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.”

In the UK, the player safety platform Department of Trust and the Vulnerability Registration Service, VRS, have signed a long-term partnership.

Department of Trust is a company that helps gambling operators conduct Enhanced Due Diligence (EDD) by assessing players' financial data for them. The idea is to ensure that both operators and players are safe by mitigating financial risks.

The Vulnerability Registration Service is a non-profit independent organisation. It keeps a central register of people deemed vulnerable and shares it with companies, lenders, creditors as a way to keep people safe. Individuals can register themselves and also decide whenever they want to remove themselves from the list if they judge that their circumstances have improved. Individuals can also be registered by the NHS (UK National Health Service), local authorities, banks, or other trusted solicitors or debt charities. The register includes around 700,000 individuals.

Charles Cohen, CEO of Department of Trust, said: “This is a great development for us and the gambling sector as it rises to the challenge of the new regulations coming in just a few weeks. Operators have a very clear obligation to identify vulnerable customers, but extremely limited means to do so early and without intrusive questioning or document sharing.”

He added: “By incorporating the incredible Vulnerability Registration Service into DoTrust Complete, operators using our platform have the most effective means to meet their new obligations with the highest possible standard of data – and without exposing themselves to extraneous data points which can often raise more questions than they answer.”

Helen Lord, CEO of the Vulnerability Registration Service, commented: “The core function of the Vulnerability Registration Service is to provide a central, independent register of vulnerable people. This helps companies identify them, engage accordingly and treat them more appropriately. This partnership with the Department of Trust is a vital development in protecting people from potential gambling harm at a time when the issue has never been more in focus.”

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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In the wake of the UK Conservative Party’s disintegration, a moment of introspection looms large amongst Conservatives with the question of whether they can ever muster the popularity needed for a resurgence. The betting markets, ever the barometer of public sentiment, have already begun speculating on the potential successors to the party’s leadership.

The names of Kemi Badenoch, (left photo above), Tom Tugendhat (top right, photo above), and Priti Patel (bottom right, photo above), are being bandied about as the top contenders. Intriguingly, Boris Johnson, despite his current status as a non-MP, has also found a place on this speculative list, underscoring the unpredictability of political fortunes.

Given the circumstances, the volatility that characterizes the current political climate implies a precarious position for the Labour Party. If it falls short of fulfilling its manifesto commitments, it could very well find itself facing a defeat as monumental and crushing as the one the Tories have just experienced. Keir Starmer stands on shaky ground, with no assurances that the political figure landing the knockout punch may eventually be no other than Nigel Farage.

The latest betting odds for the next leader of the UK Conservative Party

British voters are clearly concerned about the state of the UK, a sentiment that has fuelled the dramatic electoral swings since 2008.

The UK political landscape is the heightened volatility of British voters, who are increasingly open to exploring their options. This trend is the offspring of the financial and the weak UK economy, the scars of which are visible in the country's current sluggish productivity and growth.

In the aftermath of the recent Tory defeat, a result that was largely anticipated, the political landscape has been left with a number of high-profile figures who failed to make their mark. Among them is Liz Truss, whose prospects of becoming the next leader of the Conservative Party seem to be virtually non-existent.

Despite her brief tenure as Prime Minister, a period marked by problems and uncertainty, it comes as no surprised that the odds set by bookmakers do not favour her.

This is a clear reflection of the current political climate and the voice of the British public, which has been resoundingly heard. The electorate’s verdict at the polls leaves little room for Truss’s political comeback, casting a shadow over her future within the Conservative Party. Yet Truss will always have a place in history, albeit for being among the top three shortest-serving Prime Ministers.

The story of Liz Truss is a vivid illustration of the unpredictable nature of politics, the fact that political fortunes can rise and fall rapidly, and that today’s leader may not necessarily be tomorrow’s frontrunner. As we look ahead, the question remains: who will rise from the ashes of this defeat to lead the Conservative Party into its next chapter? Only time will tell.

SiGMA East Europe Summit powered by Soft2Bet, will take place in Budapest from 2-4 September 2024

SiGMA East Europe Summit powered by Soft2Bet, will take place in Budapest from 2-4 September 2024