Asia

UNODC: Casinos and Cryptocurrency Fueling Underground Banking and Crime in Asia

Published

3 months ago

January 18, 2024

Reading Time: 3 minutes

A new report by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has found that casinos, junkets and cryptocurrency have emerged as a critical piece of the underground banking and money laundering infrastructure in East and Southeast Asia, fuelling transnational organised crime in the region.

Titled “Casinos, Money Laundering, Underground Banking, and Transnational Organized Crime in East and Southeast Asia: A Hidden, Accelerating Threat”, the study highlights the nexus between illegal online casinos, e-junkets and cryptocurrency exchanges that have proliferated in recent years alongside surging cross-border criminality throughout the region.

“Casinos and related high-cash-volume businesses have been vehicles for underground banking and money laundering for years, but the explosion of underregulated online gambling platforms and crypto exchanges has changed the game. Expansion of the illicit economy has required a technology-driven revolution in underground banking to allow for faster anonymized transactions, commingling of funds, and new business opportunities for organized crime. The development of scalable, digitized casino- and crypto-based solutions has supercharged the criminal business environment across Southeast Asia, and particularly in the Mekong,” said Jeremy Douglas, UNODC Regional Representative for Southeast Asia and the Pacific.

As outlined in the report, countless recent cases demonstrate that online casinos and related businesses have been used by major organised crime groups to move and launder massive volumes of state-backed fiat as well as cryptocurrencies, effectively creating channels for integrating billions in criminal proceeds into the financial system. At the same time, the creation and success of these underground banking mechanisms has helped expand the region’s broader illicit economy, in turn attracting new networks, innovators and service providers to the criminal ecosystem.

Cases examined also highlight how illegal online casino operators have diversified business lines to include cyberfraud and cryptocurrency laundering, with extensive evidence of organised crime influence within casino compounds, special economic zones and border areas, including those controlled by armed groups in Myanmar to conceal illicit activities.

“Organized crime groups have converged where they see vulnerabilities, and casinos and crypto have proven the point of least resistance. That said, operations against syndicates in countries including Cambodia and the Philippines have caused a partial displacement, and we have seen criminals moving infrastructure into other places where they see opportunity — basically where they expect they will be able to take advantage and not be held to account, to remote and border areas of the Mekong, and recently elsewhere,” Douglas added.

UNODC analysis estimates there were more than 340 licensed and unlicensed land-based casinos operating in Southeast Asia as of early 2022, with most having shifted online to offer live-dealer streaming and various proxy betting services. According to latest available industry data, the formal online gambling market is projected to grow to more than US $205 billion by 2030, with the Asia Pacific region representing the largest share of market growth between 2022 to 2026 at a projected 37%. The study describes several policy developments and enforcement measures implemented by governments in the region to address illegal casino-based capital outflows, corruption, and money laundering that have in part driven these trends.

The technical policy brief describes the mechanics, intricacies and drivers of underground banking in the region, and has been developed through extensive examination and analysis of criminal indictments, case records, court filings, related public disclosure and other data collected in consultation with authorities and partners over more than a year. Its development has included an extensive mapping and analysis of thousands of so-called “grey and black business” online groups, including clear web and dark web forums and marketplaces, used for illicit activities. The study also provides a list of recommendations geared towards strengthening knowledge and awareness, legislation and policy, and enforcement and regulatory responses in the region, intended to assist governments to address the situation.

“It’s clear that the gap between organized crime and enforcement authorities is widening quickly. If the region fails to address this criminal landscape the consequences will be seen in Southeast Asia and beyond as criminals look to reinvest profits and innovate operations. We trust the report will prove as a useful reference for deeper engagement between countries in Southeast Asia, UNODC, and international partners. At this point, we are just scratching the surface,” said Benedikt Hofmann, UNODC Deputy Regional Representative.

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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

3 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.”