Philippines
POGO-linked kidnapping cases almost double in 2020
The number of kidnapping cases involving Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) almost doubled last year to 17 during the Covid-19 pandemic. There were 10 cases filed, 23 victims rescued, 33 suspects arrests and two suspects killed.
POGOs win tax stay, though uncertainty remains high
Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) have won a reprieve from a punishing franchise tax, which may stop the exodus from the country, but uncertainty over business conditions remains high, industry insiders say.
PAGCOR funds evacuation centers in the Bicol region
After bankrolling the construction of two evacuation centers in Albay last December, PAGCOR has approved the construction of four evacuation centers in the Bicol region.
Competition adds to Covid woes in the Philippines
Operators in Entertainment City had already begun to complain about the impact of rising competition on their margins even prior to the Covid-19 crisis. Now, with the outlook highly uncertain due to border closures and the erosion of the VIP sector, they may have to contend with three new developments pressing ahead.
PAGCOR dividends for 2020 reach US$378 million
Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) remitted an additional PHP1 billion to the National Treasury, bringing to PHP18 billion (US$378 million) its total dividends contribution for the year 2020.
DoF to stop collecting POGO franchise tax after SC ruling
The Department of Finance (DOF) said it will comply the Supreme Court’s order barring the imposition of franchise tax on all bets generated by Philippine offshore gaming operations (POGOs).
Philippine Supreme Court issues temporary stay against 5% POGO tax
The Philippine Supreme Court has granted a temporary restraining order against the collection of a 5 percent franchise tax from Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) following a petition from 14 foreign-based firms.
Suncity says Suntrust unit raises US$268.6 million for Manila project
Suncity Group Holdings says its Suntrust Home Developers unit has raised a total of PHP12.9 billion ($268.6 million) through the issue of convertible bonds to finance the development of an integrated resort in Manila.
PAGCOR contributes US$354 million to fight Covid-19 in 2020
The Philippine Gaming and Amusement Corp (PAGCOR) remitted PHP17 billion ($354 million) to the Bureau of the Treasury in 2020 to help the government fight the Covid-19 pandemic.
Rich Goldman revives its junket business
After an absence of about nine months, Hong Kong listed Rich Goldman has now confirmed its return to the junket promotion business, securing a VIP room at Solaire Resort & Casino in Manila.
Life After POGOs – AGB Dossier
This Dossier results from the “Life After POGOs” editorial project by Asia Gaming Brief which culminated with a pop-up digital forum on 9th December to discuss potentials ramifications in the industry.
Australian market report: How to adapt to the new normal
Covid-19 forced the rapid and unexpected closure of venues across Australia, changing the operating environment with unprecedented speed and leaving managers scrambling to adapt...
Life After POGOs – AGB Pop-Up Forum
The Philippines and Asia’s online gaming industry is going through uncertain times, with the gaming regulator seeing more and more operators leaving the country for greener pastures.
Acquiring & Retaining iGaming Customers
In this AGB Webinar Series, we covered the newest strategies for iGaming player acquisition and retention.
Attracting players, not fraudsters
With sports betting restarting we are now seeing traffic levels return to pre-COVID levels. The same is unfortunately true for fraudulent activities as operators tempt players, both new and existing, with lucrative bonuses and attractive game offerings.
Asia Gaming Briefings – Dec 2020 Edition
Over the years, many of the answers have been remarkably prescient in their forecasts for the near-term direction of Asia’s gaming industry. However, we can safely say that no one came anywhere close to guessing
what 2020 may have had in store.
Asia Gaming Briefings – Nov 2020 Edition
While nowhere in the world has escaped the economic fallout from the Covid-19 crisis, Macau has been hit harder than most, with forecasts for gross domestic product to shrink more than 50 percent this year.
Asia Gaming Briefings – Oct 2020 Edition
Before the Covid-19 crisis, tourism in the Greater Mekong Sub-Region was at a record high, on track to welcome 80 million visitors in 2019, generating some $90 billion in revenue.