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South Korean comedian Lee Jin-ho admits borrowing money from BTS's Jimin for illegal gambling, apologizing for the controversy. On social media, Jin-ho, a regular on popular variety show Knowing Bros said he began gambling online in an illegal site last 2020. He has since stepped down from the show due to the controversies. “I will fully cooperate with the police investigation and accept the consequences of my actions,” he said, as quoted by a report of the Korea Times. Lee stated that he has been repaying his debts monthly and will continue to do so, while also cooperating with police investigations. Entertainment industry sources detailed that several celebrities, including BTS member Jimin, were financially impacted by Lee’s actions. Lee has yet to repay the debts amounting to 100 million won from Jimin, which was sent in through online transfer in 2022. Jimin’s agency BigHit confirmed he “incurred financial damage,” due to this while the loan was given with a “signed agreement.” To cover his debts, Lee borrowed large sums of money from several celebrity friends, including comedian Lee Soo-geun, singer Young Tak, and Wanna One member Ha Sung Woon. Lee reportedly defrauded them of hundreds of millions of won. “As reported, it is indeed true that financial losses have occurred [to Jimin]. He lent money with a signed promissory note.” Knowing Bros’ network, JTBC, shared that they will “edit out as much of his previously filmed content as possible” following his decision to leave the program.

Teen online gambling addiction in South Korea has surged in 4 years, raising concerns over the growing number of young people turning to online casinos. According to a report by the Korea Times , the number of teenagers receiving gambling addiction counseling has more than doubled from 1,286 in 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, to 2,665 by the end of August this year. More teens are struggling to break free from gambling, according to data, as the rate of successful gambling cessation dropped to just 24.9 percent in 2023 as compared to 49.2 percent in 2020. The number of teenagers addicted to gambling are getting younger, according to the data, with 20.6 percent of middle school students aged 14 to 16 struggling with addiction, as compared to 12.8 percent in 2020. Data has also showed that teens have shifted from sports betting to online casinos, with 59 percent of them participating in online casinos from 8.9 percent four years ago. This data comes amid the staggering increase among online gamblers in South Korea. Recently, celebrity Lee Jin-ho apologized for his ties to illegal online gambling. Lee, a famous comedian in South Korea, has victimized fellow celebrities including Jimin, a member of Kpop supergroup BTS. Data from a separate Korea Times report showed that illegal gambling industry activities also tripled from 16,662 in 2023 to 48,648 this year, as cited by the National Gambling Control Commission to the office of Rep. Min Hyung-bae of the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea. For Representative Cho Gye-won, a Member of Parliament from the Democratic Party of Korea, this stresses the need for stricter measures against illegal gambling. Campaigns were also mounted to fight underage gambling in South Korea and help educate youngsters.

Graft charges were filed against Porac officials, including Mayor Capil and Vice Mayor Tamayo, over ties to an illegal POGO involved in criminal activities. According to a report aired on the October 15, 2024 episode of 24 Oras, the arrested individuals were found at their workstations engaged in various scams, including love scams and cryptocurrency fraud. The NBI’s Cybercrime Division Chief, Jeremy Lotoc, provided insights into how these scammers operate. “Pag nakakuha sila ng pool of information, magko-conduct sila ng background investigation kung sino ang target nila. Pag nakita nila yung pattern, yung character, yung hobby, yung daily activities at the same time yung longings ng kanilang victims, ie-engage nila through social engineering,” Lotoc explained. (When they obtain a pool of information, they conduct a background investigation to identify their target. When they see the pattern, character, hobbies, daily activities, and longings of their victims, they engage them through social engineering.) Lotoc further emphasized the sophistication of these operations, noting, “Merong hacker, merong buyer ng data. May nakita kaming program-coded script na pwede magamit to access other systems without the authority nor consent of the system owner we assume meron silang activity in terms of hacking.” (There are hackers and data buyers. We found a program-coded script that can be used to access other systems without the authority or consent of the system owner. We assume they have hacking activities.) The NBI has determined that the individuals arrested are linked to larger POGO companies. “Yung malalaking POGO, nag-group sila into smaller group, nag-o-occupy ng residential units, apartments, para hindi mahalata na POGO, yun pa rin. To continue their scamming activities,” stated NBI Director Jimmy Santiago. (The larger POGOs have grouped into smaller units and are occupying residential units and apartments to avoid detection. They continue their scamming activities.) In the aftermath of the raid, the NBI is now examining the confiscated computers to extract details about the victims. An inquest has already been conducted on those arrested, and they face charges related to online fraud as well as violations of the Cybercrime Prevention Act. In a related development, Bureau of Immigration (BI) spokesperson Dana Sandoval announced that more than 12,000 foreign POGO workers  from discontinued POGOs have applied to downgrade their working visas. These workers have been given a deadline of October 15 to convert their 9G visas into tourist visas. They must leave the Philippines by the end of the year if they do not wish to return to a working status. Sandoval explained the implications of this downgrade: “Foreign workers whose working visas have been downgraded will be reverted to having a temporary visitor status.” This policy reflects the government’s efforts to regulate the POGO industry, which has faced increasing scrutiny over its operations and the legality of its activities.

Saudi Arabia will host the inaugural Olympic Esports Games in 2025, co-organized by the IOC, as part of its push to grow its esports scene. This event represents a significant milestone for competitive gaming, as it bridges esports with the Olympic tradition, further formalizing esports as a legitimate sporting event, comparable to the Winter Olympics and the Paralympics. This development challenges the stigma surrounding video gaming as a profession. Plans for the event were first announced toward the end of the 2024 Paris Olympics, with the IOC selecting Saudi Arabia for its “expertise in the field of esports with all its stakeholders,” according to IOC President Thomas Bach. “By partnering with the Saudi NOC, we have also ensured that the Olympic values are respected, particularly regarding the game titles on the program, the promotion of gender equality, and engagement with the young audience that is embracing esports,” Bach stated. With over eight months to go before the start of the inaugural event, here’s what we know so far: Why Saudi Arabia? The partnership between the IOC and Saudi Arabia’s National Olympic Committee (NOC) spans 12 years. However, it is unclear whether the event will be held in Saudi Arabia throughout the partnership’s duration. Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Sultan Al Saud, an avid gamer, currently chairs the Saudi Esports Federation. Through this initiative, Saudi Arabia seeks to capitalize on its growing gaming community, which includes 23 million gamers globally, and the “significant growth” of esports within the Gulf nation, while emphasizing gender equality as part of its Vision 2030 initiative. Saudi Arabia has become increasingly involved in the global esports industry, recently hosting the Esports World Cup and partnering with the Esports Awards, the most prestigious ceremony in competitive gaming, where esports legends like Faker and N0tail have been recognized. Since 2018, the Kingdom has successfully hosted over 100 major international sporting events, showcasing both male and female athletes across a range of sports, including esports, football, motorsports, tennis, equestrian events, and golf, attracting more than 2.6 million spectators. However, this has sparked scrutiny, with some alleging that the Kingdom’s involvement in sports is part of its efforts to commit “sportswashing” or the use of sport to redirect public attention away from unethical conduct. This tactic is often criticized in traditional sports. Will the Philippines Attend? While no game titles have been confirmed for the tournament, the Philippine Esports Organization (PESO), the country’s national sporting association for esports, is already preparing to send players. “We still don’t know which titles will be featured, but PESO is all-in on mobile [games]. We have a great chance. We cannot miss this opportunity, and for the first time, our chances of winning a medal in esports are much closer,” PESO Executive Director Marlon Marcelo said at a press conference last September, as quoted by the Manila Bulletin. Saudi Arabia’s investment Saudi Arabia has made substantial investments in the esports sector, focusing on both infrastructure and partnerships to position itself as a global esports hub. The country’s National Gaming and Esports Strategy, spearheaded by the Public Investment Fund (PIF) and entities like Savvy Games Group, aims to contribute around $13.33 billion to its GDP by 2030, while targeting 39,000 new jobs in the esports industry. Meanwhile, the Esports World Cup in Riyadh offered a $60 million prize pool, featuring established esports titles, and a funding program encouraging global esports organizations with the likes of Team Liquid, FNATIC, Team Falcons, and the Philippines’ very own Blacklist International to recruit players to participate for the three-month long event. One of the key infrastructure investments is the launch of “Savvy Games Group,” which oversees multiple acquisitions, including ESL and FACEIT for $1.5 billion and Scopely for $4.9 billion. These acquisitions help to strengthen Saudi Arabia’s esports infrastructure and global positioning. Additionally, Saudi Arabia is home to major gaming events like the Esports World Cup, which further cements its status as a gaming hub. The $60 million prize pool of the Esports World Cup in Riyadh showcases the Kingdom’s commitment to the competitive gaming ecosystem. On the partnership front, the Kingdom is working with international entities to boost its esports presence. Savvy Games Group collaborates with global companies to foster innovation and talent in the esports space. Initiatives such as “GGFORALL” promote inclusivity and tackle discrimination in the esports community. Former Initiatives The IOC has previously explored competitive gaming, recognizing its growing popularity, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic when many traditional sporting events were halted. Four years ago, the IOC held the Olympic Esports Series in Singapore, which faced criticism for its lack of representation of mainstream esports titles, instead featuring virtual sports like Archery, Baseball, Chess, Cycling, Dance, Motor Sport, Sailing, Taekwondo, Tennis, and Sport Shooting. The only widely known esports title included was the Battle Royale game, Fortnite.

Macau's Legislative Assembly approves new illegal gaming law to tackle illicit activities and modernize gaming regulations in the region. The bill, which was approved on October 16, 2024, criminalizes specific gaming-related activities, notably illegal currency exchange. It also imposes penalties on all activities associated with side and parallel betting. Chan Chak Mou, the president of the Second Standing Committee of the AL, highlighted that this new law standardizes the treatment of illegal gambling activities, regardless of whether they occur inside or outside casinos. This represents a significant shift from previous regulations, which did not address these distinctions comprehensively. One of the key focuses of the new law is to tackle crimes related to parallel betting and side betting. These practices have been a growing concern for regulators, prompting the need for stricter measures. The legislators were also attentive to online gaming activities, although Chan pointed out that the new law does not introduce significant changes compared to the previous one. Nonetheless, he emphasized that the updated legislation reflects developments within the industry, promoting necessary changes in this area. A noteworthy amendment in the final version of the bill concerns illegal currency exchange for gambling purposes. This activity is now classified as a crime, whether it takes place in a casino or elsewhere. Chan clarified that the law penalizes those who engage in such exchanges, but does not impose penalties on casino patrons. This distinction aims to protect individuals who may unknowingly participate in illegal activities. The law also introduces stricter regulations regarding money loans for gambling. These measures are designed to deter financial exploitation and protect vulnerable individuals from the risks associated with gambling debts. The absence of extensive discussion or debate among lawmakers during the approval process indicates a strong consensus on the importance of these regulatory changes. Despite the overwhelming support for the new law, some lawmakers raised concerns about specific provisions. According to the Macau Daily Times, lawmaker Ron Lam questioned the government regarding new regulations concerning lotteries. Under the new law, the exploitation of lotteries now carries a penalty of up to two years’ imprisonment. Lam expressed particular concern about the sale of the Hong Kong Lottery – Mark 6, which has been a sensitive topic in Macau for many years. In response, Secretary for Administration and Justice, André Cheong, clarified that the law applies to all forms of foreign lotteries and any potential local variations. He emphasized that the legislation targets the commercial exploitation of these activities rather than informal arrangements, such as friends helping each other buy lottery tickets. However, Lam remained unconvinced and requested a separate vote on this specific article, arguing for a clearer stance from the government. Lam’s insistence on addressing the sale of the Hong Kong Lottery stems from a desire to prevent legal ambiguities that could ensnare residents. His concerns reflect broader issues surrounding gambling regulations in Macau, particularly as the region grapples with balancing the interests of the gaming industry and the need for responsible governance. The Illegal Gambling Law introduces several new criminal provisions, including a stringent prohibition on what is often referred to as “under-the-table betting.” Offenders could face up to eight years in prison for violating this rule. The government’s position is that previous instances of “under-the-table betting”—likely referencing the recent trials involving Suncity Group and Tak Chun Group—have significantly hindered the growth of the gaming industry. To address this, there is a clear need to strengthen the legal framework to explicitly ban such practices. Additionally, the law empowers criminal investigation officers by granting them new authorities for evidence collection, including “night-time evidence gathering” and “undercover operations” targeting illegal gambling activities. New amendments to the bill also criminalize “money exchange gangs.” Those who facilitate illegal currency exchanges for gambling purposes will now face penalties of up to five years in prison.

The Philippines and Cambodia are key to the growth strategy of Malaysian casino equipment supplier RGB in the future. Malaysian casino equipment supplier RGB International Bhd is optimistic about the future of the casino equipment market. The company anticipates significant growth over the next three to five years, driven by strategic expansions in key regions such as the Philippines and Cambodia. In a recent interview with Malaysian publication The Edge, RGB’s Chief Operating Officer, Steven Lim Tow Boon, emphasized that the gaming industry, particularly the casino equipment sector, is set for strong performance. He noted the Philippines’ crucial role in this upward trajectory, positioning the country as a key driver of growth. In May, RGB made headlines by securing a major contract with the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR). This order involves supplying nearly 2,000 slot machines to 16 state-run casinos . Such significant contracts reflect the rising demand for gaming equipment in the region and RGB’s capability to meet this demand effectively. RGB operates through three main divisions. Its SSM division focuses on the manufacturing and distribution of electronic gaming machines (EGMs), spare parts, a variety of casino equipment, and comprehensive casino management systems. The Philippines is home to more than 15 privately operated integrated resorts and casinos, utilizing approximately 25,000 electronic gaming machines. The country has consistently achieved impressive gross gaming revenue, totaling US$3.3 billion (RM13.89 billion) in the first half of this year, positioning it to potentially outpace Singapore by next year. Plans are underway for PAGCOR to privatize all 16 of its casinos and 24 VIP clubs in the coming years. Despite having around 25,000 electronic gaming machines (EGMs) in its privately-operated integrated resorts and casinos, the Philippines is still one of the least penetrated slot machine markets in the region, particularly when considering the number of EGMs per million residents. For comparison, Australia has about 200,000 EGMs for its 25 million population, while the Philippines, with its 110 million residents, hosts only 12.5% of that figure. Lim is optimistic about the gaming industry’s future, especially within the casino equipment sector, predicting a positive trajectory over the next three to five years. “In the Philippines, there are currently up to eight new integrated resorts approved, with at least one expected to launch each year,” he notes. Expanding its regional footprint further, RGB has signed an exclusive agreement with Firm 614, a company uniquely licensed by Cambodia’s Commercial Gambling Management Commission (CGMC). This partnership enables RGB to import, sell, and distribute gaming equipment and software to licensed operators in Cambodia. The collaboration highlights RGB’s commitment to increasing its presence in this emerging market. Chuah Eng Meng, RGB’s senior vice president for sales, support, and marketing, shared insights about the Cambodian market. Currently, approximately 6,500 slot machines are operational across 118 casinos in Cambodia. With ongoing developments, this number is expected to reach 10,000 machines in the coming years. This projection underscores the potential for growth in the region and highlights RGB’s strategic positioning to capitalize on it. Despite challenges, including impairments totaling RM37.1 million ($8.6 million), RGB reported a remarkable increase in net profit for the financial year ending December 31, 2023. The company’s net profit surged 5.5 times to RM21.21 million ($4.9 million), a substantial leap from RM3.82 million ($886,344) the previous year. Excluding these impairments, the earnings would have more than doubled, reaching RM58.3 million ($13.5 million), demonstrating the robust health of RGB’s operations. Looking ahead, Chuah expressed confidence in RGB’s ability to overcome financial challenges. He pointed to positive trends already evident in the company’s second-quarter results for FY2024. The outlook remains bright, with RGB expecting to surpass its previous net profit record of RM40.17 million ($9.3 million) set in 2019. In the first half of FY2024 alone, RGB reported earnings of RM40.7 million ($9.4 million), indicating a strong trajectory.

China’s Supreme Court reports 27,000 illegal gambling cases in 2024, a 10.65% rise, driving tougher efforts to combat cross-border gambling crimes. The SPC’s announcement highlights the seriousness of the issue. In the SPC press release cited by AGBrief, the court outlined its commitment to ensuring consistent and lawful punishment for gambling crimes by publicizing seven typical cases. This initiative aims to unify sentencing standards across different jurisdictions and promote a coordinated approach to dealing with such offenses. One case that has drawn considerable attention is that of Alvin Chau , the founder of the Suncity Group, who was at the center of a notorious cross-border gambling syndicate. Reports indicate that Chau’s operation facilitated over RMB300 billion (approximately US$42.2 billion) in bets from Chinese gamblers between 2015 and 2019. This case has been recognized as one of the top ten criminal cases of 2023, underscoring its impact on the nation. The SPC has emphasized that the growing prevalence of offshore casinos and online gambling platforms targeting Chinese citizens has led to substantial capital outflows and social harm. The Chau case exemplifies these challenges, serving as a critical reminder of the risks associated with illegal gambling activities. In total, the SPC identified six significant cross-border gambling cases, with the Chau operation  being a prime focus due to its extensive reach and the financial implications for China. Chau’s gambling empire thrived on various fronts. He operated VIP rooms in several casinos in Macau while establishing online gambling platforms in the Philippines and other regions. His operations expanded rapidly, with over 480 shareholder-level agents by late 2021. Notably, more than 280 of these agents were Chinese nationals. Chau’s organization also managed to attract a vast clientele, boasting over 60,000 customers from China alone. Authorities took action against Chau in November 2021, when he was arrested by Macau’s Judiciary Police. He faced charges not only for illegal gambling but also for gang-related activities. Following a lengthy legal process, Chau was sentenced to 18 years in prison in January 2023. His appeals against this sentence were dismissed earlier this month, solidifying the judiciary’s stance against such criminal enterprises.

PAOCC is set to arrest four alleged Chinese and Malaysian-Chinese financiers of POGOs in the coming days, targeting key figures behind illegal gaming operations. During the “Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon” briefing held on October 15, 2024, PAOCC spokesperson Dr. Winston Casio provided updates on the ongoing investigations. He confirmed that the agency is closing in on these financiers and is in the process of developing solid cases against them. “Most of them are Chinese and we got a few who are Malaysian-Chinese. So, may lead po tayo (we have a lead),” he stated, indicating that the PAOCC has been monitoring these individuals for some time. Dr. Casio emphasized that the evidence gathered against the financiers is robust, suggesting that law enforcement is well-prepared for the impending arrests. “I’m sure hindi lang apat ‘yan. Mayroon pa ibang kasama mga ‘yan pero, so far, apat ang aming minamanmanan ngayon (I’m sure there are not just four. There are others involved with them, but for now, we are focusing on these four),” he was quoted as saying in a report published by the Manila Bulletin. The crackdown on POGO operations comes in the wake of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to ban POGOs  due to their links to various criminal activities. Following this order, the PAOCC reported a significant decrease in POGO operations. However, Dr. Casio acknowledged the ongoing challenge of addressing underground operations that continue to evade law enforcement. “So, there are a good number of them [still operating underground], and we are having difficulty catching up,” he remarked. The PAOCC’s efforts reflect a broader governmental strategy to eliminate POGOs, which have faced increased scrutiny over allegations of illegal activities, including human trafficking and money laundering. The President had set a deadline for the closure of all POGOs  by the end of this year, emphasizing the urgency of the situation. Dr. Casio assured the public that the task force’s mandate would extend beyond December 31. “So, tuluy-tuloy lang kami. Assuming na may matira pa (We will continue our mandate. Assuming that some POGOs remain after December, we will still go after them and close them down),” he stressed.

Two Filipino Mobile Legends imports are stranded in Singapore with no return tickets, as their club, Bleed Esports, faces legal and financial issues. SEA Games 2022 Gold medalist Kyle Dominic “Dominic” Soto, fellow Pinoy Folkmarr, and coaches Cesar “Amethyst” Santos and Douglas “Imbadeejay” Astibe were stuck in the Lion City with “no flight tickets back and 0 contact,” caster  Sean “Hades” Goh   wrote on X (Formerly Twitter) on October 15, 2024. “Suddenly the upper management guys of ggBleed who love to parade their roles have just decided to leave their PH ML imports stranded at the bootcamp with no flight tickets back and 0 contact. The COO has left their GC [group chat] and they have nobody to help them. WP [well played] guys,” Hades, a former Bleed Esports employee shared, as quoted by a report by Spin.PH . Later on, Hades shared that they Pinoy imports’ families booked airplane tickets so they could head back to Manila on Thursday night, October 17, adding that he “and the manager will pay for meals till then.” The revelation came after MPL Singapore Season 8, as the esports  squad faltered early into the playoffs. Aside from this, the Singaporean esports organization’s management was revealed to have faced several issues legally and financially. Bleed CEO Mervyn Goh and investor Lincoln Lim Jun Hong were accused of criminal and federal charges, according to esports website ggscore.com . Goh, alongside Lim, were accused of punching, kicking, and pushing a woman at a club. Hong was accused of trespassing and punching another person. Meanwhile, Goh is set to attend an October 21, 2024 hearing. Prior to this revelation, Bleed Esports was also stripped of the Valorant team franchise privileges, which are usually given to organizations who are not only recognized for their performance but their capacity to sustain their players and staff financially. “Removal of a team from the Riot Games esports ecosystem is not something we take lightly. However, due to persistent operational failures of the team, Bleed Esports will no longer participate in VCT Pacific to protect the best interest of the players and the league,” Valorant Esports said in a statement. Aside from this, both staff and players alike have come forward alleging that they have not been paid salaries and prize money, with Bleed failing to pay thousands of dollars to various people in the industry. Counter Strike: Global Offensive esports coach Aleksandar Trifunovic aka “kassad” claimed that they weren’t paid their salaries and prize money. Rainbow Six Siege’s Taylor “Terdsta” Ching also shared that Goh “completely disappeared,” adding that the organization owed him US$35000, as an import. “To this day, BLEED owes me $35000 USD+. I live abroad throughout the year, and without streaming, I would literally not be able buy food for myself. This is not a new issue, it’s plagued us since we joined this organization and we were constantly met with the same ChatGPT replies and false promises by BLEED’s upper management,” he shared.

Crown Melbourne fined AU$2M for allowing 242 self-excluded gamblers, violating responsible gambling rules from Oct 2023 to May 2024, says VGCCC. Self-exclusion is a program designed to help individuals avoid gambling by permitting them to ban themselves from entering gaming venues. It is intended to protect those at risk of gambling harm. In Victoria, it is illegal for casinos to allow self-excluded individuals to enter, remain, or participate in gambling activities. VGCCC Chair Fran Thorn emphasized the casino’s obligation to safeguard individuals vulnerable to gambling-related harm. “Those who self-exclude must be able to trust that gambling providers will take all reasonable steps to enforce their decision to avail themselves of this harm prevention initiative,” Ms. Thorn was quoted as saying in a report published by ABC News. “By allowing people who have self-excluded to enter the casino and gamble, Crown has put them at risk of experiencing further gambling harm,” she added. Crown Melbourne has been directed by the VGCCC to engage an independent expert to evaluate its self-exclusion program. This expert will assess the program’s effectiveness and recommend improvements. According to Ms. Thorn, while the casino’s oversight led to the breaches, many of the self-excluded individuals also attempted to bypass the restrictions and gamble undetected. The VGCCC’s findings suggest that the failures were systemic rather than a result of intentional disregard by Crown. The Commission has mandated that Crown implement the expert’s recommendations in due course to enhance its self-exclusion management. The self-exclusion program is a critical component of gambling harm reduction initiatives. By allowing individuals to take proactive steps to avoid gambling, the program aims to mitigate the risks associated with gambling addiction. In response to the ruling, a Crown spokesperson stated, “Crown is committed to ensuring a safe and responsible gaming environment with a focus on guest wellbeing and harm minimization.” The spokesperson indicated that the casino is collaborating with the VGCCC to resolve the issues identified. This fine follows a tumultuous period for Crown Melbourne, which had been under intense scrutiny for its operational practices. Earlier this year, the VGCCC completed a two-year probation period and determined that Crown could retain its license to operate Victoria’s only casino, contingent upon improved conduct. This latest fine raises questions about the effectiveness of those improvements. Crown has incurred a total of AU$700 million (US$470 million) in fines and settlements due to compliance failures that resulted in its designation as unsuitable to operate casinos in Victoria, New South Wales (NSW), and Perth. This includes a significant AU$450 million (US$302 million) settlement with AUSTRAC, the agency overseeing financial crime.

NBI reveals POGOs forming small groups in residential areas to evade detection, with 17 foreigners arrested in Makati for alleged scamming during a recent raid. According to a report aired on the October 15, 2024 episode of 24 Oras, the arrested individuals were found at their workstations engaged in various scams, including love scams and cryptocurrency fraud. The NBI’s Cybercrime Division Chief, Jeremy Lotoc, provided insights into how these scammers operate. “Pag nakakuha sila ng pool of information, magko-conduct sila ng background investigation kung sino ang target nila. Pag nakita nila yung pattern, yung character, yung hobby, yung daily activities at the same time yung longings ng kanilang victims, ie-engage nila through social engineering,” Lotoc explained. (When they obtain a pool of information, they conduct a background investigation to identify their target. When they see the pattern, character, hobbies, daily activities, and longings of their victims, they engage them through social engineering.) Lotoc further emphasized the sophistication of these operations, noting, “Merong hacker, merong buyer ng data. May nakita kaming program-coded script na pwede magamit to access other systems without the authority nor consent of the system owner we assume meron silang activity in terms of hacking.” (There are hackers and data buyers. We found a program-coded script that can be used to access other systems without the authority or consent of the system owner. We assume they have hacking activities.) The NBI has determined that the individuals arrested are linked to larger POGO companies. “Yung malalaking POGO, nag-group sila into smaller group, nag-o-occupy ng residential units, apartments, para hindi mahalata na POGO, yun pa rin. To continue their scamming activities,” stated NBI Director Jimmy Santiago. (The larger POGOs have grouped into smaller units and are occupying residential units and apartments to avoid detection. They continue their scamming activities.) In the aftermath of the raid, the NBI is now examining the confiscated computers to extract details about the victims. An inquest has already been conducted on those arrested, and they face charges related to online fraud as well as violations of the Cybercrime Prevention Act. In a related development, Bureau of Immigration (BI) spokesperson Dana Sandoval announced that more than 12,000 foreign POGO workers  from discontinued POGOs have applied to downgrade their working visas. These workers have been given a deadline of October 15 to convert their 9G visas into tourist visas. They must leave the Philippines by the end of the year if they do not wish to return to a working status. Sandoval explained the implications of this downgrade: “Foreign workers whose working visas have been downgraded will be reverted to having a temporary visitor status.” This policy reflects the government’s efforts to regulate the POGO industry, which has faced increasing scrutiny over its operations and the legality of its activities.

Okada Manila reports a 33.4% revenue drop to $142M in Q3 2024, with declines in both VIP and mass table games, marking significant challenges for the resort. According to a financial report released on October 15, 2024 which was cited by Inside Asian Gaming, total revenue for Okada Manila dropped by 30.9% compared to the same period last year, amounting to Php9.16 billion (around US$158 million). The decline was particularly pronounced in the VIP table games sector, where revenue plummeted by 44.3% year-on-year to Php2.47 billion (about US$42.7 million). The mass table games segment also saw a significant drop, decreasing by 40.2% to Php2.46 billion (approximately US$42.6 million). Meanwhile, revenue from slot machines fell by 13.4% to Php3.31 billion (around US$57.3 million). The adjusted segment EBITDA (Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization) also reflected this downturn, coming in at Php1.10 billion (around US$19 million). This figure represents a staggering 69.2% decrease year-on-year and a 49.0% decline compared to the previous quarter. Despite the revenue challenges, the operator of Okada Manila–Tiger Resort, Leisure and Entertainment Inc. (TRLEI)–did not specify the reasons behind these declines. Notably, hotel occupancy rates remained strong, reaching 87.0% in the third quarter, up from 81.4% a year earlier. Additionally, total visitation only saw a minor decrease of 5.4%, with 1,418,190 visitors recorded during the quarter. For the first nine months of 2024, the situation remained bleak, with gross gaming revenue down 26.6% year-on-year to Php25.8 billion (around US$446 million). The adjusted segment EBITDA for this period also fell by 44.0% to Php5.57 billion (approximately US$96.4 million). The decline in revenues raises questions about the integrated resort’s market positioning and competitive landscape. While the exact reasons for the revenue drop remain unclear, some analysts have pointed to external factors affecting the gaming industry in the Philippines. These could include changes in consumer behavior, increased competition from other gaming establishments, or broader economic conditions impacting discretionary spending. It is worth noting that Okada Manila experienced significant operational issues in late 2023, when a major IT outage disrupted operations. The incident resulted in all slot machines being temporarily shut down and many systems across the resort being affected. At the time, the company referred to the outage as “technical issues” with their Information Technology Systems.