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Manila ranked fifth riskiest city for tourists by Forbes Advisor

Manila has been scored one of the five riskiest cities for tourists, while Singapore was ranked the safest, according to a new study by Forbes Advisor.

Of the total 60 cities ranked, Singapore had the best score, with the second lowest health security risk, infrastructure security risk and digital security risk.

The latter reflects ‘the ability of citizens to freely use the internet without fear of privacy violations, identity theft and online attacks’. The city also had the lowest natural disaster risk amongst the 60 surveyed.

Coming in second safest was Tokyo, Japan, followed by Toronto, Canada.

Also deemed low risk, at number 53, is Osaka, while Seoul came in at 54.

Sydney ranked 57, while Melbourne ranked 52.

The higher ranking indicates a safer city.

Hong Kong came in at number 48, trailing New York (46), Abu Dhabi (45) and Dubai (32).

Bangkok came right in the middle, at number 30, largely due to a strong personal security risk ranking of five.

Kuala Lumpur, despite a better personal security risk rating, was number 29 overall in the ranking.

Ho Chi Minh City ranked number 20, scoring 10th in regards to digital security risks.

In the top 10 riskiest cities, Yangon, Myanmar was ranked 3rd – equally placed for personal security, health security and infrastructure security risks, while ranked 1st for the digital security risk.

Manila, Philippines, came in 5th overall. The capital was ranked 9th overall In both crime risk and infrastructure security risk, while ranked 5th in personal security risk, 7th in health security risk and 12th in digital security risk.

Dhaka, Bangladesh came in 6th, with security threats seen across the board, only slightly better than Manila. Manila’s ranking places it amongst cities such as Caracas, Venezuela (1st), Karachi Pakistan (2nd) and Lagos, Nigeria (4th).

The Star resumes electronic gaming after upgrade

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The Star Entertainment Group has announced that all electronic gaming machines (EGMs) and electronic table games (ETGs) at its three properties are now back in operation and fully functional.

The announcement comes after the company temporarily suspended its electronic gaming operations earlier this week, following performance issues identified during a system upgrade intended to enhance the transition to cashless gaming.

‘As previously announced, the decision to turn off all EGMs and ETGs was to ensure compliance with relevant regulations, and to maintain the company’s commitment to safer gambling procedures,’ Star Entertainment stated.

The group has been facing a shrinking premium gaming market and regulatory scrutiny, including a second NSW inquiry into the suitability of the company’s flagship Sydney casino to hold a gaming license due on July 31st.

The Star Entertainment has now confirmed that the systemic performance issues have been rectified, and all EGMs and ETGs in its Sydney, Gold Coast, and Brisbane properties have been progressively turned back on and are once again operational.

ACMA has blocked over 1,000 illegal gambling websites in past 5 years

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The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has recently requested that Australian internet service providers (ISPs) block an additional set of illegal gambling websites, bringing its tally to more than 1,000 websites blocked in the last five years.

Since the ACMA issued its first website blocking request in November 2019, a total of 1,011 illegal gambling and affiliate websites have now been blocked.

Additionally, over 220 illegal gambling operators have withdrawn from the Australian market since the ACMA began enforcing offshore gambling laws.

The latest sites to be blocked include Richard Casino, Wanted Win, and other services found to be operating in breach of the Interactive Gambling Act 2001 after investigations by the ACMA.

Website blocking is one of the key enforcement tools the ACMA can use to shield Australians from prohibited interactive gambling services, such as online casinos, online slot machines, and unlicensed online betting platforms.

The regulator can take this action if a service is either providing or offering unlicensed regulated interactive gambling services to customers in Australia; or publishing ads for prohibited or unlicensed regulated interactive gambling services in Australia.

‘Even if an online gambling service appears legitimate, it’s unlikely to have the important consumer protections that our laws require,’ the ACMA warned. ‘This means we can’t help if something goes wrong, like if the provider withholds winnings.’

The regulator is encouraging Australian consumers to check its public register to verify if a wagering service holds a valid license to operate in the country.

Daily Asia Gaming eBrief: Macau VIP revenue trending down in 2Q24

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Good Morning. In Macau, it’s all about the mass. That’s at least what the second quarter results are showing, with official data showing that VIP baccarat revenue made up less than a quarter of the total GGR during the period. Mass continued to perform well, however, while sports betting revenues were boosted by the Euro. In the Philippines, the nation’s president has been urged to ban Chinese-targeted POGO operations, but courts will need to decide whether the claims are sufficient to act.

What you need to know


On the radar


AGB Intelligence

MACAU

Macau’s shift to a mass market model appears to be working, with VIP baccarat revenue in the second quarter amounting to less than a quarter of the total GGR. Mass market baccarat continued to perform strongly, however, despite a slight sequential downturn, indicating that punters have not lost their appetite to play. Meanwhile, recent sporting competitions such as the Euro caused a boost in sports betting during the quarter.


Corporate Spotlight

Know Your Enemy: An Interactive Guide to Online Gaming Fraud

Sumsub, Online Gaming Fraud, verification platform

Online gaming fraud is on the rise in the iGaming industry. In Q1 2022, there was an 85% increase in fake account registrations compared to Q4 2021. While players are undoubtedly affected by gaming fraud, iGaming platforms also suffer due to damaged reputations, huge financial losses, and legal consequences.

How 1xBet dominates the Asian market: conditions and approach

1xBet, Asian Market

1xBet operates in several dozen countries in Asia, and the number of partners in this region is growing steadily, which indicates the effectiveness of the 1xPartners affiliate program. The brand offers favorable conditions and a modern set of tools for making money on the Internet.


Industry Updates


MEMBERSHIP | INTELLIGENCE | ASEAN | CAREERS

BGaming opens doors to steampunk club in Gold Magnate

Set on a board game-style 5×3 field, the symbols are portrayed as cards, with larger-than-life characters and a rewarding Bonus symbol featuring the iconic Big Ben landmark. Three Big Ben cards landing in one spin pave the way to the Multiplier round. If four or five of these symbols appear, players multiply their Bonus round winnings by x3 or x10. 

At the beginning of the Bonus game, six random multiplier cards with values from x5 to x999 are revealed and then hidden once again to heighten anticipation. With the roll of a dice, players randomly choose a card decorated with fictional steampunk machines, then turn it over to reveal a multiplier amount that will apply to the bet.

For instant access to the highly popular Bonus game in Gold Magnate, players can choose the Buy Bonus option to the left of the wooden case. To keep track of the multipliers acquired in this 96.10% RTP game, they can look at the right side of the screen, where a history of these cards is displayed. 

Yulia Aliakseyeva, Co-CPO at BGaming, said: “We enjoy creating memorable and distinct themes at BGaming, catching players’ attention with unusual characters and mechanics. By showing the inner workings of an exclusive steampunk club in Gold Magnate, players can embrace their sense of wonder to achieve big wins.”

Thai Police and soldiers seize shipment of gambling equipment

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Border patrol soldiers and police in Thailand have intercepted computer equipment believed to belong to an online gambling operation setting up at a new location.

The seizure occurred near the Myanmar border in Tak province, a region northwest of Bangkok. The cargo was destined for Aranyaprathet in Sa Kaeo province, a known hub for gambling and scam operations near the Cambodian border.

According to a spokesman, the army’s Ratchamanu Task Force stopped a truck loaded with boxed computers, monitors, power banks, and other equipment near Ban Wang Ta Kien Tai in Tha Sai Luat subdistrict of Mae Sot district on Sunday night.

The cargo was confiscated, and one suspect was detained but later escaped.

This follows a recent seizure of similar computer and peripheral equipment in Mae Pa subdistrict, Mae Sot district of Tak, also believed to be part of the same illegal operation and headed to the same destination.

Macau VIP gaming share drops in 2Q24

VIP baccarat revenue generated by Macau casinos reached MOP13.3 billion ($1.65 billion) in the second quarter of 2024, representing 23.6 percent of the total gross gaming revenue (GGR), a small decrease from the 25 percent share held by the VIP sector in the previous quarter.

Data published today by the city’s gaming watchdog show that this amount marks a 7.4 percent decrease from the revenue generated in VIP baccarat tables in the first quarter, but a 9.5 percent year-on-year bump.

In the first half of 2024, Macau’s casinos generated MOP113.7 billion ($14.14 billion) in GGR, of which only 24.3 percent was generated by VIP baccarat tables.

Macau GGR June 2024

Back in 2019, before the COVID-19 pandemic and a crackdown on junket operations, VIP tables generated almost half of the MOP149.5 billion ($18.58 billion) registered by local casinos in the first half of the year.

Meanwhile, mass-market baccarat revenue in Macau properties reached MOP34.6 billion ($4.30 billion) in the second quarter of this year, a small decrease from the previous quarter, but still 61.3 percent of total casino GGR for the period, and basically the same percentage for the first half of 2024.

Slot machines contributed some MOP3.2 billion ($398 million) to the total for the second quarter, with almost no change from the previous three month period.

The number of gaming tables and slot machines remained stable between April and June at 6,000 and 12,000 respectively.

As for other gaming types, Macau Slot Co. Ltd., the SAR’s sports betting concessionaire, seems to have received a boost from the 2024 Euro Cup and Copa America, with overall basketball bets dropping but with football bets rising 25.2 percent from the previous quarter to some MOP109 million ($13.5 million).

Overall, the sports betting operator generated MOP305 million ($37.89 million) in GGR in the first half of the year, a 2.3 percent jump from the same period of last year.

No more horse racing bets were recorded during this period, as the Macau Jockey Club shut down its operations in April of this year. Its last full quarter in operation generated only MOP9 million ($1.1 million) in revenue.

Philippines President urged to revoke licenses of Chinese-focused POGOs

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President of the Philippines Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has been urged to revoke the licenses of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) that serve the mainland Chinese market.

As reported by Inquirer.net, the groups 1Sambayan, EveryWoman, Women2022, and Intercessors of the Philippines have issued a three-page open letter, arguing that these POGOs should be banned. They cited an appeal from the Chinese Embassy in Manila for the Philippine government to prohibit POGOs targeting Chinese nationals.

The Chinese Embassy in Manila emphasized that under Chinese law, ‘any form of gambling, including online gambling and overseas gambling by Chinese citizens, is illegal,’ the groups pointed out.

1Sambayan, EveryWoman, Women2022, and Intercessors of the Philippines also argued that licensing Chinese-focused POGOs violates the Internet Gaming Regulations of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR).

According to these groups, PAGCOR’s Internet Gaming Regulations specify that POGOs must not allow their gaming websites to be accessed within the Philippines or in regions where online gaming is prohibited.

Additionally, the groups noted that recent developments indicate ‘Chinese POGOs are mostly operated by criminal syndicates.’

According to a source familiar with the situation, who informed AGB, these groups are likely associated with a senator or congressman aiming to address issues related to POGOs.

The source noted that there are thousands of such groups registered in the country. The party-list system in the Philippines allows marginalized sectors, such as women, the LGBT community, and indigenous tribes, to be represented in Congress. However, traditional politicians often exploit this system by appointing themselves as representatives, taking advantage of the system’s vague regulations.

In this instance, the groups cite a rule without specifying who is guilty, making “a blanket accusation”. While this will create noise, the court of justice will require more substantial evidence to take action.

Recently, PAGCOR Chairman Alejandro Tengco announced that it will no longer approve POGO hubs, which means POGO operations in sprawling complexes. Instead, POGO locations will be limited to specific sites, such as offices or buildings.

Hann Resorts plans IPO as early as this year: reports

Hann Resorts is planning an IPO either this year or early next year, worth up to PHP20 billion ($242.2 million), according to the head of the nation’s gaming regulator.

In statements to Reuters, PAGCOR Chairman Alejandro H. Tengco indicated that the IPO was part of the group’s expansion plan, with its new Hann Reserve featuring “three championship golf courses and five-star hotels” as part of its “growth story”.

According to reports, the IPO is intended to bring in new funding for expanding Hann’s gaming operations and the development of Hann Reserve.

The company currently operates some 147 gaming tables, 868 slot machines, two VIP clubs and two five-star hotels at its Hann Casino Resort.

The company’s parent firm, Hann Philippines, is currently developing the $2 billion Hann Reserve (with potential expenditure reaching $4 billion), the 450-hectare luxury estate in Tarlac.

If it materializes, the IPO would be the largest this year, and encourage further investment in the country, as companies have been stagnant in regards to recent IPOs.

Oddin.gg fuels Dafabet with its esports odds feed including eCricket

Oddin.gg is proud to announce its new partnership with Dafabet, a globally recognized platform and online betting powerhouse with global reach. Oddin.gg’s awarded odds feed has further improved the offer of one of the world’s biggest online bookmakers.

Dafabet stands out as one of the premier online betting platforms, boasting a vast, worldwide user base and a top-quality selection of offerings. With the integration of Oddin.gg’s comprehensive suite of esports products, Dafabet will enhance its esports betting experience for bettors by providing creative, esports-only markets and superior betting odds.

Leveraging Oddin.gg’s cutting-edge odds feed, known for its reliability, industry-leading uptime, and profitability, Dafabet will offer an enriched betting experience. The Dafa Sports betting site will also feature Oddin.gg’s fast betting content, including eFootball, eBasketball, and a unique eCricket. Additionally, it will introduce a globally unique Counter Strike 2, 1 on 1 format and both male and female versions of a fast-paced table tennis betting product.

By incorporating Oddin.gg’s advanced technology, Dafabet will expand its esports markets, offering a broader range of options to its users regardless of their preferred platform: desktop, Android, iOS. This integration not only enriches Dafabet’s esports portfolio but also sets a new industry standard, combining Dafabet’s robust betting infrastructure with Oddin.gg’s expertise in esports betting.