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- How Macau’s Casino Junkets Are Adapting To New Regulations
Macau junkets, once known for VIP rooms, now integrate into casino-run VIP services. They focus on attracting high-rollers within casino-managed areas, adapting to new regulations. Macau’s gaming junkets, once synonymous with high-roller VIP rooms, are adapting to a drastically changed regulatory landscape by integrating directly into casino-operated VIP services. This new collaboration model sees junkets working within casino-managed gaming areas, focusing on customer acquisition and promotion, according to a leading industry representative. This information was initially reported by Asia Gaming Brief. The changing dynamics of the junket industry represent a key adaptation within Macau’s evolving gaming landscape, as operators and junkets seek new ways to thrive under stricter regulatory oversight. U Io Hung, president of the Macau Professional Association of Gaming Promoters, revealed this developing trend in an interview with Hong Kong media outlet Ming Pao. He described a “progressive integration of operations” between junkets and gaming operators within their directly managed VIP rooms. “The past two months have seen this trend take shape, and we expect it to continue,” U Io Hung stated. “Junkets are becoming increasingly involved in the operations of these directly-managed VIP rooms.” This shift follows significant changes to Macau’s gaming regulations. Junkets are now limited to partnering with a single gaming concessionaire, prohibited from operating their own VIP rooms, and barred from extending credit to gamblers. This has led to casinos repurposing former junket-run VIP spaces for premium mass gaming or direct VIP segments. Junkets now earn commissions for promotional services, a departure from the previous revenue-sharing model. While the new model maintains similar manpower allocation, U Io Hung emphasized that it’s proving beneficial for junkets. “This integrated operational model notably boosts business for junkets,” he said. The new collaborative approach has already been piloted at venues operated by Galaxy Entertainment Group and Melco Resorts & Entertainment, with early results deemed “very positive.” The industry is closely observing the long-term impact of this evolving partnership. These changes reflect a significant contraction in the junket sector. As of December, Macau had 23 licensed junkets, a slight increase from 18 in early 2024, but a dramatic decline from 36 in 2023 and a stark contrast to the 235 operating in 2013. The Macau government has also capped the number of junkets each of the six gaming operators can partner with at 50 in 2025, maintaining the 2024 limit. Read related article: What Will Happen to Satellite Casinos of Macau?
- South Korea Gambling Fugitive Nabbed in Pattaya on Christmas
A South Korean fugitive who is wanted for illegal gambling operations was apprehended in a luxury Pattaya condominium. A South Korean national wanted for his role in a massive illegal gambling operation was apprehended in a luxury Pattaya condominium on Christmas Day. Thai immigration officials arrested 33-year-old Jung on December 25th, finding him with passports from both South Korea and Vanuatu. Jung was a wanted man in South Korea, connected to several online gambling networks – Top Plus Bet ( top-911.com ), B-Plus, Dynamisty, and Togenot – that had been operating illegally for over five years. These networks allegedly ran a sophisticated money laundering operation, funneling illicit funds through a network of 80 bank accounts. The staggering sum processed through these accounts, estimated at 592.6 billion won (approximately 15 billion baht or US$438 million), paints a disturbing picture of the vast scale of this illegal enterprise. Authorities believe Jung played a pivotal role in the network's day-to-day activities. He allegedly oversaw operations, managed vast databases containing user information, and ensured the smooth flow of funds within the organization. Following the dismantling of these networks by South Korean police, Jung reportedly fled to Thailand, seeking refuge in a luxurious Pattaya condo. However, his attempt to escape justice proved futile. Thai immigration officials, acting on a tip and in close collaboration with South Korean authorities, conducted the raid on Christmas Day. During the operation, officers seized computers, mobile phones, and other electronic devices believed to hold crucial evidence linking Jung to the gambling network. Adding to his woes, officials discovered that Jung had overstayed his visa in Thailand. He is currently detained and faces deportation proceedings in addition to potential charges related to his involvement in the illegal gambling operation. Read related article: Thais “Polarized, Skeptical” About Casino Push: Study
- Wage Delays Affect 350 at Fontana Leisure Parks and Casino
Wages of some 350 workers employed by Fontana Leisure Parks and Casino in Clark, Pampanga have been delayed. The salaries of some 350 workers employed by Fontana Leisure Parks and Casino in Clark have been delayed since November 2024, according to a Rappler report. Fontana had been tagged in renting units to Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) business partners of now-dismissed Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo - namely Huang Zhiyang and Zhang Ruijin and Lin Baoying. Fontana's own human resource manager Dennis David said the management has "refused to provide feedback on the employees' delayed salaries." Fontana employees, according to safety officer and family welfare program chairperson Allan Resma, have not received their paychecks for November 15th, November 30th, and December 15th, nor have they received their legally required 13th-month pay. “Ang lungkot kasi tatlong sahod na kaming hindi sumusuweldo. Saan kukuha ng pagkain ’yan? Yung ibang empleyado namin putol na ’yung kuryente,” Resma told Rappler in an interview on December 18. (It’s just sad because we haven’t been paid three salaries. Where are they going to get food? Some of our employees, their electricity has been cut off.) Resma stated that management provided no advance notice or explanation for the missing payments, simply telling employees to wait. He added that they were later informed that salary disbursement was at the management's discretion. Resma said Fontana had a list of Chinese managers and that all the remaining Chinese nationals in the hotel-resort are documented. Last June following the raid, Clark Development Corp. threatened to cancel Fontana's lease agreement. Fontana responded, saying the raided villas "were already sold by Fontana to the owners." Read related article: Inspections Urged Amid POGOs “Fronting as Resorts, Hotels”
- PCSO Lotto Results December 26, 2024
PCSO Lotto Results and winning numbers for Thursday, December 26, 2024. Here are the complete lotto results today as released by the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO). Check these out to see if you won. 6/49 Super Lotto Result 6/42 Lotto Result 6D Lotto Result 3D Lotto Result 2D Lotto Result
- IMF: Philippines Boosts Anti-Money Laundering Efforts
The International Monetary Fund believes the Philippines has made significant strides in combatting money laundering and terrorist financing. The Philippines has made substantial progress in its fight against money laundering and terrorist financing, according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF). This positive assessment follows the country's efforts to address concerns raised by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), a global watchdog focused on these illicit activities. As reported by the Inquirer, IMF said the Philippines made “significant progress” in tackling outstanding anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing (AML/CFT) issues. This progress was further validated by the FATF's initial determination that the Philippines has largely fulfilled its action plan. “The Financial Action Task Force’s (FATF) initial determination that the Philippines has substantially completed its action plan is welcome,” IMF said in its report. The FATF had placed the Philippines on its "grey list" in June 2021, a designation indicating increased monitoring due to concerns about the country's AML/CFT framework. Being on the grey list can have negative consequences for a country's reputation and its ability to attract foreign investment. However, with the successful completion of the action plan, the Philippines has taken a significant step towards exiting this list. This action plan was a set of measures the Philippines committed to implementing to address identified weaknesses in its financial system. This addressed key areas such as improving on supervising “Designated Non-Financial Businesses and Professions” such as casinos, real estate, and dealers in precious metals–all of which are vulnerable to money laundering. Another key area involved enhancing controls to prevent money laundering through casino junkets, which are high-roller gambling tours. The Philippines also tightened its requirements for Money or Value Transfer Services, which are commonly used for remittances. This measure aims to prevent unregistered and illegal remittance operators from facilitating illicit financial flows. Additionally, the country improved law enforcement access to beneficial ownership information, which helps to identify the real owners of companies and prevent the use of shell companies for money laundering. Other improvements included increasing the use of financial intelligence in investigations, boosting the number of money laundering and terrorist financing prosecutions, and implementing measures for the non-profit sector to prevent abuse for terrorist financing purposes. The Philippines also enhanced its framework for targeted financial sanctions related to both terrorist financing and proliferation financing, which involves the financing of weapons of mass destruction. While the completion of the action plan is a major achievement, the IMF emphasized the need for continued vigilance. They stressed the importance of keeping up with evolving FATF standards, especially in preparation for the next mutual evaluation in 2027. The IMF also suggested that reforming the bank secrecy law could further strengthen the country's AML/CFT regime and enhance the supervisory powers of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, the country's central bank. Read related article: Guidelines Could Cut FATF Grey List Countries In Half
- Quad Comm Files 5 Bills to "Help Solve POGO Flaws"
The Quad Comm filed bills penalizing extrajudicial killings, banning offshore gaming, allowing property forfeiture, canceling fraudulent birth certificates, and punishing espionage. The House Quad Committee (Quad Comm) has filed a series of legislative measures aimed at addressing the legal weaknesses that allowed for criminal activities linked to Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs) and extrajudicial killings (EJKs) during the controversial anti-drug campaign of former President Rodrigo Duterte's administration. Surigao del Norte Representative Robert Ace Barbers, the lead chair of Quadcom, announced the filing of five key bills designed to close loopholes in the nation's laws. These gaps, he explained, had been exploited by both local and international crime syndicates to facilitate illicit activities, including drug trafficking, money laundering, and the abuse of POGOs. In a statement cited by the PNA, Barbers emphasized that criminals had carefully studied the vulnerabilities in the legal system. “Sa isang simpleng pag-analisa, pinag-aralang maigi ng mga local at foreign crime syndicates ang mga kahinaan at butas ng ating mga batas at ginamit nila ito upang maisakatuparan ang kanilang mga illegal na gawain sa ating bansa (In a simple analysis, local and foreign crime syndicates carefully examined the weaknesses and loopholes in our laws and used them to carry out their illegal activities in our country)," he said. He added: “Out of the series of hearings conducted, lawmakers and the public were informed and enlightened on how criminals and unscrupulous individuals or groups managed to use the flaws, loopholes and weaknesses on some of our existing laws, in the furtherance of their criminal activities.” One of the most concerning revelations of the Quad Comm was the connection between POGOs and organized crime, particularly through real estate transactions and the exploitation of Filipino and Chinese "dummies" to conceal ownership of illicit operations. The committee also uncovered disturbing evidence regarding extrajudicial killings, which were reportedly encouraged and enabled by a culture of impunity within law enforcement during the previous administration. The Quadcom investigation into extrajudicial killings revealed what Barbers called a culture of impunity and power abuse under the Duterte administration. During the November 13, 2024 hearing, Duterte acknowledged crucial aspects of his administration's anti-drug campaign, including the role of the Davao Death Squad and a reward system for police involved in EJKs, which he said was modeled after practices in Davao. Duterte also took “full legal responsibility” for the violent war on drugs that marked his presidency. Key Bills Addressing Legal Gaps To tackle the issues raised by their investigations, Quadcom has filed five bills aimed at strengthening the nation’s legal framework and curbing criminal activity: House Bill No. 10986: This bill seeks to classify extrajudicial killings as a heinous crime, carrying heavy penalties for those involved, and providing reparations for the victims' families. The proposal comes after the committee’s investigation into the Duterte administration’s anti-drug campaign, which included evidence of police involvement in extrajudicial executions. House Bill No. 10987: This bill aims to ban all forms of offshore gaming operations in the Philippines. It introduces severe penalties for violations, seeking to eliminate the misuse of POGOs by criminal elements involved in money laundering, human trafficking, and other illegal activities. House Bill No. 11043: This bill would allow the government to seize real estate properties unlawfully acquired by foreign nationals involved in illegal activities. It targets operations like Empire 999, a real estate company allegedly used by POGOs to launder money and engage in criminal enterprises. House Bill No. 11117: This measure proposes the administrative cancellation of birth certificates that were fraudulently obtained by foreign nationals. This bill aims to close the loophole that allowed foreign criminals to manipulate the legal system and disguise their identities. House Bill No. 10998: This bill criminalizes conspiracy and proposals to commit espionage, seeking to address concerns about foreign interference in national security and the exploitation of the country’s legal system by foreign entities. In addition to these legislative measures, Barbers highlighted that the Quad Comm had recommended over 30 amendments to existing laws in an effort to strengthen them and prevent similar abuses in the future. These proposed changes are designed to make it more difficult for criminals to exploit legal loopholes and to hold accountable those involved in such activities. Investigative Efforts The investigative process that led to the filing of these bills was exhaustive. The Quad Comm held multiple hearings, called in expert resource persons, and reviewed critical documents. Barbers pointed out that while the committee’s work was thorough and labor-intensive, it was also met with significant criticism from detractors, particularly those with vested interests in the industries under scrutiny. “Napakadali lang para sa mga kritiko, lalo na iyung mga bayaran, na sirain o gibain ang ngalan at nagawa ng Quad Comm (It’s easy for critics, especially those who are paid, to tarnish or undermine the work of Quad Comm)," Barbers remarked, emphasizing that the committee had remained committed to its mission despite the challenges. A key part of the investigation focused on POGOs and their ties to organized crime. Barbers specifically pointed to the case of Empire 999, a real estate firm operated by Chinese nationals who posed as Filipino citizens to conceal their activities. The firm was found to be deeply connected to illegal drugs, money laundering, and other criminal enterprises facilitated by the POGOs operating in the country. “Sa ating initial na imbestigasyon dito sa Empire 999, nakita natin na ang modus operandi ng mga POGO ay gumamit ng Pinoy at Tsinoy na dummies bilang nominal owners (In our initial investigation into Empire 999, we discovered that POGOs use Filipino and Chinese dummies as nominal owners),” Barbers explained. This practice, he noted, allowed the operators to launder money and engage in illicit activities while remaining shielded from legal scrutiny. Read related article: House Quad Comm Files Bills to Enforce POGO Ban, Penalize EJKs
- Commanders Who Fail To Curb Illegal Gambling Will Face Sanctions
Metro Manila’s police chief wants station commanders accountable if they fail to curb illegal gambling activity in their areas. National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) chief Police Major General Anthony Aberin, has issued a directive holding station commanders directly accountable for the presence of illegal gambling operations within their jurisdictions. This move signals a shift towards proactive prevention and increased oversight of local police leadership. While the NCRPO has conducted numerous raids, resulting in over 2,000 arrests and the confiscation of nearly P500,000 in cash between late November and late December, the emphasis has now shifted to preventing these operations from establishing themselves in the first place. The directive from General Aberin underscores the expectation that station commanders will implement effective strategies to curb illegal gambling within their assigned areas. Failure to do so will result in disciplinary action. “We are committed to eradicating these illegal activities that harm our communities. The NCRPO’s intensified campaign against illegal gambling is aligned with the PNP’s thrust of effective enforcement of all laws,” Aberin shared. Recent operations, including a raid that resulted in 20 arrests and the seizure of approximately P500,000, demonstrate the continued efforts to dismantle existing illegal gambling operations. However, these operations are now viewed within the broader context of the NCRPO’s directive to prevent such activities from occurring. The NCRPO continues to encourage public cooperation in reporting suspected illegal gambling activities. The organization maintains its commitment to transparency and internal accountability, which now extends to the performance and oversight of station commanders. Individuals directly involved in illegal gambling activities will continue to face appropriate legal charges. Common violations identified by the NCRPO during anti-illegal gambling operations include: Cara y cruz Playing cards for money Betting Dice games EZ2 Lotteng The NCRPO encourages the public to report any instances of these activities to their local police station or directly to the NCRPO. Read related article: Over 2k Nabbed In Metro Manila For Illegal Gambling
- Metro Manila Office Rents Set to Decline Further in 2025
Due to the POGO ban, annual net absorption dropped to 1,500 sqm in 2024, down from 271,250 sqm in 2023, according to Cushman & Wakefield. The office rental market of Metro Manila is facing continued pressure, with rents expected to fall even further in 2025 due to a growing oversupply of vacant office space. According to Cushman & Wakefield's Asia Pacific Outlook 2025 report, the average office rent in the region is forecast to decline by an additional 3.2 percent in 2025, following a 2.8 percent drop in 2024. The decline in office rents is primarily attributed to the large volume of vacant spaces in Metro Manila’s commercial real estate market. Cushman & Wakefield reported that the average headline rent for prime and Grade A office spaces in Metro Manila stood at P1,003 per square meter per month in the third quarter of 2024. This is a decrease from P1,010 per square meter per month in the second quarter of 2024, and down from P1,041 per square meter per month in the same period the previous year. Vacancy Rates Hit 20-Year High Alongside the drop in rents, Metro Manila's office market is grappling with a sharp rise in vacancy rates. The latest data revealed that the vacancy rate for office spaces in the capital reached 18.2 percent in the third quarter of 2024, the highest it has been since the second quarter of 2004. The vacancy rate is up by 136 basis points compared to the same period last year, a worrying indicator for landlords and property owners. The increase in vacancies is largely due to a combination of factors, including the total ban on Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs), which has led to a significant shift in space demand. POGOs, once a major tenant in Metro Manila’s office market, have faced stricter regulations in recent years, contributing to the exodus of tenants and an oversupply of space. Declining Net Absorption One of the key metrics impacted by the current market trends is net absorption, which refers to the change in occupied office space over a given period. In 2024, net absorption is expected to plummet to just 1,500 square meters, a significant decrease from the 271,250 square meters absorbed in 2023. The sharp drop in absorption is linked to the reduction in office space demand from POGOs and other sectors affected by the pandemic and regulatory changes. However, Cushman & Wakefield forecasts that from 2025 to 2029, the annual net absorption rate will see a positive turnaround, with an expected increase of 36 percent compared to the 2020-2024 average. This recovery is expected to be driven by the IT-BPM (Information Technology and Business Process Management) sector, which continues to show strong demand for office space, particularly for global capacity centers (GCCs). Additionally, the growing trend of “flight-to-quality,” where tenants seek more modern, collaborative, and sustainable office environments, will play a key role in driving future absorption. Impact of Remote Work and Flexible Arrangements Despite the anticipated recovery in net absorption, the office rental market will continue to face challenges in the short to medium term due to ongoing shifts in work arrangements. The full implementation of the CREATE MORE Act, which promotes flexible work setups for IT-BPM companies, could further impact office space demand. The law encourages remote and hybrid work models, leading to potential space rationalization as companies reassess their office requirements. Cushman & Wakefield also cited the total ban on POGOs as a continuing factor in the high vacancy rates. With POGOs no longer occupying large amounts of office space in Metro Manila, landlords will need to find new tenants to fill these vacancies, which may take time due to the slower recovery of demand from other sectors. Reduced New Supply and Slower Lease Rollovers While vacancy rates are expected to remain elevated, Cushman & Wakefield forecasts a slowdown in the supply of new office space in the coming years. An average of 138,000 square meters of new office space is expected to be delivered annually over the next five years. This is a sharp decline of 23 percent compared to the projected new supply for 2024 and a staggering 80 percent lower than the average new supply in the years prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. As the supply of new office space decreases, the overall absorption rate is expected to improve, with more spaces being taken up in the medium term. The reduced new supply will help ease the oversupply situation, although vacancy rates may remain high for some time. The lack of new developments will also reduce the risk of lease rollovers, though at a slower pace than anticipated. Outlook for 2026 and Beyond Looking further ahead, Cushman & Wakefield projects that the office rental market in Metro Manila will begin to recover by 2026. Headline rents are expected to grow at an average annual rate of 3.5 percent from 2026 to 2029, signaling a gradual recovery for the sector as the demand for quality office spaces rebounds. As businesses adapt to new ways of working and office space requirements evolve, the market will likely continue to experience shifts. The growing preference for innovative office designs, sustainable practices, and modern amenities will influence the future landscape of Metro Manila’s office rental market. While Metro Manila’s office rental market faces challenges in the short term, including elevated vacancy rates and declining rents, a recovery is expected, driven by demand from the IT-BPM sector and a growing focus on quality office spaces. However, flexibility in work arrangements and regulatory changes will continue to shape the market dynamics moving forward. Read related article: POGO Exodus Leaves 274,000 sqm of Office Space in 2024
- Counter Strike 2 Tops 2024 Esports Betting: Report
Counter Strike has taken a commanding lead in esports betting activity throughout 2024, capturing a staggering 57% of the market. The esports betting landscape has a new king, and its name is Counter-Strike 2 (CS2). According to a recent report by Abios, a leading provider of esports data and analytics, CS2 has taken a commanding lead in betting activity throughout 2024, capturing a staggering 57% of the market. This surge in popularity underscores the game's successful transition from its predecessor and its establishment as a premier competitive title. Counter-Strike 2's rise to prominence is a relatively recent phenomenon. The game officially launched in late 2023, succeeding the long-reigning Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO). The transition wasn't just a simple graphical update; CS2 brought significant gameplay changes, including the highly anticipated "sub-tick" system for more precise movement and shooting, along with visual overhauls to maps and weapon models. This fresh take on a classic formula revitalized the competitive scene, drawing in both veteran players and new audiences. Abios, which provides data solutions for over 40 esports betting operators through its parent company Kambi, analyzed betting trends throughout 2024 and found CS2 to be the undisputed leader. The report highlights key statistics from the past year of CS2 betting: Peak Viewers: 1,853,954 (PGL Major Copenhagen 2024) Total Prize Pool: $20,514,054 Tournaments: 595 These figures demonstrate the robust and thriving ecosystem surrounding CS2. With nearly 600 tournaments held throughout the year and a substantial prize pool, the game has provided ample opportunities for both players and bettors. The impressive peak viewership number for the PGL Major Copenhagen further solidifies CS2's position as a top-tier esports spectacle. The report also suggests that with the move to a more open format next season, the number of tournaments and betting odds are likely to increase, further cementing CS2's dominance. While CS2 leads the pack, other established esports titles continue to hold significant positions in the betting market. League of Legends (LoL) secured second place with 26% of betting activity, significantly outperforming Dota 2, which captured only 10%. This disparity highlights the differing approaches taken by Riot Games (LoL's developer) and Valve (Dota 2's developer) in managing their respective esports scenes. Riot's focus on regional leagues provides more consistent betting opportunities compared to Dota 2's more concentrated tournament schedule. VALORANT and Call of Duty also made their presence felt, though with smaller market shares of 5% and 2%, respectively. VALORANT, despite being a relatively young title, has quickly established a thriving competitive scene with innovative formats and a growing fanbase, suggesting a bright future for its betting market. Call of Duty, a long-standing franchise, continues to maintain a dedicated following within the esports betting community. The Abios report paints a clear picture: Counter-Strike 2 has not only successfully transitioned from its predecessor but has also become the dominant force in esports betting. Its robust competitive scene, frequent tournaments, and large viewership numbers have made it a prime target for bettors. As the game continues to evolve and its esports ecosystem expands, CS2 is poised to maintain its leading position in the years to come. Read related article: Counter-Strike Dominates Esports Betting as Wagers Increase: Report
- AMLC Urged to Investigate Harry Roque Assets for POGO Link
House panel urged the Philippines’ anti-money laundering body to investigate Harry Roque’s assets amid his alleged involvement in POGOs. The Philippine House quad committee has recommended a thorough audit of former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque's bank accounts, assets, and transactions by the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC). If necessary, the committee suggested freezing these assets to investigate Roque’s alleged links to illegal players in the Philippine offshore gaming operator (POGO) industry. The 51-page report, cited by the Inquirer, proposed that a freeze order be applied to Roque’s assets if they are found to be connected to predicate offenses defined under the Anti-Money Laundering Act of 2001. The quad committee’s recommendations were outlined in its first progress report, which summarized key findings from a four-month inquiry into criminal activities tied to the administration of former President Rodrigo Duterte. These activities include extrajudicial killings and illegal POGO operations. While the committee stopped short of accusing Roque of a specific offense, it emphasized the need for a criminal investigation to determine his involvement with Lucky South 99 and Whirlwind Corp., two entities allegedly tied to illicit operations. The report stated: “AMLA should initiate an investigation on the acquisition of his assets. Thereafter, a freeze order over the assets owned by [Roque] should be applied for provided it is shown that they are materially linked, relate to, or involve predicate offenses defined in the Anti-Money Laundering Act of 2001.” Roque’s financial activities raised questions during the POGO probe, particularly the significant surge in his declared assets. According to the quad committee, Roque’s net worth ballooned from P125,000 in 2016 to P125 million by 2018—a period coinciding with the height of POGO operations under the Duterte administration. Adding to the intrigue, Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (PAGCOR) chair Al Tengco revealed that Roque had facilitated meetings between Tengco and Cassandra Ong, an incorporator of Whirlwind Corp., to address Lucky South 99’s unpaid arrears in July 2023. Roque has denied acting as legal counsel for any POGO and claimed he was merely representing Ong. Roque and his wife, Mylah, left the Philippines following the issuance of an arrest warrant against him in September for contempt. The quad committee accused Roque of refusing to attend hearings and withholding requested documents. The couple surfaced on November 29, 2024 at the Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi, where they notarized a counter affidavit related to a separate human trafficking case. The committee has since recommended that the government pursue extradition to bring Roque back to the Philippines. “Extradition treaties can be invoked, or a diplomatic request for repatriation may suffice,” the report stated. The Bureau of Immigration (BI) also came under fire for its alleged role in Roque’s departure. The committee called for an investigation into who may have facilitated his escape, with the BI hinting that Roque could have been aided by "unscrupulous individuals." Charges of falsification of public documents are being considered against him. “The Bureau of Immigration (BI) should be investigated to determine who helped Roque escape undetected,” the report added. The BI has stated that Roque’s departure may have been facilitated by unscrupulous individuals, and it is considering charging him with falsification of public documents. Read related article: Probe On Immigration Eyed For Harry Roque's Undetected Departure
- Han So-hee’s Mother Gets Prison Term for Illegal Gambling
Korean actress Han So-hee (who is best known for the K-drama The World of the Married) denied any involvement in her mother’s actions. The mother of Korean actress Han So-hee has been given a suspended prison sentence for operating multiple illegal gambling venues, according to multiple media outlets. A report by Hanbok Ilbo, translated by The Korean Times, said the actress' mother, aged 55, will face a year of imprisonment with a two-year suspension. Judge Kim Do-hyung of the Chuncheon District Court's Wonju Branch also sentenced her to 120 hours of community service, for charges related to the establishment of gambling venues. In a statement, the actress' agency clarified that the matter concerned the personal actions of the actress's mother and was in no way related to the actress herself. They offered apologies to those affected. "This case is entirely unrelated to the actress and stems from her mother’s personal actions. We apologize for any inconvenience caused by this private matter," they said. Han's mother allegedly coordinated with an illegal gambling site via Telegram, securing access and management codes to create seven betting locations. Her profit model involved collecting commissions based on total bets and user losses. She was accused of utilizing "front men" at adult PC game centers through profit-sharing agreements or collaborated with existing operators to enable illegal online gambling, including baccarat. Authorities uncovered five venues in Wonju, along with single locations in Ulsan and Gyeongju. “The defendant conspired with multiple game room operators to create gambling venues,” Judge Kim said, as reported by Chosun Ilbo, adding, “Given the operational structure of the game rooms, it appears that the defendant's acquired profits are also considerable.” The court highlighted her continued involvement in gambling operations despite a 5 million won fine in 2023 for similar activities, suggesting substantial profits based on the operational structure and profit-sharing. While prosecutors requested an 18-month prison sentence, she received a suspended sentence and was subsequently released. Prosecutors have appealed this decision, arguing it was too lenient. The appeals trial will be held at the Chuncheon District Court. Han So-hee is a prominent South Korean actress who rose to fame with her breakout role in The World of the Married (2020) and further solidified her status with leading roles in dramas like Nevertheless (2021) and My Name (2021). She initially pursued modeling before transitioning to acting, quickly becoming a recognized figure in the Korean entertainment industry. Read related article: BTS's Jimin Victimized by Korean Comedian with Gambling Issue
- What Changed in the iGaming Industry in 2024?
In 2024, iGaming developments included new regulations in Italy, UAE's first gambling license for Wynn Resorts, and Brazil's rules on gambling transactions. 2024 was a great year for Slotegrator. The company launched 250+ projects, expanded their game portfolio, and took part in key events in the iGaming industry. Despite legislative changes and technological innovations, Slotegrator strengthened its position as a leading provider of online gambling solutions. Slotegrator, a leading online casino and sportsbook software supplier and aggregator, had another banner year. To start, the company added more than 60 new providers and studios to its flagship game integration solution. Moreover, financial indicators showed significant growth: total betting volume (Total Bet) increased by 76% and gross gaming revenue (GGR) increased by 79%. This year was marked not only by significant growth, but also our portfolio has been expanded to cover all possible types of content, including crash games, provably fair games, and many other new formats. Slotegrator actively participated in the biggest exhibitions of the year: ICE London, iGB Live, SBC Summit Lisbon, and SiGMA Europe, hosting stands that served as a platform for communicating with partners and presenting new products. The company also received nominations in prestigious categories such as Best Turnkey Solution, Best Aggregator and Most Innovative Supplier. Slotegrator has some exciting new challenges and opportunities on the horizon. The provider is gearing up to expand its portfolio, make some improvements to our analytical solutions, and participate in some top industry events. Slotegrator will keep on developing cutting-edge technologies and supporting partners on their way to success. 2024 was full of important milestones for Slotegrator. The company is grateful to their partners for their trust and look forward to new achievements in 2025. Yana Khaidukova, Managing Director of Slotegrator, said, “These achievements show we're on the right track and give us the motivation to keep developing. We're ready for new challenges and victories.” 2024 Gaming Industry Recap The iGaming industry experienced notable shifts in 2024, marked by legislative changes and the implementation of new regulatory frameworks across different regions. In the UAE, Wynn Resorts became the first company to secure a gambling licence, while Italy raised the cost of gambling licences to €7 million with the introduction of stricter regulations. Meanwhile, Lithuania advanced its gambling reforms by imposing a ban on gambling ads and tightening restrictions on operators. The Latin American gambling market also saw key developments. Brazil introduced new regulations overseeing financial transactions related to gambling, while Buenos Aires paused the issuance of new licences in response to a surge in youth gambling addiction. At the same time, Curaçao and Vanuatu have been overhauling their licensing systems. On a global scale, innovations such as Telegram casinos and personalised gaming experiences are pushing the boundaries of the industry. Read related article: Vanuatu Updates Gambling Licensing Framework After 31 Years