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Coleen Garcia and Loisa Andalio star as women in e-sports in "Friendly Fire," a new Filipino film focusing on the gaming community . Coleen Garcia and Loisa Andalio will depict women working in the e-sports sector for “Friendly Fire,” the latest Filipino film to depict the gaming community on the big screen. Directed by Mikhail Red, “Friendly Fire” focuses on the vibrant gaming community. It will also star Harvey Bautista, Jan Silverio, Liza Diño, Yves Flores, Bob Jbeili, and Jon Lucas, with a special appearance by cosplayer Alodia Gosiengfiao. This Pinoy film was chosen to have its world premiere at the 44th Annual Hawai’i International Film Festival, taking place from October 3 to 13 in Honolulu and October 15 to 17 in West Oahu. Following its festival debut, the film will open in Philippine cinemas on October 23, 2024. “Friendly Fire” centers on a Filipino e-sports team called Isla, which faces a critical challenge after losing their star player. This setback compels their team manager, Sonya Wilson (played by Coleen Garcia), to sign a new player, Hazel aka Kaya (Loisa Andalio). Kaya is a female gamer grappling with uncertainty about her life and career. With her addition, Team Isla hopes to break barriers and capture the coveted championship title. Viewers will see Hazel transform from being an Internet cafe cashier to an international gamer. The film draws on the excitement of the gaming world, featuring appearances from various Filipino e-sports personalities. Notable figures include MLBB esports host Mara Aquino and shoutcasters Rogyn “Osiris” Manansala and Aaron Paul Paragas “Burrito” Gaddi. The film prominently features the Filipino-designed shooter game, Project Xandata, enhancing its authenticity and visual appeal. Red shared insights into his motivation for creating “Friendly Fire.” He recalled his youth spent playing video games and hanging out in Internet cafes, which inspired him to bring that nostalgic culture to the big screen. “I wanted to finally try the sports movie genre because I’ve always been a fan of movies like ‘Karate Kid’ and ‘Mighty Ducks,'” Red stated in an interview with the Philippine Star . He described “Friendly Fire” as a personal and enjoyable project that combines elements from his past experiences. Adapting e-sports for a cinematic audience posed challenges for Red and his team. He noted the difficulty in crafting an underdog sports film focused on computer games rather than traditional physical sports. “It was tricky to find the balance of making it accessible to non-gamers while still maintaining the heart and soul of a gamer’s professional journey,” he explained. “Friendly Fire” presented various technical challenges, particularly in capturing the dynamics of an international tournament. The film employs a blend of character perspectives, in-game footage, and visual effects to recreate a live stadium atmosphere. Red described the process as “exhausting yet exciting,” crediting his strong production team for their collaborative effort. Access to Secret6’s “Project Xandata” was crucial for the film, allowing Red to create visually stunning sequences using an actual game engine. This innovative approach contributes to the film’s authenticity and immerses audiences in the world of e-sports. With a filmography that includes hits like “Birdshot,” “Eerie,” and “Deleter,” Red is known for his thrilling narratives. However, he revealed that “Friendly Fire” takes a different direction. This film aims to be accessible, family-friendly, and heartfelt, addressing themes of dreams and destiny. “I wanted to make a film about chasing one’s dreams against all odds,” he said. “It’s a universal struggle, relatable to many, set in the exciting world of professional e-sports.” Related article: Dota 2 Returns to the Esports World Cup 2025

Australia now requires online gambling operators to complete customer ID checks (ACIP) before allowing gaming to prevent criminal exploitation. The Australian government is now strictly implementing regulations requiring online gambling operators to complete applicable customer identification procedures (ACIP) before allowing players to engage in gaming activities. This change, enforced by the Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (AUSTRAC), is part of a broader strategy to prevent criminal exploitation of online gambling services. The updated regulations, which officially took effect on September 29, 2024, mandate that all online gambling service providers verify a player’s identity before they can create an account or commence gambling activities. Previously, operators had a 72-hour window to perform full identity checks, allowing players to continue gambling while verification was pending. This interim practice has now been eliminated, requiring immediate compliance with the new rules. The process requires players to verify their age and identity before depositing any funds into an online casino account. This means that players will be restricted from engaging in any gambling activities, including popular games like slot spins, until the verification process is successfully completed. This step is crucial for enhancing the accountability and transparency of online gambling services in Australia. As part of the implementation of these new regulations, operators will need to invest in technology that facilitates efficient verification. This includes systems capable of quickly processing government-issued identification documents and matching them against official records. The use of biometric technology and other innovative solutions may also play a role in streamlining the verification process. The move comes in response to growing concerns over the integrity of online gambling platforms and their vulnerability to abuse by criminal elements. The Australian government aims to create a safer environment for players by ensuring that only verified individuals can access online gambling services. According to the new regulations, companies must not permit players to gamble until they are reasonably satisfied of the player’s identity. This necessitates the integration of robust identity verification systems that can quickly and accurately authenticate submitted documents. By employing advanced verification technologies, operators can more effectively meet these legal requirements and avoid potential penalties. According to AUSTRAC, the goal of these measures is to ensure that online gambling operators can deliver the highest level of safety to their players. By collecting accurate consumer data, operators can exclude unqualified individuals and identify unusual betting behaviors early, allowing for timely intervention when necessary. The introduction of the ACIP  is seen as a necessary evolution in the regulatory landscape for online gambling. Industry stakeholders acknowledge that while these changes may require upfront investments in technology and training, they ultimately contribute to a more secure gambling environment. This is vital not only for protecting consumers but also for maintaining the reputation of the online gambling sector. Operators have been given a one-year grace period to prepare for these stricter rules. During this time, they were allowed to utilize interim measures for customer identification. However, with this period now expired, full compliance is expected immediately. Related article: Star Casino Retains Sydney License, Fined $10M in Australia

Maine Mendoza recalled her Bulacan childhood at the BingoPlus Pinoy Drop Ball launch on Sept 29, 2024, joined by Julie Anne San Jose and PPop group Alamat. Eat Bulaga host Maine Mendoza-Atayde took a nostalgic trip down memory lane during the launch of BingoPlus’s new online game, Pinoy Drop Ball. The event, held last September 29, 2024, at the Grand Hyatt Manila, was a star-studded affair graced by Maine, along with celebrity guests Julie Anne San Jose and PPop idol Alamat. The launch showcased BingoPlus’s commitment to merging traditional Filipino games with modern technology, creating an engaging digital experience. Pinoy Drop Ball is a homegrown game designed to evoke the familiar atmosphere of local peryas (carnivals) that many Filipinos cherish. This innovative addition is the first-ever live-streamed drop ball game in the Philippines, setting a new benchmark in digital perya gaming. As the event unfolded, Maine expressed her excitement about the new game. “I’m very excited. I hope everyone here is just as excited as I am for the Pinoy Drop Ball,” she said. Her enthusiasm resonated with the crowd, reflecting the significance of bringing a piece of Filipino culture into the digital age. During the launch, Maine was asked if she had ever experienced a perya as a child. She reminisced about her experiences growing up in Bulacan, a province known for its vibrant local fairs. “Familiar ako, but I always see the Color Game sa perya before. Especially in Bulacan, sa province kasi talagang maraming perya everywhere,” she recalled. Her words highlighted how these traditional games played a crucial role in her childhood, and how the new game aims to capture that essence. Eusebio Tanco, chairman of DigiPlus Interactive Corp., shared his vision for the Pinoy Drop Ball game. “As a brand deeply rooted in Filipino culture, it has been our mission to elevate traditional Pinoy entertainment and bring this experience to the modern age. Like our well-loved Filipino games Bingo Mega, Color Game, and Papula Paputi, Drop Ball promises to reignite your excitement and engage you further in the BingoPlus platform,” he was quoted as saying in a report published by Business World . Tanco emphasized that the game would not only bring joy but also connect people through familiar pastimes. The Pinoy Drop Ball game joins a successful lineup of digital games available on the BingoPlus platform, including Bingo, Tongits, and various Perya Games. Tanco noted that the game promises to reignite excitement among players and further engage them in the BingoPlus platform. “Drop Ball is another leap forward in this mission, as BingoPlus continues to bridge offline traditions with modern technology, creating a more seamless and exciting experience for all,” he said. BingoPlus’s innovative approach highlights the potential of digital platforms to revive and sustain cultural practices. By taking traditional games like Pinoy Drop Ball and adapting them for the modern age, the company not only preserves these cherished experiences but also introduces them to a new generation of players. Related article: DigiPlus Aims to Double R&D Capacity with New Bootcamp Initiative

Light & Wonder CEO confirms termination of Dragon Train designer amid legal issues, with a new version in development due to ongoing litigation with Aristocrat. Light & Wonder Inc., a prominent gaming technology supplier, is navigating a turbulent period as it confronts legal issues surrounding its slot game Dragon Train. In a recent video statement, CEO and president Matt Wilson disclosed the termination of the game’s designer. “Though we don’t discuss specifics of personnel matters, I can confirm the designer was terminated earlier this week,” Wilson stated, as Light & Wonder develops a new version of Dragon Train amid ongoing litigation with Aristocrat Technologies Inc The situation stems from a preliminary injunction granted to Aristocrat by a U.S. District Court in Nevada. This injunction cites alleged misappropriation of trade secrets related to the Dragon Train game, which Light & Wonder launched in Australia in 2023 and introduced to the U.S. market in early March. It follows Light & Wonder being told it must cease profiting from the popular slot game after its competitor Aristocrat sued it for copyright infringement and trade secret misappropriation, relating to its own Dragon Link offering. The Nevada District Court has ordered the supplier to remove all land-based and online Dragon Train games by October 23, 2024. In response to the court’s ruling, Wilson noted that Light & Wonder is taking steps to convert around 2,200 Dragon Train units currently deployed in North America to ensure adherence to the judge’s order. Wilson characterized the legal issue as an “isolated incident” that is being effectively managed. He emphasized the company’s focus on maintaining customer satisfaction during this transition. “We are working diligently with our customers to convert those games out in compliance with the judge’s order,” he was quoted as saying in a report published by GGRAsia . He mentioned that Light & Wonder has not received any removal requests from its clients thus far. Looking ahead, Wilson expressed optimism about the future of the Dragon Train franchise. He confirmed that Light & Wonder plans to develop a new version, tentatively called “Dragon Train 2.0.” This new iteration aims to comply fully with the legal requirements while preserving the core appeal of the original game. Wilson believes that the franchise will continue to thrive in Light & Wonder’s portfolio in the future, as evidenced by the sustained success of similar gaming titles. “We expect ‘Dragon Train’ will continue to be a franchise in our portfolio for many years to come,” said the CEO and president. Despite the challenges posed by the ongoing litigation, Light & Wonder remains confident in its overall strategy. Wilson reiterated that the company is on track to achieve its target of $1.4 billion in consolidated earnings before interest, taxation, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) for 2025. He pointed out that while Dragon Train represents a mid-single-digit percentage of the company’s presence in North America, Light & Wonder possesses a robust portfolio of alternative games ready to fill any potential gaps left by the game’s removal. In Australia, where Dragon Train had previously enjoyed success, Light & Wonder has ceased sales following the court’s ruling. Nevertheless, Wilson noted that the company is actively engaging with clients to offer other popular titles, including Lion Link and Shenlong Unleashed, to ensure that their needs are met. The timing of Wilson’s remarks is particularly relevant as the industry gears up for the upcoming Global Gaming Expo (G2E), scheduled for October 7-10 in Las Vegas. This major trade show provides a platform for industry leaders to discuss trends and innovations, making it crucial for Light & Wonder to clarify its position in light of the ongoing litigation. As part of the company’s commitment to innovation, the company is allocating $1 billion capital allocation for share buybacks and a focus on developing new products. Wilson emphasized that this approach aims to drive sustainable growth and reinforce Light & Wonder’s position in the competitive gaming market. Related article: Light & Wonder Marks Growth For 15th Straight Quarter

POGO ban raises questions about the Philippines' investment appeal. ACN interviews industry experts at SPiCE Philippines 2024 who share insights on the impact. The Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) sector has recently faced intense scrutiny, culminating in a total ban by the government. This decision raises critical questions about the Philippines future as an investment hub. To gain insights on this issue, Asia Casino News (ACN) conducted interviews with key figures in the gaming industry during the 3rd Annual   SPiCE Philippines  event held at Shangri-La Mactan in Cebu from September 17-19, 2024. Their perspectives provide a nuanced understanding of the impact of the POGO ban on investment potential in the country. Understanding the POGO Ban The POGO ban  was announced during President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s 2024 State of the Nation address. It aims to curtail illegal operations that have plagued the sector, including human trafficking and scams disguised as gaming activities. Joe Pisano , CEO of Jade Entertainment and Gaming Technologies , noted, “Unfortunately, a few bad actors destroyed that industry. It affected a number of very good companies. This has affected not only the operators but it has also affected some of the special class BPOs that are servicing offshore companies in the US and the UK.” He emphasized that the ban targets illegal operators rather than harming the entire gaming industry. Continued Investment Confidence Despite the challenges posed by the POGO ban, industry leaders remain optimistic about the Philippines as an investment destination. Akili Polee , CEO of DeFiX Solutions LTD , highlighted the importance of allowing local operators to compete. Polee believes that redirecting funds from the banned POGO sector towards local enterprises could stimulate economic growth. “Absolutely, if the government allows these small operators to compete. If they allow small operators to come in and compete, that’s when things could flourish for the country. Because you’re talking about getting rid of a quarter million employees that came from China. “If you use those funds and give that money to new operators from the Philippines, that’s new funding and salaries to people who need them in the country. That’s where you will see a better return of investment and also, you’ll see that money being utilized and staying in the country. That’s important for the economy of the Philippines.” Andrew Pearson , founder of Intelligencia Limited , echoed this sentiment, stating, “I think the Philippines should keep in mind the advice from Latin writer Publilius Syrus: ‘A good reputation is more valuable than money.’ The social cost  of these POGOs was extremely high. The story did not reflect well on the gambling industry in many ways. These crimes  were heard around the world, so the sooner the government addressed and cleaned up, the better.” He further noted that while the loss of revenue  from the POGO sector seems minimal, it could be compensated by incoming investments, emphasizing, “A country’s business reputation is an important variable in the equation investors use to decide where to invest. Reputation might be more valuable than money, but it might also attract coveted investments too.” Harmen Brenninkmeijer , Managing Partner of NYCE International , also shared optimism, saying, “Absolutely, the Philippines is primed for the future of the gaming industry, especially with the present market growth under PIGO [Philippine Inland Gaming Operators License], focusing on developing the local market. However, there is one major limitation and that’s the inability of owning your company 100% if you’re an investor from outside the Philippines.” This limitation remains a concern for foreign investors looking to enter the market. Evan Spytma , CEO of Casino Plus , reinforced their commitment to invest significantly in the Philippines. He disclosed that his company is investing “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.” His confidence suggests that, despite the political climate, the gaming industry can continue to thrive. A New Direction for the Industry The overall consensus among interviewees is that the POGO ban, while disruptive, may ultimately lead to a healthier gaming environment. During one of the panels at SPiCE Philippines 2024, Brenninkmeijer remarked on the need to address the root issues associated with POGOs, emphasizing that “if you talk about human trafficking, that’s not a gaming problem. That’s actually an immigration problem. It has nothing to do with gaming.” He stressed the necessity of better immigration enforcement rather than blanket bans on the industry. In a separate interview with ACN, Brenninkmeijer said about the POGO ban: “It raises concerns as to why politicians have placed the blame solely on POGOs, PAGCOR [Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation] and the gaming industry, when the issues appear to involve other factors such as immigration as well. Moreover, the effects of the ban extend beyond the Philippines, as it highlights broader regional challenges that could influence investor confidence across Southeast Asia.” Akili Polee noted the importance of this reset, stating, “I feel like it’s very important for President Marcos Jr. to put pressure on POGOs and remove them in order to reset everything.” He believes fostering a local gaming environment could create jobs and wealth for Filipino citizens, further enhancing the country’s investment appeal. While the POGO ban has forced a re-evaluation of the gaming landscape, many believe it opens the door for legitimate operators to emerge. Joe Pisano explained, “The POGO ban is addressing illegal operators that were using gaming as a front for their scam businesses. They’re not gaming people; they’re scam artists.” He underscored that the future may still hold opportunities for offshore gaming once the sector is cleansed of illicit entities. The sentiments shared by industry leaders indicate that the POGO ban could lead to a more robust and sustainable gaming sector. Evan Spytma added, “Absolutely, I really feel like we’re just scratching the surface on what’s possible here in the Philippines.” His optimism suggests that, provided the industry adapts to new regulations, growth remains possible. The POGO ban has undeniably stirred significant changes in the Philippine gaming industry. However, insights from key figures suggest a potential silver lining. By targeting illegal activities and encouraging local investments, the Philippines could reshape its gaming landscape into a more attractive investment hub. While challenges remain, the commitment from industry leaders to adapt and invest indicates that the Philippines still holds promise for future growth in the gaming sector. Related article: Total POGO Ban in the Philippines Takes Effect

Transgender beauty queen Lars Pacheco admits to battling online gambling addiction, saying, “Naging makapal ‘yung mukha ko” (I became shameless). Lars Pacheco, a transgender beauty queen, has openly discussed her battle with online gambling addiction, candidly stating, “Naging makapal ‘yung mukha ko” (I became shameless). In a viral   Facebook  video titled “How I lost 5 million in Online Gambling,” which has garnered over 5.7 million views, Pacheco reflected on how her gambling habit began in 2021. In the video, she recounted her initial foray into online sabong (cockfighting) through a money app. “Well I’m super duper afraid to create this video, but baka maging help. So, it started in 2021 [sa] online sabong in a money app. So, I don’t have [an] idea kung paano siya laruin” (Well, I’m super afraid to create this video, but it might help. So, it started in 2021 with online cockfighting in a money app. I had no idea how to play). She explained that she got interested while watching others in her home engage in the game, leading her to give it a try herself. Initially, Pacheco was uncertain about how to place her bets, choosing simply between the colors blue and red based on her feelings of luck. “Dahil nga wala ako alam, namimili lang ako ng color blue or color red. So, meron o wala” (Since I had no idea, I just picked color blue or color red. So, there were wins or losses). As she became more involved, she learned to analyze the game more critically, eventually losing a staggering PhP600,000. As time went on, Pacheco began to feel more confident in her gambling skills. “So, habang tumatagal, feeling ko nagiging expert na ako” (So, as time went on, I felt like I was becoming an expert). She started to observe the physical attributes of the roosters, focusing on their speed and agility. “To cut the long story short, naging adik ako sa sabong” (To cut a long story short, I became addicted to cockfighting). Her gambling addiction intensified when she transitioned to a baccarat gaming app. “Naging baccarat queen naman ako. And sabi ko, mas madali dito kasi dalawa lang ‘yung pagpi-pilian, banker at player” (I became a baccarat queen. I said it was easier here because there were only two choices, banker and player). This new form of gambling became serious for her as it was directly linked to her bank account. “So, every time na QR code lang ‘yung ii-scan mo maka–cash in na siya dun sa gaming app” (So, every time, you just needed to scan the QR code to cash in to the gaming app). Pacheco shared her experience with transaction history on the app, describing it as alarming. “Kasi kulay red, ang kulay ng deposit. Puro ako deposit, deposit, deposit, wala ako nawi-withdraw” (Because red is the color of deposits. I only had deposits, deposits, deposits; I wasn’t withdrawing anything). Her gambling escalated to the point where her bank account faced limitations. “So, tatawag ako dito sa friend ko, Jonas, ‘Lexa pa-transfer n’yo nga ako, kasi, limit na ako’” (So, I would call my friend Jonas, ‘Lexa, can you transfer me some money? I’ve hit my limit’). Eventually, Pacheco realized her behavior was problematic, leading her to deceive friends about her financial situation. “Dito ko na-realized na I met evil in the form of gambling, kasi, natuto ako magsinungaling” (Here I realized that I met evil in the form of gambling, because I learned to lie). She confessed to telling friends she had reached her cash-in limit while hiding her actual financial status. “Naging makapal yung mukha ko” (I became shameless). Before concluding her video, Pacheco offered a warning to others engaged in online gambling, urging them to stop while they could. “Imagine 2021 I started wala pang mga social media influencer na nagpo-promote ng sugal” (Imagine, in 2021 when I started, there were no social media influencers promoting gambling). She noted how easily she was influenced by small amounts sent for gambling, asking, “How much more ngayon na budgeted na and advertised na ‘tong mga sugal na ‘to?” (How much more now that these games are budgeted and advertised?). Pacheco’s intention in sharing her story was to help others recognize the risks associated with gambling. “Alam ko mahihirapan ka, alam ko nanghihinayang ka sa lahat ng mga napatalo mo” (I know it will be hard for you, and I know you feel regret for everything you lost). She encouraged acceptance of losses, stating, “Tanggapin mo na hindi na kayang bawiin lahat ng yun” (Accept that you cannot recover everything). Lars Pacheco gained recognition after participating in the “Miss Q&A” pageant on It’s Showtime in 2018, where she finished as the second runner-up. Last year, she also made it to the Top 6 of the Miss International Queen pageant. Related article: Maine Mendoza Reminisces Bulacan Childhood via Online Game

Las Vegas Sands announces CEO transition as Robert Goldstein shifts to senior advisor in 2026, with Patrick Dumont set to lead. Las Vegas Sands (LVS) has announced a major leadership transition as Robert Goldstein, the company's chairman and CEO, steps down from the position starting March 2026. Patrick Dumont, currently president and COO, will take over as chairman and CEO.  What Goldstein says about his departure “I've been fortunate to work with a great team of people over the years, and I specifically want to express my gratitude to Sheldon for his support and friendship. I would also like to thank Dr. Adelson. I look forward to using the years ahead to help the team build toward another great chapter in this company's history," Goldstein said in a statement.  As he steps down as CEO, Goldstein will move to a senior advisor role starting March 1, 2026. With Goldstein’s shift to a senior advisor role, he will be focusing on government relations, new development projects, and gaming strategy. Under his watch, LVS became the most valuable company in its sector after going public on the NYSE. Goldstein’s legacy in Vegas and in Asian entertainment Goldstein played a key role in developing The Venetian Las Vegas, pushing for major retail and entertainment investments that helped Las Vegas attract more business tourists. Under Goldstein's leadership, LVS grew beyond the United States. The company built major properties in Macao and Singapore, including The Venetian Macao and The Londoner Macao, and Marina Bay Sands.  Goldstein pushed LVS to invest heavily in entertainment. He supported the launch of TAO Nightclub and brought Broadway-style shows to Las Vegas.He also helped secure the Las Vegas Raiders stadium and backed the development of the MSG Sphere, now a landmark venue in the city. Read related article:   Asia's Most Notorious Gambling Kingpin Arrested

Macau's gaming tax revenue soared 35% in 2024, reaching PHP 622.3B (MOP 88.13B / USD 11.0B), highlighting the industry's strong recovery and growth. Macau’s Financial Services Bureau reports that gaming tax revenue for the world’s largest casino hub reached PHP 622.3 billion (MOP 88.13 billion / USD 11.0 billion)  in 2024. This marks a 35% jump from 2023 and surpasses government forecasts by 5.4%. Macau’s gaming tax figures for 2024 contributed to a whopping 80.5 percent its total revenue of PH P753.5 billion  (MOP 109.5 billion /US 13.7 billion) . Despite this, recovery for Macau is still a long way to go, missing out on the pre-pandemic high of PHP 795.6 billion (MOP 112.71 billion / USD 14.1 billion) gaming tax revenue from 2019.  The sharp rise in tax revenue signals a healthier tourism and casino market for Macau. This will also allow the government to fund key projects and expand new business sectors.  This will also boost investor confidence in funding expansions, upgrades, and non-gaming attractions. January's Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR) reached approximately PHP 127.75 billion (MOP 18.25 billion, USD 2.26 billion), showing a 5.6% year-over-year decrease. While the January figures presented a slight decline, industry analysts maintain a degree of optimism. Adding to this, the government projects further growth in 2025, targeting PHP 657.3 billion (MOP 93.12 billion / USD 11.6 billion)  in gaming taxes. How soon will Macau recover?  But questions remain about how quickly it can rebound towards pre-pandemic levels—the government's strategy to attract a broader tourism base will be essential for long-term stability. Casino operators also pay a 40% tax on GGR. While this boosts government funds, casinos will have to be profitable while complying with new regulations, such as investment in non-gaming attractions.  Macau will also have to keep working on improving its gaming and non-gaming options to solidify its position as Asia’s premier entertainment hub while mitigating future economic risks.  Read related article:   ‘Macau Casino Outlook Tied to Chinese Economy’

Can AI-Powered Marketing Work in iGaming?  Discover how AI-driven influencer marketing and avatars help iGaming brands engage audiences, stay compliant, and drive growth. As gambling ad regulations tighten and celebrity endorsements face scrutiny, brands are turning to artificial intelligence to stay compliant while reaching new audiences. At SPICE South Asia, where Asia Casino News was a media partner, experts discussed how AI can help iGaming platforms promote their brands without breaking advertising rules. AI’s Role in India’s iGaming Industry With online gambling still a taboo topic in India, some believe AI could reshape influencer marketing in the country. “In India, compliance issues make it risky for people to promote iGaming. AI allows brands to create content without direct human involvement. However, the content should still feel real, or audiences won’t engage,” said Sb Rathore, Founder of Promotion Bazaar, during SPICE South Asia, an event organized by Eventus. How AI Influencers Work AI-powered influencers use deep learning models to generate avatars that can promote iGaming platforms. These digital personalities have AI-generated voices and facial expressions, making them almost indistinguishable from real influencers. “You can create a profile from scratch with AI avatars, AI voiceovers, and AI scripts. As long as the content is engaging for a specific audience, it can reach a large group. The AI-generated person even looks real, with moving lips and facial expressions,” said Raveen Wijayatilake, CEO at InGame Esports. Ethical and Compliance Concerns AI-driven marketing offers benefits, but it also raises concerns. If people don’t realize they’re interacting with AI, they might feel misled. Brands must be transparent about AI use to maintain trust. Regulators may also step in. If companies use AI influencers to bypass gambling ad restrictions, authorities could impose stricter rules. Some regions might even require brands to disclose when content is AI-generated. Can AI-Powered Marketing Work in iGaming?  AI is revolutionizing digital marketing, but its impact on iGaming depends on industry regulations and public acceptance. Read related article:   1 Week to Go Until SPiCE South Asia 2025 Unites the Industry

Marina Bay Sands has successfully cleared its debt and secured PHP 495 billion (SG$12 billion / US$9 billion) in new financing to drive its ambitious IR2 expansion. Marina Bay Sands (MBS), one of Singapore’s two legal casinos, has cleared its outstanding debt of PHP 515 billion (SG$12 billion /  US$8.9 billion*) as it positions towards expanding its facilities in the coming years.  According to a filing by its parent company, Las Vegas Sands, MBS successfully settled all outstanding loans under its 2012 facility agreement. This financial reset, paid February 28, 2025, involved the prepayment of specific loan facilities, the settlement of additional financial commitments, and the termination of previous lender agreements.  Marina Bay Sands has fully repaid its Facility A and Facility D loans, cleared all remaining balances, and reduced available credit for both loan categories to zero. It also canceled all related commitments from lenders under the original loan agreement, which was first set up on June 25, 2012, with DBS as the agent and security trustee. With a clean financial slate, MBS has secured a new PHP 495 billion (SG$12 billion / US$9 billion)  credit facility for growth and innovation. A Bold New Chapter for Marina Bay Sands The IR2 project will introduce exciting new features, including a brand-new hotel tower, a cutting-edge 15,000-seat arena, and expanded meeting and event spaces. With an investment now reaching PHP 330 billion (SG$8 billion / US$6 billion) Construction will begin in June 2025. MBS also scheduled the grand opening of the expanded MBS on January 1, 2031 . Financing the Expansion Las Vegas Sands is funding the project, with DBS overseeing the financing as the agent and security trustee. Originally set as a PHP 135 billion (SG$3.3 billion / US$2.5 billion) investment, the project has expanded into a comprehensive PHP 330 billion transformation. With its financial restructuring complete, Marina Bay Sands is entering a new era of growth and innovation. Read related article:   Completion of Marina Bay Sands Expansion Delayed to 2031

Senator Risa Hontiveros gives the Bureau of Immigration 15 days to explain the alleged escape of Alice Guo, criticizing the agency’s ‘hands-off approach’ and lack of an internal probe. Senator Risa Hontiveros has given Bureau of Immigration (BI) Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado 15 days to provide clear answers about the alleged escape of Alice Guo and her associates from the Philippines. In a hearing on March 4, Hontiveros expressed growing frustration with what she called the "hands-off approach" of the Immigration Bureau in investigating the matter. She noted that the BI appears to be waiting for information from other countries rather than conducting its own thorough internal probe. “Because if we just stop at this status, we’re inutile as a country. It’s been four months, and we still don’t know how fugitives managed to slip past our borders undetected?” Hontiveros said.  Alice Guo, a former mayor of Bamban, Tarlac, is currently being investigated for her ties to offshore gaming while assuming power as a local executive.  How did Alice Guo?  Alice Guo's departure from the Philippines in July 2024 involved conflicting accounts, initially suggesting air travel to Malaysia, but later revealed by Guo herself to be a sea escape via yacht and smaller boats, eventually reaching Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia. Despite an Immigration Lookout Bulletin Order, she successfully left the country, raising questions about border control. After being apprehended by Indonesian authorities in September 2024, she was deported back to the Philippines and taken into custody, with her return sparking criticism regarding her official reception. If the BI fails to provide satisfactory answers within the 15-day period, Hontiveros hinted at possible Senate action, including recommendations for leadership changes within the agency. The Immigration Commissioner's office has acknowledged receipt of the senator's demand but has not yet issued an official response. The Alice Guo case continues to test the government's commitment to transparency and accountability in law enforcement and border control operations. Read related article:   Philippine Police Tighten Watch vs. POGOs

Senators push for stricter regulations on gambling apps for locals, including ad bans, limits on celebrity endorsements, and a Senate hearing to address concerns. Lawmakers in the Philippines want an investigation into   online gambling platforms targeting locals . They are calling for ad bans, limits on celebrity endorsements, and a Senate hearing to address concerns. Senate President Francis "Chiz" Escudero warns that Filipinos, not foreigners, are losing money to these platforms. He suspects former POGOs (Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators) are now operating as PIGOs (Philippine Inland Gaming Operators) to avoid detection. “Ang nawawalan at nauubusan ng pera ay Pilipino at hindi dayuhan, at malamang sa malamang ‘yung mga dating POGO ay nagtatago sa likod ng PIGO,” Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero shared in a statement. (It’s Filipinos that are losing money from this and not foreigners. And I believe it’s likely that former POGOs are hiding behind these PIGOs.) POGOs to PIGOs POGOs once dominated the market, serving Chinese players under Philippine regulation. However, concerns over money laundering, human trafficking, and illegal immigration led to a crackdown. In November 2024, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. banned POGOs, forcing many to shut down or go underground. PIGOs emerged during COVID-19 lockdowns in 2020, catering to local players through mobile access, e-wallets, and heavy advertising. Major casinos quickly secured PIGO licenses.  Push for an Ad Ban Senator Grace Poe wants stricter controls on PIGOs. She calls for PAGCOR to ban ads and restrict celebrity endorsements, arguing these promotions influence young and vulnerable audiences. She compares the promotion of Gambling Apps for Locals to cigarette and vape advertisements, which are banned for public health reasons. Poe also criticizes celebrities for endorsing these apps without considering their impact on fans, emphasizing the potential risks online gambling poses to the public. “Itong online na ito, talamak ang advertisement, open, Hindi lang daan, kundi libu-libo ang apektado diyan. So, kung maghihigpit tayo sa ibang personalities na nage-endorse dito sa investments, maghigpit din tayo pagdating dito. Paalala na rin sa mga sikat na artista, siyempre kung ano rin ang epekto nito sa kamalayan ng ating mga kababayan na humahanga sa kanila," Poe shared. (Online gambling ads are everywhere. Thousands are affected. If we regulate investment endorsements, we should do the same here. Celebrities must think about their influence.)  What’s Next? Poe proposes a Senate hearing to review PIGO operations and decide if they should continue. She also urges PAGCOR to act now by limiting PIGO expansion and enforcing tighter rules, even before new laws are passed. Read related article:   Philippine Police Tighten Watch vs. POGOs