Asia
China cracks down private gambling in WeChat groups during World Cup
Online gambling was banned by the Chinese government in 2015. But the FIFA World Cup in Russia triggered a sudden growth of online gambling activities, especially in WeChat groups.
The Chinese authorities are cracking down such illegal gambling operations. The government is concerned that online lotteries, driven by profit, may give access to underage teenagers or create other management loopholes, while others complain about the inconvenience of going into a lottery store and said the ban has prompted many to bet in WeChat groups or go to foreign websites.
“Always illegal”
During the World Cup this year, mobile apps and websites selling the lotteries have flourished, with some topping the app store list, including the Tiantianaicaipiao, Renrenzhongcaipiao and Caipiaocaipiao.
After the official clampdown, however, such platforms and those backed by Weibo and Tencent have suspended operations, CNR reported. Many such websites come up with this notice when one tries to log on: “System is under maintenance and upgrade.”
“Purchasing lotteries online has always been illegal. Relatively lax supervision by authorities led to a spike in recent years,” Adrian Geng, the CEO of Sina Caitong, told the Global Times.
Operators are willing to take risks because of the allure of huge profits, Geng added.
In 2015, eight central government agencies banned online lottery, citing risks to buyers’ interests.
Under lottery management rules, no entity shall carry out the business of sale of lottery via internet without the approval of the Ministry of Finance. All sports lottery tickets are sold offline through branches run by the General Administration of Sports.
If lotteries were sold widely online, underage teenagers who are not allowed to bet would get access. Income from online sales cannot be identified at a provincial level as Chinese lottery sales are province-based, Geng explained.
As of June 20, the National Sports Lottery Center suspended thousands of sales terminals involved in online ticket sales in many provinces, Xinhualuncai, a WeChat account specializing in lottery, reported. The number of suspended machines was expected to reach more than 6,000 on June 21, the report said.
Geng said that meeting social responsibility, rather than making money, is the ultimate goal of the National Sports Lottery Center. “That’s why the center wouldn’t use the FIFA World Cup to advertise itself for more revenue.”
Total sales of China’s sports lotteries in the week from June 18 to 24 stood at 11.83 billion yuan ($1.7 billion), while it was only 1.6 billion yuan a week before the World Cup, data released on sporttery.cn, official website of lottery SMG, shows.
Not market-driven
Even though online lottery is banned, Chinese gamblers still have many options to taste the thrill of betting.
Xue, a PhD student based in Shanghai, said that many of his friends use private gambling in WeChat groups, in which one person is the “banker” and provides winning and losing rates.
“Mobile payment on Alipay and WeChat allows us to gamble in private with small amounts of money more conveniently. We don’t have to choose online lottery,” Xue told the Global Times.
“I feel everyone is betting this year during the World Cup. Even many people who don’t watch soccer matches are into it,” he said.
Foreign gambling websites also illegally sneak into the Chinese market in an effort to take a share of the spoils, which results in huge outflow of capital of Chinese citizens, Chen Haiping, a researcher at the Gaming Research Center of China with Beijing Normal University, told the Global Times.
Some stores or groups on platforms such as Taobao, WeChat and QQ have also been found claiming that they are commissioned to sell lottery, according to Nandu Daily.
Lottery is seen as a welfare project in China. Its issuers are not motivated by the market, only routinely raising funds to meet the financing gap of the government for good causes, Chen noted.
But the trend of internet, said Chen, is irresistible and the lottery has already developed into an industry involving tourism, amusement and culture. There has been talk of opening online lottery services inside Chinese government circles in recent years, but since different interest groups are involved, the progress has been slow.
Source: globaltimes.cn
Asia
Onlyplay Enters into Strategic Partnership with Ritchie Rabbit
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
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
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.”
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