Compliance Updates
Pagcor’s efforts POGO-related crimes
On January 31, 2023, the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) learned through a news report that Soleil Chartered Bank issued a statement denying the issuance of a bank certification to Global ComRCI, PAGCOR’s third-party auditor for offshore gaming licensees, whose contract commenced in December 2017.
In relation to this report, PAGCOR would like to reiterate that since the assumption of its new management in August 2022, all contracts – including that of Global ComRCI – were put under review last September 2022.
PAGCOR’s new management is revalidating the veracity of the documents submitted by its third-party auditor, Global ComRCI. Should PAGCOR be able to prove that the documents submitted were spurious, it will immediately take legal action and cancel the contract of its third-party auditor, if found warranted.
PAGCOR would like to thank Senator Sherwin Gatchalian for shedding light on this issue during the senate investigation on January 23, 2023.
The state-run gaming firm reassures the public that it is conscientiously looking into the matter and will take the necessary actions to safeguard public interest. Further, PAGCOR upholds strict adherence of its offshore licensed operators and accredited service providers to whatever laws which may be applicable to them.
On offshore gaming-related crimes
Meanwhile, the Philippine National Police (PNP) reported during the Senate Hearing on January 31, 2023 that there was a rise in the number of recorded crimes related to offshore gaming operations in the country from 2019 to 2022.
PAGCOR denounces these criminal acts and will not sit idly in the face of these injustices.
Hence, to safeguard the integrity of the offshore gaming industry in the country, PAGCOR will continue to monitor the lawfulness of the activities of its accredited licensees and service providers. Should they be found guilty of engaging in criminal acts, the state-run gaming agency will not hesitate to impose sanctions and penalties, as provided by the law.
Further, PAGCOR will continue to strengthen its collaboration with concerned government agencies such as the PNP, National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) to combat all crimes being linked to offshore gaming operations.
PAGCOR would like to underscore that as a result of the inter-agency cooperation meeting held last September 2022 involving abovementioned agencies, there have been no reported criminal activities or kidnapping-related incidents of workers in the offshore gaming industry for over three months.
PAGCOR believes that while gaming operations – including offshore gaming – contribute significantly to government revenues, they must not be used as a vehicle for abuse and injustices. As the country’s gaming regulator, PAGCOR condemns these dreadful acts and will ensure that the local gaming industry will maintain the integrity of its operations.
Australia
Regulating the Game Announces its Latest Addition to its 2025 Masterclass Series in Sydney
The organisers of the Regulating the Game conference have announced the latest addition to its 2025 Masterclass Series in Sydney: “Beyond Compliance – Safer Gambling Training and Building a Culture of Customer Care,” presented by the renowned Jay Robinson, chief stakeholder relations officer at Focal Research Consultants.
With over 20 years of global experience in developing and delivering impactful training programs across jurisdictions—from pubs and clubs to casinos and online operators—Jay is a leading voice in creating safer gambling environments that transcend compliance. Jay’s approach focuses on building a culture of customer care that prioritises player protection and staff well-being while enhancing the overall gambling experience.
Why attend this masterclass?
Great training is more than ticking a compliance box—it is the foundation of cultural transformation and customer care. This masterclass will delve into:
How industry leaders, regulators, and frontline staff can embed a culture of safer gambling.
The critical role leadership plays in sustaining training initiatives.
Strategies to extend the reach and effectiveness of safer gambling programs, improving customer experiences, reducing staff burnout, and driving long-term benefits for operators and stakeholders alike.
“Effective gambling staff training must meet the real needs of both staff and customers, ensuring that safer gambling practices become second nature. This masterclass is about empowering organisations to go beyond compliance, fostering a culture of care and leadership that makes a lasting impact,” said Jay Robinson.
Who should attend?
This masterclass is essential for operational leaders, C-suite executives, regulators, and anyone committed to advancing safer gambling initiatives. Participants will leave with actionable insights and tools to lead cultural change, elevate training outcomes, and strengthen their organisation’s reputation.
Regulating the Game: A leading global event
The Regulating the Game conference has established itself as a flagship event, bridging the gap between regulators, industry professionals, and stakeholders. Now entering its fifth year, the conference continues to attract world-class speakers and attendees, driving innovation and inspiring meaningful discussions on policy, regulation, and sector challenges.
Compliance Updates
Advertising Standards Authority Partners with Grambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland
The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has partnered with the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI), the new statutory body that, once established, will be responsible for the licensing and regulation of gambling services in Ireland, to streamline the process for complaints around advertising for gambling.
GRAI will now advise consumers they can direct complaints around gambling advertising to the Advertising Standards Authority.
Under the new partnership, ASA and GRAI will work collaboratively on triaging complaints around marketing communications for gambling in Ireland. In this regard, the GRAI will in future deal with complaints regarding entities who hold a licence with the organisation, whilst the Advertising Standards Authority will handle other complaints.
This strategic partnership follows the recent collaboration between ASA and the Irish Film Classification Office (IFCO) to streamline the complaints process for advertising in cinemas and cinema-related promotions across other media outlets.
Additionally, ASA has signed a Cooperation Agreement with Coimisiún na Meán, the statutory body responsible for online safety and media regulation, to establish a cooperative framework on shared interests in advertising and commercial marketing communications. These initiatives further solidify the organisation’s leadership in the Irish advertising sector, fostering confidence and trust in advertising standards.
The partnership between ASA and the GRAI reinforces the commitment of both organisations to ensuring that gambling advertising content adheres to the high standards of the Advertising Standards Authority Code.
“We are delighted to partner with GRAI, a new organisation that will help to safeguard the public from problem gambling, particularly protecting children from accessing places or services where gambling activities are offered. The aim of the Advertising Standards Authority is to ensure that advertisements are legal, decent, honest and truthful for consumers. This partnership underscores our shared commitment to protecting consumers, and, by joining forces, we will remain dedicated to ensuring that the public can easily access information on responsible gambling advertising,” said Orla Twomey, Chief Executive of Advertising Standards Authority.
“The GRAI, once established, will protect the public by promoting a gambling sector that operates transparently and in accordance with the laws of Ireland, particularly the Gambling Regulation Act 2024. This Act contains a number of restrictions on licences in relation to advertising, social media and more. It will also create awareness of problem gambling and establish safeguards to address it. By working with the Advertising Standards Authority, as the GRAI’s powers are commenced, we will aim to address any concerns raised by the public about advertising in and surrounding gambling promptly and effectively, in line with the Advertising Standard Authority’s code. Our partnership reiterates our commitment to safeguard the public, and to ensure they are informed and protected by upholding the highest standards of marketing communications,” said Anne-Marie Caulfield, CEO Designate, GRAI.
Compliance Updates
Warren Jacobs joins BetComply board
BetComply, iGaming’s most trusted technical and regulatory compliance firm, has appointed experienced entrepreneur Warren Jacobs to its board as a non-executive director.
Jacobs has served as CEO of Betable Group since 2018, and is also chairman of ActiveWin Media, where he was previously managing director for a decade. He brings with him a strong reputation for scaling businesses, and has experience working for major brands including General Motors and Betfred.
He joins at a time BetComply is rapidly expanding its range of products and services, supporting partners across more than 40 regulated jurisdictions worldwide.
“We’re delighted to have Warren join the BetComply board. He brings with him a wealth of experience from more than a decade building iGaming businesses,” said Daniel Brookes, CEO of BetComply. “We’re now more than a year into the BetComply journey. Our team has grown quickly, and we’re supporting many of the fastest-growing companies in our sector across multiple regulated jurisdictions. With the addition of Warren’s guidance, we’ll be able to provide even better service to our partners going forward.”
Warren Jacbos, non-executive director at BetComply, added: “Working in the iGaming sector for more than a decade, it became extremely clear that world-class compliance expertise was in short supply. BetComply is solving this issue, by providing the trusted technical and regulatory compliance support businesses need to thrive. I’m honoured to join the board and help build upon this vision.”
Since BetComply was founded last year, it has rapidly grown its team to more than 20 people, creating a depth of iGaming compliance expertise unmatched in the industry.
Among its recent appointments was Loes Wetzer, who joined the company as operations director in August.
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