The Philippines has been facing issues with crime-ridden offshore gaming hubs, with ex-presidential spokesman Harry Roque being investigated as a possible suspect in the case against these operations. The Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) has found Roque’s name in various documents related to the raided Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations (POGOs). These POGOs were shut down due to reports of online scams, human trafficking, and torture, leading President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to ban them completely in July.
In Thailand, the plan for legal casinos remains despite the recent ousting of former Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. The new Prime Minister, Paetongtarn, has not confirmed her stance on entertainment complexes, but her father, former PM Thaksin Shinawatra, has expressed support for such projects. Thaksin’s vision for Thailand includes boosting the economy, and he believes that supporting entertainment complexes with gaming could be beneficial. Currently, many Thai residents travel to neighboring countries to gamble.
Two women associated with the Guo family have been taken into custody in the Philippines in connection with the raided POGOs. Shiela Guo and Cassandra Li Ong were arrested in Indonesia and brought back to the Philippines for questioning. Shiela Guo, the sister of Alice Guo, who fled the country after being linked to crimes at a POGO in Tarlac Province, was involved in a POGO in Porac, Pampanga Province. Both facilities were raided following allegations of illegal activities.
Vietnam has extended a pilot program allowing locals to gamble at a casino in Phu Quoc, Kien Giang Province, until the end of the year. The program, initially set to run from 2019 to 2022, aims to determine the feasibility of locals gaming without causing social issues. Lawmakers will evaluate the results of the trial to decide whether to continue, expand, or suspend the program.
Sands China, a major operator in Macau, has emerged as the top earner among the Big 6 casino concessionaires in the region. Despite a slight decline in the mass segment, Sands China saw an increase in market share in the VIP segment from the first quarter to the second quarter of this year. With a market share above 20 percent, Sands China leads the pack and dominated the market in 2023. This success indicates the company’s strong position in Macau’s competitive gambling market.
