10K foreign POGO workers downgrade visas: Gov’t

Philippines

Viviana Chan

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October 7, 2024

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10K foreign POGO workers downgrade visas: Gov’t

According to the Bureau of Immigration (BI), over 10,000 foreign workers employed by Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) have applied to downgrade their visas.

On Monday, BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado urged all foreign nationals working for POGOs to act quickly and downgrade their visas before the upcoming October 15th deadline. This initiative is part of a broader government effort to wind down POGO operations in the country.

To facilitate a smooth transition for POGO workers, Viado explained that the Bureau has streamlined the visa downgrading process, enabling applicants to complete the necessary procedures more efficiently. He stressed the importance of submitting applications early to avoid last-minute complications.

Viado warned that those who fail to meet the deadline or exit the Philippines by December 31st could face serious penalties, including deportation and blacklisting from the country.

The visa downgrading process allows foreign POGO employees to switch from work visas to temporary visitor visas, which permit them to remain legally in the Philippines for an additional 59 days. This grace period is in line with the government’s directive mandating that all foreign POGO workers must leave by the end of the year.

Viado emphasized that there will be no extensions granted beyond the October 15th deadline. Those who miss this cutoff will be required to leave the Philippines immediately.

In a recent briefing held on September 30th, the BI, in coordination with the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), met with POGO company representatives to outline the next steps. The bureau also suggested setting up designated “service days” where workers could process visa downgrades and secure exit clearances on-site.

Representatives from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) will also be present at these service days to collect surrendered Alien Employment Permits from POGO workers as part of the government’s broader initiative to scale back the industry.

An interagency task force, including the BI, Department of Justice, DOLE, PAGCOR, and other relevant agencies, has been established to manage the closure of POGO operations and provide assistance to affected employees.

This projection follows the recent announcement that Wynn Resorts has been granted a gaming license by the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The integrated resort, which represents a $4 billion investment in Ras Al Khaimah, signifies a major milestone for the company and the broader gaming landscape in the UAE.

In a recent report from CBRE, the issuance of the official gaming license is highlighted as a crucial step likely to attract greater interest from equity investors. “So far, investors have given no credit to Wynn Resorts for Wynn Al Marjan Island, which we estimate could generate approximately $920 million of EBITDA,” the report stated.

Given Wynn’s 40 percent ownership interest and management contract in Wynn Al Marjan Island, this integrated resort is expected to play a vital role in enhancing Wynn Resorts‘ overall financial performance.

Wynn-Al-Marjan-Island-Interior-View — _{Rendering of Wynn Al Marjan Island – aerial view}

While the announcement of Wynn’s license was relatively low-key, state media confirmed the approval, aligning with expectations of a more discreet licensing approach in the region.

The timing of Wynn’s investor day this week further suggests that the company was either confident about securing the license or had already obtained it prior to the presentation.

The investment bank predicts that investors can anticipate that Wynn Resorts will share updated projections for Wynn Al Marjan Island during this event, possibly including details regarding project financing and timelines as construction rapidly progresses toward a projected opening in the first quarter of 2027.

Despite the excitement surrounding the UAE gaming market, some challenges remain, particularly regarding the accessibility of new laws and regulations.

While the GCGRA is authorized by federal decree to regulate and supervise all forms of commercial gaming in the UAE, the federal decree itself has not been made widely public. This lack of transparency has been a concern for public equity investors; however, the official license granted to Wynn is expected to alleviate some of those apprehensions.

CBRE also flags that cultural sensitivities regarding gaming in the region may delay broader legislative announcements that decriminalize gaming. The UAE has been cautious and thoughtful in its approach to integrating gaming within its framework.

“Adding Mystery of the Lamp to IGT PlayDigital’s content library for the U.S. enables our customers to offer players another highly successful IGT land-based game across platforms,” said Gil Rotem, IGT PlayDigital President. “Much like we did with IGT’s Prosperity Link’s™ arrival in the online space, we anticipate players and operators will quickly gravitate to Mystery of the Lamp given its strong following around the world and the quality of the gameplay experience.”

IGT PlayDigital introduced Mystery of the Lamp Treasure Oasis, one of five IGT Mystery of the Lamp themes. The game has a 5×3 reel configuration, features four compelling jackpots and includes Hold & Win-style bonus play.

9 Masks of Fire™ Land & Win™ features a unique game board reminiscent of classic roulette, with numbers one to 36 available for straight-up bets. The twist comes with a single slot-style reel alongside the grid, offering new ways to win. Once bets are placed, the reel spins and up to 10 multiplier masks can randomly land on the board, boosting payouts by up to 100x.

Three distinct modifiers can enhance win potential when triggered by the reel: the multiplier boost increases all existing multipliers on the board by up to 50x; the mask symbol adds up to six additional multipliers at random; and the Free Plays icon grants up to eight extra rounds with the current numbers and bet value intact.

Switch Studios introduces a brand-new gaming experience with 9 Masks of Fire™ Land & Win™, combining the renowned 9 Masks of Fire™ brand with the Land & Win™ mechanic. This release exemplifies the studio’s commitment to pushing innovation through collaboration, delivering a dynamic and engaging new genre for players.

Tom David, Head of Switch Studios, said: “9 Masks of Fire™ Land & Win™ is not only a collaboration between Gameburger and Switch Studios, but also the coming together of two important brands in 9 Masks of Fire™ and Land & Win. The Land & Win™ mechanic allows players to adjust game volatility by choosing how many numbers to bet on, while the 9 Masks of Fire™ brand brings a familiarity to proceedings. With plenty of additional modifiers and maximum wins up to 4,500x, it is another truly distinctive product from Switch Studios!”

Andy Booth, Chief Product Officer at Games Global, said: “The 9 Masks of Fire™ series stands as one of the crown jewels in Games Global’s expansive portfolio, consistently captivating players worldwide. This latest release is poised to not only thrill devoted fans of both slots and table games but also redefine their gaming experience. Retaining the classic charm of a vintage roulette layout, the game has been brilliantly reimagined for modern audiences, incorporating cutting-edge modifiers and offering thrilling opportunities for massive wins.”

Asian Football Confederation signs agreement to strengthen betting integrity

Malaysia

Nelson Moura

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October 7, 2024

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Asian Football Confederation signs agreement to strengthen betting integrity

The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has reinforced its commitment to safeguarding the integrity of football in Asia by signing a four-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the International Betting Integrity Association (IBIA).

This agreement, announced today (07th of October 2024), aims to strengthen efforts against match-fixing and irregular betting activities across the continent.

Under the MoU, the AFC and IBIA will collaborate closely to detect suspicious betting patterns in football matches.

IBIA will utilize its Monitoring and Alert Platform to provide the AFC with real-time data on irregular betting activities, enhancing the AFC’s capability to promptly investigate potential match manipulation.

AFC General Counsel and Director of Legal Affairs, Andrew Mercer, emphasized the organization’s commitment to maintaining ethical standards in the sport.

Mercer added that partnerships with leading organizations are crucial in the fight against match-fixing. “This MoU with IBIA further strengthens our ability to ensure football in Asia remains clean for the future generations of fans, players, and stakeholders.”

Khalid Ali, CEO of IBIA, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, underling that cooperation is “vital for an effective integrity monitoring and investigatory framework”.

“IBIA is delighted to strengthen its relationship with the AFC through this important information-sharing collaboration. We will safeguard the AFC ecosystem by monitoring our members’ global customer account activity, which encompasses over $300 billion in sports betting annually”, Ali added.

The Asia Pacific sports betting market size is anticipated to reach $60.3 billion by 2030, according to ResearchAndMarkets.com.

While overseas Filipinos accounted for 355,692 arrivals (an 8 percent share), the bulk of the growth is attributed to foreign tourists, who represented 4.08 million arrivals, making up 91.99 percent of the total. This segment saw a robust growth rate of 10.36 percent compared to 3.7 million in 2023.

South Korea remains the top source of foreign tourists, with 1.19 million arrivals, which constitutes 26.9 percent of the total. This is a significant increase of 12.1 percent from the previous year. The United States follows with 694,142 arrivals, reflecting a modest growth of 1.65 percent.

Japan and China have also shown impressive growth, with Japan experiencing a 31.69 percent increase (totalling 293,658 arrivals) and China growing by 30.27 percent (totaling 260,134).

Several other countries contributed to the surge in tourist numbers, namelly, Taiwan with a 14.8 percent increase, and India with a 15.14 percent rise.

Although Vietnam visitors reported a 10.5 percent decrease, this country still remains a notable contributor to the Philippines tourism sector.

While the growth is encouraging, certain countries, such as Australia and Canada, experienced slight declines of 0.6 percent and 3.2 percent respectively. The Philippines continues to navigate the challenges posed by global travel uncertainties, but the overall trend indicates a robust recovery.

Thailand’s casino bill could face overhaul following Fiscal Policy Office’s recommendations

Thailand

Nelson Moura

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October 7, 2024

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Thailand’s casino bill could face overhaul following Fiscal Policy Office’s recommendations

Thailand’s Fiscal Policy Office (FPO) has wrapped up its public hearings on a proposed entertainment complex bill, compiling a report with 45 significant recommendations that will soon be presented to the Cabinet for further deliberation.

In another article published by AGB, gaming expert Daniel Cheng offers a comprehensive analysis of the proposed changes, providing detailed information.

Public consultation feedback on draft Thai casino bill

According to The Nation, the FPO, a policy unit of the Ministry of Finance, has categorized these recommendations to facilitate the Cabinet’s review and decision-making process regarding the draft legislation aimed at establishing entertainment complexes with casinos in Thailand. This initiative is part of the government’s strategy to attract foreign visitors and increase national revenue.

In a recent study, the House of Representatives concluded that allowing these entertainment complexes is essential for boosting tourism and economic growth in the country.

Among the 45 recommendations, one major suggestion is to rename the legislation from the “Entertainment Complex with Casino” to the “Integrated Resort Act.” This change aims to better reflect the multifaceted nature of the proposed developments.

Participants also advocated for expanding the range of permissible entertainment activities within each complex from four to seven. This expansion would include dedicated zones for showcasing Thai culture, enhancing the overall appeal of the resorts.

Another suggestion involved adjusting the shareholder composition within these complexes, with participants proposing that Thai ownership should range from 30 percent to 51 percent.

Licensing and location proposals

The hearings also addressed the duration of licenses for the entertainment complexes. While some participants proposed reducing the license validity from 30 years to 10, others recommended extending it to between 50 and 60 years.

Additionally, a proposal emerged to limit the number of entertainment complexes to between three and seven throughout the country.

Geographically, participants suggested that these complexes should be strategically located in popular tourist destinations such as Phuket, Chiang Mai, Chonburi, Rayong, or Hua Hin, rather than in the capital city of Bangkok.

Furthermore, there were discussions regarding entry fees for Thai citizens, with proposals ranging from THB1,000 to THB2,000 ($30-$60) per visit or an annual fee of THB20,000 to THB40,000 ($598-$1,196).

As previously reported, the entertainment complex draft bill suggests that tax rates would be set at 17 percent of gaming revenue, while casinos must be part of a wider integrated resort that offers at least four other entertainment businesses.

These may include restaurants, amusement parks, department stores, hotels, and areas for promoting Thai culture.

Through this agreement, players in these regions will gain access to 7777 gaming’s popular and diverse titles, including Devil’s Deal Soul for Sale, Cash 100, Crazy 100 Bucks, Thracian Treasures, Crazy 20 Bucks, Barbarian, Candy Anyways, Club Mr. Luck, Jinn, Sea of Treasures, and many more. Known for their innovative features and captivating gameplay, these games are set to bring a fresh wave of excitement to players across Spain and Latin America.

Zhana Aleksandrova, Business Development Manager for Spain & Latin America at 7777 gaming, commented: “The signed agreement with R. Franco Digital gives us another level of motivation and dedication to two very important markets for us – Spain and Latin America. R. Franco Digital has a strong presence, a wide network of partners, and an audience that loves exciting and innovative casino games. We are confident in our mutual success and are looking forward to receiving feedback from the players’ community.”

Guillermo Ruipérez, Head of Sales at R. Franco Digital, added: “We always strive to adapt our offerings to the requirements of our clients and their players. Our partnership with 7777 gaming aligns with our mission to offer the latest and most innovative gaming concepts available on the market right now. We are constantly upgrading and expanding our portfolio of providers to ensure that our clients are satisfied with what we can offer.”

This collaboration represents a significant step forward for both companies, as they work together to bring high-quality, engaging casino games to new and existing players in these vibrant markets.

McDowell previously worked at SUZOHAPP from 2010 to 2017, successfully leading the gaming business in Australia and Asia. He rejoins the company from Coinflip, a global digital currency platform, where he was SVP/GM of US Kiosks. Before that, he held the position of CEO of Atlas Gaming Pty Ltd, an Australian developer of proprietary gaming content and products.

“We are thrilled to welcome Geoff back to our global leadership team to lead one of our core divisions,” said Drew Scielzo, ACON Partner. “His proven track record in growth and strategy execution will be invaluable as we continue to serve our customers and achieve strong results. We also extend our gratitude to Sim Bielak for his years of dedicated service and leadership at SUZOHAPP.”

Geoff McDowell expressed his excitement about his return and the opportunity to drive SUZOHAPP’s success: “SUZOHAPP is an exciting company with tremendous growth potential and a strong team,” he said. “I look forward to embracing this new challenge in an industry I am passionate about!”

According to the latest October table survey, ‘the amount of premium mass wagers we observed… is record-breaking.’ The number of premium mass players and high-rollers, often referred to as ‘whales’, also reached unprecedented levels. This year, premium mass table utilization hit approximately 52 percent, marking the highest utilization rate since the market reopened.

Data from earlier surveys consistently show that demand for premium mass gaming has remained resilient, even in the face of weaker trends in Chinese discretionary spending year-to-date. Analyst George Choi believes that recent policy measures announced by the Chinese government have further boosted players’ appetite for gaming.

The total premium mass wager in October 2024 rose to HK$27.2 million ($3.5 million), reflecting an 81 percent increase compared to October 2023 and an 18 percent rise from Chinese New Year 2024.

The number of premium mass players also set a record, amounting to 966—a substantial 90 percent increase year-on-year. Despite this significant rise in player count, the average wager per player saw only a modest decline of 5 percent, landing at HK$28,150 ($3,625), which remains the third-highest level recorded.

Macau October Golden Week visitors exceed 2019 level: CLSA

Macau October Golden Week visitor arrivals stats from the CPSP as of 07/10/2024 — Macau October Golden Week visitor arrivals stats from the CPSP **as of 07/10/2024**

High-stakes players at record levels

In addition to overall growth in premium mass gaming, Citigroup‘s Whale Watch data reveals that the number of high-stakes players, or ‘whales,’ also reached a record high this month, increasing to 62—an 88 percent rise compared to October 2023 and a 51 percent increase since Chinese New Year 2024.

A ‘whale’ is defined as a player whose bet size ranges from HK$100,000 to HK$500,000 ($12,800 to $64,000) per hand or more.

Highlighting this trend, the ‘Player of the Month’ made an appearance at Galaxy Macau’s Horizon Room with an impressive HK$420,000 ($54,083) bet. This player was among 15 whales encountered at Galaxy Macau that day.

At the Chairman Club of Wynn Palace, five whales collectively wagered HK$1.1 million ($140,000) on a single hand, contributing to a total of 12 whales spotted at that venue.

Furthermore, at City of Dreams, nine whales were seen betting between HK$100,000 ($12,877) and HK$400,000 ($51,507), while five whales placed similar bets at the Sands Apex Room at Plaza.

Galaxy Entertainment Group, Galaxy Macau

In terms of market share, Galaxy ranks as the leader in the premium mass segment, holding a 29 percent share of the total wagers observed. The total wager at Galaxy Macau‘s Horizon Room was the highest among all major premium mass venues, reaching HK$4.3 million ($550,000).

This performance is attributed in part to the Andy Lau concerts held at the Galaxy Arena from October 3rd to 6th, which likely drew significant crowds to the property.

The brokerage notes that Wynn also demonstrated strong performance during Golden Week, reinforcing its status as a premium mass outperformer.

Meanwhile, according to observations by Citigroup, the recently reopened Londoner Grand Casino features 168 smart baccarat tables, with minimum bets ranging from HK$500 ($65) to HK$3,000 ($386), averaging HK$1,400 ($180). This represents a significant reduction compared to the previous Londoner casino, where minimum bets start at HK$2,000 ($258) and can go up to HK$10,000 ($1,288).

New side bet

Recently, the six major operators introduced a new side bet for baccarat, named Lucky 7/Super Lucky 7. The rules for this bet are straightforward, and according to Citigroup, ‘this new side bet pays as much as 100-to-1,’ suggesting it is poised to quickly gain popularity among players.

Analysts indicate that the house advantage for these new side bets is positioned in the mid-to-high teens, making it more favorable for casinos compared to the Small 6/Big 6 side bets that were launched earlier in May 2024.

Survey data indicates that Lucky 7/Super Lucky 7 is now available at all baccarat tables in major venues such as Galaxy, MGM, Melco, and Wynn, as well as selected premium mass tables at Sands and a few pits at SJM’s Grand Lisboa and Grand Lisboa Palace.

10K foreign POGO workers downgrade visas: Gov’t

According to the Bureau of Immigration (BI), over 10,000 foreign workers employed by Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) have applied to downgrade their visas.

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Wynn UAE IR sets to contribute $350M of free cash flow to parent firm: CBRE

Wynn Al Marjan Island is expected to deliver a major boost to Wynn Resorts, contributing over $350 million in free cash flow (FCF) once fully stabilized, according to CBRE.

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IGT PlayDigital introduces Mystery of the Lamp game to the US online gaming market

International Game Technology (IGT) has revealed that IGT PlayDigital™ has launched the award-winning Mystery of the Lamp™ game across multiple U.S. online gaming jurisdictions, including New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Michigan, and West Virginia.

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Games Global and Switch Studios expand popular series with 9 Masks of Fire Land & Win

Switch Studios, a premier developer under Games Global, has unveiled 9 Masks of Fire™ Land & Win™, the newest entry in the beloved series. This game ingeniously merges the thrill of table games with the excitement of slot mechanics.

Asian Football Confederation signs agreement to strengthen betting integrity

The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has reinforced its commitment to safeguarding the integrity of football in Asia by signing a four-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the International Betting Integrity Association (IBIA).

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Philippines tourist arrivals rise 10% Y-o-Y between Jan-Sept

The Philippines had a 10 percent year-on-year rise in tourist arrivals during the first nine months of 2024, as the latest data reveals a substantial growth compared to the same period of last year.