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PCSO Lotto Results and winning numbers for Friday, December 13, 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

Discover iGaming’s future with part two of the Slotegrator report Trends in iGaming in 2025 which discusses personalization, NFTs, and changing regulations. What iGaming trends should you expect in 2025? Slotegrator has released part two of its report Trends in iGaming in 2025 which indicates that personalization, regulation, and NFTs will be big in the coming year.  Online casino solution developer and game aggregator Slotegrator has released the second part of its forecast for the iGaming industry in 2025. Slotegrator’s downloadable report is already available and analyzes some of the key trends of 2025: The levels of personalization players are coming to expect. How regulations are changing around the globe. The growing role of NFTs in the iGaming space. Personalization is no longer a luxury for high rollers. Now, every player expects to be treated like a VIP, and with the right technology, that’s exactly the experience that online gambling brands can give their players. When players open the casino lobby, for example, they can see a selection of games curated exclusively for their preferences. Players can also receive personalized betting recommendations if a game studio they enjoy has released a new title or a major tournament in a sport they love betting on is about to take place.  They can also receive tailored bonuses delivered at the right time — during a losing streak, for example, or after a long period of inactivity. Also, a personal touch goes a long way in communications, so messaging should be personalized in as many channels as possible, including email, SMS, notifications, and anything else that iGaming brands use to stay in touch with their players.  Gambling regulations are experiencing a global trend with local variations. Countries that do not yet regulate gambling are increasingly moving to do so, in at least one form or another. Countries where gambling is already legal are adjusting their regulations based on how the market has developed so far. Europe, home to some of the world’s most long-established regulated markets, will remain stable overall in 2025. European markets like Germany, Italy, and the Netherlands will introduce regulations aimed at preventing underage and problem gambling. There might be two major changes: both France and Finland are considering the possibility of regulated private online casino operations.  As the sports betting boom continues in Africa, African regulators will continue to chase stability. Lawmakers in South Africa have floated the prospect of legalizing online casinos, and while the proposal, presented by the opposition party, likely won’t go far, it does indicate a certain level of support for the idea.  In Asia, Vietnam and Thailand could be moving towards a regulated private market soon, and Japan is looking to build its first brick-and-mortar casino. Even the United Arab Emirates is making plans to build its first casino. A wave of regulation is washing over South America. Brazil is set to finally introduce its legal gambling market in 2025, a much-anticipated move. Peru and Colombia are adjusting their tax rates, while Paraguay might move to abolish its government monopoly, and Argentina is looking to introduce new regulations in areas like advertising.  In North America, more states in the US are choosing to regulate some forms of online gambling, most often sports betting. In Canada, Alberta is following Ontario in the direction of a legalized, private market. And in Mexico, a recent ruling in a federal court should provide some much-needed legal clarity, as slots and other casino games now count as “draws of numbers or symbols,” making them legal.  Non-fungible tokens, or NFTs, are unique, blockchain-based digital assets. While the market for trading NFTs has declined significantly since the outset of the digital tokens, they’ve found a home in iGaming, as multiple providers have based games around the idea. Players can customize and collect their own NFTs, giving them a reason to keep coming back.  As more game developers introduce NFT-based games, more players will keep looking for gaming options that feature the blockchain tokens.  Get the report  from Slotegrator to learn more about how and why iGaming brands should be doubling down on personalization, the kinds of regulatory shifts you can expect in 2025, and how NFTs are playing a bigger role in iGaming.  Read related article: Slotegrator Unveils 1st Part of iGaming Trends 2025 Report

The Korean suspect arrested in Quezon City was the "big boss" of a Korean online gambling syndicate. Philippine immigration authorities arrested a Korean tagged in setting up an illegal gambling site in Quezon City.  The suspect was allegedly the "big boss" of a Korean online gambling syndicate, and has been wanted in South Korea. However, the suspects and his accomplices were able to evade authorities through clandestine operations. Immigration authorities said he earned as much as P50 billion due to illegal activities.  “Ito ang sinasabing big boss ng Korean. He is said to be a ‘big boss’ of a Korean online gambling syndicate. From the start of their operation, they earned almost $1 billion in setting up their online gambling site,” Bureau of Immigration Fugitive Search Unit chief Rendel Sy said in a GMA News report.   The Korean national was nabbed in an entrapment operation where authorities duped the suspect into thinking that he was going on a vacation, which led to his arrest. He was arrested as he alighted on the van.  Sy added: “Nago-operate sila sa mga bahay-bahay lang, para ma-iwasan na ma-inspect, para di sila ma-inspect sila or maregulate ng  PAGCOR [Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation] (They operate in houses to avoid inspections, and to be inspected or regulated by PAGCOR).” “Mas may risk na doon pwede nila gawin ang panloloko o pangi-scam kasi di sila nare-regulate (There is a risk of doing scams because they have not been regulated).”  The Korean citizen will face deportation if he does not have local cases. The suspect is currently in the BI’s detention facility. He also refused to comment to the media.  Read related article: Fake Cops Kidnap Alleged POGO Boss in Parañaque

Employers who knowingly hire undocumented foreign workers could be fined up to P200,000 when House Bill 1279 gets approved.  Starting January 1, 2025, Philippine authorities will be actively searching foreign offshore gaming workers who were unaccounted for when it set a deadline on the industry’s shutdown this 2024. The Bureau of Immigration (BI) will be conducting a manhunt for the remaining workers–estimated to be less than a thousand–who failed to comply with the government’s directive to cease operations, the Manila Standard reported.  Approximately 30,000 foreign POGO workers have already left the country, with more departures expected in the coming days, revealed BI Commissioner Joel Viado. With only 12 days remaining until the deadline, Viado urged foreign nationals to comply with the government’s mandate. As of November 2024, some 21,757 foreign nationals linked to POGO operations have voluntarily downgraded their work visas to temporary visitor visas, facilitating their departure. “Those who fail to leave before the deadline will be subjected to deportation proceedings and will be blacklisted,” Viado was quoted as saying in a Manila Standard report. This blacklist will prevent these individuals from re-entering the Philippines in the future. Recently, 34 individuals were deported to Xiamen, China via a Philippine Airlines flight. These deportees were previously arrested at various POGO locations, including Royal Corporation Xisheng IT, Lucky South 99 Outsourcing, and Royal Park, for violating immigration laws. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. earlier ordered law enforcement agencies to conduct more frequent raids on POGOs, as these establishments leaned more into guerilla operations. Authorities claimed these clandestine operations were found in residential areas, hotels, and resorts.  Marcos Jr. in his State of the Nation address this July 2024 announced a ban on POGOs , formalizing it through an executive order a few months later. House Bill 1279 Proposes Tougher Penalties Rep. Brian Yamsuan of the Bicol Saro party-list group has called on lawmakers to approve a proposed bill that seeks to impose tougher penalties, including up to six years of imprisonment, on illegal foreign workers. The measure aims to curb their involvement in illicit activities and ensure jobs intended for Filipinos are not taken by undocumented workers.   Yamsuan's appeal comes in light of reports confirming the presence of Chinese nationals illegally employed at mining sites in Eastern Samar and Camarines Norte.   The proposed legislation, House Bill (HB) 1279, also seeks to discourage the proliferation of unlicensed Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs), often referred to as “guerilla” POGOs, according to Yamsuan.   In addition to jail sentences, HB 1279 proposes significantly raising the fines for foreigners caught working illegally in the Philippines—from the current P10,000 to P50,000 for every year, or fraction thereof, of illegal employment. Employers who knowingly hire undocumented foreign workers could face fines of up to P200,000 and risk the suspension or closure of their businesses.   Yamsuan emphasized that while the illegal mining activities uncovered in Paracale, Camarines Norte, and Homonhon Island in Eastern Samar are currently categorized as “small-scale,” the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has expressed concerns about the broader issue of illegal foreign workers in mining sites nationwide.   In October, the DENR discovered an illegal mining operation in Paracale, where 11 Chinese nationals posing as tourists were arrested. Additionally, the BI reported last month the apprehension of 13 Chinese nationals involved in illegal mining on Homonhon Island in Eastern Samar.   Read related article: 8,000 Foreign POGO Workers Have Yet To Leave PH

Congressmen want to investigate the Bureau of Immigration after ex-presidential spokesperson Harry Roque managed to leave the Philippines without detection.  A Philippine congressional panel wants to investigate the Bureau of Immigration to determine how former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque and his wife, Myla Roque, managed to leave the Philippines without detection.  This recommendation follows Roque's citation for contempt due to his failure to submit pertinent documents during the committee's investigation into illegal drugs, Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs), and extrajudicial killings from the previous administration. “Evading legal orders issued by the Joint Committee legal orders issued by the Joint Committee, Atty. Herminio Harry Roque, Jr. and Myla Roque were reported to have flown to the United Arab Emirates after he was cited in contempt for failure to submit pertinent documents,” read a copy of the report, as quoted by the Inquirer.  Roque is implicated in a qualified human trafficking case alongside Cassandra Li Ong and others, connected to the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) Lucky South 99 Corp. Additionally, he faces an arrest order from the House of Representatives for contempt of Congress due to his failure to produce documents explaining a significant increase in his wealth. Immigration previously said it was considering filing charges against Roque for allegedly leaving the country through illegal means. BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado earlier noted that there was no record of Roque's recent departure through formal channels, suggesting he may have been aided by unscrupulous individuals.  The committee's progress report further recommends that the BI be investigated to identify individuals who may have assisted in Roque's undetected departure. Roque reportedly submitted his counter-affidavit to the qualified human trafficking case against him from Abu Dhabi. The BI is studying the possibility of filing falsification of public documents charges, among other potential cases, against him.  READ: Falsification Rap Eyed For Harry Roque After Possible Illegal Exit Speculation about Roque's whereabouts began when Vice President Sara Duterte hinted at his departure during a media briefing last month. She remarked:  "Look at Sec. Harry Roque, ayaw umalis non sa bansa kasi yung mga anak niya maiiwanan. Pero look at him, umalis na lang (Look at Roque—he didn’t want to leave the country before because his kids would be left behind. But now, look at him—he left anyway).” Roque's departure was confirmed when he submitted his counter-affidavit to qualified human trafficking complaints filed against him in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, on December 3. The Department of Justice revealed this development, and the BI suggested that Roque may have left the country through illegal means. Read related article: Quad Comm Lists Issues That Harry Roque Needs to Clarify

A mother and her accomplices were sentenced to life imprisonment for selling her eight-month-old baby to settle e-sabong debts in 2022. A Quezon City court has handed down a life sentence to a mother and three accomplices for selling her eight-month-old baby to settle e-sabong debts in 2022. The conviction, which highlights the National Bureau of Investigation's (NBI) crackdown on human trafficking, was announced on December 18, 2024.  The Quezon City Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 86 found the four individuals guilty beyond reasonable doubt of qualified trafficking in persons. Along with the life imprisonment sentence, the court ordered each convict to pay a fine of P2 million. The ruling, according to the NBI, underscores the agency’s commitment to combating human trafficking in the Philippines. “[T]he judgment rendered by the Regional Trial Court Branch 86 in Quezon City against all accused is a living testament of the resolute effort of the NBI to eradicate human trafficking in the country,” the NBI said in its statement. NBI Director Jaime Santiago expressed hope that the decision serves as a stern warning to individuals involved in crimes such as human trafficking and sexual exploitation, particularly those targeting women and children. The investigation revealed that the mother had resorted to selling her baby through an organized group. Desperate for funds to cover her debts from online cockfighting, commonly known as e-sabong, she made contact with the buyer, who later turned out to be the middleman. The transaction took place on March 3, 2022, at a fast food chain in Quezon City. However, the mother experienced a change of heart after the deal. She reportedly reached out to the buyer via text messages, pleading for the return of her baby and offering to refund the payment. Unfortunately, the buyer blocked her attempts to communicate. The NBI’s Human Trafficking Division (HTRAD) launched an entrapment and rescue operation following the mother’s appeal. Their efforts culminated in the arrest of a Filipina and a Nigerian national in Sta. Cruz, Laguna. The operation also led to the recovery of the infant. In May 2022, authorities apprehended the mother and the middleman, completing the arrests of all parties involved in the trafficking scheme.  Read related article: Trans Beauty Queen Lars Pacheco Lost P5M in Online Gambling

An alleged Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) industry boss was abducted by men posing as police officers in Parañaque City. A Chinese national, suspected to be a high-ranking figure in the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) industry, was abducted by men posing as police officers in a brazen operation in Parañaque City. The incident occurred at the victim’s residence, where the perpetrators gained entry by impersonating law enforcement personnel. A broadcast report aired on GMA News’ 24 Oras showed the suspects, dressed in police uniforms, arriving at the house and presented themselves as conducting an official operation.  “Ito po ayan na po si [suspect] sinakay nila sa Hiace at tuloy tuloy na po yan. Pumasok po sila around 3:20 [p.m.] at lumabas around 3:50 [p.m.] siguro. Around 30 minutes sila sa loob ng village (The victim was boarded into the Hiace. The armed men went into the village at 3:20 p.m. and came out around 3:50 p.m. They were there for about 30 minutes),” said Police Lieutenant Colonel Eric Angustia, assistant chief of police for administration of the Parañaque City Police Station. Angustia said they are currently linking this activity to incidents of Chinese people in the Philippines kidnapping other Chinese nationals who have outstanding debts, subsequently seeking ransom from the victims’ relatives back in China.  The victim’s own security guards were also taken into custody by authorities. “Lumalabas po sa imbestigasyon na kasabwat sila sa insidente kaya inaaresto natin sila yung dalawa (The investigation revealed that they were accomplices in the incident so we arrested them),” said Angustia. The guards of the victim have been implicated in the crime and are now facing charges of kidnapping. Meanwhile, authorities are continuing their pursuit of seven additional suspects who remain at large. The victim's location remains unknown, as of writing. Meanwhile, police found that one of the suspects used to be a security guard of the subdivision.  Authorities are still exploring several angles and the possible motives of the kidnapping, including potential links to illegal gambling operations, business rivalries, or extortion attempts.  Despite the ongoing hunt for the kidnapping's mastermind, no ransom demands have been made. Read related article: POGO Exodus Boosts Image of the Philippines Says BI

Morgan Stanley analysts predict that Macau's casino gross gaming revenue (GGR) could reach around MOP238.35 billion (US$29.78 billion). Morgan Stanley has recently lowered its forecast for Macau’s casino gross gaming revenue (GGR) in 2025, signaling a more conservative outlook for the city’s gaming sector. The investment bank now predicts that GGR will grow by 4.8 percent year-on-year, reaching approximately MOP238.35 billion (US$29.78 billion). This figure represents a 4.0-percent reduction from its prior projection, according to its report issued on December 17, 2024.  The revised estimates extend beyond GGR to include earnings before interest, taxation, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) for Macau’s casino operators. Morgan Stanley expects combined EBITDA for the industry to hit US$7.99 billion in 2025, which is 7.2 percent lower than its previous forecast. Nonetheless, this figure would still mark a 5.7-percent improvement compared to 2024 levels. The bank’s analysts, Praveen Choudhary, Gareth Leung, and Stephen Grambling, provided insights into the adjustments. They were cited by GGRAsia as saying that Macau’s “GGR and EBITDA could grow by mid-single digits in 2025” but emphasized a cautious stance on industry margins. “We are below sell-side consensus as we are more conservative on margins,” the analysts wrote. They anticipate that weak GGR performance in December 2024 will likely be followed by a stronger first quarter in 2025. One of the key factors influencing the lowered EBITDA forecast is the increased reinvestment costs that many operators are expected to incur. While the bank’s mass GGR assumption remains steady at 118 percent of 2019 levels, these additional costs have led to a 7-percent reduction in the overall EBITDA forecast for 2025.  “We are 6-percent below sell-side consensus as we mark to buy-side consensus, which is lower, in our view,” the analysts explained. In terms of market performance, Morgan Stanley identified Sands China Ltd, Galaxy Entertainment Group Ltd, and SJM Holdings Ltd as likely “gainers” of increased mass-market GGR share in 2025. Conversely, the bank projects that MGM China Holdings Ltd, Wynn Macau Ltd, and Melco Resorts & Entertainment Ltd may experience slight declines in their mass-market share next year. These projections come amidst broader optimism from Macau’s government regarding the city’s gaming and tourism sectors. The government has forecast MOP240 billion in casino GGR for 2025, a figure described by Chief Executive Ho Iat Seng as both “definitely achievable” and a “conservative estimate.” Additionally, Macau’s Secretary for Economy and Finance, Lei Wai Nong, has expressed confidence in the city’s ability to attract visitors. Speaking in late November, Lei projected that Macau could welcome 36 million visitors in 2025, representing a 9-percent increase from the 33 million expected in 2024. Read related article: What Will Happen to Satellite Casinos of Macau?

The National Anti-Corruption Commission is probing former Thai police chief Torsak Sukvimol and others for alleged bribery linked to illegal gambling. The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) is investigating former National Police Chief Torsak Sukvimol and seven other suspects for alleged involvement in online gambling.  According to a report by The Bangkok Post, this comes after a whistleblower claimed that the former police chief and his associates received protection money from online gambling operators. NACC has not released any further details about the investigation, but it is expected to be a lengthy and complex process. The former police chief has denied the allegations, but the whistleblower has provided evidence to support their claims. Asia Gaming Brief reported that authorities are also probing Pol. General Surachate Hakparn, who is accused of accepting bribes from gambling sites and involvement in money laundering. But authorities say further examination is needed before any action can be taken. This investigation comes at a time when the Thai government is cracking down on online gambling. In recent years, online gambling has become a major problem in Thailand, with many people losing large sums of money. The government has enacted several laws to try to curb online gambling, but these efforts have not been successful. The NACC investigation is a significant development in the fight against online gambling in Thailand. While there is no timetable for the investigation, it is expected to take several months.  The NACC has not said what penalties the former police chief could face if he is found guilty. However, he could be sentenced to prison and fined, according to current laws.  Sukvimol was previously suspended from duty in March 2024 amidst a power struggle with his deputy, Surachate Hakparn. This suspension followed a period of escalating tensions and conflicts within the Royal Thai Police. He was later reinstated in June. (What will it take for casinos to be legalized in Thailand? Find out through ACN’s in-depth report here .)

PCSO Lotto Results and winning numbers for Thursday, December 19, 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

ACN’s "The Winning Hand To Thailand's Casino Proposal," emphasizes the potential for Integrated Resorts to become a major revenue generator for Thailand. The debate over legalized casinos in Thailand has reached a fever pitch, with vocal opposition citing concerns over social impacts and cultural erosion. Amidst this heated discourse, a new report by Asia Casino News, titled "The Winning Hand To Thailand's Casino Proposal," offers a lifeline, proposing a path forward that addresses these anxieties while unlocking the potential economic benefits. The study, conducted in cooperation with Winna Media, emphasizes the potential for Integrated Resorts in Thailand to become major tourist attractions, drawing international visitors and boosting the country's tourism revenue. With a burgeoning middle class and a growing appetite for entertainment, the country's potential to attract both domestic and international gamblers is significant.  The "Winning Hand To Thailand's Casino Proposal" provides valuable insights for policymakers and industry stakeholders as Thailand navigates the complexities of casino legalization. The report underscores the importance of establishing a robust regulatory framework to ensure responsible gaming and prevent potential social issues. It also recommends integrating cultural and family-friendly amenities alongside casino operations to maintain a balanced tourism experience. “Legalizing and integrating gambling into a safer, controlled environment could curb illegal activity and generate substantial revenue while protecting vulnerable demographics,” said Philip Beere, editor-in-chief of the Thai Casino Insider.  For Winna Media CEO Rosalind Wade, Thailand’s IR framework could be similar to Singapore’s and Macau’s, thanks to its status as a tourism powerhouse.  “Tourists in Thailand have one of the highest length of stays and also per-capita spending. The casino market in Thailand is likely to be similar to that of Singapore, although Thais will likely prefer different types of games. Shopping, entertainment, music and family activities will all be important,” she said in an interview with  Asia Casino News.   You may download the report through this link .  Read related article: ACN Spotlight: Winna Media CEO Weighs Thailand Casino Potential

Mario Ho, chairman of NIP Group, is eyeing to develop esports hotels in Macau.   NIP Group, a leading esports organization, is planning to develop esports hotels in Macau. Mario Ho, chairman of NIP Group, believes these specialized hotels will diversify the city's tourism offerings and cater to a younger, tech-savvy clientele. "I think the government is very supportive of sports and also … culture in Macau," Ho stated in a CNBC International News Interview. "And esports is an integral part of that, being the most favorite and the most viewed sport for young people." NIP Group, which owns the renowned Ninjas in Pyjamas esports team, plans to offer a unique experience for gamers. High-speed internet, state-of-the-art gaming PCs, dedicated streaming areas, and comfortable gaming chairs would be standard features. Some hotels might even incorporate virtual reality experiences, esports arenas, and dedicated spaces for team training and tournaments. Beyond gaming facilities, esports hotels could also offer a variety of other attractions, including themed restaurants, esports-themed merchandise stores, and opportunities to meet professional gamers. These hotels could become social hubs for the local gaming community, fostering a vibrant and engaging atmosphere that attracts both local and international visitors. The recent collaboration between NIP Group and BTG Homeinns to develop esports-themed hotels in mainland China signals the growing commercial potential of this niche market. This move could inspire Macau's hoteliers to explore similar ventures, leveraging the city's existing infrastructure and entertainment offerings to create a truly unique esports tourism experience. "You’ll see a lot more Macau entrepreneurs going into the world of esports. Myself being perhaps one of the first success stories of a Macau young entrepreneur going into the Chinese mainland market and actually making big waves afterwards in the international markets," shared Ho who also serves as the chairman of the Macau eSports Federation. While still in its early stages, the concept of esports hotels has the potential to significantly impact Macau's tourism landscape. By embracing this emerging trend, Macau can position itself as a leading destination for esports enthusiasts and further solidify its reputation as a dynamic and innovative travel destination. Read related article: What Will Happen to Satellite Casinos of Macau?