advice being provided has extended, from time to time, to considering the application of provisions of the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) (including the safe harbor provisions).’.
Australia’s safe harbor provisions basically isolate directors from individual liability if a restructuring fails.
The Star notes that it does not yet have a release date for its financial results, but that it will ‘provide a further update in respect of its financial and liquidity position in conjunction with the release of its FY24 preliminary financial report’.
Upon release of the financial results, the company will resume trading on the ASX.
Lawmakers in the Philippines hope that Alice Guo’s arrest will pave the way for her appearance in ongoing probes by the Senate and the House of Representatives.
Guo was taken into custody late Tuesday night in Tangerang City, Jakarta, Indonesia, and is currently held by the Indonesian police.
Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero expressed hope that her arrest would aid the investigations into Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations (POGOs).
“Her arrest brings the opportunity to deliver justice and, hopefully, shed light on illegal POGO operations in the country.”.
Francis “Chiz” Escudero
Senate Deputy Minority Leader Risa Hontiveros also congratulated Philippine and Indonesian authorities, expressing her gratitude to all involved in the capture.
“I expect Guo Hua Ping to appear before the Senate hearing as soon as possible. We appreciate the commitment of the NBI (National Bureau of Investigation) to present her to the Senate after processing,” she said.
Philippine Senator Sherwin Gatchalian
Senator Sherwin Gatchalian echoed the need for Guo to face the charges against her in the Philippines, including human trafficking and money laundering.
“Now that she has been apprehended, she must answer for the cases filed against her, such as human trafficking, money laundering, quo warranto, violating Senate orders, among others,” Gatchalian told reporters.
The senator also stressed that Guo should reveal those involved in the illegal activities connected to POGOs, including government officials who may have enabled such activities, so that proper cases could be filed.
In the House of Representatives, Quezon 3rd District Representative Reynan Arrogancia shared that he and his colleagues on the Quad committee are looking forward to questioning Guo during a public hearing, which could strengthen the criminal cases against her.
The Quad-committee—comprising the House Committees on Dangerous Drugs, Public Accounts, Public Order and Safety, and Human Rights—has been investigating the links between POGOs, the illegal drug trade, and extrajudicial killings.
“The Quadcomm will continue until we expose all key players in these illegal POGOs, human trafficking, and drug operations,” said Arrogancia, vice chair of the Committee on Public Order and Safety.
He added, “It will then be up to the DOJ to prosecute until they are convicted and incarcerated.”
Alongside the charges filed locally, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) announced that Guo would also face deportation proceedings once she returns to the country.
“She has been the subject of a mission order for some time due to her fraudulent acquisition of Filipino citizenship documents and for being considered an undesirable alien. Her presence here has caused significant disruption,” BI spokesperson Dana Sandoval said during a briefing on Wednesday.
However, Sandoval clarified that while Guo could face deportation, the legal cases against her must first be resolved before she can be deported. She added that Guo will undergo the same process as her sister Shiela Leal Guo and POGO incorporator Cassandra Li Ong, who have both faced legal scrutiny upon their return to the Philippines.
In one of the biggest Poker surprises of the year, Newport World Resorts made headlines with one of the most extraordinary poker tournaments to date—the 32M Guaranteed Manila Poker Cup.
The event, organized by R-Live Poker in collaboration with Lucky Poker Tour, drew in an impressive gathering of over 300 seasoned poker enthusiasts from across region.
The seven-day grind started on Wednesday, September 4, 2024 showcasing Asia’s thriving poker community and definitive of the local poker scene.
The Manila Poker Cup, held in the luxurious Rose Room of Newport World Resorts, is set to deliver action that required mental recalibration and eventual celebration of the game’s rich tradition.
The event features 25 carefully curated poker events designed to challenge players of all skill levels, culminating in the MPC Main Event, which was the crown jewel of the competition with Php20M (USD323K) at stake.
The sheer scale of the tournament is unprecedented, with a total of Php32 million guaranteed in the prize pool, a figure that undoubtedly contributed to the buzz surrounding the event.
Manila Poker Cup presented by R-Live Poker Lucky Poker Tour. exclusively at the Newport World Resorts, crowns its champion on September 10, 2024. Link-up with manilapokercup.com and their official social media channels for updates.
Thailand’s King Maha Vajiralongkorn has officially endorsed the new cabinet formed by Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, with Julapun Amornvivat, a key figure in the effort to legalize casinos, retaining his position as deputy finance minister.
Julapun Amornvivat
The endorsement, announced through the Royal Gazette on Wednesday, introduces a 36-member lineup, including 12 new faces in the coalition government. The new cabinet is expected to present its policy proposals to parliament as early as next week.
The cabinet composition reflects the influence of the Pheu Thai party, the populist political force associated with the billionaire Shinawatra family. Pheu Thai has secured 17 key positions, including ministers and deputy ministers, while the remaining 19 positions have been allocated among coalition partners. This strategic distribution underscores the party’s continued dominance in shaping Thailand’s political landscape.
Julapun Amornvivat’s continued role in the cabinet is particularly significant as he has been instrumental in the ongoing discussions around legalizing casinos in Thailand. His inclusion signals the potential for advancing these efforts, with the Ministry of Finance actively studying the implications of legalizing the casino industry.
In a detailed address two weeks ago, titled “Vision for Thailand,” Thaksin discussed his perspectives on the country’s struggling economy and outlined critical measures needed to stimulate future growth, signaling a positive shift for casino industry supporters eager to see progress in this area.
‘POGO mayor’ Alice Guo has reportedly been arrested in Indonesia, with confirmation from the Philippines’ Department of Justice and National Bureau of Investigation. Alice Guo was arrested in Jakarta on Tuesday and is in the custody of the Indonesian police.
Current expectations are for the official to be deported to the Philippines. Authorities are already preparing the criminal charges to be leveled against her.
Money laundering charges have already been leveled against Guo and 35 other individuals by the DOJ, over an estimated PHP7 billion ($123.82 million) in assets linked to a scam operation in central Luzon.
Shiela Guo
Those charged include Guo, her sister Shiela, Cassandra Ong and officials of Zun Yuan Technology, Hongsheng Gaming Technology and other firms.
A blue notice to Interpol was issued for Guo’s arrest, with a red notice expected once charges were filed, however her arrest now changes the scenario.
Guo’s money laundering charges allege that the official brought investors to her jurisdiction, including two individuals charged in the multi-billion-dollar money laundering case in Singapore.
It also alleges her continued involvement in other companies, concealment of funds, and other allegations.
Guo fled the Philippines in July, reportedly traveling through multiple countries before her arrest in Jakarta.
Her sister, Sheila, and business partner Cassandra Ong have already been arrested in the Philippines.
Following her arrest, lawmakers in the Philippines hope that Alice Guo’s arrest will pave the way for her to appear in ongoing probes by the Senate and the House of Representatives.
Current expectations are for the official to be deported to the Philippines. Authorities are already preparing the criminal charges to be leveled against her.
Senate Deputy Minority Leader Risa Hontiveros also congratulated Philippine and Indonesian authorities, expressing her gratitude to all involved in the capture.
“I expect Guo Hua Ping to appear before the Senate hearing as soon as possible. We appreciate the commitment of the NBI (National Bureau of Investigation) to present her to the Senate after processing,” she said.
Good morning. A top senator in the Philippines is warning that the ban on offshore gaming operators (POGOs) will cause companies to ‘rebrand‘, finding a loophole to continue operations. The worries are valid, particularly after a recent raid on a POGO hub in Cebu, which showcased how operators can fluidly shift to new locations and formats to continue illicit practices. Meanwhile, in Thailand, concerns have been raised about how legalized casinos could impact law enforcement, with an academic calling for reform before implementation.
The move to ban offshore gaming operators in the Philippines has already caused many repercussions, but a top Philippine senator is now warning of the way that such operations could effectively “rebrand”, and continue to conduct business. The recent raid on a POGO hub in Cebu has highlighted the concern about companies’ fluidity, as well as that of its workers – oftentimes transitioning from one illicit operation to the next.
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.
Macau International Airport (MIA) experienced a substantial increase in passenger traffic and aircraft movements during the summer holiday period of July and August 2024.
The airport handled 1.47 million passengers and 10,881 aircraft movements, representing a significant year-on-year growth of 28 percent in passenger numbers and 30.2 percent in aircraft movements compared to the same period in 2023.
The numbers follow the recent data released by the Public Security Police Force, where Macau welcomed 6.7 million visitors during the summer vacation, reflecting an 11.7% increase from the previous year. This surge brings visitor numbers to 93.4% of 2019 levels, with an impressive daily average of 107,764 tourist arrivals.
MIA is also looking to expand its international reach by developing new international routes and collaborating with airlines to enhance connectivity. This includes developing connecting flights and offering luggage check-through services, which will further streamline the travel experience for passengers. In line with these efforts, MIA has planned several promotional activities in the fourth quarter of 2024, including roadshow events in the Greater Bay Area to promote these new routes and related travel products.
In addition to route expansion, MIA is also focused on enhancing the passenger experience through infrastructure upgrades. Starting in the fourth quarter of 2024, the airport will begin preparations for a significant upgrade of the security checkpoint channels at the departure Level and the immigration area.
This project aims to redesign and optimize these areas to better utilize space, expand the number of lanes, and ultimately reduce queuing times. The goal is to enhance passenger comfort and improve the overall efficiency of the airport’s operations.
The bidding process for this upgrade is expected to be completed by the end of 2024, with construction set to begin early in the following year. Once completed, the new security channels will not only comply with the latest aviation safety standards but will also significantly increase the airport’s processing capacity. This is particularly important given the growing demand for travel through Macau, and the upgrade is anticipated to make MIA better equipped to handle future increases in passenger numbers.
MIA’s commitment to improving the passenger experience is further highlighted by the upcoming “Double Anniversary Celebration and Lucky Draw Campaign,” set to launch in October 2024. This campaign will offer discounts and special benefits to passengers, reinforcing the airport’s dedication to customer satisfaction and service excellence.
Police reform is essential before the government considers legalizing casinos and other underground businesses, according to an academic in Thailand.
Prof Dr. Attakrit Patchimnan
Prof Dr. Attakrit Patchimnan, director of the Sanya Dharmasakti Institute for Democracy, recently emphasized that comprehensive reform of the police force is necessary to prevent corruption and abuse of power before the country can move forward with decriminalizing these businesses.
Attakrit’s comments were in response to a proposal from former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, a key figure in the ruling Pheu Thai Party, who suggested that legalizing and regulating underground businesses could help address social issues and boost national revenue.
However, Attakrit stressed that police, as the primary law enforcers, must first be reformed to ensure they do not exploit their authority for personal gain. He argued that this reform should be the government’s top priority.
“Police reform must come first before we can tackle other issues.”
Prof Dr. Attakrit Patchimnan
He also suggested that the government might use AI technologies to monitor police activities as part of the reform process, ensuring greater transparency and accountability.
Attakrit cautioned that the government should not rush to legalize underground businesses solely to increase revenue but should also consider the potential impact on Thai culture. He recommended a gradual implementation of any decriminalization policies to allow time for addressing any problems that may arise.
If the government proceeds with plans to allow the establishment of an entertainment complex with casinos, Attakrit advised that it should carefully select a location and restrict access to local residents, drawing on the example of South Korea, which limits casino access to tourists to prevent social issues.
Attakrit concluded that such a complex should be situated in a tourist destination to minimize any negative impact on the local population.
EvenBet Gaming, a leading developer of online gaming software and solutions, has launched a major update to its platform. The In-Store product offers players unique access to in-game poker benefits directly from the lobby and table, as well as providing operators with an extra ancillary revenue source.
In addition to chip packages that can be used as buy-ins for play money games and tournaments, the Store upgrade now gives operators the flexibility to offer players highly sought-after perks to enhance their gaming experience.
EvenBet has also developed a customisable VIP Card, which can be tailored to include any perk according to operator preferences, as well as providing access to VIP-exclusive tables and tournaments. Operators can utilise this option to deliver a bespoke experience that boosts player engagement.
The first version of In-Store, released this week, includes all the aforementioned benefits except VIP Cards and Statistics which, alongside more perks currently in development, are set to be included with future product upgrades.
Additionally, the new feature allows partners to monetise social, free-to-play poker formats and business models based on play money games, such as sweepstakes.
Dmitry Starostenkov, CEO at EvenBet Gaming, said: “EvenBet strives to deliver premium gaming solutions, and this major product update will elevate the player experience by providing unrivaled access to the In-Store feature from within the lobby or at the poker table.
Evoplay, the award-winning game development studio, has reported its best-ever H1 results for both GGR and Bet Sum, fueled by new partnerships and product launches, including the release of the flagship title Adrenaline Rush.
Key to the success has been Evoplay’s growth in its partner network, which saw a year-on-year increase of 39%. This includes signing with Light & Wonder for integration into their aggregation platform as well as leading operators such as Vegas.hu and Seasame.bg in key growth markets.
Evoplay has also continued to expand its portfolio since the beginning of the year, rolling out over 20 new releases, notably its flagship title Adrenaline Rush. Released alongside a slot and crash variant, the industry-first 3D racing game adds a strategic element to the casino experience and helped Evoplay win the Skill Games Supplier award at the EGR B2B Awards 2024.
Thanks to these new releases, Evoplay has experienced a 26% growth in GGR as well as an increase of 37% in Bet Sum compared to the same period last year.
Building on this momentum for the latter half of the year, Evoplay plans to launch several new verticals including bingo and lottery, with releases planned for before the end of the fourth quarter. The provider has also launched its new promotional tool Wheel of Fortune, designed to increase player retention and drive profits for operators.
Commenting on the accomplishments, Ivan Kravchuk, CEO at Evoplay, said: “Innovation remains at the core of Evoplay and has allowed us to stand out in a crowded gaming space. These results are a testament to that philosophy whilst highlighting the continued strength of our offering.
