The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation today said it has ordered one of its licensees to pull out its advertising sponsorship for an online TV program that features bra-less women to ensure the integrity of the local gaming industry.

According to Atty. Jeremy Luglug, PAGCOR Assistant Vice President for the Electronic Gaming and Licensing Department, he immediately called the concerned licensee after an online podcast informed PAGCOR about the sponsorship for the controversial TV show hosted by a popular actor.

“We will not tolerate such advertising support by any of our licensees for such very demeaning and sex-oriented show,” Mr. Luglug said.

He clarified that the licensee does not own the said show featuring nearly naked women as claimed by the online podcast, adding that the licensee is in fact a Filipino and not a foreigner as alleged.

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Likewise, the PAGCOR official belied claims that young people are getting addicted to gambling because only adults have access to gaming sites as well as to electronic wallets that are being used to place bets.

“Our licensees have very strict Know Your Customer or KYC protocols to ensure that only those who are 21 years old and above can play,” he said. “And the same is true with our e-wallet providers.”

However, he said it could be possible that minors can play through unlicensed and illegal online gaming sites which are not registered with PAGCOR.

“That is why we urge the public, especially our parents, to ensure that young people are not able to access sites that are intended only for adults.

“We also urge gamers and players to patronize only PAGCOR-licensed gaming operators to preserve the integrity of the gaming industry,” Mr. Luglug added.

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Rapidly Expanding Content provider receives GLI to enter the Italian Market.

Popular iGaming content provider BGaming is proud to announce it has successfully obtained the certification of games and system required to enter the Italian market. The achievement marks a significant milestone in the company’s ongoing European and global expansion plans.

Gaming Laboratories International (GLI), a globally recognized independent testing laboratory, has completed its thorough testing process, certifying the first batch of BGaming games for the Italian market. Certification of further titles will follow.

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GLI is one of the industry’s most respected testing labs, renowned for its rigorous and complex testing methods. By securing this certification, BGaming is now able to supply its content to licensed operators in Italy, providing local players with access to its cutting-edge gaming portfolio for the first time.

In addition to the GLI certification, BGaming has obtained the Information Security Management System (ISCS) certification for the Italian market and has undergone a comprehensive cybersecurity assessment conducted by Bulletproof. These further demonstrate the company’s commitment to data security and player protection.

Italy is a crucial market for BGaming as it continues to expand its global presence. The news comes a little over a month after the company secured the required certification from GLI to enter the Brazilian market.

Antonina Ivanova, Head of Legal & Compliance at BGaming, said: “Obtaining the certificates required for the Italian market marks a significant milestone for BGaming. The certification process was complex and thorough, and we are delighted to be able to prove the reliability and accuracy of our games and system, as well as our full compliance with local laws. We are also extremely proud of our team for getting this over the line.

“Italian players are among the most enthusiastic in the world, and we can not wait to introduce them to our unique brand of online games. This marks a significant milestone in our continued expansion across Europe and continues our strong start to 2025.”

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Liquor & Gaming NSW (L&GNSW) is conducting a compliance operation across regional NSW throughout March to ensure venues adhere to gaming regulations that promote responsible gambling and reduce harm.

Inspectors will visit clubs and hotels to ensure venues understand and comply with external gambling signage rules and recent changes to requirements for the location of ATMs and cash dispensing facilities.

They will also check that venues have appointed Responsible Gambling Officers, maintained Gambling Incident Registers and adhered to Gaming Plans of Management.

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L&GNSW Acting Executive Director of Regulatory Operations Bernadette Beard said the operation is part of an ongoing effort to work with venues to ensure responsible gambling laws are upheld.

“Our compliance operation is well underway, with inspectors visiting venues across regional NSW to ensure they are aware of their obligations,” Ms Beard said.

“A key focus will be on the gaming reforms that took effect on January 1, 2025, which mandate that ATMs and other cash dispensing facilities must be positioned at least five metres from gaming room entrances or exits and kept out of sight from gaming areas and machines,” Jakob Rothwangl said.

Ms Beard said recent inspections in Sydney and other metropolitan areas have identified multiple venues not following the rules, leading to penalties where necessary.

“Since the new cash dispensing rules were introduced, L&GNSW has visited more than 900 clubs and hotels, issuing 53 cautions and three penalty infringement notices to 44 non-compliant venues, with several others under investigation,” Ms Beard said.

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“We’re here to assist venues in meeting their responsibilities, but compliance is essential, and enforcement action will be taken where required.”