Asia

As World Cup arrives, Asian authorities begin defence against illegal gambling

Published

6 years ago

June 12, 2018

Niji Narayan

Photo credits: REUTERS/Bobby Yip

Reading Time: 3 minutes

The Football World Cup in Russia is just a couple of days away, and the law enforcement and regulatory authorities in Asia are facing a different sort of battle away from the limelight. They are readying themselves for a battle against illegal gambling operators. These illegal operators upped the ante in the region ahead of the World Cup, using state-of-the-art technology and cryptocurrencies to evade prosecution.

Such illegal activities are prevalent mostly in countries like Thailand and Malaysia, mainly for two reasons: First, football is hugely popular here. Second, people do not have any legal alternative for gambling.

However, in South Korea and the Chinese territory of Hong Kong – where betting is legal under registered bodies – the illegal gambling activities are rampant.

Illegal bookmakers have shifted to online and mobile platforms, which offer a wider range of betting options than legal vendors, making it harder for enforcement agencies to police, the experts say.

Hong Kong and Macau police have said crime syndicates have often used platforms like WeChat to place bets.

Online payment providers and cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin have also made it easier for illegal operators to facilitate illegal bets, according to Interpol, and the Hong Kong Jockey Club, which runs Hong Kong’s horse racing and football betting franchise.

“There is a need to develop and execute a sustainable enforcement strategy for a lasting impact against illegal betting and related transnational organized crime,” said Martin Purbrick, the club’s director of security and integrity.

The Jockey Club estimates Hong Kong’s illegal betting turnover this year, including the World Cup, will be at least $68 billion, compared to $6.5 billion in Singapore and $79 billion in South Korea annually.

Hong Kong earns around 5 per cent of its budget from taxing legal gambling and views illegal betting as lost potential revenue. The Jockey Club put the potential loss at about HK$13 billion ($1.7 billion) this year.

Illegal bookmakers in Hong Kong are expected to reap HK$750 million during the World Cup alone, the club said.

Illegal betting this year is expected to be far larger than during the 2014 World Cup held in Brazil, helped by the closer time zones between Russia and countries in the Asia region, according to gambling industry executives.

Asia accounts for 80 per cent of the estimated $500 billion in illegal betting volumes globally, according to Transparency International and the Asian Racing Federation.

Much of the illegal betting is facilitated by companies registered offshore, particularly in the Philippines, which sells online betting licenses to operators.

While operators can claim to be licensed in the Philippines, their sites are illegal in most jurisdictions in Asia, including Hong Kong and South Korea.

Since 2016, Philippine authorities have clamped down on illegal betting operators but there has still been a proliferation in the number of sites in operation, according to officials and executives in the country.

Alfredo Lim, president of PAGCOR, the Philippine gaming regulator, said the bureau was collaborating with government agencies to fight illegal gambling.

“We lose millions from unlawful gambling,” Lim said.

In South Korea, police said they would closely monitor illegal sports betting during the World Cup. Hong Kong police said they were conducting a large anti-gambling operation called “Crowbreak” to crack down on illegal gambling activities.

Macau, the world’s biggest gambling centre, is expected to see revenues squeezed in June due to more Chinese gamblers wagering on the World Cup than in the enclave’s glitzy casinos, according to gaming analysts.

Police in China broke up a large illegal online gambling ring in April, arresting more than 100 people, the Xinhua news agency reported, while Macau police have broken up illegal betting operations conducted via the popular WeChat app.

At the last World Cup in 2014, Interpol said during a six-week operation across China, Hong Kong, Macau, Malaysia, Singapore and Vietnam, law enforcement officers cracked crime gangs estimated to have handled around $2.2 billion worth of bets, mainly through illicit websites.

(Reporting by Farah Master; additional reporting by Heekyong Yang in Seoul, Jerome Morales in Manila,)

Asia

Onlyplay Enters into Strategic Partnership with Ritchie Rabbit

Published

2 days 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

2 days 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

3 days 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.”