Asia
Galaxy Entertainment First Macau Gaming Operator to Accept WeChat Pay
Galaxy Entertainment, one of just six licensed gaming operators in Macau, announced this week that it will soon begin accepting WeChat Pay mobile transactions at its three major properties, Galaxy Macau, StarWorld Macau, and Broadway Macau.
WeChat Pay allows mobile users to leave their physical wallets at home, and now visitors to Galaxy Entertainment resorts in Macau will be given that freedom, so long as they don’t plan on gambling.
WeChat is a popular social media platform in China that has almost a billion monthly active users. Its Pay digital wallet component allows users to link the app to their bank account in order to pay bills, order goods and services, transfer money, and pay in stores by scanning merchant QR codes.
In addition to the yuan, WeChat Pay supports numerous currencies including the Hong Kong dollar, US dollar, Great Britain pound, and euro. Exchange rates are calculated through one of the Chinese government’s commercially owned banks.
In a statement, Galaxy Entertainment said the inclusion of WeChat Pay “answers the needs of mainland Chinese visitors … who overwhelmingly prefer to pay with e-wallets.”
What the company didn’t reveal, however, is whether casino patrons will be able to purchase gaming chips and spin the slot machines through their mobile devices. That might hint that the service won’t be immediately available on the gambling floors. Galaxy only confirmed that WeChat will be accepted “at a wide range of establishments” including hotels, food and beverage establishments, retail shops, and entertainment venues.
Galaxy Entertainmentwas founded in 1988 by Hong Kong billionaire Lui Che Woo. In addition to the three casino resorts, Galaxy also controls three CityClub casinos in Macau.
WeChat Controversy
Galaxy Entertainment welcoming WeChat use into its resorts might come as a surprise considering the recent gambling scandals involving the social platform.
Just last week, Macau’s Judiciary Police arrested seven men for operating an illegal gambling operation that offered baccarat to remote players and took bets via WeChat Pay.
Even more startling was last April’s sting that uncovered a betting ring that used WeChat to livestream video footage of an actual baccarat table inside a Macau casino. Bettors were given 70 seconds to place their bets, and online facilitators collected or paid out on the wagers after the results of each round were displayed. The allure was apparently that there were no betting limits.
Macau police also announced this week that a loansharking operation that facilitated money for gamblers through WeChat Pay had been disrupted.
Asian Appeal
The Asian gambler is a coveted demographic, as they often have a strong belief in luck, fortune, and fate. An anonymous Chinese gambler once said, “If you don’t gamble, you don’t know how lucky you are.” The same, of course, can be said about how unlucky one might be.
Regardless, a substantial portion of Asians enjoy gambling. Behind only the United States, China loses the most money gambling each year of any country.
That’s why over 7,000 miles away in Las Vegas, Caesars recently incorporated WeChat Pay at Caesars Palace, Paris Las Vegas, and LINQ Hotel & Casino. “We want to do this for our Chinese customers to make them feel at home,” Caesars VP of International Marketing Bruce Bommarito said last summer.
WeChat Pay users at the three resorts can purchase food through the app, as well as concert tickets and retail items. However, gambling through the app isn’t available.
Asia
Goa Introduces an Entirely Online Lottery Platform
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.
Asia
DigiPlus Interactive Launches “Pusta de Peligro” Campaign
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.”
Asia
MelBet Appoints Bollywood Actress Sherlyn Chopra as its New Brand Ambassador
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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