Asia

Older Galaxy Entertainment staff pressured to resign

Published

6 years ago

March 7, 2018

George Miller

Older Galaxy Ent staff pressured to resign

Cloee Chao, co-founder of Macau Gaming Industry Frontline Workers' Union. Photo: gettyimages

Reading Time: 3 minutes

Several gaming workers reportedly petitioned Macau’s Labour Affairs Bureau on Friday, claiming that they had been unfairly treated by their employer, casino operator Galaxy Entertainment Group Ltd. The workers alleged they had been put under pressure to resign at their approaching 60th birthday, and on less favourable terms than workers of similar age in the past. In Macau there is no mandatory retirement age for private-sector workers. Galaxy Entertainment said in a statement sent to GGRAsia that it denied discriminating against older staff.

Some of those making the allegation received support from Macau gaming worker group Professional for Gaming of New Macau. The petitioning workers were close to 60 years old, said the labour group’s president Cloee Chao in comments to GGRAsia.

She said some workers had been asked to sign papers agreeing voluntary retirement but were subsequently not satisfied with the company offering only payment from a Galaxy Entertainment provident fund for its workers.

Ms Chao said such arrangements amounted to a change of policy by Galaxy Entertainment, as she asserted the firm used to offer those employees that voluntarily resigned, a payment from its provident fund and compensation calculated according to the worker’s length of service.

“We’ve noticed this change in [compensation] policy for workers since half a year ago,” Ms Chao told us. “…Many of these complaining workers have been employed for about five to eleven years, and are mainly from entry positions in security departments, and table games.”

For workers that are close to 60 years old and have chosen to continue to work in the company, they have been asked to accept a condition that their work contract will be renewed on a yearly basis, claimed Ms Chao. This was also something upsetting the petitioning workers, she claimed.

GGRAsia asked Galaxy Entertainment to comment specifically on the labour group’s allegations regarding those workers petitioning on Friday the Labour Affairs Bureau.

Company commentary

The company had earlier issued a statement that said: “…Galaxy Entertainment encourages team members at 60 years old or above to continue to stay in the workforce with Galaxy Entertainment. Nevertheless, we fully respect the… wish of the related employees, [regarding] whether they would like to continue to serve the company. Galaxy Entertainment stresses that we value team members as the most important assets and strictly abide by the Labour Relations Law of the Macau SAR Government; meanwhile, for team members who are 60 years old or above and have chosen to stay with GEG, their length of service has been counted.”

The casino operator also noted that it had been reviewing its benefit policy “in order to enhance employee protection”, and would make related adjustments when appropriate.

Galaxy Entertainment sent GGRAsia a further statement on Monday evening. It did not directly address the labour group’s claim of reduced terms for those company staff that resigned aged 60.

But it did note: “Galaxy Entertainment provides the pension amount of contribution from employer and employee to all team members at the age of 60 according to our pension and benefit plan when they leave the company.”

Galaxy Entertainment added: “Before the separation of an employee, our human resources specialists will explain the terms and conditions of the related documents in the employee’s common language.”

The company further stated, referring first to another labour group that often liaises with the city’s government: “We were notified by the Macau Federation of Trade Unions and the Labour Affairs Bureau that some individual Galaxy Entertainment team members had expressed uncertainty and felt confused about their retirement arrangement. As each case is unique, Galaxy Entertainment will continue to listen to, and get feedback from, our team members directly.”

Asia

Onlyplay Enters into Strategic Partnership with Ritchie Rabbit

Published

3 hours ago

April 25, 2024

Niji Narayan

Reading Time: < 1 minute

Onlyplay has entered into a strategic partnership with online casino and betting company Ritchie Rabbit within the Asia region.

Ritchie Rabbit is said to have “extensive expertise and deep understanding of the Asian market,” which helps Onlyplay as it seeks to expand its presence in the region.

Through this deal, Onlyplay will introduce a range of games and features designed specifically for the Asian gaming community.

Onlyplay offers a wide range of games such as instant win, slots and crash games, and will now provide games for players in Asia.

Christina Muratkina, CEO of Onlyplay, said: “It is a great pleasure for us to develop the Asian region alongside Ritchie Rabbit. We recognize the immense potential of the Asian market and are committed to delivering top-notch gaming content and experiences to players in the region. This partnership represents a significant step forward in our efforts to offer innovative and engaging games that resonate with our Asian audience.”

Asia

FBM(R) launches FBM E-Motion: the newest online gaming platform for the Philippines

Published

19 hours ago

April 24, 2024

Adrienn Sarkany

Reading Time: 2 minutes

FBM® kicks off a new chapter of its Champion journey in the Philippines with the launch of FBM E-Motion! The online gaming platform disclosed yesterday in the FBM Champion’s Night event held at Xylo at The Palace in Taguig marks a historic moment for the global gaming brand in its pursuit of redefining the gaming experience of Filipino players.

FBM E-Motion promises to change the way local players interact with the FBM games. The online casino games developed under the FBM Group are now available for players in the Philippines to enjoy anytime and anywhere. Whether it is a video bingo, a slots theme or a table game, Filipino gaming enthusiasts have the control in the palm of their hands to start joyful gaming sessions.

One platform, multiple benefits for the players

The FBM E-Motion introduction means significant improvements to the local players’ gaming experience in multiple areas. The game’s accessibility is more convenient, as customers can access the platform with any desktop or mobile device.

Besides the improved accessibility, FBM E-Motion offers more gaming options since players can have fun playing various game categories from different providers. With more variety of gaming choices comes thrilling gaming opportunities as FBM E-Motion keeps users engaged with regular promotional campaigns, jackpots and bonuses to conquer.

In terms of safety and reliability, FBM E-Motion guarantees the highest quality standards. The platform got the license from PAGCOR, and all gaming services offered follow the excellence standards practiced by the FBM brand in the land-based universe, meeting all the criteria regarding legality and compliance with gaming regulations.

FBM E-Motion can be described as a user-centric platform, due to the prioritization of users’ needs, preferences, and overall satisfaction through a 24/7 dedicated customer service available in bingo halls nationwide.

This platform also stands out as the only digital platform allowing Filipino players to enjoy FBM games online in the Philippines.

FBM E-Motion is a game changer in the Filipino online gaming landscape

The release of FBM E-Motion materializes a new entertainment era for the FBM Group in the Philippines. With this step, FBM adds a new layer of engagement with the players’ community, allowing customers to try their favorite FBM titles inside and outside bingo halls in ways that were not possible.

The user-friendly interface of FBM E-Motion facilitates smooth navigation, stimulating players to try a solution crafted with cutting-edge technologies, attending to the latest trends of innovation and entertainment in this Asian country. Players can immerse themselves in a diverse range of memorable gaming experiences with FBM® exclusive games and video bingos, slots or table games provided by different providers.

The launch of FBM® E-Motion kicks off FBM®’s journey in the world of online gaming in the Philippines. With its promise of innovation, excitement and accessibility, the platform is ready to captivate players and redefine the future of their gaming experiences.

Africa

Hub88 partners with LiveGames to enhance content offering

Published

1 day ago

April 24, 2024

George Miller

Hub88 partners with LiveGames to enhance content offering

Reading Time: < 1 minute

Hub88 has partnered with live casino supplier LiveGames, further strengthening its product offering by adding a unique range of content to its platform.

LiveGames provides fully customisable online live dealer games and branded tables including the first vertical roulette table in the sector, along with crash games and the widely played Tombola.

The supplier delivers experiences with a player-focused design, easy to use mobile interface, and high-resolution broadcasts.

The partnership will support LiveGames’ goal to further expand in international markets, including Africa, Asia, and Latin America where Hub88 has a strong presence.

The deal showcases Hub88’s commitment to grow its ecosystem of partners, offering a diverse portfolio of products and content.

Ollie Castleman, Head of Hub88, said: “We’re thrilled to unveil this strategic partnership with LiveGames which sees us add a great provider to our platform, one that utilises modern technology to offer bespoke and personalised gaming experiences to players.

“We are looking forward to collaborating and strengthening our content library with their diverse games.”

The LiveGames Team said: “Our journey started in a small studio and as a team, we are excited about now expanding to every corner of the world together with Hub88 and their extensive operator network.

“We are committed to promoting innovation in the industry and this partnership will support us on that mission.”