Government Announces Ban on Offshore Gaming Operators
In a significant move, the Philippines has decided to ban offshore gaming operators, a sector primarily serving Chinese gamblers. This industry has raised substantial concerns among law enforcement agencies due to its alleged connections to organized crime.
The Rise and Fall of POGOs
Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) have proliferated across the nation, both in licensed and illegal forms, employing thousands of Chinese and other foreign nationals. These operators, under the guise of legitimate businesses, have been accused of engaging in a wide array of illicit activities.
In his recent state of the nation address, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. declared an immediate and comprehensive ban on POGOs. “Effective today, all POGOs are banned,” Marcos announced to a standing ovation from lawmakers. He emphasized the severe societal impact of these operations, which have extended into financial scams, money laundering, prostitution, human trafficking, kidnapping, torture, and even murder.
Diplomatic and Domestic Implications
The ban comes amid heightened diplomatic tensions between Manila and Beijing over territorial disputes in the South China Sea. While this move is likely to strain relations further, it may also garner approval from the Chinese government, which has been actively cracking down on cross-border gambling.
The Philippine gaming regulator has been tasked with closing over 40 licensed and numerous illicit POGO operations by the end of the year. This sector, which emerged during the tenure of Marcos’ predecessor, Rodrigo Duterte, had become a major hub for online gaming, catering primarily to Chinese nationals. Duterte’s administration had previously turned a blind eye to the industry’s suspected illicit activities, prioritizing the economic benefits it brought to state coffers.
Criminal Activities and Human Trafficking
The offshore gaming industry has been linked to a surge in online scam syndicates in Southeast Asia, particularly during the coronavirus pandemic. With the decline in visitors due to border closures, many illicit casinos shifted their focus to scams. These syndicates often exploit victims of human trafficking, many of whom are also Chinese nationals.
Jaime FlorCruz, the Philippine ambassador to China, noted that while the POGO sector brought significant revenue and job opportunities, it also gave rise to various criminal activities, damaging China’s image in the Philippines. He believes the ban will foster better cooperation between the two countries in combating crime and protecting public welfare.
Crackdown and Public Response
Authorities in the Philippines have intensified their crackdown on POGOs, with numerous operations discovered in abandoned malls, converted parking lots, and rented offices. These locations have been under scrutiny for being fronts for scam centers and other illegal activities.
Recent police raids have rescued hundreds of Filipinos, Chinese, and other nationals from scam centers disguised as casinos. The Chinese embassy in Manila has also supported the crackdown, aiding in the shutdown of several offshore gambling centers and repatriating nearly 1,000 Chinese citizens over the past year.
Economic and Social Impact
The POGO ban, while applauded by many for its potential to reduce crime, also poses economic challenges. The industry, employing tens of thousands directly and indirectly, has been a significant revenue source. However, the costs associated with its criminal activities have far outweighed its benefits.
Philippine Trade Secretary Alfredo Pascual and business leaders have expressed support for the ban, believing it will make the country more attractive to legitimate businesses and tourists. They argue that the POGO industry has tarnished the Philippines’ reputation, associating it with violence and corruption.
Moving Forward
President Marcos’ decision to ban POGOs represents a crucial step towards addressing the complex issues of organized crime and illegal activities linked to offshore gaming. While the immediate economic impact may be significant, the long-term benefits of a safer and more reputable business environment are expected to outweigh the costs.
This move also reflects the Philippines’ broader strategy of asserting its sovereignty and addressing internal challenges through legal and diplomatic means. As the nation navigates its relationship with China and other international partners, the POGO ban stands as a testament to its commitment to law and order.
A recent study from the University of California San Diego’s Rady School of Management has shed light on the correlation between irresponsible gambling and lower-income consumers in states where online gambling is legal. This research provides crucial insights for policymakers considering the expansion of online gambling laws.
Key Findings
Disproportionate Impact on Lower-Income Households
The study analyzed five years of data from over 700,000 gamblers across 32 states. It compared 18 states that had changed their online gambling laws with 14 that had not. The findings reveal that the expansion of online gambling disproportionately affects lower-income households. According to Kenneth Wilbur, a professor of marketing and analytics at the Rady School and co-author of the study, “Our data show that online gambling legalization leads to more irresponsible gambling spending among lower-income consumers than among higher-income gamblers.”
Definition of Irresponsible Gambling
Irresponsible gambling was defined as spending a high proportion of one’s income on gambling. For instance, someone spending 10% or more of their take-home pay on gambling would be classified as gambling irresponsibly.
Financial Risks and Losses
Wilbur’s team discovered that 96% of the 700,000 online gamblers studied lost money, highlighting the financial risks associated with online gambling. “Only 4% made money from online betting,” Wilbur explained. “That is by design. Online gambling platforms often ban or throttle frequent winners’ accounts. There is no right to gamble.”
Chasing Losses
The study also found that lower-income players tend to bet more when they lose, a behavior known as chasing losses. This practice significantly contributes to the financial risks associated with online gambling. “Our analysis shows that online gambling legalization leads to far more problematic gambling among lower-income gamblers than among higher-income gamblers,” Wilbur reported.
Benefits and Risks of Online Gambling
Tax Revenue and Societal Costs
While online sports betting and internet casinos have created new tax streams for state governments, the societal costs cannot be ignored. iGaming, or online slot machines and table games, are much more robust tax generators compared to the small-margin business of sports betting. However, the added tax revenue comes with significant societal costs, as indicated by the increase in irresponsible gambling among lower-income consumers.
Reduction of Illegal Gambling
Another benefit of online gaming authorization is the potential reduction of illegal gambling. Regulated gambling can hurt underground operations, including offshore gaming websites. This makes it easier for law enforcement to reduce illegal gambling activities.
Implications for Policy Makers
Consideration for Expansion
The goal of the study was to provide useful data for state lawmakers considering online gambling bills. Wilbur emphasized that while iGaming and online sports betting unquestionably increase tax revenue, lawmakers should be aware that those who experience the most gambling problems are likely to be smaller-scale, lower-income gamblers.
Informed Decision-Making
With the data provided by the study, state legislatures can make more informed decisions regarding the expansion of online gambling. For example, states like New York and Illinois, which are considering expanding legalized gambling, can use these findings to weigh the potential benefits and risks.
Exclusive Launch in Ontario
Evolution Gaming has announced its “biggest launch ever” with the debut of Lightning Storm, exclusively released with BetMGM in Ontario. CEO Martin Carlesund praised the game as “some of our best work yet,” highlighting its unique setting in a dark, mad scientist’s laboratory-themed studio. Lightning Storm features a spinning money wheel with 39 segments offering various prizes and bonus features, bringing an innovative twist to live casino game shows.
Oliver Bartlett, Vice President of Gaming Product & Content at BetMGM, expressed excitement about the launch: “Live dealer is a key focus of our igaming business at BetMGM. Lightning Storm combines the social aspect of live dealers, the excitement of a game show, and the popularity of Lightning games to create a fantastic experience for our players. Evolution’s reputation in the live dealer vertical is unmatched, and we are honored to exclusively debut their biggest game yet.”
Financial Highlights and Future Plans
In the recent Q2 financial results, Carlesund emphasized the significance of Lightning Storm, despite a slight delay in its release. The game was launched at the beginning of Q3 2024, rather than the initially planned end of Q2. Carlesund remarked, “We have been working on Lightning Storm for a long time, and I dare say it’s some of our best work yet, building on so many things that we have learnt from previous games.”
Evolution’s Q2 update revealed impressive financial performance, with operating revenues of €508.4 million, marking a 15.3% increase from the corresponding period in 2023. EBITDA also climbed by 10.9% to €345.8 million. However, the EBITDA margin slightly decreased from 70.7% in Q2 2023 to 68%. Carlesund attributed this to the largest payout in online casino history, with Crazy Time distributing over €35 million to more than 5,000 players.
Expanding the Game Portfolio
Looking ahead, Evolution has ambitious plans for its slot production, aiming to release over 100 games throughout the remainder of 2024. The RNG segment saw a modest 2% growth, but Carlesund expressed confidence in “incremental improvements” supporting future growth. “We have a high pace of fantastic game-delivery in 2024, even better than in 2023,” he stated.
In Q2, Evolution successfully launched Balloon Race, Lightning Dragon Tiger Live, and Lightning Sic Bo Live. The RNG side saw the release of 26 titles, showcasing the quality and innovation of Evolution’s four RNG brands: Red Tiger, Nolimit City, NetEnt, and Big Time Gaming.
Strategic Acquisitions and New Studios
Evolution also made strategic moves, including the acquisition of Galaxy Gaming, aiming to strengthen its position in the US market. Carlesund commented, “We are constantly looking for new ways to strengthen our position as the leading supplier of online casino games. With the acquisition, we accelerate and solidify our presence in the US market where Galaxy is licensed in 28 states.”
Additionally, Evolution is preparing to launch a new Prague-based studio and plans to open one to two more studios ahead of 2025, ensuring continued growth and innovation.
Always Bringing You the Latest Slot News
Evolution Gaming’s recent activities underscore its commitment to innovation, quality, and market expansion. From the grand launch of Lightning Storm to strategic acquisitions and new studio openings, Evolution is poised to maintain its leadership in the online casino industry. Stay tuned for more exciting updates and the latest slot news as we continue to bring you the freshest developments from Evolution and beyond.
The Netherlands’ gambling landscape is undergoing a significant transformation as the Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), the country’s gaming authority, ramps up efforts to protect players. In a move welcomed by the online gambling sector, the KSA has launched a specialized unit called Duty of Care Online, aimed at intensifying scrutiny of online operators’ responsible gaming practices.
This development comes on the heels of a revealing probe conducted in September, which exposed considerable inconsistencies in how ten online gambling providers interpreted their duty of care responsibilities. Reacting to these findings, the KSA has broadened its Responsible Gaming policy, expanding its oversight of online operators.
New Unit to Spearhead Enhanced Oversight
The Duty of Care Online unit is set to conduct extensive investigations into providers showing notable discrepancies in control data and respond to player-reported issues. This team will be tasked with ensuring compliance with updated duty of care and policy regulations designed to better identify and mitigate gambling addiction risks.
KSA Chair Michel Groothuizen underscored the significance of this initiative, stating, “Our annual plan and the Supervisory Agenda 2024 clearly prioritize duty of care compliance. This new unit strengthens our supervisory capabilities and aligns with our ‘playing safe’ mission.”
Brick-and-Mortar Venues Also Under the Microscope
The KSA’s efforts extend beyond the digital realm. Recent inspections of 20 gaming halls across the Netherlands revealed that while most establishments recognized their duty of care, there was room for improvement in implementation. The authority noted that many venues were aware of regular players’ circumstances and behaviors but lacked effective intervention strategies.
Upcoming Protective Measures
New player protection measures will be introduced in October, including monthly deposit caps of €300 for players aged 18-24 and €700 for those over 24. The KSA plans to use its findings to enhance duty of care practices in gaming halls nationwide.
Areas identified for improvement include establishing maximum playing times at 24-hour arcades and enhancing monitoring of excessive gaming behaviors. The KSA has communicated specific improvement points to inspected gaming halls and plans to issue comprehensive guidance to all permit holders later this year.
Industry Response
The online gambling industry has expressed support for these initiatives, acknowledging the crucial role of robust player protection measures. Under Michel Groothuizen’s leadership, the KSA is set to make substantial progress in safeguarding players across both online and land-based gambling platforms.
As these changes unfold, the Dutch gambling landscape is poised for a safer, more responsible future, balancing the industry’s growth with enhanced player protection.
Las Vegas, July 17, 2024 – As the curtain falls on The Mirage Hotel & Casino, a staple of Las Vegas luxury and entertainment since 1989, it’s going out with a bang—or rather, a $1.6 million giveaway. The iconic resort, set to make room for a new vision of the Strip, bids farewell with a final jackpot event.
End of an Era: The Mirage Closes Its Doors
The Mirage will close its doors permanently on July 17, 2024, ending a 34-year reign on the Las Vegas Strip. The property is making way for the ambitious “Hard Rock Hotel & Casino and Guitar Hotel Las Vegas,” a project that promises to reshape the skyline with its unique guitar-shaped hotel tower.
In the week leading up to the closure, the Mirage has been hosting a “progressive finale cash giveaway,” with the grand finale scheduled just a day before it officially ceases operations. This event is not just a celebration but a requirement under Nevada law, which mandates that all progressive jackpots be awarded before a casino can shut down.
A New Future Rises: The Guitar Hotel
With the Mirage’s demolition, plans for the new Hard Rock Hotel & Casino are set to commence, aiming for a grand opening in 2027. This new addition to the Strip is expected to bring a fresh wave of tourism and entertainment with its innovative design and state-of-the-art facilities.
Reflecting on The Mirage’s Legacy
Since its opening by developer Steve Wynn in 1989, The Mirage has been a pioneer of the modern mega-resort era in Las Vegas. It introduced the city to luxury on a scale previously unseen, with attractions like the famous volcano fountain, which set the stage for future spectacles like the Bellagio’s fountains and the Venetian’s canals.
The Mirage also made headlines with its star-studded shows, including the legendary Siegfried and Roy’s white tiger act and the Beatles-themed Cirque du Soleil performance. As the hotel prepares for closure, patrons and fans have taken to social media to express their nostalgia and share memories of the landmark.
A Challenging Farewell
The closure brings significant changes not just in terms of city landscape but also in the lives of those associated with The Mirage. Hard Rock International, the new owners, have announced layoffs of over 3,000 employees, albeit with a substantial severance package totaling $80 million.
As The Mirage’s last volcano eruption sets the stage for its final goodbye, the Strip prepares to say farewell to an icon that redefined luxury and entertainment in Las Vegas. The transformation into the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino marks a new chapter for the city, promising to continue its legacy as a global entertainment hub.
