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Asia

A big halt from PAGCOR on new casino licence applications

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State-run Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) says a strict no-no to new casino license applications, this refusal from its end will persist as long the Philippine casino industry does not mature.

As per ‘The Philippine Daily Inquirer’PAGCOR has initiated the drafting a memorandum that will explicate a moratorium on new casinos operations following the concerns raised by Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, about the proliferation of the brick-and-mortar facilities.

The PAGCOR Chair, Andrea Domingo said, She received the president’s directive last January 11. She stated: “But we’re just processing now the applications we received before the President ordered the moratorium,” Domingo said, according to the news outlet. “After that, as of January 13, we’ve stopped accepting applications.”

The Philippines has acquired immense benefit from the casino boom over the past years owing to an improved relationship between Beijing and Manila and a stable domestic economy. The year 2017 saw PAGCOR’s gross gaming revenue hike by 7 percent to US$1.19 billion. A good and considerable segment of PAGCOR’s 2017 gaming revenue came from its 46 casino properties, which raked in PHP22.44 billion ($444.6 million). PAGCOR-licensed casino fees contributed another PHP19.27 billion ($382.5 million).

The Southeast Asian country, aiming to compete with Macau and Singapore casinos, has already allowed four integrated resorts to be built on the 120-hectare seaside Entertainment City complex in the capital with a minimum investment of $1 billion each.

Casinos at Entertainment City comprise Solaire Resort and Casino, operated by Bloomberry Resorts Corp; City of Dreams Manila of Melco (Philippines) Resorts Corp; and Okada Manila of Tiger Resort Leisure and Entertainment Inc. A property by Travellers International Hotel Group Inc. is expected to be completed by the fourth quarter of 2020.

According to Domingo, PAGCOR approved three licenses of operators planning to build casinos on the island of Cebu. These licensees were Udenna Group’s Emerald casino, Millennium casino of the Hong Kong-based Asian Gaming Group, and the recently approved Universal casino of the Gokongwei group.

She added that the state regulator has also approved the operations of a casino licensee in Boracay, and eight operations in Clark, Pampanga, namely Mimosa, Midori, Donggwang, Widus, and Clark Global, along with two others which are currently not operating.

With so many casinos sprouting in different jurisdictions in the Philippines, Domingo said that it is about time to let those casinos to get rooted and mature first.

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Asia

Goa Introduces an Entirely Online Lottery Platform

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In a move towards modernising India’s lottery sector, the state of Goa has introduced an entirely online lottery platform, sanctioned by the Directorate of Small Savings and Lotteries. This initiative, known as Great Goa Games, aims to bring transparency and convenience to an industry that has long grappled with allegations of mismanagement and fraud.

Ticket sales commenced Monday, with the inaugural draw set for Sunday. Rhiti Group, led by founder Arun Pandey, was granted the license to operate and market the platform. “Our mission is to democratize opportunities through technology,” Pandey stated, emphasizing the secure and user-friendly nature of the app-based system.

Goa government official Narayan Gad lauded the move as a step forward for the Indian lottery sector. “With our online lottery streamlining processes through technology, we are setting a new standard in the lottery industry,” Gad remarked. “The technology-based product will enhance transparency and ensure improved monitoring and regulation of operations.”

This development follows new rules governing online lotteries, introduced by the Goa directorate in February 2023. Currently, 13 states in India, including Goa, allow lottery games, though others have banned them due to concerns over gambling addiction and operational irregularities.

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Asia

DigiPlus Interactive Launches “Pusta de Peligro” Campaign

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The DigiPlus Interactive Corporation, with its social development arm, BingoPlus Foundation, has launched the “Pusta de Peligro” campaign, pioneering a responsible gaming initiative to empower Filipino players with the knowledge and tools to make better choices in their gaming experiences. This campaign leverages the relatable term Petsa de Peligro—which reflects the need to be prudent before paydays in the Philippines as a metaphor for moments when players must exercise caution and discipline in their gaming.

The Pusta de Peligro campaign aligns DigiPlus Interactive with the efforts of PAGCOR in promoting responsible gaming and playing with a trusted operator, demonstrating a shared commitment to keeping gaming safe and enjoyable. A three-pronged approach to prevention, education and intervention anchors the campaign’s objective to teach Filipinos how to know the risks, set limits and get the right support.

Last November 14, DigiPlus and BingoPlus Foundation held the “Tamang Laro, Tamang Panalo! Wais Tips for Pusta de Peligro Moments” hybrid talk show in its headquarters in front of over 200 audiences on-site and online.

The show was split into two sessions with the first one being the “Tamang Laro” episode–Teresita Cambe-Castillo, licensed psychologist, chairperson of the board of Seagulls Flock Organisation and International Gambling Certification Board member, discussed how to spot the signs of excessive gaming and provide mental health support for oneself or others.

In the afternoon, proven financial guru Armand Bengco led the conversation in the “Tamang Panalo” episode, teaching the viewers how to continue winning by knowing how to handle money, build an entertainment fund and spend responsibly.

The “Tamang Laro, Tamang Panalo!” hybrid talk show is proof that DigiPlus, through BingoPlus Foundation, is committed to advancing an education campaign that goes beyond reminders on responsible gaming habits, but also gives actionable, practical tips to better manage their entertainment fund through financial literacy learning sessions, and spot the signs and provide psychological first aid for excessive gaming.

“We’re committed to more than just delivering exciting digital entertainment. With Pusta de Peligro, we’re taking responsibility to help players be mindful, enjoy responsibly, and stay financially aware,” said Rafael Jasper Vicencio, Director of DigiPlus Interactive and President of AB Leisure Exponent and Total GameZone Xtreme, the operator of BingoPlus Stores and developer of its beloved games.

Celeste Jovenir, COO of BingoPlus Foundation and Vice President of DigiPlus Interactive, said: “Pusta de Peligro is just the beginning. We are committed to setting the bar as a responsible industry leader, helping Filipinos navigate gaming wisely, for truly enjoyable and rewarding experiences with us.”

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Asia

MelBet Appoints Bollywood Actress Sherlyn Chopra as its New Brand Ambassador

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International iGaming company MelBet has appointed Sherlyn Chopra, one of India’s famous and glamorous actresses, as its new brand ambassador.

As a brand ambassador, Sherlyn would be involved in creating exclusive content and promoting MelBet in international markets.

Sherlyn Chopra is known for her significant success in the film and television industry. Her work, including her role in the psychological thriller, Red Swastik, made her popular in India. Sherlyn is actively involved in showbiz and continues to expand her horizons by doing popular web-series, music albums, short films, launching glamour and style apps and other creative projects.

“I am incredibly excited to become a part of the MelBet family. Sports are more than just games or competitions as they unequivocally bring people together. I am proud to contribute to its popularisation with such a reliable partner. MelBet is not just about gaming, casinos, or sports. It is about team spirit towards involvement in the games, followed by highs and lows which are inevitable in the pursuit of success and victory. MelBet is an experience that brings us closer as a community and in setting our goals and achieving them. I am looking forward to starting our collaborative journey and the opportunities that we can create and explore for our growing game lovers,” Sherlyn Chopra said.

With this appointment, Sheryln joins other leading names, who represent MelBet in India and globally. MelBet believes that with her fearless approach to pushing boundaries, she embodies the innovative spirit that MelBet values – which led to her appointment. This partnership is expected to strengthen MelBet’s connection with sports enthusiasts, gamers and those passionate about the game, opening up new opportunities for clients and helping to further expand the brand’s reach across South Asia.

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