Concerns raised as online gambling seen rise in Cambodia  

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has endorsed a proposal to introduce "nomad visas" to attracts long-stay foreign visitors to the country.  

According to a report of the Philippine News Agency, the Private Sector Advisory Council for Tourism (PSAC-Tourism) recommended the issuance of an executive order (EO) to expedite the implementation of these visas without initial tax incentives, which could be incorporated following the passage of related legislation. 

Lucio Tan III, Vice Chairperson and Chief Operating Officer of LT Group, emphasised the urgency of introducing nomad visas to attract long-term tourists, noting that other countries in the region, such as Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia, are already benefiting from similar initiatives. 

Marcos has tasked the Office of the Executive Secretary with drafting the EO and selecting a pilot country for the nomad visa initiative. This move is seen as an interim solution to boost the tourism sector while broader legislative measures are being considered. 

Last year, the Southeast Asian country set a target of 7.7 million international visitor arrivals. In 2023, foreign tourists made up 91.9 percent of the 5,069,752 arrivals, presenting a lucrative opportunity for B2B iGaming platforms to customise their services to meet the varied tastes of international visitors.  

Moreover, PSAC-Tourism has expressed optimism about the potential growth of the tourism sector under the current administration's initiatives. The council emphasised the importance of supporting industry-specific training programs to equip individuals with the skills necessary for immediate employment in tourism-related fields. 

Joji Gotianun Yap, President and Chief Executive Officer of Filinvest Development Corporation, pointed out that a significant portion of the tourism workforce holds certifications from the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA). She advocated for increasing these certifications, with the private sector identifying the required skills. 

Marcos also highlighted the role of industry guidance in shaping these training efforts, stressing the need for short-term courses that enable quick job placement. 

Meanwhile, J. Prospero de Vera III, Chair of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), discussed the strategic approach to tourism and hospitality education. He cited numerous institutions offering four-year degrees in Tourism and Hospitality Management and emphasised the integration of TESDA certifications into these programs. 

De Vera explained that allowing top schools to run these programs ensures quality and meets current needs. TESDA certifications can now be credited towards these degrees, providing students with a flexible pathway. 

PSAC-Tourism is confident that these combined efforts will enhance the Philippines' reputation as a premier tourist destination, improve the quality of its tourism workforce, and stimulate economic growth. 

In a related development, Marcos has directed government agencies to streamline the e-visa processing for Indian nationals, aiming to boost tourism from one of the Philippines' significant source markets. The Department of Tourism (DOT) welcomed this directive in a statement dated July 4. 

The DOT highlighted that efficient e-visa processing for Indian visitors will simplify entry procedures and create a more welcoming environment. This initiative is expected to attract more visitors from India and strengthen the cultural and economic ties between the two nations. 

The DOT pledged to collaborate closely with all stakeholders to ensure the successful implementation of this initiative and called on the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to actively drive these e-visa reforms. 

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The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) recently released a performance report on BetStop, a self-exclusion program launched on 21 August 2023. The program targets individuals who want to be excluded from all licensed online and phone wagering providers in Australia.

The report revealed a surge in BetStop registrants, with 25,972 individuals signing up for the program from its launch until June 2024. New South Wales had the largest number of registrants, with 8,055 individuals, followed by Victoria with 7,020. Moreover, 1,590 new registrants were reported to join the program in June alone.

As of 30 June 2024, 21,381 individuals had active exclusions, indicating outstanding participation of individuals in the program.

The report also emphasised the program's impact on younger demographics, with 48% of BetStop registrants falling within the age range of 30 and under. This data underscores the proactive approach taken by young people in Australia to exclude themselves from gambling activities.

The report shed light on the duration of exclusions chosen by participants, revealing that 40% of registrants opted for a 3-month to 2-year exclusion from licensed online and phone wagering providers. Additionally, 39% of participants elected for a lifetime exclusion, indicating a strong commitment to self-exclusion. Furthermore, 17% chose a 3-month exclusion, 3% opted for 2-5 years, and 1% selected over five years of exclusion.

The success and reach of the BetStop self-exclusion program stresses the growing awareness and use of such initiatives among the Australian population. With a large number of individuals actively seeking to exclude themselves from gambling activities, the program demonstrates a proactive approach to addressing gambling-related issues in the country.

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On June 27, journalist Sempurna Pasaribu and his family tragically died in a house fire in Karo Regency, Indonesia. Police are now investigating claims that suggest his death was not accidental but linked to his work as an investigative journalist for the television channel Tribrata.

Sempurna Pasaribu (47) had recently investigated gambling activities allegedly involving Indonesian military personnel.
The Journalists Safety Committee (KKJ) stated that they had "verified and thoroughly investigated the case of the house fire that killed Rico Sempurna Pasaribu in Karo Regency, North Sumatra. Based on the joint investigation conducted by KKJ Sumut, several facts indicate that the fire incident, which claimed the lives of the Tribrata TV journalist and his family, occurred after the victim exposed gambling activities in North Sumatra". They also alleged that a TNI military member with the initials HB, who was targeted by Sempurna Pasaribu's investigation, had threatened the journalist.

The police stated that they are currently investigating the cause of the fire to determine whether it was arson or a domestic accident. They appear to be taking the claims seriously, as the Forensic Laboratory division has conducted a crime scene examination, and autopsies are underway. However, the exact cause of the fire that killed Sempurna and his family still remains unclear.

Several witnesses reportedly claimed that the family stored gasoline and that spilled gasoline may have sparked the fire.

"The Press Council urges the National Police and the North Sumatra Police chief to establish a team to investigate the case fairly and impartially," the council said in a statement.

The Press Council also called on the National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM) and the Witness and Victim Protection Agency (LPSK) to ensure the safety of the victims' family from potential retaliation by TNI military personnel, who are accused of involvement in illegal gambling and potentially silencing the journalist.

"The Press Council believes that journalistic activities, including those undertaken by the journalist from Tribrata TV, should not justify acts of violence against him, despite any alleged misconduct," the council added.

According to Reporters Without Borders, Indonesia ranks 111th out of 180 in terms of press freedom. They state, in Indonesia “journalists who investigate cases of local corruption are often subjected to various forms of intimidation by police or TNI soldiers, going as far as arrest and physical violence. This results in a high level of self-censorship.”

As Wynn Resorts prepares to open the first-ever casino in the UAE, a survey conducted by Dubai Casinos reveals varied opinions on its potential impact on Ras Al Khaimah. This landmark development, set to launch in 2026 on Marjan Island, has sparked significant interest and debate among locals.  

In January 2022, Wynn Resorts announced the groundbreaking project that aims to transform Ras Al Khaimah’s tourism and entertainment landscape. The resort will be situated on a man-made island extending 4.5 kilometres into the Arabian Gulf, marking a pivotal moment in the UAE's tourism sector.  

The survey was conducted over six months with 2,000 respondents. The goal was to gauge public sentiment on how the Wynn Project might reshape Ras Al Khaimah. According to Dubai Casino, the survey exclusively targeted UAE residents, with 81 percent of respondents hailing from Ras Al Khaimah and all participants aged 18 and above.  

9 out of 10 respondents are aware of the Wynn Resorts project, highlighting the high level of public interest. 56 percent of participants believe the project will significantly boost tourism revenue and create job opportunities, reflecting optimism about economic growth. However, 29 percent anticipate only moderate economic benefits, while 15 percent foresee little to no impact on the local economy.  

Many respondents, 60 percent, expect the project to increase property values in the surrounding areas. However, 22 percent are concerned about potential decreases in property prices, suggesting mixed expectations.  

54 percent of the respondents believe the casino will draw new tourists interested in gaming, potentially boosting local tourism. About 34 percent of respondents expressed concerns about the social implications, such as gambling addiction, calling for careful regulation. Additionally, 28 percent emphasised the importance of preserving local cultural integrity through sustainable development.  

A majority, 60.8 percent, believe Dubai will remain the UAE’s top tourist destination, despite the Wynn Resorts project. However, 32.4 percent see the potential for Ras Al Khaimah to emerge as a significant tourist hub, while a small segment, 6.8 percent, remains unsure about its future standing.  

The introduction of a casino in Ras Al Khaimah has sparked discussions about its impact on the UAE’s cultural scene. Balancing traditional values with economic growth through tourism requires careful community engagement.  

The Wynn project promises to bolster Ras Al Khaimah’s economy by increasing tourism revenue and creating jobs. However, concerns about social repercussions, such as gambling addiction, necessitate proactive measures.  

Implementing a casino in Ras Al Khaimah poses regulatory challenges in the UAE, known for its strict governance of social conduct. Adapting existing frameworks to ensure responsible gaming practices is essential.  

As Ras Al Khaimah advances with ambitious growth initiatives, these survey insights provide valuable guidance for stakeholders aiming to leverage opportunities and address challenges in shaping the emirate's tourism future. 

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