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A government official linked the continued operation of offshore gaming operations in the Philippines to the ineffectiveness of  the SIM Card Registration Act. Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla linked the continued operation of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs), often associated with illegal activities, to the ineffectiveness of the SIM Card Registration Act. He argued that the law's failure to integrate with the national ID system has allowed POGOs to flourish. Remulla highlighted this connection during a Palace press briefing, where he also revealed that 60% of 911 calls are pranks. He explained that the difficulty in identifying and sanctioning those responsible for these prank calls underscores the SIM Card Registration Act's shortcomings. "The problem is that the national ID system is not yet integrated with our telcos. So, POGOs continue to proliferate because the SIM Card Registration Act we implemented has not been very effective because no national ID was attached," Remulla stated on January 21.  He further explained that the lack of integration allows individuals to easily acquire numerous SIM cards, facilitating illegal activities often linked to POGOs. "Sometimes one person can buy 100 SIM cards – so, that has to be integrated also," he added, emphasizing the need for national ID integration to effectively regulate SIM card usage and curb POGO-related issues. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. earlier outlawed offshore gaming operators in the Philippines after investigations found that they were linked to crimes such as kidnapping, money laundering and human trafficking.  The Sim Card Registration Act was enacted in 2022, requiring sim cards to be registered and linked to a government issued identification card.  Read related article: Immigration Believes 11k Workers Left In POGO Purge

Concerned about economic stability and social order, China ramps up its fight against organized gambling, targeting operations worldwide. China is intensifying its legal campaign against organized gambling operations targeting its citizens abroad, urging all levels of courts to escalate their efforts.  According to a China Daily report, The Supreme People's Court has issued directives emphasizing the need for stricter enforcement and more severe penalties, particularly in cases involving associated criminal activities. China Daily is a state-owned media outlet.  Courts are not only prosecuting those who organize gambling operations but are also targeting the financial infrastructure that sustains them. This robust legal response aims to disrupt these networks and deter future activity.  Several cases disclosed by the court illustrate the scale of the problem and the methods employed by these organizations. These cases often involve operations based in overseas locations, including casinos and online platforms, that actively solicit clients from mainland China.  Some of these casinos were initially hosted in the Cambodia and the Philippines. The Philippines recently outlawed these operations, and is currently trying to crack down against 11,000 more remaining .    The court has highlighted instances where these operations have generated substantial profits, leading to significant capital outflow from the country. This intensified effort reflects Beijing's determination to combat gambling operations targeting Chinese citizens, regardless of location. The focus on legal action and criminal prosecution underscores the government's concern about the impact of these activities on economic stability and social order. The crackdown raises complex questions regarding international cooperation and jurisdictional challenges in pursuing criminal activity occurring outside China's borders. However, the government's message is clear: it is committed to pursuing these operations wherever they may be. Read related article: China, ASEAN To Team Up Vs. Online Gambling, Telecom Fraud

The POGO hunt continues with 11k remaining: And now the Philippines is escalating its efforts in purging illegal online gaming workers. The Philippines Bureau of Immigration (BI) is intensifying its crackdown on illegal online gaming operations, targeting an estimated 11,000 foreign workers believed to be operating without proper documentation. This move comes amid President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s ongoing efforts to curb the proliferation of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs), many of which have been linked to criminal activities. The BI’s intensified efforts have already yielded results, with approximately 500 POGO workers arrested in recent weeks. This surge in enforcement signals a renewed commitment to dismantling illegal POGO operations and addressing concerns about their impact on national security and law and order. The current operation is targeting a complex mix of individuals, some connected to legal POGO companies and others operating entirely outside the legal framework. “There are 11,000 legal companies in the Philippines, not including the ones operating illegally. These individuals are a mix – some are from legal companies here, some are not, and have been staying here illegally,” stated Immigration spokesperson Dana Sandoval. “I think there’s more that we’re going to see in the next few weeks.” The crackdown follows Marcos Jr.’s earlier pronouncements about shutting down POGOs involved in illicit activities. The industry, which once contributed significantly to the Philippine economy, has faced increasing scrutiny due to reports of human trafficking, scams, and other crimes linked to some operators. This has led to a significant exodus of POGOs, impacting the local real estate market and related industries. The BI’s operation is not solely focused on those connected to existing POGOs. Sandoval clarified that the list of targeted individuals includes those who have overstayed their visas and are not part of the 11,000 legally registered workers. “There's a lot of them in that list. There's some in the list that are the ones who stayed here illegally and are not part of the 11,000,” she explained. The BI is working in close coordination with other law enforcement agencies and foreign embassies to ensure the smooth processing and deportation of those arrested. Sandoval emphasized the importance of this inter-agency collaboration: “We are very thankful to our local enforcement agencies because we cannot do this on our own, to be honest.” She also addressed the logistical challenges of managing a large number of arrests: “Once we have coordinated with our embassy, once we have confirmed there are no local cases on the Philippines and travel documents issued, we are looking into maybe next month we are able to deport the majority of these guys. We want more space for our arrests soon.” The BI has also received support from partner agencies in securing the foreign nationals. “Our partner agencies have committed to securing these foreign nationals. We have supplemented them already. Operations are ongoing,” Sandoval stated. The ongoing crackdown reflects the Philippine government's determination to address the negative consequences associated with the POGO industry and enforce immigration laws. The coming weeks are expected to reveal the full extent of the illegal POGO operations and the impact of the BI’s intensified enforcement efforts. The BI anticipates apprehending “at least a few thousand” more individuals in the coming months, highlighting the scale of the operation. Read related article: Slotegrator to showcase new products at SiGMA Europe 2024

The world's largest gaming expo, ICE, debuts at Fira Gran Via Barcelona, hosting international buyers, thought leaders, and dignitaries. A new chapter in the history of ICE opened on January 20 with the world’s biggest gaming expo welcoming international buyers, thought leaders and dignitaries to its new home at Fira Gran Via Barcelona. 120,000 square metres of innovation presented by some 1,000 exhibitors is the prospect awaiting visitors arriving in Barcelona to be part of the annual gambling showcase, the first to be staged outside the UK. Both ICE and iGB Affiliate are officially sold out with Clarion Gaming confirming that it is operating a waiting list for 2026. A Skywalk delivers an elevated perspective on the show floor and provides visitors with straightforward and swift access to the product zones that they require. To help visitors explore the full potential of the flagship event, Clarion has invested in ICE Ai, an enhanced customer tool which provides information on everything the industry-defining expo has to offer.   The relocation to Fira Gran Via Barcelona has provided opportunities to add new features and enhance existing ones. The first ICE ‘Association Assembly’ has been created to enable trade bodies to promote their values and create new opportunities for the gaming community across every sector and geography. What was previously ICE VOX has been rebranded The World Gaming Forum (WGF).  The name more accurately reflects the credentials of events including the World Regulatory Briefing, the new Casino & Leaders Conference (formerly the ICC), and the new Esports & Games Conference - formerly the Esports Betting Conference. 
 Situated at the heart of the Fira Gran Via Barcelona, the WGF features an exclusive club-style VIP Lounge, a dedicated networking garden, and access to a range of concierge services. The rebranded Sustainable Gambling Zone, sponsored by Flutter Entertainment, features 26 safer gambling bodies and underlines the importance that the industry places on sustainability and player protection. Read related article:   3 Key Trends That Will Stand Out at ICE Barcelona 2025

A legislator requested that the Thai government hold a public vote on the plan to legalize casinos as part of entertainment complexes. A lawmaker urged Thailand's government to hold a public referendum on a proposal to legalize its casinos within entertainment complexes.  Democrat Party MP Jurin Laksanawisit believes this would give the public an opportunity to evaluate the potential benefits and drawbacks of the measure for Thai society. He pointed to the public's "divided" opinions on the issue, as well as concerns raised by critics about potential negative impacts. He also said winning parties in the 2023 election "did not campaign on a platform of casino legalisation."  Jurin's statement comes less exactly a week after Thailand's Cabinet approved the draft law of the bill.  In the Entertainment Complex Business Bill, casinos may be placed inside entertainment complexes. However, these should only comprise 5 percent of the land space.  Benedikt Hofmann, deputy representative for Southeast Asia and the Pacific for the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) earlier voiced his concern on the measure, saying this could cause criminal activity.  "It also opens the door for ostensibly legitimate investments and use of the system by criminal actors for their illicit purposes, especially in a region rife with such actors,” Hofmann stated. He further drew parallels with the Philippines' experience with Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs), noting that “creating legal licensing and regulatory frameworks for gambling operators, like the POGO scheme, did not prevent the system from being taken over by highly problematic actors,” Hofmann said.  Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, a prominent member of the ruling Pheu Thai Party, stated that each entertainment complex is expected to create around 20,000 jobs, providing a substantial boost to local economies. Thaksin also highlighted that Thailand plans to award casino licenses through a rigorous bidding process. The selection will prioritize proposals that demonstrate clear benefits for tourism and government tax revenue. He expressed confidence that the bill would be approved within the year. Read related article: Thais “Polarized, Skeptical” About Casino Push: Study

Nearly 500 foreign POGO workers were arrested in the Philippines as authorities intensified their crackdown on the now-illegal industry. Police authorities in the Philippines have rounded up around 500 foreigners as Immigration officials intensified its crackdown on offshore gaming workers (POGO) to kick off the first couple of weeks of 2025.  Bureau of Immigration Spokesperson Dana Sandoval shared this during a noontime interview with local news channel ANC last January 20, 2025.  “I think we're almost close to 500, the other 1 is 29 and 39 so we're close to 500 in less than 2 weeks. This is not the end of the arrests because we're intent on [cracking down against] these illegal online gambling people who have overstayed already,” Sandoval said.  The number includes those 32 foreigners arrested during the authorities’ most recent anti-POGO operation  in Paranaque, over 29 arrested in a “guerilla-like” POGO hub in Cavite, and over 400 arrested during the first operation of the year, also conducted in Paranaque City.  As President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s deadline for POGOs to cease operations lapsed, law enforcers announced they were going to hunt down some 21,000 POGO workers who remain in hiding around the country.  Inside the scam hub As mentioned in local reports over the weekend, these suspects were accused of posing as regular people on dating apps, targeting Western men. The scams even went as far as setting up fake studios and house setups within the facility.  Once victims deposited money, the scammers would cut off contact and move on to the next target. “They were actually set up inside the area they were pretending to be in a room and house which they use when they do webcams or livestreaming to make their victims believe that they are just regular people,” Sandoval explained. “What they usually do is that they pretend to be in a dating app, look for western men and later would entice their victims to invest in cryptocurrency which usually turn out to be fake.” Authorities found numerous laptops, hundreds of cellphones, messenger applications, multiple accounts, beds, and the aforementioned studio setups. The operation occupied at least two floors of a mixed-use building, raising questions about the building owners' knowledge of the illegal activities. The BI is now investigating the role of the building owners and those who leased the space.  “Part of the investigation is the owners or the ones who booked the facilities to see if they have liabilities in these,” Sandoval stated. “If they knowingly rented these to foreign nationals, then they will definitely be sued for harboring illegal aliens which is a violation of the Philippine immigration act.” Read related article:  Hunt On For 21k POGO Workers Who “Refuse” To Be Deported

A UN expert expressed concerns about potential money laundering risks associated with Thailand's push for legalized casinos. Thailand's pursuit of legalizing casinos within large entertainment complexes has garnered both excitement for its potential economic benefits and serious concerns about the risks of money laundering and criminal infiltration. A recent statement by a United Nations expert highlights these very dangers. Benedikt Hofmann, deputy representative for Southeast Asia and the Pacific for the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), expressed apprehension in a recent interview with VOA, warning that legalizing casinos could inadvertently create opportunities for criminal activity.  “But it also opens the door for ostensibly legitimate investments and use of the system by criminal actors for their illicit purposes, especially in a region rife with such actors,” Hofmann stated. He further drew parallels with the Philippines' experience with Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs), noting that “creating legal licensing and regulatory frameworks for gambling operators, like the POGO scheme, did not prevent the system from being taken over by highly problematic actors,” Hofmann said.  The draft bill has been approved earlier in January and is expected to be enacted into a law within 6 months.  Despite these concerns, the Thai government is pushing forward with its plans. According to former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, a key figure in the ruling Pheu Thai Party, each entertainment complex is projected to generate approximately 20,000 jobs, providing a significant boost to local economies. Thaksin also clarified that Thailand wants to issue casino licenses through a strict bidding process. Successful bidders will be selected based on the tourism and tax benefits outlined in their proposals. Thaksin expressed confidence that the bill will be passed within the current year. “The truth is the license will be given out by means of open bidding in which any interested parties could compete,” Thaksin said, as reported by The Bangkok Post. “They [bidders] will have to propose what they have to offer in terms of tourism benefits and tax revenue for the government.” Thaksin also dismissed calls from the opposition for a referendum on casino legalization, deeming it “not necessary.” He argued that critics are overly focused on the presence of casinos within the broader entertainment complexes. As reported by The Bangkok Post, Thaksin drew a comparison with Singapore, stating, “Like in Singapore, the casino here will take up less than 10% of the space in the entertainment complex which will have many other activities to offer tourists.” He reiterated the potential for these complexes to create 20,000 jobs per site for local residents. Thaksin concluded his address  with a focus on the potential economic benefits for Thai citizens, stating, “It has to leave Thai people better off. All too often, people find all that’s left when they put their hands in their pockets are pawn tickets.” Read related article:   2026 Enactment, Pushback From Crime Rings Await Thai IR Bill

Network with 14,000+ industry leaders at AIBC Eurasia 2025 in Dubai. Discover growth opportunities and cutting-edge innovation at this premier event. AIBC Eurasia 2025 is set to redefine global conferences, bringing together 14,000 delegates, 1,540 operators, 4,480 affiliates, and over 400 influential speakers for an unparalleled experience in the heart of Dubai. Held back-to-back with Affiliate World, this event promises to be an extraordinary convergence of innovation, networking, and growth. Taking place in a city renowned for its ambition and vision, AIBC Eurasia 2025 boasts an impressive agenda: from two startup pitches showcasing groundbreaking ideas to 15 networking dinners that forge meaningful connections, and a star-studded gala awards night paired with a prestigious charity auction. Prepare for an unforgettable closing party, high-value traffic opportunities, and the chance to meet top government officials and celebrity guests who add an extra layer of prestige to the event. With nearly half of the attendees being C-level executives, this conference offers a unique platform to build lasting business relationships and scale your ventures to skyscraper heights. Dubai, a heavyweight in the MENA region and home to leading innovators and business mavericks sets the stage for AIBC Eurasia 2025. Whether you're an operator, affiliate, or entrepreneur, this event is your ticket to making bold ideas happen in a city that embraces global ambition. You may find more information about the event   here .  Read related article: Slotegrator to showcase new products at SiGMA Europe 2024

A report by Taiwan’s intelligence forces accused China of using casinos and banks run by shell companies to coerce Taiwanese military personnel into espionage and defection. Taiwan has accused China of using underground casinos and banks to conduct espionage, alleging a sharp increase in related prosecutions.  According to a report by Taiwan’s state intelligence forces, retired military members are recruited to establish shell companies operating these businesses, which are then used to target active-duty personnel. "China recruits retired Taiwanese service members to establish shell companies as footholds, and operates underground banks and casinos, to coerce or entice active service members to gather military intelligence, sign pledges to demonstrate loyalty, or pilot military helicopters to defect to China,” the report states. This alleged strategy focuses on cultivating insiders to access sensitive information, with promises of debt relief or financial incentives used to target vulnerable individuals. Prosecutions for Chinese espionage have reportedly risen sharply, from 3 cases in 2021 to 15 in 2024, with individual prosecutions increasing from 48 in 2023 to 64 in 2024 (excluding cases under the Anti-Infiltration Act). The report also identifies other alleged Chinese tactics, including using gang groups, temples, front companies, and local associations. Gang members are reportedly offered debt relief for recruiting financially troubled servicemembers for intelligence gathering and potential disruptive activities. Temples are allegedly used to approach servicemembers under the guise of religious activities, pressuring them to provide classified documents or produce pro-China propaganda. Online platforms are also reportedly used to offer loans in exchange for intelligence or recruitment. “Those individuals are coerced or enticed to film videos of defecting to China while wearing military uniforms and holding the Chinese five-star flag. They are also asked to hand over military defense planning documents...China instructs Taiwan’s local associations to establish the United Front Work Committee in Taiwan,” the report adds. Taiwanese authorities have reportedly responded with increased counterintelligence efforts, leading to more prosecutions and convictions. Collaboration between agencies and increased public awareness have also reportedly improved threat assessment and response. Read related article:   China, ASEAN To Team Up Vs. Online Gambling, Telecom Fraud

Waterfront Manila Hotel & Casino in the Philippines will have its soft opening in the first quarter of 2026, Acesite announced in a PH Stock Exchange filing. Acesite (Philippines) Hotel Corp. announced plans to reopen the Waterfront Manila Hotel & Casino in three phases. The announcement was made in a filing with the Philippine Stock Exchange on Thursday. The first phase, including the casino, will have a soft opening in the first quarter of 2026. This phase will focus on the lobby, some restaurants, and the casino itself. Acesite is 56% owned by Waterfront Philippines Inc. The property has been under redevelopment since a major fire in 2018. Phase two will add more guest amenities and facilities in late third quarter of 2026. The final phase, in the first quarter of 2027, will finish the remaining hotel rooms and other amenities. This will mark the full reopening. The company had given different reopening dates before. Acesite said construction delays and the phased reopening are due to unexpected problems during redevelopment. These included technical issues, project changes, and problems getting materials and equipment. Keeping the original building structure, which is over 50 years old, caused some of these issues. This was done to save money. The site itself also presented challenges. The foundation needed extra support. Acesite said these reinforcements are important for the safety of guests and employees. Read related article:   City Of Dreams Manila Developer Eyes Clark Integrated Resort

Join the ASEAN Gaming Summit in Manila, Philippines, on March 17-19, 2025, at the Shangri-La the Fort. Asia Gaming Brief, the organizer of the ASEAN Gaming Summit, is thrilled to announce the highly anticipated upcoming edition of its international gaming conference on 17-19 March 2025 at the Shangri-La the Fort in Manila, Philippines. Building on its track record success, the three-day industry gathering follows this year’s highly attended edition that attracted nearly 1,600 participants from across Asia and beyond including the Philippines, Armenia, Australia, Hong Kong, Macau, Malaysia, Cambodia, India, Germany, the UK, Indonesia, Russia, Japan, Korea, Vietnam, Singapore, among many others. The upcoming 7th edition of the original Gaming Summit focuses on the new opportunities presented by the industry’s ever-changing regulatory framework of the ASEAN region within the global outlook. Regulators, policy makers, operators, and other industry stakeholders from across the world, will convene and share their insights into the implementation of new forms of gaming entertainment offers - remotely and in property - as new consumer patterns emerge throughout the region’s diverse markets. Concurrently, the highly anticipated Asia Gaming Awards 2025 Ceremony returns on Tuesday, 18th March 2025. The prestigious gathering brings the industry together to honor and celebrate outstanding achievements amongst peers. Asia Gaming Brief is delighted to extend a warm welcome to DST Gaming as the lead sponsor for the upcoming 7th edition of the ASEAN Gaming Summit 2025, and expresses heartfelt gratitude to all its sponsors for their unwavering support and commitment over the years. The ASEAN Gaming Summit will be held on 17-19 March 2025 in Manila. For a limited time only, Early Bird tickets are available at special rates. Secure your spot today: aseangaming.com/register Read related article:   China, ASEAN To Team Up Vs. Online Gambling, Telecom Fraud

China pledges to work with ASEAN nations to crack down on cross-border online gambling and telecom fraud. China has announced its intention to collaborate with Southeast Asian nations to combat the rising tide of cross-border online gambling and telecom fraud. The announcement came from Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi during a meeting with diplomatic envoys from the 10 ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) member states in Beijing on Thursday, as reported by China's state news agency Xinhua. Wang Yi, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, emphasized the urgency of the situation, citing recent severe cases of online gambling and telecom scams along the Thailand-Myanmar border. He stressed that these criminal activities pose a significant threat to the safety and financial well-being of citizens in China and other countries, demanding immediate and decisive action. “The recent vicious cases of online gambling and telecom fraud along the Thailand-Myanmar border have threatened and harmed the vital interests of citizens of China and other countries, a situation that demands a great deal of attention,” Wang stated, according to Xinhua. Wang urged the relevant countries to take responsibility and implement robust measures to dismantle these criminal networks, ensuring the safety and security of their citizens and bringing perpetrators to justice. He affirmed China’s commitment to bolstering both bilateral and multilateral cooperation with ASEAN countries in law enforcement and security matters. The goal, he explained, is to create a secure environment for people-to-people exchanges and maintain a stable and cooperative relationship among neighboring nations. This commitment underscores China's growing concern over the proliferation of online criminal activity in Southeast Asia and its determination to work with regional partners to address the issue. A Quick Overview of Online Gambling in Southeast Asia Online gambling has experienced significant growth in Southeast Asia, fueled by increasing internet penetration and smartphone usage. However, the legal landscape is complex and varies significantly between countries. Varying Legal Status:  While some countries, like Singapore and Thailand, have strict prohibitions against most forms of gambling, including online platforms, others, such as the Philippines and Cambodia, have established regulated gambling sectors, both land-based and online. These regulated markets often cater primarily to foreign gamblers, as local participation is frequently restricted. Challenges and Concerns:  The rapid expansion of online gambling has brought numerous challenges, including: Money laundering:  The anonymity and cross-border nature of online transactions make it susceptible to money laundering activities. Fraud and scams:  Unregulated platforms often engage in fraudulent practices, defrauding players of their winnings. Social problems:  Gambling addiction can lead to significant social and economic problems for individuals and families. Cybersecurity risks:  Online gambling platforms can be vulnerable to cyberattacks, compromising user data. Cross-border Crime:  As highlighted by Wang Yi's statement, the porous borders and varying legal frameworks in Southeast Asia have facilitated the rise of cross-border criminal networks involved in illegal online gambling and related activities like telecom fraud. These operations often exploit jurisdictional loopholes and operate with impunity, requiring international cooperation to effectively combat them. China's pledge to work with ASEAN nations signifies a crucial step towards addressing the complex issue of online gambling and associated criminal activities in the region. Effective collaboration between law enforcement agencies and governments will be essential to dismantling these criminal networks and protecting citizens from these threats. Read related article:   Alice Guo and Kin Slapped With Anti-Dummy Law Charges