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Stakelogic B.V., a rapidly growing Dutch game developer, has announced a definitive agreement to be acquired by the Japanese entertainment conglomerate SEGA SAMMY HOLDINGS INC. through its wholly-owned subsidiary, SEGA SAMMY CREATION INC.. The deal, valued at an upfront enterprise value of €130 million, also includes an earnout payment contingent on certain performance measures being met.

Below are the key points of the deal.

The acquisition is set to combine Stakelogic’s extensive portfolio of popular online slot games, live casino studio capabilities, and innovative hybrid game offerings with SEGA SAMMY’s global distribution platform. This strategic move aims to leverage the strengths of both companies to accelerate growth and innovation in the iGaming sector.

Stephan van den Oetelaar, CEO of Stakelogic, will continue to lead the company post-acquisition. He expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “Sega Sammy and Stakelogic share the same passion for online entertainment, innovation, and technology. Together with Sega Sammy, Stakelogic will be able to grow its international operations much faster. The regulated iGaming market will double in size in the upcoming years. As part of Sega Sammy, we will have the execution power to become one of the leading players in the iGaming B2B industry”.

Koichi Fukazawa, Senior Executive Vice President and Group CFO of SEGA SAMMY, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the strategic importance of the acquisition. “SEGA SAMMY Group aims to establish a presence as a creative B2B solution provider based on innovative technology, especially in the North American online gaming market. I am very pleased to announce our alliance with Stakelogic, an innovative and leading content provider in the Dutch gaming market, as a crucial part of executing this strategy. We are confident that Stakelogic’s ability to rapidly develop and provide unique, high-quality gaming content will make a significant contribution to the implementation of our strategy and create excellent synergies through combining with the strengths of our group”

Market Implications and Future Prospects

The acquisition is expected to significantly impact the iGaming market, particularly in North America, where SEGA SAMMY aims to establish a strong presence. The U.S. online gaming market, which includes sports betting and iGaming, was valued at approximately $12 billion in 2022 and is projected to grow to $27.1 billion by 2027. This growth is driven by increasing legalization and consumer adoption of online gaming platforms.

Stakelogic’s innovative approach and rapid content development capabilities are expected to enhance SEGA SAMMY’s competitive edge in this burgeoning market. The acquisition aligns with SEGA SAMMY’s medium-term plan to expand its gaming business, which includes the development and operation of integrated resorts and gaming machines.

The transaction is subject to regulatory approvals in relevant jurisdictions and other customary conditions. It is anticipated to close by the second quarter of 2025.

In summary, the acquisition of Stakelogic by SEGA SAMMY represents a strategic move to capitalize on the growing iGaming market. By combining their strengths, both companies are poised to drive innovation and growth, positioning themselves as leaders in the global online gaming industry.

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, 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.

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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. 

The 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."

The 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." 

The 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. 

The 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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Renowned sports bettor Gadoon "Spanky" Kyrollos, who is facing extortion allegations and has admitted to illegal proxy betting, has launched a charity, American Bettors' Voice (ABV), to "eliminate friction" in withdrawal processes for gamblers.

American Bettors’ Voice

Kyrollos, alongside sports bettor Billy Walters, has now announced the formation of a non-profit organisation named American Bettors’ Voice (ABV). Based in Nevada, USA, the organisation aims to advocate for sports bettors and address several pressing issues within the industry - including the withdrawal process.

Kyrollos will serve as ABV's chairman, with industry professional Richard Schuetz as CEO.

One of ABV’s key focuses is the delay in fund withdrawals—a major complaint among gamblers, according to the UK Gambling Commission. The commission has criticised operators for introducing unnecessary friction during the withdrawal process, often requesting additional documentation at the point of withdrawal rather than during the deposit stage. Operators “should not continue to accept deposits indefinitely and then seek to rely on their AML procedures to frustrate a withdrawal request”, the commission declared.

The controversy began in March 2023 when an anonymous New York resident alleged that his personal information had been leaked by DraftKings employees. According to the plaintiff, this breach of privacy led to an unpleasant experience in which he was confronted and threatened with extortion for $500,000 by an assailant. The assailant allegedly demanded that the money be sent to the well-known sports bettor Gadoon "Spanky" Kyrollos.

In response to the lawsuit, "Spanky" Kyrollos publicly addressed the situation, arguing that the legal action stemmed from his past disputes with Steve Jacobs. Jacobs, recruited by Kyrollos to place illegal proxy bets, allegedly refused to share the winnings, claiming that operators would not allow him to withdraw the money.

The partnership recorded around $350,000 in winning bets and $14,000 in bonuses. Kyrollos expected payment once Jacobs withdrew $200,000 from his DraftKings account. However, Jacobs faced delays because DraftKings required him to sign an "affidavit of eligibility" before processing the withdrawal. Kyrollos suggested that Jacobs file a claim with the New York State Gaming Commission, which Jacobs reportedly did on February 6, 2023.

None of the winnings ever made their way back to Kyrollos. The famous sports bettor posted documents and theories on Twitter, speculating that Jacobs might have gambled away the funds, stolen them, or used another betting site. Kyrollos also claims that Jacobs anonymously sued him for extortion to avoid sharing the winnings.

Malaysia-based casino supplier RGB International and local digital gaming company DigiPlus both announced they remain unaffected by the government’s recent ban on Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs).   

On Monday, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. declared that POGOs must cease operations by the end of the year during his State of the Nation Address (SONA), impacting 38 Internet Gaming Licensees (IGLs) permit holders and seven provisional licensees based on the data from the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR).  

RGB emphasised that none of its slot machines were sold to POGOs. Instead, their machines are exclusively supplied to integrated resorts (IR), casinos, and slot club operators licenced by PAGCOR. The company maintains a positive outlook on its business prospects in the Philippines.  

The company said the board of directors of RGB International Bhd reassures all stakeholders that they are not affected in any way by the POGOs ban. They also highlighted their recent plans to open a new facility in Manila, which will include a showroom, training hub, and repair centre. This facility, located near the Entertainment City casino zone, aims to support regional expansion and sustained business growth.  

RGB recently secured an $81 million (€74.6 million) deal to supply nearly 2,000 new slot machines to PAGCOR as part of a refresh of the regulator’s self-operated casinos. This strategic move underscores the company's robust prospects in the Philippine market.  

DigiPlus Interactive Corp., a digital gaming company in the Philippines, has also assured its investors and stakeholders that the POGO ban will not affect its operations. Unlike POGOs, DigiPlus caters to the local market and operates physical gaming sites across the country, as mandated by Philippine law.  

DigiPlus President Andy Tsui clarified that the company is not classified as a POGO or an IGL. "DigiPlus is not a POGO or an IGL as defined under Philippine laws," Tsui stated. He emphasised that DigiPlus complies with local regulations and maintains various licences required to offer traditional and electronic bingo, sports betting, specialty games, and poker.  

The company’s digital entertainment platforms, such as BingoPlus, ArenaPlus, Perya Game, and BingoPlus Poker, continue to serve Filipino customers without disruption. Last year, DigiPlus paid PHP13.1 billion (€206.2 million) in taxes to the Philippine government. It also provides employment to over 2,000 people across the country. Additionally, the company’s BingoPlus Foundation has invested over PHP100 million (€1.6 million) in corporate social responsibility projects.  

"As such, local gaming enthusiasts need not worry. Fans of DigiPlus’ products will be glad to know that their top-of-the-line platforms will continue running without interruption, unaffected by the recent presidential announcement," Tsui added. The company's focus on innovation aims to revolutionise the entertainment space in the Philippines, ensuring that local gaming enthusiasts can enjoy uninterrupted services despite the recent regulatory changes.  

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The closure of POGOs is expected to have a massive impact on the real estate sector, as the industry was a major tenant of office spaces according to Reuters.

PAGCOR will be working closely with law enforcement agencies to prevent POGOs from operating illegally and to address concerns about human trafficking and other crimes associated with the industry.

The Philippine government is set to completely phase out the offshore gaming industry, with a focus on Chinese-owned operators, according to a statement from the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) on Tuesday.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered the regulator to shut down Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) by the end of the year amid concerns over their alleged links to criminal activities. "No problem in closing down POGOs because I can invoke national security and the president's order," PAGCOR Chairman Alejandro Tengco told Reuters.

The once-booming industry, which took off in 2016 due to lenient regulations, has recently faced increasing scrutiny. There were 300 POGO operators at its peak, but stricter tax rules and the COVID-19 pandemic forced many to close or relocate. According to Chairman Tengco, there's only 43 licensed POGOs in the Philippines, employing approximately 63,000 workers.

While the government stands to lose around 23 billion pesos (approximately €362 million) annually in taxes and fees from the industry, Economic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan (pictured above) argued that the benefits of a ban outweigh the costs.

China, which has been vocal about its opposition to cross-border gambling, is seen as a potential beneficiary of the crackdown. Some analysts believe the move could help ease tensions between the two countries over the disputed South China Sea.

"This might lead to an improvement in Philippine and China relations," said Renato Cruz De Castro, an international affairs analyst at De La Salle University.

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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.

The 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.

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Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) Chairman and CEO Alejandro Tengco clarified that the ban on all Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) includes Internet Gaming Licensees (IGLs) as instructed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. The ban on all POGOs, legal and illegal, was announced by Marcos in his 3rd State of the Nation Address (SONA).  

During a joint committee hearing at the House of Representatives, Tengco said the decision encompasses the 43 remaining legal entities now termed IGLs, emphasising the clarity of the President's orders.  

Despite the directive’s clarity, confusion remains among lawmakers and officials regarding its enforcement. Representatives like Surigao del Norte’s Robert Ace Barbers and ACT Teachers’ France Castro expressed concerns about potential loopholes due to the rebranding of POGOs as IGLs. Tengco reassured the committees that all POGO operations under PAGCOR's jurisdiction would cease, stressing the necessity to distinguish between legal and illegal operators to avoid enforcement gaps. This distinction is critical to ensuring that the ban is comprehensive and effective.  

In July 2023, the term IGL was introduced to improve the image of POGOs by implementing stricter regulations and a rebranding effort. This initiative reduced the number of licenced operators from 298 to 43, as many could not meet the new standards.   

The POGO industry had gained notoriety for its association with various criminal activities, prompting this regulatory overhaul. Recent raids have highlighted the explicit connection between gambling companies and illegal activities such as prostitution, torture, and murder, reinforcing the need for stringent controls.  

To ensure the effective implementation of the directive, Interior Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. and other agencies will collaborate on the operational shutdown. The Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) emphasised the importance of the five-month timeframe for identifying and deporting foreign nationals working in the industry.   

House Speaker Martin Romualdez called for legislation to solidify the ban and prevent future administrations from reviving these operations.   

PAGCOR projects revenue losses from the ban, estimated at PHP7 billion (€110.2 million) annually from IGLs. Additionally, the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) and other agencies could lose up to PHP23 billion (€362 million) in taxes and fees. Despite these concerns, National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Secretary Arsenio Balisacan argued that the benefits of the ban outweigh the costs, highlighting the negative social and reputational impacts of hosting POGOs.   

Balisacan said the industry contributed less than 0.5 percent to the GDP in 2022, and its removal could deter criminal activities linked to these operations. Balisacan emphasised that the focus should be on promoting legitimate businesses that enhance the country’s reputation as an investment and tourist destination.  

The government plans to assist displaced POGO workers by transitioning them into the information technology-business process management sector, leveraging their existing IT skills. Agencies like the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) will provide the necessary training and support to facilitate this shift. Philippine Economic Zone Authority Chief Tereso Panga affirmed the agency’s commitment to helping displaced workers, highlighting the importance of upskilling and reskilling to ensure a smooth transition to new employment opportunities.  

Moreover, Bureau of Immigration (BI) Commissioner Norman Tansingco said that around 20,000 foreign workers of POGOs and IGLs will be required to leave the country in 60 days. He added that pending applications and new applications for visas for POGO and IGL workers will be denied by the BI. 

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Massachusetts residents could soon be purchasing lottery tickets online, thanks to a legislative compromise that included online lottery in the state's $58 billion budget plan. If the Democratic Governor Maura Healey signs the bill, Massachusetts will become the 11th state to offer online lottery.

Approved on July 19, the budget plan not only addresses the legalisation of online lottery sales but also includes funding for free community college for all state residents and allocations for the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA). The plan is expected to generate an additional $100 million in revenue for the state through online lottery sales.

“Our team is excited to implement an online Lottery,” Massachusetts Lottery Executive Director Mark William Bracken, adding “we are ready”.

This sentiment was echoed by State Treasurer Deborah B. Goldberg, who described the inclusion of online lottery sales in the budget as “great news” for keeping the Lottery competitive and reaching new audiences. She added: “We are prepared to implement a safe and reliable online lottery that will produce significant resources for critical childcare services, which are so desperately needed across the state”.

Initially, online lottery was excluded from the Senate’s budget proposal in May due to concerns about the time required to generate revenue and the potential impact on brick-and-mortar stores. However, the budget compromise addressed these issues, introducing stricter regulations to earn the Senate’s approval. Key changes include raising the minimum age for online lottery participation from 18 to 21 and measures to prevent predatory advertising targeting minors. The online lottery will be banned from accepting credit-card payments and will promote traditional lottery retailers.

Senate President Karen Spilka explained, “This is part of the reason why we negotiate a budget; we sit with the House and we work through their provisions. They work through ours.” The age restriction for online lottery will not affect sales in physical retail stores, where the minimum age remains 18.

With the budget deal nearing completion, the next step is for Governor Healey to sign the bill. The inclusion of online lottery in the fiscal year 2025 budget represents a long-awaited digitalisation of the Massachusetts State Lottery.  

BetBlocker, a UK-based charity that developed a self-exclusion tool, received the Jim Wuelfing Annual Award for Prevention at the 2024 National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) Awards. The award, presented on July 19th, was accepted by Pedro Romero, the charity’s Chief of Safer Gambling Partnerships.

Named after Jim Wuelfing, an advocate for gambling prevention in the United States, this award celebrates individuals or organisations whose mission is to prevent problem gambling.

As more gambling occurs online and players use multiple operators located in many different countries, traditional self-exclusion tools have proven insufficient, leading to the emergence of innovative tools like BetBlocker, Gamban, and Gamblock.

BetBlocker provides free and anonymous blocking software entirely funded through charitable donations and partnerships. It restricts access to both unregulated and licensed gambling operators for those seeking self-exclusion. The software also enables users to plan and control their exposure to gambling platforms during vulnerable times, such as late evenings or weekends.

BetBlocker has also made its services accessible to a broader audience by translating its software into seven languages, with more translations underway.

Duncan Garvie, founder of BetBlocker, expressed his gratitude for the award: “Recognition of BetBlocker’s work by the NCPG, one of the most influential voices in the sector, is one of the highest accolades our organisation could receive. The entire BetBlocker team is deeply honoured by this award.”

Pedro Romero echoed this sentiment, stating, “It was incredibly humbling at the NCPG conference to hear from numerous harm minimisation organisations in the USA that are already referring their service users to BetBlocker. Running an anonymous service, we don’t often interact with our users, so it’s easy to lose sight of how many people are positively impacted by the support we offer.”