ESA Gaming and Betika’s strategic alliance for Africa expansion

The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (PAGCOR), the state gaming regulator and operator, has issued 40 licences to rebranded offshore gaming operators, now termed as Internet Gaming Licensees (IGL).  

According to a report of philstar.com, PAGCOR has granted nine provisional licences to these operators. This rebranding marks a shift from the previously used term "Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators" (POGOs). 

This move follows the implementation of the “Internet Gaming Licensing Regulations” which took effect on July 12, 2023. These regulations require all POGOs to reapply for licences under the new framework to ensure compliance with updated standards. The revision aims to address persistent controversies and regulatory challenges associated with the previous POGO framework, particularly regarding the hiring practices of foreign workers. 

The rebranding was officially announced in October 2023 by PAGCOR chairman and CEO Alejandro Tengco. The new term, Internet Gaming Licensees, reflects PAGCOR's efforts to modernize and streamline the regulation of offshore gaming operations. 

Despite the controversies, offshore gaming operations remain a significant part of the Philippine gaming industry. In 2023, these operations generated Php3.15 billion (€50 million), accounting for 4.31 percent of PAGCOR’s total gaming revenues of Php79.37 billion (€1.26 billion). The industry achieved of P285.27 billion in 2023 (€4.5 billion), surpassing pre-pandemic levels, according to PAGCOR. 

The agency’s issuance of 40 licences to rebranded Internet Gaming Licensees represents a significant regulatory update aimed at improving the governance of offshore gaming operators. With the implementation of revised regulations and the rebranding initiative, PAGCOR is poised to enhance the integrity and profitability of the Philippine gaming industry. 

Last month, PAGCOR said it has a significant surge in its first-quarter income for 2024, reaching PHP25.24 billion (€401million), marking a 42.57 percent increase compared to the same period last year.   

Online gambling regulations across the European Union (EU) make up a diverse patchwork of regulatory frameworks, reflecting the varying socio-cultural contexts and public policy objectives of each member state. These national regulatory systems must, however, comply with overarching EU law as determined by the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU).

Impact of European Elections

The regulatory frameworks for online gambling in the The EU has the authority to introduce common rules for online gambling, although achieving political consensus on this issue can be challenging. EU elections may shift the balance of power and influence regulatory policy directions. A political group prioritizing consumer protection and public health might push for stricter regulations and enhanced enforcement mechanisms. Conversely, a group focused on economic growth and innovation might advocate for more liberal regulatory frameworks, potentially easing restrictions and encouraging market expansion.

EU elections also affect the interpretation and enforcement of existing EU laws related to online gambling. Changes in the political landscape can lead to shifts in the composition of the CJEU, potentially influencing its rulings on the compliance of national regulatory frameworks with EU law. These judicial decisions play a crucial role in shaping the regulatory environment across member states.

The results of EU elections can indirectly affect the online gambling industry through broader economic policies. A pro-business EU stance might result in policies that favour the growth and competitiveness of the online gambling sector, while a consumer-centric approach could lead to more stringent regulations aimed at protecting gamblers and reducing the risks associated with online gambling.

This table here provides a concise overview of the online gambling regulations in various EU countries.

In countries like Austria and Finland, online gambling is largely monopolized. Austria has limited options for private operators, maintaining tight control over online casino gaming. Similarly, , ensuring state control over the industry.

Several countries have opted for strict licensing systems to regulate online gambling. Belgium requires online gaming operators to partner with existing land-based casinos and adhere to stringent licensing requirements. Denmark, Estonia, and Italy also maintain regulated markets where operators must obtain licenses to offer online gambling services.

Other countries have legalized online gambling but enforce specific regulatory frameworks. Bulgaria allows online gambling but requires operators to obtain a licence from another EU country. Croatia, Greece, Latvia, and Lithuania have established their licensing systems to regulate the market. Malta is a notable hub for online gaming, with a highly regulated environment and licenses issued by the Malta Gaming Authority.

Some EU countries have a mixed approach. Germany has partially legalized online gambling with strict regulations and licensing requirements. Poland operates a state monopoly on certain gambling activities, with partial legalization and stringent regulations for online gambling.

In contrast, several countries have stringent restrictions or outright bans on online casino gaming. Cyprus only permits sports betting, making other forms of online casino games illegal. France allows sports betting and poker but bans online casinos. Luxembourg has a blanket ban on online casino gaming.

SkyCity Adelaide and the Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (AUSTRAC) have jointly proposed a penalty of AU$67 million (€41.2 million) to the Federal Court of Australia. This proposal comes in response to allegations of significant and systemic non-compliance with anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorism financing (CTF) laws, initially brought against SkyCity Adelaide by AUSTRAC in 2022. 

This development follows a legislative last month that seeks to not only raise penalties for criminal offences but also cover past and future conduct, enabling retrospective fines. 

SkyCity Adelaide has admitted to breaching the AML/CTF Act 2006. The breaches include deficiencies in its AML/CTF programs, failing to meet required standards, and not conducting adequate ongoing due diligence for higher-risk customers and transactions. This agreement with includes an acknowledgment of these violations and a proposed penalty, pending court approval. A hearing to review the proposed settlement is scheduled for June 7. 

AUSTRAC CEO Brendan Thomas highlighted the necessity of the action due to concerns that SkyCity’s practices allowed high-risk activities and customer relationships to continue unchecked. Thomas emphasized the importance of casinos and the broader gaming sector adhering to AML/CTF obligations to prevent money laundering and terrorism financing risks. 

SkyCity’s executive chairman, Julian Cook, issued a public apology, acknowledging the company's failure to meet required standards. "We acknowledge that, as a casino operator, we play a key role in combating money laundering and terrorism financing and safeguarding the community against these risks. While we take this responsibility seriously, we accept we have failed to live up to the standard required of us and for this, on behalf of the SkyCity and SkyCity Adelaide Boards and management teams, I apologize.” 

SkyCity has committed to enhancing its AML/CTF practices. The company plans to appoint an independent expert to review its AML/CTF program, develop a comprehensive enhancement program, and implement governance changes to focus on compliance. The company has also invested in AML/CTF resourcing and capability, strengthened relationships with law enforcement, and adopted revised AML/CTF programs. 

SkyCity Entertainment Group recently appointed former Aristocrat executive Jason Walbridge as its new Chief Executive Officer. The company reiterated its commitment to ongoing enhancement activities in both New Zealand and Australia, aiming to fully comply with regulatory expectations and safeguard against financial crimes. 

Sands Macao, the first post-liberalization casino in Macau, celebrated its 20th anniversary with a grand ceremony last week. Since its opening on May 18, 2004, Sands Macao has been a cornerstone of the region's casino industry, setting the stage for Sands China's extensive growth and development. 

According to the group’s press release, 's portfolio, which includes five properties—Sands Macao on the Macau peninsula, and The Venetian, The Plaza, The Londoner, and The Parisian Macao integrated resorts in Cotai—has collectively welcomed over 950 million visitors since the opening of Sands Macao. 

Wilfred Wong, executive vice chairman of Sands China Ltd., reflected on the significant impact of Sands Macao’s opening. "The grand inauguration of Sands Macao in 2004 served as the pivotal moment in Macao’s illustrious era of tourism. Drawing inspiration from the triumphant integrated resort model of Las Vegas, we subsequently embarked on a transformative journey that reshaped the Cotai skyline," he stated. 

Sands China's properties feature over 12,000 hotel rooms and suites, 150 dining options, extensive meetings and conventions destinations, more than 720 duty-free shops, convention and exhibition venues, two arenas, and four theatres. This diverse range of amenities has solidified Sands China’s role as a major player in the hospitality and entertainment sectors.  

The 20th-anniversary celebration included performances by local singer German Ku and London’s West End artist Kayleigh Stephenson. Attendees enjoyed song and dance sequences, a pyrotechnic display, and a gala dinner featuring Moulin Rouge-inspired performances and British vocal harmony group The Overtones. 

's 20-year journey underscored its significant contributions to Macau’s tourism and entertainment landscape, with its properties continuing to attract millions of visitors and setting new standards in luxury and hospitality.