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The Philippines exits the FATF grey list , marking a milestone in financial security  and regulatory compliance , boosting investor confidence and economic growth. After three years, the Philippines has exited the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) “grey list.” This means the regulatory body has cleared the country of any deficiencies in its anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing regime. “The plenary agreed to take the Philippines off the grey list in recognition of the completion of their action plan, which was agreed in June of 2021. Amongst other efforts and results, the Philippines is now actively combating the risk of dirty money flowing through casinos in the country,” FATF President Elisa de Anda Madrazo said.  READ: Stricter Laws on Immigration, Money Laundering After POGO Probe This move is also important for the country’s thriving gaming scene. But how important is this to the country’s financial and gaming sector as a whole?  What is the FATF, and how did the Philippines enter the “grey list?”   First off, it’s important to know what the FATF is and what it does.  The FATF, based in Paris, France, is a regulatory body that sets metrics against money laundering and terrorist financing. When a country is on FATF’s grey list, it means the country is lacking in AML measures. As a result, foreign investors will have to heavily monitor and regulate their financial measures in a country.  READ: UN Warns of Illegal Online Gambling; SE Asia Faces $37B Loss The Philippines entered the list in 2021 because of inadequate oversight, particularly in the gaming sector. It can also be recalled that casino junkets at the time here on the rise. A major contributing factor was the rise in suspicious transactions linked to casino junkets, which facilitate high-stakes gambling by offering travel, accommodation, and credit to high-rollers. These activities often involve large cash transactions and cross-border financial movements, overwhelming traditional monitoring systems and creating vulnerabilities for money laundering. The grey-list status also had tangible consequences beyond the gaming industry.  READ: Quad Committee Probes POGO-Linked Money Laundering in Land Buys Overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) here hardly hit by the Philippines being placed in the grey list status, as it faced increased difficulties in sending remittances. As a result, banks imposed additional verification requirements to ensure compliance with international AML standards. Jonathan Ravelas, senior adviser at Reyes Tacandong & Co. underscored the significance of FATF’s decision.  “The removal is quite significant as it signals improved financial compliance and reduced regulatory risks, which can encourage foreign banks to re-enter the market,” he said in a message to Asia Casino News .  He added: “This development will likely enhance the Philippines' competitiveness as an investment destination in Southeast Asia, positioning it more favorably compared to neighboring countries.”  AMLC committed to comply with requirements to exit from the grey list, which analysts and politicians linked to two things: a hefty ban on offshore gaming and heavier regulations against illegal casino junket operations. The country recalibrating its oversight techniques against some casino and gaming measures contributed to the country’s exit plan from the FATF, Shaun McCamley, founder and managing partner of Euro Pacific Asia Consulting told  Asia Casino News .  “PAGCOR has developed a casino-specific risk rating system and, as of January 2022, finalized a supervision and enforcement manual. This manual outlines policies and procedures for risk-based examinations of casinos, prioritizing higher-risk establishments while ensuring adequate coverage of moderate and low-risk entities,” McCamley explained in an email message.  President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. by the end of 2024 officially outlawed POGOs. Marcos Jr. and other POGO skeptics believed they were largely linked to money laundering, kidnapping, and human trafficking, among others. Senator Sherwin Gatchalian believes FATF’s move to remove the Philippines from the grey list reversed what he described as “reputational damage” done by POGOs.  “The FATF's action is a recognition of the country's efforts in combating financial crimes, including money laundering, organized crime, and terrorism. This reaffirms what we have long maintained,” Gatchalian shared in a statement.  What’s Next for the Philippines?  While exiting the grey list is a significant achievement, the Philippines must sustain this progress as it prepares for another FATF assessment in 2027. Financial analysts warn that continued vigilance will be necessary to prevent regression. Angela HanLee, Equity Research Analyst at Bloomberg Intelligence, acknowledged the potential benefits of this development but cautioned that concerns over human trafficking could continue to impact gaming revenues, particularly from Chinese visitors. “I think it could imply shrinkage of organized crimes and alleviate visitors’ safety concerns, benefiting tourism and land-based gaming revenue,” HanLee told Asia Casino News .  She added: "But the pressure will remain for some time, especially for gaming revenue from Chinese gamblers, due to the recently elevated human trafficking concerns in the region."  Asked on what casinos and other stakeholders in the gaming industry should do to help sustain the country’s FATF standing, Ravelas said: “The key is really KYC. Know your client.”  Enforcement bodies normally want institutions and customers to comply with  KYC standards to prevent illegal activity, a component of anti-money laundering measures.’ McCamley echoed these sentiments, adding that the government and casinos should take proactive measures to enhance compliance and oversight. This includes stronger law enforcement and inter-agency collaboration, urging AMLC, PAGCOR, and the country’s central bank (Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas) to better track suspicious transactions.  “[The Philippine government should] conduct regular compliance audits and enforce penalties on non-compliant casinos, increase sanctions against casinos that fail to report suspicious transactions, including revoking licenses, [and] encourage whistleblower protection programs to expose illicit activities in the gaming sector,” McCamley advised.  He also encouraged stricter identity verification processes and heightened scrutiny of high-risk players, such as politically exposed persons (PEPs) and high-volume bettors. Online gaming platforms were also urged to track their transactions in real time and secure the accounts of their users through multi-factor authentication. This includes watching cryptocurrency transactions linked to gaming.   Read related article:   Guidelines Could Cut FATF Grey List Countries In Half

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

Casino Plus CEO Evan Spytma revealed plans to expand their hotel operations, and outlined future plans for  the platform’s online gambling offerings. Casino Plus CEO  Evan Spytma  disclosed that their company makes it a point to listen to the feedback of their players, which is why they launched a new version of their Color Plus game. In an exclusive interview with ACN (Asia Casino News), the executive also disclosed their future plans for Hotel Stotsenberg, the home of Casino Plus, which is located at Clark Freeport Zone, formerly Clark Air Base, Philippines. Evan was one of the speakers who took part in the 3rd Annual SPiCE Philippines which took place recently at Shangri-la Mactan in Cebu. During the panel discussion titled “Reinventing the land-based casino experience: Strategies physical casinos can implement to compete with online platforms,” Evan discussed the differences they noticed between online casino players vs land-based casino players. Evan told ACN at the sidelines after their panel discussion: “Online casino players tend to be from the younger demographic. Those around 35 [year old players] to 45+ tend to want to go to land-based casinos but they are a bit slower when it comes to adoption of new technology “The vast majority are more touristy, especially the 25-35 year old demographic.” How do they plan to capture more of this demographic in the future? “We continue to offer more new product offerings. We’ve launched Color Game, which is a huge success about two weeks ago. “One of our players who had been with us for just about a year, she bet P50 pesos and she ended up winning P303 million. “We’re also expanding our land-based casino. That will be going through a major expansion. Basically, we will demolish a vast majority of the property and we’re going to build two hotels with 700 rooms, a brand-new casino, about 20 F&B [food and beverage] areas. We’re doing that right now. Hopefully, we’ll have that completed within the next two years. “It’ll be at the same footprint as our existing Hotel Stotsenberg.” He later added about their property: “It’s five minutes away from Clark. We’re the closest integrated resort to the Clark airport.” How much will they be investing in these hotel expansions? Evan smiled before saying, “It’s a substantial amount. Hundreds of millions but we believe in the future of the Philippines: both land-based and online so we think it’s a safe investment.” Does he think that the Philippines is a safe place to invest in given the current political climate? “I think politically it’s getting better, instead of moving towards a negative direction. I would say PAGCOR [Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation] has bene very supportive business partner for us. I think their vision for what they want to accomplish for the Philippines is very strong. We’re onboard with it and we’re very much in favor of the gaming market in the Philippines, especially now that land-based operators are allowed to go online.” Was shifting to online a big move for them and how did they achieve this successful pivot? “We launched Casino Plus two years ago and it’s been a huge success. We’re doing a hyper model where instead of offering purely digital games, we’re offering casino games that are on the premises and in the actual land-based casino but streamed online. “You can play Color Game that way or slots, baccarat, or any of our table games. You could also walk into a land-based casino and see the actual operations in real time so you know everything is fair and transparent.” What are their plans for the rest of 2024? “We continue to double our revenue every six months. We want to maintain that. We’ve got a new version of Color Game.” “Previously, the Color Game was giving out multipliers. We listened to our players and they said they wanted bigger jackpots. I think combined, that jackpot came closer to P800 million…if you combine all three jackpots or three tiers. “Now that one of the major tiers was won, we listened to the feedback of players and the players said, ‘You don’t have to win for that long of a time period to get such a huge jackpot. How about making it more frequent but still large?’ “So we have a new version of Color Game coming up wherein we hope to have a winner of at least P10 million pesos every two days. That’s what we’re hoping to launch in 2024.” Could he give statistics on the number of players who play Color Game? “By far, we’re the market leader. We don’t give out specific numbers but definitely, tens of millions of players are online. “We’re very much happy about the trust that players give us. The future is bright for online and land-based.” What are their plans for 2025? “We will continue to focus on land-based operations. We’ll make sure that construction is doing well and we hope to do a soft launch towards the end of the year. We will probably launch half of the property. That will be our main focus for 2025.” Read Related article: ACN Spotlight: Lessons for PH iGaming from Global Practices by WMLL

PCSO’s Ultra Lotto 6/58 and Super Lotto 6/49 draws held on March 2, 2025, ended with no jackpot winners, rolling over prizes for the next scheduled draw. T he Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) held two major lottery draws on March 2, 2025. No one won the top prizes in either game. The PCSO Ultra Lotto 6/58 and Superlotto 6/49 draws both concluded without any winners for their jackpot prizes. For the Ultra Lotto 6/58, the winning numbers were 02-29-45-11-36-24. Since there were no jackpot winners, the prize has increased to PHP 121,106,705.60 (USD 2.1M) for the next draw.  Based on Asia Casino News’ monitoring, no one has won the Mega Lotto 6/58 results in almost two months. The last winner of the 6/58 draw won PHP 314,591,292.80 ($5.4 million), held in January 3, 2025. How does the Philippine Lottery System work?  The Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) runs all official lottery games in the Philippines. The money from ticket sales helps fund health programs and charity work across the country. Players can join several popular games: Ultra Lotto 6/58 Grand Lotto 6/55 Super Lotto 6/49 Mega Lotto 6/45 Lotto 6/42 Each game works in a simple way. Players pick a set of numbers and win if their numbers match the ones drawn. Tickets cost a small fee at PCSO outlets throughout the Philippines. Draws happen on set days each week. You can watch them live on TV or check results on the PCSO website and social media. How Prizes Work If no one wins the jackpot, the money rolls over to the next draw. This is why prizes can grow very large over time. Aside from the main prize, players can win smaller amounts for matching some of the numbers. Record-Breaking Jackpot The current value however, pales to what PCSO has given in previous sweepstakes draws. In 2018, the Ultra Lotto 6/58 jackpot soared past PHP 1 billion after months without a winner. Two people hit the lucky numbers and shared the prize, each getting over PHP 500 million. The huge win grabbed national attention and got more people excited about playing the lottery. Even with the low chances of winning, millions of Filipinos still join, dreaming of hitting the next big jackpot. Asia Casino News monitors updates on the Philippine lottery. Check out the results here .  Read related article:   PCSO Lotto Results February 28, 2025

Light & Wonder reports PHP 189.6 billion ($3.4 billion) in revenue for 2024, marking a 16% growth. Analysts predict even stronger earnings next year. Light & Wonder has now seen 15 straight quarters of growth. They revealed this as they announced their earnings for the fourth quarter and full year of 2024.  How Light & Wonder’s 4Q 2024 Went: The company reported PHP 48.5 billion (around $870 million) in revenue for the fourth quarter, marking a 13% increase compared to last year. For the entire year of 2024, revenue totaled PHP 189.6 billion (approximately $3.4 billion), reflecting a 16% growth. Net income reached PHP 9.1 billion (about $163 million), with earnings per share (EPS) at PHP 179 (roughly $3.22). Analysts are optimistic about next year, predicting a 31% increase in EPS to PHP 314 (around $5.64). What Light & Wonder Did in 2024:  Light & Wonder made significant strides last year. One of the most notable was the completion of its merger with SciPlay, which enhances its position in the rapidly expanding online gaming market. One major change in 2024 was completing its merger with SciPlay, which strengthens Light & Wonder’s presence in online gaming. The company also opened a new office and showroom in Clark, Pampanga, Philippines . The 580-square-meter space will help it better serve the growing gaming market in Asia.  Why Does This Matter to the Asian Market?  Light & Wonder’s focus on online and mobile gaming fits well with what players in Asia want . More people are playing online, and Light & Wonder’s focus on digital gaming could bring better games and more options. Having a new office in the Philippines proves it is eager to expand casinos and gaming businesses in the region.  As Light & Wonder expands, it is slowly emerging as a key player in the Asian gaming market.  Read related article :   Light & Wonder Opens New Hub In Philippines, Its Key Market

DigiPlus joins the FTSE indices, showcasing its growth in the casino and gaming industry. Discover its market impact and future prospects Philippine based online gaming giant DigiPlus has hit a breakthrough as it joins the Financial Times Stock Exchange (FTSE) Index, they announced on social media last February 24. Digiplus is one of the largest online gaming operators in the Philippines, home to platforms such as CasinoPlus and ArenaPlus.  Its inclusion signals the company’s sustained growth, strong market position, and rising investor confidence.  “Serving as key benchmarks tracked by investors globally, the FTSE indices measure companies that meet strict market capitalization and liquidity standards. Notably, DigiPlus advanced from the FTSE Microcap Index in 2024, marking a significant step in its market positioning,” DigiPlus said in a statement on February 22, 2025.  What Does DigiPlus' Inclusion in the FTSE Indices Mean? Through the FTSE, investors are given benchmarks to evaluate investment opportunities.  Inclusion in these indices usually attracts institutional investors and fund managers who rely on these benchmarks for their investment strategies. FTSE indices track the performance of companies across global stock markets. DigiPlus, in return, will be exposed to a broader investor base, including major funds and exchange-traded funds that track the index.  Investors will also be more confident and possibly increase their holdings in DigiPlus. In addition, DigiPlus’ inclusion in the FTSE indices also affirms their growth trajectory and stability.  DigiPlus Joins FTSE Indices  at the close of March 21, signaling potential for increased trading activity and greater visibility among global investors and market watchers. This development marks a pivotal moment for DigiPlus, reinforcing its reputation as a strong and growing company while opening new opportunities for investment and expansion. Read related article: DigiPlus Sets Record Straight on P3B Budget Allocation

Discover how a Samar man's 29-year commitment to the same lotto numbers finally paid off with a P25-million MegaLotto jackpot.  For a punter in Samar, persistence pays off.  After 29 years of consistently betting on the same number combination, he finally won the MegaLotto jackpot, claiming the P25-million prize in the 6/45 draw on Monday, February 3, 2025. He hit the winning combination 31 – 04 – 17 – 07 – 19 – 27, claiming the prize at the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) Main Office in Mandaluyong City the following day, February 4. While he had won minor prizes before, matching four or five numbers in previous draws, this was his first time securing the jackpot. He had been using the same number sequence since 1996 – 29 years in the making.  For him, the winning was a consolation prize, as joining the lottery was his way of helping the needy through the organization’s projects. “Kahit po hindi ako nananalo alam ko na nakaka-ambag ako sa kanilang magagandang programa. Hindi ko akalain na ako naman ay kakabig dahil naswertehan ko ang jackpot kaya nagpapasalamat naman ako sa Panginoon na ipinagkaloob nya sa akin ang malaking tulong na ito.” (Even if I don’t win, I know that I am contributing to their meaningful programs. I never thought that my turn would come, but I was lucky enough to hit the jackpot. That’s why I am grateful to God for granting me this great blessing) Defending the Integrity of the PCSO Lottery Following his win, the Samar native also addressed skeptics who doubt the legitimacy of PCSO lottery games. "The lotto is real, and I am proof that winning the jackpot is possible. For those who don’t believe, know that this is purely luck. If you have extra funds, trying your luck in an honest game is not a bad thing, especially since it also helps our fellow Filipinos through PCSO’s programs," he stated. Where to Monitor MegaLotto 6/45 Results? Punters can find the lottery results on our page, linked here . Telecasts of the MegaLotto 6/45 are also available every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 9 PM either online or through free television on IBC13, D8TV, and the PCSO Games Online Hub Facebook Page. Read related article:   PCSO Lotto Results February 19, 2025

BingoPlus is fighting back against phishing scams targeting its players. Learn about the fake websites, how to avoid them, and the legal action BingoPlus is taking. In a strong move to protect its users and brand integrity, BingoPlus has issued a stern warning against fraudulent websites and individuals impersonating the platform. The popular online bingo platform has reported a surge in phishing attempts targeting its players, with victims being lured by misleading links and deceptive promotions. BingoPlus is taking decisive action, confirming they have initiated legal proceedings against those operating these illegal schemes. The company released a statement emphasizing the importance of user vigilance. They urged players to exercise extreme caution and refrain from trusting unverified sources, random links, or individuals claiming affiliation with BingoPlus. The statement highlighted the company's awareness of malicious false claims circulating online, which not only mislead players but also tarnish BingoPlus's reputation while often promoting rival gaming platforms. BingoPlus explicitly stated that these actions constitute brand impersonation, fraud, and the dissemination of false information, all of which are being taken very seriously. "BingoPlus is aware of malicious false claims spreading online, misleading players and damaging our reputation while promoting other gaming platforms," the company stated. "These actions constitute brand impersonation, fraud and the dissemination of false information. Our team has already initiated legal action against those responsible for spreading misinformation and engaging in fraudulent activities." Beyond legal action, BingoPlus has also formally reported these fake and illegal websites to the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) and the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC). They requested for these websites to be blocked.  Based on their public posts, it appears that some perpetrators are using social media to distribute misleading links. A screenshot shared by BingoPlus seems to depict a social media post enticing viewers to click on a specific link. Upon clicking, unsuspecting players are redirected not to the legitimate BingoPlus platform, but to a completely different website. This type of phishing scam is a common tactic used by cybercriminals to exploit the trust and familiarity users have with well-known brands. BingoPlus encourages its users to report any suspicious activity directly to the platform, contributing to a safer gaming environment for everyone. The company's commitment to transparency and user protection is paramount as they continue to combat these fraudulent activities and maintain the integrity of their platform. Read related article:   DigiPlus Sets Record Straight on P3B Budget Allocation

A Hongkong bettor won the largest jackpot in Mark Six history during the Lunar New Year draw, claiming HK$193,762,620 (US$25.19M or PHP1.4B). The winning numbers for the draw, held on February 2, 2025, were 14, 18, 30, 36, 40, and 42, with the special number 1. Twelve second-prize winners will each receive HK$1,215,620 (approximately US$158,030 or PHP8,752,464), while 536.5 third-prize bets won HK$72,500 (approximately US$9,425 or PHP522,000) each. The draw generated significant public interest, with long queues observed at betting locations prior to the 9:15 pm cutoff. The total amount wagered reached over HK$380 million (approximately US$49.4 million or PHP2.736 billion). While gambling is legal in Hong Kong, it is heavily regulated by the government. Organized gambling is restricted to a limited number of authorized outlets, ensuring that Hongkong bettors engage in regulated and controlled wagering to prevent excessive gambling Hong Kong’s Jockey Club operates the lottery in the special administrative region, holding a monopoly in horse racing, football betting, and lottery operations in the area. According to the Hong Kong Jockey club, 54% of total bets are allocated to the prize pool, 25% goes to betting duty, 15% is designated for charitable contributions, and 6% is retained by the Jockey Club as commission. Betting outlets across the city piled up with punters who queued for minutes for a hand at the record-breaking jackpot. Read related article:   Former POGO Worker Disrupts NAIA Amid POGO Operations Closure

In 2024, Japanese police recorded 279 individuals involved in online gambling—three times more than in 2023—highlighting a sharp rise in illegal gaming activity. Japan is facing a surge in online gambling activity, despite its illegality, prompting a crackdown by the National Police Agency (NPA). A recent preliminary investigation revealed a record 279 individuals involved in online casinos in 2024, a figure that has tripled compared to the previous year and represents the highest number since records began in 2018.  This alarming trend highlights the increasing accessibility of overseas gambling sites and the challenges law enforcement faces in combating this illicit activity. The NPA's data reveals a record 162 online casino users and 117 dealers were identified nationwide. The allure of online casinos, offering everything from virtual slot machines to roulette and sports betting, is proving difficult to resist for some Japanese citizens. While gambling is generally illegal in Japan, with exceptions for publicly run activities like horse racing and keirin, these online platforms operate from overseas, often legally, and offer their services in Japanese, blurring the lines of legality for many users. It is estimated that over 3 million people in Japan are engaged in online gambling, with many potentially unaware of the legal ramifications. The ease of access through smartphones and mobile devices has significantly contributed to the rise in online gambling. Previously, individuals might have visited physical shops in entertainment districts to access these sites. Now, the convenience of mobile access, coupled with readily available payment methods like bank transfers and credit cards for purchasing gambling points, has made online gambling more pervasive than ever. While the online casino operators themselves are often based overseas and operate legally within their own jurisdictions, Japanese law prohibits citizens from gambling online, regardless of the site's location. Violators face fines of up to ¥500,000, and habitual gamblers could even face imprisonment of up to three years. However, the jurisdictional complexities make it difficult for Japanese police to prosecute those involved, as they often require cooperation from countries where these operators are based, necessitating mutual legal frameworks for similar offenses. This legal hurdle has prompted the NPA to focus its efforts on payment agency service operators. These agencies facilitate the exchange of yen for gambling points, providing a crucial link to the online casinos. By targeting these financial intermediaries, the police hope to disrupt the flow of funds to these illegal platforms and identify users through their transaction records. A survey conducted by the Tokyo-based International Casino Institute revealed the extent of the problem. Their research indicated that 2.8% of respondents, when extrapolated to the national population, suggests an estimated 3.46 million people in Japan have participated in online gambling in the past 12 months. Further reinforcing this data, an analysis by the Yomiuri Shimbun of 30 popular online casinos offering Japanese language services showed a staggering 84 million access attempts from Japan in 2024, with over 70% originating from mobile devices. The combination of readily available technology, the allure of quick winnings, and the complex legal landscape surrounding overseas operators has created a perfect storm for the growth of online gambling in Japan. As the NPA intensifies its crackdown, the future of this booming, yet illegal, industry remains uncertain. Read related article:   Japan Pachinko Industry Projected to Decline Until 2028

Almost 70 percent of Thailand people reject the government’s plan to legalize casinos and online gambling, according to a survey. A recent survey reveals strong public opposition in Thailand to the government's proposal to legalize casinos and online gambling, despite official claims that such a move would stimulate tourism and investment.  The survey, conducted by the National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA), polled 1,310 people on January 20 and January 21. The results showed that 69% of respondents opposed online gambling, while 59% disapproved of the proposed entertainment complexes with casinos. Only 29% of those surveyed expressed support for both initiatives. The survey results came around a week after the government approved a draft law that would permit casinos within entertainment complexes and legalize online gambling platforms.  Currently, legal gambling in Thailand is limited to state-run horse races and the national lottery. However, underground gambling operations, including illegal lotteries and widespread soccer betting, are prevalent, involving substantial financial transactions and indicating a significant existing demand for gambling activities.  This underground market is estimated to involve billions of baht annually, a factor cited by proponents of legalization who argue that regulated gambling could bring these funds into the formal economy and generate substantial tax revenue. The government's push for legalized gambling is partly motivated by the success of neighboring countries. Giant players in the integrated resort industry have also expressed interest in building their facilities should the   measure be enacted into law.  Cambodia, Singapore, the Philippines, Laos, and Myanmar all host large-scale casino complexes, attracting tourists and generating significant revenue. The Thai government argues that by maintaining its restrictive stance, the nation is missing out on substantial economic opportunities and failing to fully capitalize on its tourism potential. Some reports suggest that Thailand loses billions of baht annually to these neighboring countries due to Thais crossing the border to gamble. READ: Why is Ex-Thailand PM Shinawatra Batting For Crypto, Online Gambling? A prominent supporter of gambling legalization is former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, father of current Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra. Thaksin has publicly stated that legalization could generate as much as 100 billion baht ($3 billion USD) annually for the government. This figure is based on projections of tax revenue and increased tourism spending.  READ: 2026 Enactment, Pushback From Crime Rings Await Thai IR Bill  However, opponents raised concerns about the potential social costs of expanded gambling access, including problem gambling, addiction, and associated crime. The debate also touches on cultural and religious sensitivities within Thai society, where Buddhism, which generally discourages gambling, is the dominant religion.’ Read related article: Thailand Official on Casino Law Referendum: "What's the Point?"

DigiPlus Interactive Corp  doubled its user base to 40M in 2024 through new games and marketing, eyes Brazil expansion, and expects gains from PAGCOR’s fee cut. DigiPlus Interactive Corp. has announced a dramatic surge in its registered user count, doubling its customer base to over 40 million in 2024. This significant growth, up from 20 million in 2023, underscores the continued popularity of online gaming in the Philippines and signals DigiPlus’s expanding global reach. Chairman Eusebio H. Tanco attributed the surge to the introduction of new games like Perya Game, Color Game, and Pinoy Drop Ball, combined with an aggressive marketing and branding strategy targeting various regions across the Philippines. “We’ve been moving around different parts of the country,” Tanco explained during a media briefing on January 23. “What’s happening is our registered users are growing.” The company is optimistic about continued growth in 2025, fueled by two key developments: its recent expansion into the Brazilian market and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp.’s (PAGCOR) decision to reduce fees for electronic games (e-games) operators to 30% of revenue. DigiPlus officially entered the Brazilian iGaming market on January 1st, securing a federal license to operate sports betting and other online games. This expansion follows the company’s November announcement of an $11 million (P660 million) initial funding allocation to cover licensing fees, minimum capitalization, financial reserves, and other operational expenses related to the Brazil venture. President Andy Tsui previously stated that the company applied for a five-year license worth approximately $6 million. While Tanco anticipates the PAGCOR fee reduction will have a positive impact, he tempered expectations regarding the pace of growth. “It will improve to a certain extent, but maybe not at the rate we have now,” he commented.  Despite the anticipated slight slowdown in the rate of user acquisition, the doubling of DigiPlus Interactive Corp user base in 2024 demonstrates the company’s strong position in the competitive digital entertainment landscape and its ambitious plans for future expansion. Read related article:  DigiPlus Responds To Report On Buying Casino Plus