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PCSO Lotto Results and winning numbers for Monday Here are the complete lotto results today as released by the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO). Check these out to see if you won., December 23, 2024. 6/55 Grand Lotto Result 6/45 Mega Lotto Result 4D Lotto Result 3D Lotto Result 2D Lotto Result

Chinese President Xi Jinping believes Macau should diversify its economy beyond gaming.  There is an urgent need for the Macau to diversify its economy, which remains heavily reliant on the gaming industry, Chinese President Xi Jinping said. His remarks were part of the celebrations commemorating the 25th anniversary of Macau’s handover to China and followed the inauguration of the Special Administrative Region (SAR) new Chief Executive, Sam Hou Fai. In his address, President Xi acknowledged Macau’s progress in economic recovery following the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic but stressed the importance of reducing dependence on the casino sector. “Efforts should be made to promote moderate economic diversification... and focus on cultivating new industries with international competitiveness,” Xi stated.  While Macau’s GDP grew by an impressive 11.5 percent during the first three quarters of 2024, the SAR’s reliance on gaming remains stark. Over 81 percent of government revenue still comes from gaming-related taxes. This dependence was particularly highlighted during the pandemic, when the city’s economy suffered heavily due to reduced tourism and casino closures. The situation prompted Beijing to call for structural economic reforms, emphasizing the risks of relying too heavily on a single sector. Macau’s six casino operators, who renewed their licenses in 2022, committed to investing $14.9 billion ($20.13 billion) in non-gaming ventures. These include projects such as theme parks, cultural attractions, and conference venues. Moreover, six historic areas have been earmarked for revitalization, with each concessionaire tasked with contributing to these efforts. Macau’s new Chief Executive, Sam Hou Fai, aligned his vision with President Xi’s directives, emphasizing the need to address economic imbalances and improve the quality of life for residents. In his inaugural speech, Sam highlighted critical areas for reform, including social security, healthcare, elderly care, and urban redevelopment. Sam proposed accelerating the implementation of the “1+4” strategy, which aims to nurture four emerging industries: Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE); technology; healthcare; and finance. The strategy also supports the development of traditional industries and small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), fostering a more diversified and resilient economic landscape. Macau’s journey toward economic diversification represents a pivotal moment in its history. While the gaming sector has undoubtedly driven its prosperity, the SAR’s leadership recognizes the necessity of building a more balanced and sustainable economy. As Macau celebrates 25 years since its handover to China, the focus now shifts to laying the groundwork for a future less reliant on gaming and more aligned with global economic trends. With strong backing from Beijing and a clear roadmap from its new Chief Executive, Macau is poised to evolve into a more diversified and dynamic economy. However, achieving this transformation will require sustained effort, innovation, and collaboration across sectors. Read related article: President of China Refers to Macau as "Jewel of the Motherland"

A news report took a look at the Philippines’ largest POGO hub, which has now been shut down due to the government’s industry crackdown.  Once a bustling center of offshore gaming activity, a 30-hectare property in Cavite known as Island Cove now sits eerily silent. The former Philippine offshore gaming operator (POGO) hub, once the biggest in the country, succumbed to the government's crackdown on the industry and shuttered its doors on December 17, 2024. Island Cove's story is intertwined with the rise and fall of the POGO industry in the Philippines. Previously owned by the Remulla family, the property was sold in 2018 to First Orient International Ventures Corporation, a company reportedly owned by the children of junket operator Kim Wong. The sprawling complex housed 57 buildings and catered to four POGO licensees at its peak. A recent video surfaced online, offering a glimpse into the deserted halls of what was once a hive of POGO activity. The condos that once housed thousands of workers now stand empty, while the offices, warehouses, restaurants, and resort that formed the lifeblood of the complex lie dormant.  Island Cove is nestled in front of Sangley Point, where the country's naval forces sets its ships. Its management denied allegations of espionage, adding that its operations were legitimate before they shut down.  ABS-CBN reporter Zyann Ambrosio described it as a "self-sustaining" community like many similar POGO hubs, such as a water station, laundry stations and plenty of restaurants.  The POGO hub had around 10 restaurants sprawled across the complex, according to general manager Ron Lim. With the number of employees working indirectly with the POGO hub due to the restaurants, Lim estimates that around 10,000 have lost their jobs.  Department of the Interior and Local Government chief and former Cavite Gov. Jonvic Remulla relived memories off Island Cove, back when it used to be a resort under their property.  "I was only seven when we started this [resort]," Remulla recalled.  President Ferdinand Marcos earlier ordered POGOs shut down by the end of 2024, through his State of the Nation Address in the middle of the year. He later formalized this in November through Executive Order 74.  Read related article:  Special Class BPOs Excluded from POGO Crackdown

A court denied Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo’s bail petition for her qualified human trafficking case, meaning she will remain in jail over the holidays. Expelled Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo will remain in jail after her bail request was rejected in her qualified human trafficking case, Prosecutor General Richard Fadullon announced Friday. He cited the strength of the prosecution's evidence as the reason for the denial.    “The evidence of the prosecution was found to be strong,” Fadullon said, as reported by ABS-CBN News.  Guo's lawyer, Nicole Jamilla, had previously voiced her client's distress at the prospect of spending the holidays in the Pasig City Jail Female Dormitory. Jamilla explained last week that Guo's anxiety was heightened by the fact that she has been detained since September—a period of three months—and the possibility of remaining in custody through Christmas.   “Nagwo-worry kasi September siya na-detain. That’s three months so magpa-Pasko. ‘Yong feeling na may possibility na made-detain siya during the holidays. Andun ‘yong worry, burden. Stress talaga sa kanya. (She's worried because she's been detained since September. That's three months, and now it's almost Christmas. The feeling that there's a possibility she'll be detained during the holidays... that's where the worry, the burden, comes from. It's really causing her stress.)” Jamilla said.  Guo faces numerous charges in different courts related to her alleged connection to illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) activities. She maintains her innocence and denies being a key figure in any POGO-related operations.    Among her recent cases include Guo and her family (parents Jiang Zhong Guo and Lin Wenyi, and siblings Shiela and Siemen Guo) being charged with falsification and violating the Anti-Dummy Law. The charges stem from their acquisition of four land parcels for their 3Lin-Q Farm in Pangasinan. The NBI investigation concluded the family are Chinese citizens, despite claiming Filipino citizenship, based on fingerprint analysis and records from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Bureau of Immigration. They also allegedly misrepresented their residency. The NBI is seeking forfeiture of the land.  Read related article: Alice Guo and Kin Slapped With Anti-Dummy Law Charges

Thailand’s government will have the final say on where its casinos will be as it moves closer to finalizing its proposal to mount entertainment complexes.  Thailand is moving closer to legalizing casinos, with a bill currently under development that will give the government significant control over where these entertainment complexes will be located. According to a recent report in the Bangkok Post , the government will have the final say on the placement of these casino-entertainment venues. "If the locations are chosen by the government, this will allow investors to compete fairly in the bidding. This will prevent the bid specifications or conditions from being designed or fixed to favour a particular bidder,” Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat said. He added: "Some investors may have their own land and want to push a casino-entertainment complex to be constructed on their land," he added. This decisive government role underscores the strategic approach Thailand is taking towards integrating casinos into its economic landscape. By retaining the power to determine locations, the government aims to maximize the potential benefits while mitigating potential negative impacts. This centralized control allows for careful consideration of factors such as economic development, tourism promotion, and social implications. The bill, which is expected to be submitted to the cabinet by the end of the year, represents a significant step towards legalizing casino operations in the country. If passed into law, it is anticipated to provide a substantial boost to both tourism and the broader Thai economy. Proponents argue that legalized casinos will attract high-spending tourists, generate substantial tax revenue, and create new employment opportunities. The move to legalize casinos reflects a growing trend in Southeast Asia, with several countries in the region exploring or implementing similar policies. This competition for tourism revenue is likely a contributing factor to Thailand's push to establish a regulated casino industry. While the details of the bill are still being finalized, the emphasis on government control over location decisions signals a cautious yet determined approach to integrating casinos into Thailand's economic fabric. The anticipated submission of the bill to the cabinet marks a crucial milestone in this process, and the outcome will be closely watched by both domestic and international stakeholders. (What will it take for casinos to be legalized in Thailand? Find out through ACN’s in-depth report   here .)  Read related article: Thais “Polarized, Skeptical” About Casino Push: Study

Authorities reiterated that Special Class Business Process Outsourcing (SCBPO) are exempted from the crackdown against Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO).  Special Class Business Process Outsourcing (SCBPO) companies have received renewed confirmation of their exemption from the ongoing Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) ban, Asia Gaming Brief reports.   This clarification comes after a recent inspection of SCBPO facilities by the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC), bringing much-needed clarity to the industry. The inspection, conducted on Friday, December 20th, aimed to ensure that legitimate BPOs were not being used as fronts for illegal POGO operations. Legal expert Tonet Quiogue hailed the event as a “significant development that reinforces this position and provides the clarity the industry has long sought.” Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) Chairman Alejandro H. Tengco and key members of the Technical Working Group (TWG) on Executive Order 74 led the inspection. Among the attendees were DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla, DOJ Assistant Secretary Mico Clavano, and representatives from various agencies including the PAOCC, AMLA, Securities and Exchange Commission, Bureau of Immigration, and DOLE. The delegation visited two of the largest SCBPOs in the country, observing firsthand their operations as standard BPO companies providing services to legitimate international gaming firms. Secretary Remulla emphasized the distinction between SCBPOs and illegal POGOs, stating that SCBPOs represent the “good side of gaming, the one that provides good jobs to people and is not involved in scams.” He offered assurances that these companies would not be subject to raids or disruptions, clarifying that enforcement efforts are specifically targeting POGOs and other entities explicitly covered by Executive Order 74. This statement brings much-needed reassurance to the SCBPO sector, which has been operating under a cloud of uncertainty due to the broader crackdown on illegal online gaming. Despite the approaching deadline for the POGO ban mandated by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the PAOCC has identified approximately 100 suspected “guerrilla POGOs” still operating across the Philippines. PAOCC Executive Director Gilbert Cruz announced that enforcement activities will intensify in January, with a focus on inspecting locations such as hotels, resorts, and residential subdivisions suspected of housing small, clandestine POGO hubs. This targeted approach underscores the government’s commitment to eradicating illegal online gambling while allowing legitimate businesses like SCBPOs to continue their operations without undue interference. Read related article: PAGCOR Calls For Vigilance Amid POGOs “Masquerading” As BPOs

Greg Hawkins was appointed acting Chief Operating Officer of Bloomberry Resorts Corp, the operator of Solaire Integrated Resorts.  MANILA – Bloomberry Resorts Corp, operator of the Philippines' Solaire integrated resorts, has appointed Greg Hawkins as Acting Chief Operating Officer (COO), Inside Asian Gaming  reports. This follows the sudden retirement of Tom Arasi, who stepped down for personal reasons. Hawkins, formerly Chief Casino Officer at Star Entertainment Group and currently head of Solaire Resort North in Quezon City, assumed the interim COO role on December 19. He will oversee operations at both Solaire Entertainment City and Solaire North, as COO of Bloomberry’s operating subsidiary, Bloomberry Resorts and Hotels Inc (BRHI). Arasi’s departure, announced earlier this week, marks the end of a significant era for Bloomberry. He played a crucial role in establishing Solaire as a market leader in the Philippines, overseeing the launch of both Solaire Entertainment City in 2013 and Solaire Resort North earlier this year. He also outlined plans for Bloomberry’s third integrated resort in Cavite. Arasi ranked No. 40 in Inside Asian Gaming’s  2024 Asian Gaming Power 50 list. Hawkins’ appointment comes after his departure from Star Entertainment Group following an inquiry into The Star Sydney’s suitability in 2022. He was among 11 current and former directors and officers of Star facing civil penalty proceedings brought by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) for alleged breaches of their duties under the Corporations Act.  ASIC alleged failures to adequately address risks related to money laundering and criminal associations in dealings with Asian junkets. Specifically, Hawkins, along with others, was accused of not addressing money laundering risks posed by Macau’s Suncity Group. Read related article: Solaire Operator Plans to Launch Gaming App by 2025 Q3

Over 2,000 people were arrested in Metro Manila during a month-long crackdown against illegal gambling operations.  Metro Manila police arrested over 2,000 people in separate anti-illegal gambling operations all over the metropolis.  According to an Inquirer report, The individuals were arrested in 808 anti illegal gambling operations held from November 23 to December 20 within its five districts: Manila Police District, Quezon City Police District, Northern Police District (Caloocan, Malabon, Navotas, Valenzuela), Eastern Police District (Pasig, Mandaluyong, Marikina, San Juan) and Southern Police District (Las Piñas, Makati, Muntinlupa, Parañaque, Pasay, Pateros, Taguig).  “The most common violations identified were [playing] cara y cruz, playing cards, betting, dice games, EZ2, and loteng,” the National Capital Region Police Office said in a statement, as quoted by the report.  Illegal gambling in the Philippines encompasses various activities operating outside the legal framework established by PAGCOR.  Common forms include numbers games like Jueteng and Masiao, unauthorized cockfighting, illegal video arcades simulating horse racing, and online platforms offering casino games and sports betting without proper licenses.  These operations function through hidden networks, lacking regulatory oversight and often associated with other crimes like loan sharking and money laundering. Acting NCRPO chief Police Brig. Gen Anthony Aberin said this was part of their campaign to curb illegal gambling operations. NCRPO also urged the public to report any illegal gambling activities.  “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 for effective enforcement of all laws. In this campaign, public participation is crucial; thus, we urge everyone to report any illegal gambling activities in their area,” he said.  These illegal activities pose significant challenges for law enforcement due to their concealed nature, potential corruption, and the rise of online platforms operating across borders. The Philippine government actively combats illegal gambling through raids, public awareness campaigns, and efforts to strengthen enforcement. Engaging in these activities carries considerable legal and financial risks, with penalties ranging from fines to imprisonment. Read related article:   Korean Fugitive Arrested Over POGO-like Activity in QC

Joe Kaminkow of Aristocrat fame will be one of the headline speakers at the Casino & Leaders Conference (CLC) that will take place on January 20, 2025. Clarion Gaming has added to the A-list of luminaries participating in the ICE World Gaming Forum with confirmation that Joe Kaminkow, the powerhouse behind the success of Aristocrat and IGT will be one of the headline speakers at the Casino & Leaders Conference (CLC) taking place on January 20, 2025. Joe holds over 150 patents throughout the fields of game design, operations, and networks, creating or contributing game design intellectual property to more than 1,500 games across multiple formats and markets. He joins a line-up of headliners which includes Vicente Fox, 62nd President of Mexico; and Akhil Sarin, CMO of online brands Stake and Kick; as well as over 100 other speakers so far announced including Simon Thomas, Chairman of the Hippodrome Casino; Marcel Tobler, CEO, Swiss Casinos; Isabelle Falque-Pierrotin, Chair, French Gambling Authority; Rhea Loney, Chief Compliance Officer, BetMGM; Sana Ali Aamir, European GM of Fever; and Warren Cho, Worldwide Gaming Leader, Microsoft. Aristocrat’s Chief Innovation Officer will be leading a headline talk on attracting a diverse global audience through branded IP, drawing on his lessons from secured licensing rights from Batman, Star Trek, and Wheel of Fortune to Sex in the City and Game of Thrones . He will then join a panel of brand experts, including HASBRO, who will explore how to attract Millennial and Gen Z players in both the land-based and online space. Announcing the news, Clarion Gaming’s Senior Conference Producer Damien Ashton-Wellman said: “The World Gaming Forum is about delivering thought-provoking, authoritative insight delivered by Tier 1 thought leaders. Joe Kaminkow meets all of those criteria. “He has been inducted into the Pinball Hall of Fame, the American Gaming Association's Hall of Fame, the Licensing International Hall of Fame, the Coin-Op Hall of Fame, the Amusement Expo International’s Hall of Fame and the EKG Hall of Fame, as well as being named a “Top Ten Most Influential Person in Gaming” by Strictly Slots Magazine. “At Williams Electronics he secured licensing rights from NASA that led to the 1984 smash hit game Space Shuttle. Following that success, he was recruited by International Game Technology (IGT) to revolutionize slot machines through the extensive use of licensed titles like the iconic Wheel of Fortune deal. Joe went on to found Spooky Cool Labs in Chicago, where he developed an online Wizard of Oz city builder, before the company was acquired by Farmville creator Zynga. The participation of Joe Kaminknow will add to the profile of the program which in 2024 succeeded in bringing together over 1,210 senior decision makers from 79 countries, including 621 operator C-Level, 87 global CEOs, 72 national and regional regulatory bodies, and 7 government ministers. Gambling professionals attending ICE Barcelona will have the opportunity to explore the biggest ever edition of the show comprising 120,000 square meters (sqm) of space compared to the 100,000 sqm at ICE 2024. Fira Gran Via Barcelona will be home to the industry’s best ever line-up of exhibitors including the world’s biggest and most respected innovator brands from every gambling vertical. The industry’s leading trade associations, strategic bodies, regulators, CEOs of tier-1 operators and games creators will all be at Barcelona in record-breaking numbers underlining the show’s reputation for being the “Davos of Gambling.” For more information on the world’s biggest gaming technology event and to register: https://www.icegaming.com Read related article: ICE Barcelona to Honor Gaming Innovators at Landmark Awards 2025

PCSO Lotto Results and winning numbers for Friday, December 20, 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. 6/58 Ultra Lotto Result 6/45 Mega Lotto Result 4D Lotto Result 3D Lotto Result 2D Lotto Result

PCSO Lotto Results and winning numbers for Tuesday, December 3, 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. 6/58 Ultra Lotto Result 6/49 Super Lotto Result 6/42 Lotto Result 6D Lotto Result 3D Lotto Result 2D Lotto Result

PCSO Lotto Results and winning numbers for Thursday, December 12, 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 Lotto Result 6/42 Lotto Result 6D Lotto Result 3D Lotto Result 2D Lotto Result