Asia
PAGCOR SAYS ALIEN CRIME SYNDICATES, NOT POGOs, ARE THE REAL THREAT
![pagcor-says-alien-crime-syndicates,-not-pogos,-are-the-real-threat](https://gamingnewsroom.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/128580-pagcor-says-alien-crime-syndicates-not-pogos-are-the-real-threat.png)
The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation today said alien hacking and scam syndicates (AHaSS) are the real threat to national security, not legitimate and licensed offshore gaming operators called POGOs.
PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro H. Tengco said legitimate Internet Gaming Licensees or IGLs generate funds for the government, contributing more than Php5 billion to PAGCOR’s gross revenues in 2023.
“To us, the real threat are the alien hacking and scam syndicates who operate underground, and they are the ones that our law enforcement agencies are trying to locate and dismantle,” Mr. Tengco said. “And we are cooperating fully with the authorities in this regard.”
The PAGCOR chief also appealed to the public to report suspicious alien activities in their communities, saying that such criminal syndicates are usually armed and dangerous.
“We should not blame and demonize our licensed gaming operators because these are closely monitored by PAGCOR,” he said. “Our licensees pay taxes, and they help provide legitimate jobs and livelihood to a lot of people.”
He said that PAGCOR has imbedded monitoring teams in the physical venues of all licensed gaming operators, including land-based casinos, to ensure compliance with the terms of their licenses.
Those found violating the provisions of their licenses are meted fines and penalties and, in the most serious offenses, the licenses are revoked and their bonds forfeited, Mr. Tengco said.
“We do not need to outlaw POGOs; what we need to do is intensify anti-crime operations against suspected alien hackers, against scammers and cyber-criminals who are usually hiding in highly secured buildings and compounds,” he said.
“These criminal syndicates are not engaged in offshore gaming at all, and even if they are, they are doing it illegally.
“So they are the real threat, and we must go after them with everything that we have,” Mr. Tengco said.
The post PAGCOR SAYS ALIEN CRIME SYNDICATES, NOT POGOs, ARE THE REAL THREAT appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Asia
Chinese Embassy Urges Philippines to Ban POGOs
![chinese-embassy-urges-philippines-to-ban-pogos](https://gamingnewsroom.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/128934-chinese-embassy-urges-philippines-to-ban-pogos.jpg)
The Chinese Embassy in the Philippines has urged the Philippine government to ban its offshore gaming industry, claiming that the “vast majority” of Chinese citizens involved in their operations are victims.
In an official statement attributed to a spokesperson, the embassy also denied any involvement in the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) industry after uniforms of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) and the Chinese People’s Armed Police Force were discovered during a raid on a POGO compound in Pampanga earlier this month.
“We appeal to the Philippines to ban POGO at an early date so as to root out this social ill. And we firmly oppose any baseless accusation and smearing against China in connection with POGO,” the statement said.
The statement went on to say, “Chinese law prohibits all forms of gambling. The Chinese government strictly cracks down on Chinese citizens engaging in gambling business abroad including POGO. Ample evidence shows that POGO breeds serious crimes such as kidnapping for ransom, human trafficking and murder. POGO is detrimental to both Philippine and Chinese interests and images as well as China-Philippines relations.
“In recent years, the Chinese and Philippine law enforcement agencies have maintained close communication and cooperation and conducted multiple joint operations to bring down cross-border gambling and telecom fraud. Since 2018, nearly 3000 Chinese citizens implicated in the cases have been repatriated with joint efforts of both sides. In the past year alone, China has assisted the Philippines in shutting down five POGO hubs and repatriated nearly 1000 Chinese citizens.
“The vast majority of the Chinese citizens involved in these cases are victims of the Philippine offshore gambling industry. The Chinese government is committed to protecting the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese citizens.”
The post Chinese Embassy Urges Philippines to Ban POGOs appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Asia
Pronet Gaming Triumphs at SiGMA Asia
![pronet-gaming-triumphs-at-sigma-asia](https://gamingnewsroom.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/128938-pronet-gaming-triumphs-at-sigma-asia.jpg)
Pronet Gaming, an award-winning platform provider of full turnkey solutions, debuted at SiGMA Asia earlier this month with a stellar performance.
Held in Manila, Philippines, from 3 to 5 June at the SMX Convention Centre in Pasay City, the conference served as the perfect venue for Pronet Gaming to showcase its commitment to innovation, excellence and expansion in the vibrant Asian market.
Among the highlights of Pronet Gaming’s presence at SiGMA Asia was the “Best Multi-Channel Provider 2024” award that the company bagged at the SiGMA Asia Awards held on opening night. The recognition spoke volumes of Pronet Gaming’s unwavering dedication to delivering leading-edge solutions across multiple platforms, solidifying its position as a frontrunner in the iGaming industry.
In attendance were the Pronet Gaming team from both the London and Manila offices who gave an impressive showing, demonstrating the company’s global reach and commitment to providing unparalleled support to its partners. Their participation underlined Pronet Gaming’s mission to foster strong relationships and deliver tailored solutions to meet the unique needs of operators worldwide.
One of the standout attractions at the Pronet Gaming booth was the Spin-to-Win wheel, which captivated attendees and quickly emerged as a crowd favourite. With people queuing in droves for a chance to win exciting prizes, it proved to be thematic with Pronet Gaming’s ability to engage and delight audiences.
Alex Leese, CEO of Pronet Gaming, took the stage as a keynote speaker, participating in a fireside chat that offered valuable insights into the future of Asian iGaming businesses diversifying into other jurisdictions. More than galvanising Pronet Gaming’s thought leadership and deep understanding of the opportunities and challenges shaping the industry’s landscape, Leese spoke reassuringly of the giant strides his company has made toward setting up shop in Asia, as well as outlining a path to helping local Asian operators to expand their global reach into Europe & LATAM.
“One year ago, we were only at the ‘we will be in Asia, and we are on our way’ stage. As I speak here today, I am now proud to say that we have the office, we have the team, and we have the PAGCOR accreditation. Next time, I will be saying that we are established, with a much larger existing team, and operator clients on board. My aim is to be here again next year to say that we are well and truly on the ground,” Leese said.
SiGMA Asia provided an invaluable platform for Pronet Gaming to forge new connections and explore opportunities in the burgeoning Asian market. As the company gears up to launch its operations in Asia, the event served as a springboard for establishing strategic partnerships and fostering collaborations that will drive growth and success in the region.
The post Pronet Gaming Triumphs at SiGMA Asia appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Asia
GamingCon – India’s Newest Gaming Festival
![gamingcon-–-india’s-newest-gaming-festival](https://gamingnewsroom.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/128924-gamingcon-indias-newest-gaming-festival.png)
The post GamingCon – India’s Newest Gaming Festival appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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