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The French regulator, ANJ, released a statement today (July 25) forecasting up to €240 million in bets for the Paris Olympic Games. The statement discusses potential developments for the Paris Olympics and assesses the outcomes of its actions during Euro 2024.
Olympic Games projectionsThe ANJ projects that betting during the Paris Olympic Games could reach €240 million, double the amount wagered during the Tokyo Games in 2021. A study by Toluna-Harris Interactive cited by the ANJ found that 25% of French people interested in the Olympics are considering betting. Of these potential bettors, 74% say that the Games being held in Paris increases their interest in betting, even though 64% did not bet during the Tokyo Games four years ago.
Among the 32 sports represented at the Olympic Games, the ANJ received licensing requests for all sports except breaking, skateboarding, surfing, swimming (artistic and diving), gymnastics (rhythmic and trampoline), and equestrian (dressage and eventing).
Growth of the online sports betting market in the first half of 2024Compared to 2023, the amount wagered has increased by 24% (€5.2 billion) in the first half of 2024, with gross gaming revenue rising by 16% (€871 million). The number of active player accounts has also grown by 16%, exceeding 2 million accounts.
Euro 2024: betting revenue below expectationsDuring Euro 2024, however, only half of the anticipated betting revenue was collected. French operators registered €650 million in bets, roughly the same amount as during Euro 2021.
Factors cited by the ANJ for this shortfall include the political context in France during the tournament and limited media coverage due to the upcoming Olympics.
Additionally, France’s fewer goals and absence from the final contributed to the lower revenue.
One reason many stakeholders have cited for the anticipated amounts being nearly halved is the weak channelisation. However, the ANJ clarifies that although the number of illegal operators and websites has increased, the actual volume of bets placed on these platforms remains relatively low.
Increased regulatory monitoring during the Olympic GamesA new risk monitoring system will be in place during the competition to prevent sports manipulation, involving cooperation among the ANJ, COJOP (Comité d’Organisation des Jeux Olympiques et Paralympiques), IOC (International Olympic Committee), and various national and international partners. This is the first time the Olympics are hosted in a country with a dedicated national platform for combating sports manipulation, explains the ANJ.
This platform, led by the Minister of Sports, includes various government ministries, sports organisations, and gaming operators. The ANJ will oversee betting activities, manage alerts, and coordinate actions.
Internationally, a network of national platforms, supported by the Council of Europe and comprising nearly forty countries, will facilitate information exchange to fight international organised crime.
WHAT’S NEXT: SiGMA East Europe Summit powered by Soft2Bet, happening in Budapest from 2 – 4 September.The Chinese Embassy in the Philippines has expressed strong approval of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s decision to ban all Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs). In a statement, the embassy highlighted that this move would benefit both Filipino and Chinese communities.
“We have noted President Marcos’ announcement of banning all POGOs and welcome this development. We believe this decision echoes the call of the Philippine people and serves the common interests of people of both countries,” the Embassy stated on Thursday.
Impact on crime and law enforcementThe Chinese government has been actively cracking down on its citizens involved in gambling businesses abroad, including POGOs. The embassy underscored that these operations are linked to serious crimes such as kidnapping, human trafficking, and murder. It was emphasised that POGO activities harm the interests and images of both nations and negatively affect China-Philippines relations.
“The Chinese law prohibits all forms of gambling,” the statement added. “The Chinese government strictly cracks down on Chinese citizens engaging in overseas gambling businesses including POGO.”
Commitment to joint effortsThe embassy reiterated China’s readiness to continue its strong law enforcement cooperation with the Philippines to protect the safety and well-being of their citizens. They emphasised that many Chinese citizens involved in POGO-related crimes were victims of the industry.
“POGO breeds serious crimes and gravely undermines the interests of both Philippine and Chinese people,” the statement said. “In line with this commitment, China is ready to continue its strong law enforcement cooperation with the Philippines and better protect the safety and well-being of the two peoples.”
Enforcement and prospectsThe Associated Press reported that Marcos’ order targets over 400 online gambling operations employing tens of thousands of Chinese and Southeast Asian nationals. These operations have often been linked to illegal activities and poor working conditions.
Marcos emphasised the need for strict enforcement of this ban, citing the severe abuse and disregard for Philippine laws by these operators. The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) has been tasked with winding down these operations by the end of the year, with labour officials working to find alternative employment for displaced Filipino workers.
In a joint House committee hearing, PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro Tengco clarified that the President’s order encompasses all offshore gaming operations, including the licenced Internet Gaming Licensees (IGLs). Speaking with local reporters, Tengco also shared that around 20,000 Filipino workers are set to be displaced.
Complex China-Philippines relationsThe Philippines’ relationship with China remains complex, balancing significant trade engagements and cooperation against crime with ongoing territorial disputes in the South China Sea. While Marcos’ predecessor, Rodrigo Duterte, fostered closer ties with China, Marcos has shifted towards strengthening defence ties with the U.S. and other allies.
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Philippine basketball icon June Mar Fajardo (pictured in centre) has cemented his status as one of Asia’s sporting legends after being named in ESPN’s Top 25 Asian Athletes of the 21st Century. The seven-times ‘PBA Most Valuable Player’ shares the spotlight in the 25th spot with fellow Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao.
The 6-foot-10 Cebuano centre’s unparalleled dominance in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) has earned him global recognition. His impressive resume, highlighted by ten championships with San Miguel Beer, four Finals MVP awards, and a Defensive Player of the Year title, among others, made him a standout choice for ESPN.
“Known as ‘The Kraken,’ Fajardo has won seven MVP awards, the most in league history, and has led the San Miguel Beermen to 10 PBA championships,” ESPN lauded, accentuating Fajardo’s brilliance and hard work. The sports giant also acknowledged Fajardo’s contributions to the Philippine national team, Gilas Pilipinas, where he has been a stalwart since the 2013 FIBA Asia Championships
The ESPN recognition is yet another milestone in Fajardo’s illustrious career. Hailing from Compostela, Cebu, the “Kraken” started his basketball journey at the University of Cebu before being draughted first overall by Petron Blaze Boosters in the 2012 PBA Draft. His rookie season was marked by a silver medal with Gilas Pilipinas at the 2013 FIBA Asia Championship.
Fajardo’s route to the pinnace of sportFajardo, known for his formidable presence on the court, was born in 1989, in Compostela, Cebu, Philippines. Raised in the modest town of Pinamungajan, Fajardo’s journey to basketball stardom began in his youth, where his towering height and natural athleticism set him apart. He honed his skills at the University of Cebu, leading the Webmasters to multiple championships in the CESAFI league. Drafted first overall by the Petron Blaze Boosters in 2012,
Fajardo quickly became a dominant force in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA). He earned seven MVP awards, the most in league history, and he has led the San Miguel Beermen to ten PBA championships. Beyond his accolades, Fajardo is celebrated for his humility and dedication, often attributing his success to hard work and perseverance.
Despite his imposing stature, those close to him describe him as a very gentle character off the court, a quality that endears him to his fans.
Vice President Kamala Harris has taken a slight lead over former President Donald Trump, according to a recent Reuters/Ipsos poll. Following President Joe Biden’s decision to end his re-election campaign and endorse Harris, the poll indicates that Harris is ahead of Trump by 42 percent to 44 percent.
This shift marks a notable change from the previous week’s poll, which showed Biden trailing Trump by two percentage points. The new survey, conducted shortly after the Republican National Convention and Biden’s announcement, highlights the rapidly evolving dynamics of the presidential race.
Harris secured the Democratic nomination, now leads Trump within the poll’s three-percentage-point margin of error. In mid-July, both candidates were tied at 44 percent, and earlier in the month, Trump held a narrow one-point lead. Fluctuations of the competitive nature of the race and the potential for further changes are expected as the campaign progresses.
Reuters/Ipsos poll reports tight raceThe importance of nationwide surveys lies in their ability to signal American support for political candidates. However, the ultimate decision in a presidential election rests with a few pivotal states in the U.S. Electoral College. These battleground states often determine the final outcome, making their polling results crucial in predicting the election winner.
A pollster from Trump’s campaign downplayed Harris’ recent surge in support, attributing it to the extensive media coverage following her new candidacy. “That bump is likely to start showing itself over the next few days and will last for a while,” said Tony Fabrizio, a pollster for Trump’s campaign, in a memo circulated to reporters. He suggested that candidates typically experience a rise in popularity after accepting their party’s nomination during high-profile conventions.
Despite expectations of a post-convention boost for Trump, the poll showed no significant increase in his support. This indicates that Harris’ lead might be more stable than initially anticipated.
Biden’s decision to exit the race and endorse Harris was influenced by several factors, including public perception of his mental acuity. The poll revealed that 56 percent of registered voters believe Harris, 59, is “mentally sharp and able to deal with challenges,” compared to 49 percent who said the same of Trump, 78. Only 22 percent of voters shared this view about Biden, 81.
Biden’s exit followed a debate with Trump where he struggled to respond effectively to the former president’s attacks, some of which contained falsehoods. This performance raised concerns about his ability to campaign effectively against Donald Trump.
As the race intensifies, the latest Reuters/Ipsos poll gives an insight into the rationale behind Biden’s withdrawal and Harris’ ascension as the Democratic nominee. The upcoming weeks will be crucial in determining whether Harris can maintain her lead and capitalize on the momentum generated by her candidacy.