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SBC Summit Rio 2025 is set to debut the Payment Expert Summit, a specialized event uniting regional and international operators with the industry’s leading payment and fintech providers. SBC Summit Rio 2025 is set to debut the Payment Expert Summit, a specialized event uniting regional and international operators with the industry’s leading payment and fintech providers.  The Summit’s inclusion will support stakeholders in adopting innovative, user-friendly payment solutions while deepening their understanding of the latest compliance requirements—essential for thriving in the newly regulated Brazilian market. Rasmus Sojmark, CEO and Founder of SBC, remarked: “Brazil's Ministry of Finance has introduced Normative Ordinance No. 615, setting strict regulations for payment transactions in the gambling sector. For brands entering Brazil, this highlights the importance of prioritizing seamless, user-friendly, and fully compliant experiences for players. “With the Payment Expert Summit, brands gain the insights and resources to create better customer experiences and thrive in Brazil’s challenging market.” Scheduled for 25–27 February 2025 at the Riocentro in Rio de Janeiro, the second edition of SBC Summit Rio will bring together 15,000 industry professionals, offering a blend of networking, product showcases and education for those eyeing Brazil.  On the show floor, delegates can get a first-hand look at the latest advancements in payment technologies, solutions, and platforms. Brands already confirmed include Fiserv, IDnow, Pagsmile, Paybrokers, PayRetailers, Pronto Paga, Trio Payments, UNICO, and Z.ro Bank. On the educational front, those attending can look forward to in-depth discussions on Brazil's current payment landscape, strategies for maintaining compliance in Brazil, advancements in fintech, future innovations in payments, and strategies to combat fraud. Commencing the track is the panel titled ‘Payment Landscape: Key Provisions and Opportunities’, which will delve into how new market entrants can thrive in Brazil under the country’s new payment regulations. Hosting industry leaders Paulo Gerber (COO, Gamersbank), Wesley Cardia (Former President, ANJL), Luiz Moraes (CFO, SevenX Gaming), and Leonardo Baptista (CEO, Pay4Fun), alongside panel moderator Ludiara Sousa (Head of Payments, Blaze), the panel will explore the mandatory implementation of PIX, strategies for navigating the evolving regulatory landscape, and the challenges and opportunities these changes present. The session titled ‘Fintech Revolution: Where Money Meets Tech’ will spotlight the latest advancements in fintech. Featuring experts Fernanda Meirelles (Partner, Media and Gaming Area, FAS Advogados), Gabriel Romão (CFO & Head of Finance, Galera Bet), Arthur Silva (Founder and CEO, Alfa Entretenimento) and moderator Vitória Lopes Goellner (Legal Counsel, BET77), the panel will address recent fintech regulations, successfully collaborating with financial institutions, and case studies showcasing how fintech drives business success. The panel, titled ‘A Collaborative Approach to Fraud Prevention,’ will equip brands with advanced strategies to effectively tackle fraudulent behavior. Featuring Roberta Guedes (Director of Financial Compliance, iBetta Bet Compliance LTDA), Ludiara Sousa (Head of Payments, Blaze), Samer Atassi (VP of LATAM, Jumio), and Gabriel Barbabela (Lead Product Manager, Veriff), the session will focus on essential tactics to address fraud challenges and implement strategies that boost player retention and revenue while mitigating identity attacks. In addition to the ‘Payment Expert Summit’ conference sessions, attendees will have the opportunity to expand their knowledge of the Brazilian market through dedicated tracks covering casino & sports betting, regulatory & compliance, tech innovations, player protection, and the Affiliate Leaders Summit Read related article:   SBC unveils igamingexpert.com - its new brand for igaming coverage

Are your favorite celebs secretly endorsing online gambling? Think again. A new report by Rappler reveals a disturbing trend: online gambling applications are manipulating the images and voices of celebrities to promote their unlicensed services. This deceptive tactic leverages AI-generated content and clever editing to create misleading advertisements that could easily fool unsuspecting viewers. The report details several examples of how popular personalities are being exploited. Local stars Anne Curtis, Belle Mariano, and Catriona Gray, as well as Korean heartthrob Park Seo-joon, have all been targeted. These celebrities had their existing video footage or photos repurposed and altered to falsely endorse non-licensed gambling apps like PesoBET, Pusta88, and Peso88 Lucky. The report highlights the concerning sophistication of these manipulations. In some cases, voices were entirely replaced using AI technology, while other instances involved splicing together existing footage to create a false narrative. This makes it difficult even for the trained eye to distinguish between genuine content and a cleverly crafted deepfake. Further adding to the deceptive nature of these campaigns is the background of the Facebook pages responsible. The report reveals that these pages  – Pesobet-bns, Happy Entertainment, and Peso88 Lucky – all exhibit suspicious characteristics. Notably, they have minimal follower counts, lack basic profile information, and appear to be recently created accounts. The investigation also found that the administrators of these misleading pages are all located in Malaysia, a country where online gambling is illegal. This raises questions about the potential coordination between these campaigns and the regulatory frameworks in place to prevent such deceptive marketing practices. While online gambling is legal in the Philippines, the report emphasizes the dangers associated with unregulated platforms. The WHO recognizes gambling as a significant public health concern, highlighting its potential to trigger financial hardship, worsen mental health, and fuel social problems within families. The report concludes by echoing the WHO's recommendation to end the advertising and promotion of unregulated gambling. It urges stricter regulations to protect consumers from falling prey to these deceptive tactics and calls for platforms like Facebook to take stronger measures to identify and remove such misleading content. This incident also underscores the need for celebrities to be extra vigilant about how their image is used online. With the rising threat of deepfakes and manipulated content, stars and their representatives must take proactive steps to monitor their online presence and protect themselves from such exploitation. Read related article:   Nadine Lustre To Fan Remark About Gambling: ‘Choice Mo ‘Yan’

In the second major raid since the POGO ban, 29 foreign nationals were apprehended at an illegal POGO in a Cavite resort. Twenty-nine foreign nationals were arrested in a raid on a clandestine Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) facility disguised within a private resort in Silang, Cavite, the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) announced on Wednesday. This was done less than a week since 400 foreign nationals were arrested in an alleged POGO in Paranaque - just around 50 kilometers away from Cavite province.  Acting on a tip relayed through the CIDG Calabarzon, authorities apprehended six Myanmar citizens and twenty-three Chinese nationals suspected of engaging in illegal online gambling activities. PAOCC executive director Gilbert Cruz explained the operation in an interview with Teleradyo Serbisyo done the morning of January 16, stating that authorities received information about suspected former POGO workers seeking a new location to conduct scamming activities.  "A report came to us, relayed through CIDG Calabarzon, about suspicions regarding a resort in Silang. They suspected that former POGO workers were looking for a place to relocate and operate scamming activities," he said.   "CIDG immediately responded and reported it. Yesterday, together with the Bureau of Immigration, we found 29 foreign nationals, mostly Chinese and from Myanmar, and they indeed had a small-scale POGO operation." He added, "They said it was very recent, maybe less than two months old."  This raid follows a similar operation conducted just days prior by the Bureau of Immigration (BI) in Parañaque City, which resulted in the arrest of around 400 foreigners involved in similar POGO-related activities.   The mission order authorizing the raid originated from the BI, and the operation itself was executed by a joint task force comprised of PAOCC, the Calabarzon field unit of the CIDG, the BI Fugitive Search Unit, and the Cavite Provincial Police Office. Cruz highlighted the cooperation of the resort owner, stating.  "The resort owner was very cooperative. They were actually the ones helping us. That’s the good thing here. The DILG’s coordination resulted in us working together to stop this operation." He confirmed this was the "first guerilla operation" they had encountered. Following President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s recent ban on all POGOs, announced during his third State of the Nation Address (SONA) last July, authorities are cracking down on these illegal operations. The government-imposed deadline for POGOs to cease operations was December 31st, 2024. PAOCC has recently identified a trend of POGOs attempting to evade the ban by operating in a concealed manner. Cruz noted that the arrested individuals are currently in temporary detention in Pasay, awaiting documentation for eventual deportation. He also addressed the visa status of the foreigners, saying,  "They should only have tourist visas now, which allow them to stay here for 30-60 days, but most of them are already expired, so most of them shouldn’t be here. We are checking if they downgraded their visas or if they have expired."   Cruz emphasized the collaborative nature of the operation, stating, "The operation involved the LGU, even the local police were there, so it was a whole-of-nation approach involving government agencies."  He also addressed the potential involvement of local officials, stating, "Actually, they are included in creating jobs, so I think it’s clear that the LGU officials really didn’t know what was happening because it was less than two months old. The place was really hidden; you really had to go there; you wouldn’t see it if you were on the road."  He confirmed that the resort has been "closed for the meantime while the operation is ongoing." Finally, Cruz revealed ongoing investigations into reports of larger POGO hubs relocating to Visayas and Mindanao. "We are looking into reports we are receiving that large POGO hubs have fled to Visayas and Mindanao," he said. Read related article:   PH Government Uncovers New Hideout Schemes Of Illegal POGOs

Former Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo faces money laundering charges from the Department of Justice (DOJ) related to a POGO hub in her municipality. The ongoing saga surrounding Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) has taken a dramatic turn, with the Department of Justice (DOJ) preparing to file money laundering charges against former Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo. The case centers around a POGO hub located in her municipality and has ensnared numerous individuals in a complex web of financial transactions. Guo, whose nationality and background have been the subject of intense public scrutiny and Senate inquiries, now faces 62 charges, a significant portion of which implicate a network of associates. Specifically, 31 of these charges involve 30 other individuals, including Jian Zhong Guo (also known as Angelito Guo), Lin Wenyi (also known as Amelia Leal), Shiela Leal Guo, Siemen Leal Guo, Zhiyang Huang, Rachelle Joan Carreon, Baoying Lin, Ruiji Zhang, Thelma Laranan, Walter Wong, and Dennis Cunanan. The sheer number of individuals involved underscores the scale of the alleged operation. The DOJ's investigation, spanning from 2019 to 2024, has delved into billions of pesos worth of transactions tied to Guo. This extensive probe scrutinized not only Guo's personal finances but also those of her family, various POGO companies operating within the hub, their associated bank accounts, and a network of suspected shell companies allegedly used to obscure the flow of funds. This financial examination ultimately led to the money laundering complaints against Guo and 35 others. Assistant Secretary Mico Clavano confirmed that the charges stem from the proceeds of illegal activities uncovered during raids conducted on businesses linked to the POGO hub. While Clavano did not elaborate on the specific nature of these illegal activities, the implication is that the money laundering charges are directly connected to the illicit operations discovered during the raids. The case against Guo has attracted significant media attention due to the questions surrounding her identity and the potential links to illegal gambling operations. Senate hearings have explored inconsistencies in her background and raised concerns about potential foreign influence within local government. This latest development with the impending money laundering charges further intensifies the scrutiny on Guo and the broader issue of POGO regulation within the Philippines. The case will undoubtedly be closely watched by those within the gaming industry and beyond, as it has implications for the regulation and oversight of POGOs in the country. Read related article:   Alice Guo and Kin Slapped With Anti-Dummy Law Charges

Dive deeper into the world of igaming!  SBC launches iGamingExpert.com , replacing CasinoBeats with extensive news & in-depth analysis. SBC has shaken up its media portfolio with the launch of iGamingExpert.com as its new premier news source for international igaming news. Replacing the CasinoBeats brand, iGaming Expert will provide more extensive coverage and deeper analysis than ever before.  The new brand also dovetails better with other media properties in the SBC stable, such as the industry’s only daily podcast iGaming Daily and the payment sector news portal Payment Expert. The rebrand to iGamingExpert.com also provided SBC with an opportunity to overhaul the website, ensuring a more user-friendly design. Visitors can now enjoy improved navigation, faster loading times, and better access to the content they are most interested in. SBC Managing Director Andrew McCarron commented: “The switch to the iGamingExpert.com branding allows us to underline the service we provide to our customers - news and expertise on the igaming market.  “It also better aligns with our portfolio, as we already run paymentexpert.com in the payment sector. The new brand better reflects our ambitions for the future of the site.” Positioned as a central resource for the global igaming sector, iGamingExpert.com will provide exclusive interviews with industry leaders, breaking news, thorough market insights, and critical regulatory updates for a holistic view of the industry. New site editor Joe Streeter added: “I’m excited with the new name and look that we are bringing to our audience. After several years editing CasinoBeats, the team are planning to bring even more useful analysis to our readers.” SBC’s media division is powered by a team of dedicated journalists who report on industry developments in real time, delivering high-quality content that has earned SBC a reputation for trustworthiness, excellence, and insightful commentary. SBC’s media outlets are widely regarded as the go-to source for industry news, with many of them considered the most-read in the sector. The company operates several digital publications, including SBC News, SBC Americas, SBC Noticias, SBC Noticias Brasil, Canadian Gaming Business, SlotBeats, Payment Expert, Insider Sport, SBC Eurasia, GamblingTV, Lottery Daily and the Player Protection Hub. McCarron added: “As part of this strategic evolution, SBC has made the decision to sell the CasinoBeats.com domain. This change allows us to channel all our energy into shaping iGamingExpert.com as the definitive platform for comprehensive igaming coverage.” Read related article: SBC Summit Malta Rebrand Emphasizes Expansion of June Event

Cambodian casino kingpin Heng Sithy, accused of running the country's largest online gambling network, was arrested in Russia.  Heng Sithy, a Cambodian businessman alleged to be the head of Cambodia's largest online casino network, has been arrested in Russia late night of January 14. Cambodia's Foreign Ministry has notified its embassies worldwide of the cancellation of Heng Sithy's passport, and authorities have worked with Interpol to issue a Red Notice for his arrest. A Phnom Penh court issued the arrest warrant on December 3, 2024, charging him with aggravated threats and defamation. Sithy had previously accused three senior government officials of corruption, filing a complaint with the Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU). However, the Interior Ministry dismissed his allegations and warned him against spreading baseless claims. While overseas, Sithy specifically accused Sokha of corruption and General Thet of accepting a $5 million bribe from online crime leader Phoo Gik Seng (also known as Tak) to protect premises involved in illegal online activities like human trafficking and forced labor from investigation. Sithy had publicly announced plans to travel to Moscow, purportedly to meet with Vladimir Putin's cabinet. He also made vague statements about establishing "diplomatic groups and fighting groups," saying he would be in charge. The 39-year-old has faced accusations of bribery and threats of financial repercussions. He reportedly prepared a letter to Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet proclaiming his innocence, claiming he was "set up and got robbed" and that he had never done anything wrong in business. Sithy further asserted that Cambodia has become a victim of "criminal money" due to government corruption. He appealed to the Prime Minister, stating that Cambodia "needs a real leader" with "heart…at the right place." Read related article:   Macau Casinos Eye Strong Rebound with Lunar New Year Surge

Visit Pronet Gaming at ICE Barcelona 2025 for immersive games, exclusive rewards, product demos, and more from the award-winning turnkey platform provider. Pronet Gaming  are inviting industry professionals, partners, and the public to visit their stand (2C43) at ICE Barcelona 2025 , Fira Gran Via,   from 20 to 22 January, where the award-winning full turnkey platform provider promises immersive games, exclusive rewards, engaging product demonstrations, and more. As the company continues to grow and innovate, this year’s ICE promises to be a standout occasion for Pronet Gaming. For starters, a fun Marble Dash game in collaboration with LiveGames will be available, offering visitors to their stand an interactive experience and a chance to win several big-ticket prizes. Lucky contestants can go home with premium items like an iPhone 15 , AirPods , Beats  headphones, and Pronet Gaming merchandise  such as travel plugs and power banks. In addition, visitors to their stand will receive special giveaways and can enjoy a drink at a built-in bar, complete with a mixologist and flair bartender concocting custom cocktails on demand. Among the company’s product highlights to look forward to is a newly launched platform, BetX Pro —the company’s signature betting exchange product. It now provides unique liquidity where users can request their own odds rather than be confined to just those offered at regular sportsbooks. In addition, users may now create agent and player tree systems to manage, monitor, and monetise all  activity, and not just losing bettor volume. With an ever-expanding portfolio, Pronet Gaming continue to onboard new providers while offering a unique experience to players through their exclusive studios in the live casino  realm. As the company enters new markets, it integrates providers specifically tailored to these regions, making confident strides toward its global goals and helping partners secure exclusive, region-specific content. Additionally, Pronet Gaming is excited to introduce the upcoming Jackpot tool, designed to seamlessly connect all its content and deliver an exceptional player experience, boosting each player’s chances to win big across any game. Pronet Gaming boast extensive B2C and B2B industry experience, backed by deep local-market knowledge across the regions it serves, ensuring their clients receive tailored, first-class service and guidance. Its team is ready to engage with visitors and help them explore how Pronet Gaming can support their business objectives. “We are thrilled to be part of ICE Barcelona 2025  for many reasons,” says Alex Karaoulis , Commercial & Product Strategy Lead , Pronet Gaming. “Not only is it our first time exhibiting at ICE in the beautiful city of Barcelona, but it also marks a significant milestone for Pronet Gaming.” “Our company is growing fast, with many talented new individuals joining our team recently. The year 2025 is also when we will expand our operations into Asia, making our presence at ICE even more exciting and we’re looking forward to making the most of this landmark event.” ICE Barcelona 2025  will be a pivotal moment for Pronet Gaming, showcasing the company’s growth, innovation, and commitment to providing trusted service. The award-winning company is inviting all attendees to visit their stand for an unforgettable experience filled with fun, prizes, and insightful conversations. What’s more, Pronet Gaming has been announced as a finalist in no less than eight categories at the prestigious International Gaming Awards (IGA) 2025 . The awards ceremony will take place on Sunday, 19 January 2025 in Barcelona, where Pronet Gaming will be vying for recognition as Best Customer Service Company of the Year; Global Gaming Company of the Year; Innovator of the Year; Mobile Sports Product of the Year; Multi-Channel Provider/Supplier of the Year; Sports Betting Platform of the Year; Technology Provider/Supplier;  and Unique Gaming Company of the Year .  Pronet Gaming’s recognition at the IGA highlights the company’s continued growth and impact across the global gaming industry, with its innovative products and dedication to exceptional service setting it apart from competitors. On 21 January, Pronet Gaming will be attending Barca Baby at The Palau Nacional. Invited guests can expect an evening of networking, complimentary food, and golden opportunities to connect with industry professionals and thought leaders. Pronet Gaming are proud to be Vodka Luge Display Sponsor  at the SBC -hosted event where they will be treating visitors to vodka and Jägermeister shots. For more information about Pronet Gaming, please visit www.pronetgaming.com . Read related article:   Pronet Gaming sets its sights on ICE Barcelona 2025

Illegal POGOs are renting resorts, subdivisions, & apartments to operate secretly, PAOCC Chair Cruz reveals. The Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) is maintaining vigilance against illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs), with recent reports indicating a shift in their operational tactics. PAOCC Chair Gilbert Cruz revealed that the commission is receiving information about POGOs attempting to rent secluded locations such as resorts, subdivisions, gated communities, and entire apartment buildings to operate discreetly. “Ang bilin lang naman sa amin is to continue yung na-accomplish na natin and i-monitor yung mga guerilla operations na mangyayari,” Cruz stated. He explained that their ongoing monitoring efforts have uncovered this new trend of POGOs seeking isolated spaces to conduct their activities, aiming for complete control of the rented premises. “Yun ang naisip nilang solusyon,” he added, referring to the POGOs' apparent strategy. (The only instruction we received is to continue what we've accomplished and monitor the guerrilla operations that might happen, and in our monitoring, there are reports to us that they want to rent resorts, subdivisions, gated communities, and apartments, they want to be alone in the place. That's the solution they thought of.)  Cruz highlighted the success of recent operations, which he attributed to effective coordination with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and other relevant agencies. He noted that there are approximately 100 small-scale POGO operations currently being monitored, primarily concentrated in Manila, with some presence also detected in Northern Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.  This shift towards secluded locations suggests that POGOs are actively seeking ways to evade detection and continue their operations despite ongoing crackdowns. The PAOCC's continued monitoring and collaboration with local government units will be crucial in addressing this evolving challenge and preventing the resurgence of illegal POGO activities in the country. Read related article: PH Workers Drowning in Debt from Online Gambling Addiction

The proliferation of online casinos in the Philippines has led to a surge in online gambling addiction, particularly among private sector employees. With the rise of domestic online casinos in the Philippines, online gambling addiction is increasingly affecting private sector employees. A BusinessWorld report highlighted the experiences of individuals like Mark, Myla, and Dylan, all of whom have struggled with this issue. For Mark, what began as casual online gaming during the 2020 pandemic rapidly escalated into a severe addiction, with individual bets reaching as high as P500,000. Working from home exacerbated the problem, allowing him to gamble throughout the day. He admitted to wagering at least this amount on single card games, accumulating significant debt through various sources, including credit cards, banks, loan sharks, and personal loans, which severely impacted his family life.  His gambling habit predated the pandemic, however, with weekly P5,000 losses at physical casinos starting in 2015. As his online addiction worsened, his daily spending peaked at P200,000, with bets of up to P500,000 on winning card hands and P5,000 per slot machine spin. Myla, 34, discovered BingoPlus in July 2024 through an e-wallet platform. An initial P1,400 bet yielded a P50,000 win, but she continued playing until she lost both her winnings and her savings. She noted the constant temptation of online gambling compared to the physical distance of traditional casinos. Myla is now seeking support through online groups to combat her addiction, but her two requests to be banned from BingoPlus have gone unanswered. Reagan P. Praferosa, an international recovery coach and founding chairman of Recovering Gamblers of the Philippines, reports that most calls to their hotline come from online gamblers, many of whom use e-wallet platforms like GCash and Maya, which are often linked to gaming platforms such as BingoPlus, ArenaPlus, and PeryaGame. Dylan, who began using sports betting apps like Rivalry, 1XBET, and 747 in 2023, is still working to repay a six-figure gambling debt. This surge in addiction coincides with the growth of local online gaming operations, as the government outlawed offshore gaming operations in the country. PAGCOR data revealed near-consistent triple-digit monthly growth in online gambling activity within the Philippines. Read related article:   Kara David Documentary Sheds Light on Online Gambling Addiction

Unlock the potential of Africa's iGaming market at the 11th BiG Africa Summit (Feb 17-20) in Botswana.  The 11th Annual BiG Africa Summit – taking place from 17-20 February – is just one month away, and this year all eyes are on Botswana, which has become one of Africa’s most enthusiastic iGaming nations in recent years. The summit will be held at The Grand Palm Hotel Casino Convention Resort in Gaborone, Botswana, where industry leaders and innovators will get the exclusive opportunity to unlock the full potential of Africa’s thriving gaming market.  WHY BOTSWANA? As a well-connected and strategically located country, Botswana is the perfect gateway for Southern Africa to unite. It shares borders with key neighbouring countries such as South Africa, Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. This central position makes it easily accessible for attendees travelling from across Southern Africa and beyond, offering exceptional convenience for regional and international stakeholders alike. The Botswana Gambling Authority, supporter of the event, has also been actively working to establish a regulatory environment that supports the gaming industry, issuing numerous licenses aimed at revitalising the sector and driving economic growth. This makes now the ideal time for industry players to seize lucrative opportunities in a maturing market. With its progressive licensing policies, passionate gaming culture, and unmatched accessibility, Botswana is without a doubt a hub of opportunity! Recognising Excellence: BiG Africa Summit Eventus Awards 2025 At the upcoming summit, Eventus International will also honour the visionaries driving innovation and growth across Africa’s iGaming sector with the prestigious BiG Africa Summit Eventus Awards. These awards celebrate exceptional individuals and organisations who are shaping the future of the industry and inspiring all of us to aim higher. The 5 Awards and Their Significance: 1 UBUNTU LEADERSHIP AWARD | For Leadership Skills & Upliftment This award celebrates an organisation or individual that embodies the spirit of Ubuntu – shared success, humanity, and ethical practices – uplifting the industry through collaboration, innovation, and responsibility. 2 BAOBAB SUSTAINABILITY AWARD | For Sustainability & Responsible Gaming Practices Named after the resilient African baobab tree, this award recognises the organisation that has made the most significant strides in promoting sustainability, ethical gaming practices, and responsible business operations within the industry. 3 SHINING SAVANNAH INNOVATOR AWARD | For Most Groundbreaking Innovation This award recognises the organisation behind the most groundbreaking innovation or technological advancement, elevating user experience, security, and ethical standards in Africa’s iGaming sector. 4 ZAMBEZI RISING STAR AWARD | For the Most Potential and Commitment to Excellence Named after the mighty Zambezi River, this award celebrates an emerging company or individual making a powerful impact on the industry and setting new benchmarks for excellence. 5 MUFASA SPEAKER EXCELLENCE AWARD | Awarded to the Best Speaker at the Conference Inspired by the legendary leader of African folklore, this award celebrates the conference’s most inspiring and impactful speaker, recognising outstanding thought leadership, delivery, and insightful engagement with critical industry topics. Be Part of the Event Redefining Possibilities Spaces are limited, so secure your spot today and be part of the event that is sure to rewrite industry possibilities in Botswana and beyond! Register now: https://www.bigafricasummit.com/   Read related article: SPiCE South Asia 2025 In Colombo Is 10 Weeks Away

Senator Win Gatchalian intensified the probe into banks' role in POGO-linked money laundering, questioning how P7B transactions for a Bamban hub went undetected. Senator Win Gatchalian wants to investigate banks who may have been complicit in facilitating money laundering activities linked to Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs).  Highlighting glaring lapses in oversight, Gatchalian in a statement raised concerns over how P7 billion in transactions went undetected, enabling the construction of a POGO hub in Bamban, Tarlac. “How was P7 billion introduced without being flagged by the banks and detected by the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC)?” Gatchalian questioned. The senator’s remarks came as he emphasized the critical role financial institutions should play in upholding the Anti-Money Laundering Act (AMLA). As the chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means, Gatchalian announced plans to file a resolution calling for an in-depth inquiry into the matter. He underscored that money laundering, as a crime, holds significant ramifications for the country’s financial system and governance. Gatchalian’s scrutiny follows revelations during recent Senate hearings that POGO-related transactions involving hundreds of millions of pesos had not been adequately flagged. According to the AMLC, investigations into the source of the funds used to build the Bamban POGO hub, as well as compliance lapses by banks, are ongoing. The senator also reiterated his stance against POGO operations, citing the rise of criminal activities within their hubs, including human trafficking, kidnappings, investment scams, and love scams. He argued that many of these crimes could have been averted had banks rigorously adhered to AMLA provisions. “Money laundering is equally as big of a crime,” Gatchalian asserted, noting that the failure to monitor suspicious transactions undermines efforts to combat illicit activities. Over the past two years, Gatchalian has been a staunch advocate for terminating POGO operations in the Philippines, citing the extensive social and economic damage they bring. This development comes as public and government scrutiny over POGO-related activities continues to intensify. Gatchalian’s call for a deeper inquiry into banks’ roles reflects his commitment to holding institutions accountable and ensuring compliance with anti-money laundering laws to safeguard the integrity of the financial system. Read related article: DOJ issues warning to foreign POGO workers

Cambodian online gambling rings are increasingly targeting educated individuals, exploiting their digital skills for illegal operations. Those running illegal online gambling rings in Cambodia are targeting more educated individuals, according to a report – exploiting their skills in the booming digital economy.  A report by Singaporean media giant Channel News Asia (CNA) narrated the ordeal of two Indonesians trafficked into Cambodia’s illegal online gambling operations, which have concurrently been linked to online scams.  Director of Migrant Care Indonesia Wahyu Susilo noted that most human trafficking victims in Indonesia are young people with high educational qualifications.  Wahyu said this was part of the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, where experts noted a surge in jobless people as businesses shuttered down.  In an interview with CNA, Wahyu said recruiters lure victims with the promise of programming jobs in the digital technology industry, a facade that hides their involvement in illegal businesses. A report from the Indonesian embassy in Phnom Penh highlighted that these overseas job offers often require little to no prior experience, making them particularly enticing to vulnerable individuals. The report also told the story of Slamet, a management graduate and former bank employee lured with the promise of a well-paying factory job in Vietnam.  The offered salary, a substantial 15 million rupiah (USD$925) plus a “food allowance,” dwarfed the average Indonesian monthly wage of around 3 million rupiah, according to Statista. This targeted his vulnerability after a period of unemployment.  Instead of legitimate employment, Slamet was trafficked to Bavet, Cambodia, and forced to work for an online gambling operation. This case underscores a crucial economic dimension of modern human trafficking: the exploitation of skilled labor within the digital sphere. Traffickers are no longer solely focused on vulnerable individuals for low-skilled jobs; they are actively recruiting educated workers for roles requiring specific digital skills, such as managing online transactions, programming, and other tech-driven tasks.  These roles, often disguised as legitimate tech jobs, offer higher returns for traffickers and capitalize on the victims' existing human capital. Read related article:   China, Cambodia Strengthen Ties Against Online Gambling, Scams