Philippine online gambling giant DigiPlus Interactive has suffered another major setback. Due to market concerns that President Marcos might announce a tougher crackdown on online gambling in his State of the Nation Address (SONA), DigiPlus' stock price plummeted nearly 30% on Thursday, marking its
The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) recently announced an update to its official slogan, changing the previously mild "Keep Entertainment, Play Rationally" to the more cautionary "Gambling is Addictive, Know When to Stop". This move is seen as an important step by the authoritie
In 2024, Philippine President Marcos announced a comprehensive ban on offshore gambling (POGO), citing its involvement in transnational crimes such as kidnapping, money laundering, and illegal detention, which severely jeopardizes national security. However, a year later, despite the shutdown of PO
Philippines' Finance Minister Ralph Recto recently stated that the government is brewing a comprehensive taxation on the online gambling industry and plans to incorporate it into a high-intensity financial regulatory system. This reform aims not only to rectify the industry's disorder but also hopes
I. Background Overview: Freeport in the Institutional GapClark Freeport Zone, originally a U.S. military base located in Pampanga Province, was transformed into a special economic zone in the Philippines, managed by the Clark Development Corporation (CDC) under the Philippine Bases Conversion and De
Philippine local gambling operators (PIGO) are currently in a crucial transition period from traditional offline operations to online expansion.In an interview with AGB, Joe Pisano, CEO of Jade Entertainment, pointed out that PIGO operators must integrate offline resources with online platforms, us
The Cyber Crime Division of Thailand held a press conference in Mueang Thani Province, announcing an ongoing investigation into a financial channel involving online gambling and fraud groups, suspected of transferring illicit gains abroad through the Cambodian cryptocurrency exchange "Huione Group".
Winston Casio, spokesperson for the Philippine Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC), recently stated that several foreigners involved in illegal online gambling have entered the formal deportation process, currently waiting for the relevant countries to provide travel documents, passport verifica
Philippine House Speaker Martin Romualdez stated that the House will expedite the processing of key legislative agendas, especially to complete the review of important bills including the "Anti-Online Gambling Bill" before the 19th Congress adjourns in two weeks.Romualdez noted that upon resumption,
In April 2025, the kidnapping and murder of Filipino-Chinese businessman Guo Congyuan and his driver Armani Pabillo shocked the Filipino-Chinese community, revealing the persistent issue of kidnappings targeting the Chinese community in the Philippines. Guo's death is seen as a reflection of the lon
Recently, Sri Lanka, a country that has been "low-key" on the edge of the Indian Ocean, is gradually being targeted by a group of "special foreigners".They come from Israel, India, Russia, Ukraine, and other places, appearing as tourists or investors, but are quietly developing a grey industrial cha
The Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG) stated on April 1 that after the ban on the online gambling industry (POGO), some former employees might have taken illegal devices out of the related parks and engaged in illegal transactions. The group is investigating cases involving
BackgroundThe Philippine government once implemented the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) policy, allowing domestically licensed companies to operate online gambling businesses targeting overseas markets (mainly China). This model flourished during Duterte's administration, forming concen
Malta, an island nation in the Mediterranean, has become a global focal point in recent years due to its booming online gambling industry. The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) provides a solid foundation for this industry's rapid growth with its advanced regulatory and legislative framework.Malta Gaming
Philippine Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero recently called on the government to reassess the local online gambling operators (PIGO), questioning their social harm which he believes is comparable to the previously banned Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO). Escudero pointed out
Recently, the Philippines successfully exited the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) "grey list," marking significant progress in its anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorism financing (CTF) efforts. However, experts warn that sectors like online gambling and cryptocurrencies may still pose