Asia
Japan Minister Says Interest of Foreign Companies Shows Japan’s IRs will be Profitable

Kazuyoshi Akaba, Japan’s Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, has rejected suggestions that the COVID-19 pandemic may render the nation’s IR industry untenable, insisting operators would not submit applications if they did not think IRs would be profitable.
Answering questions over the feasibility of IRs from the Constitutional Democratic Party’s Hiroyuki Moriyama during a House of Representatives budget committee meeting on March 1, Kazuyoshi Akaba said, “The operator will apply as a partner with the local government. If it is decided that there will be no profit at that point, they will [probably] not apply. They will only apply once they have made a full and thorough risk assessment. After that, the government will assess the application.
“Revenue for Japanese travel agents has dropped significantly due to the COVID-19 pandemic and as the IR opening will be in the latter part of the decade, it is difficult to assess the impact. However, I believe the specific risks will be analyzed and then they will make a decision whether to apply or not.”
Akaba also rejected suggestions that IRs would result in Japanese assets being sold to foreign companies for a “quick profit.”
“We are considering not only foreign companies but also domestic companies,” Akaba said. “30% of casino revenue will be paid to national and local governments along with a corporate tax.”
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Asia
Indian Government Releases Draft Rules for Online Gaming Act 2025

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The Indian Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has released draft rules for the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025, which was introduced back in August.
The draft outlines how online games will be classified and registered, what formats are permitted, and the powers of the proposed Online Gaming Authority of India. It also specifies how registrations can be suspended or cancelled, how grievances will be addressed, and what penalties will apply for violations.
The ministry has invited public feedback on the draft, asking stakeholders to send comments on each rule by October 31.
The Act aims to draw a clear line between gaming and gambling. Passed in August, it bans online money games while supporting esports and “social gaming” (regular video games) as legitimate forms of entertainment.
Introduced by Union IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on August 20 in the Lok Sabha, the Bill cleared the Rajya Sabha the next day and received presidential assent by August 22.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi called it a “major decision,” saying, “Gaming is not bad, gambling is. They call it gaming, but it becomes gambling.” He added that India should strengthen its global position in gaming and capture a larger share of the market.
The post Indian Government Releases Draft Rules for Online Gaming Act 2025 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Asia
DigiPlus, BingoPlus Foundation Deploy 1000 Family Relief Packs to Earthquake-hit Cebu

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Following the 6.9 magnitude earthquake that struck Cebu and surrounding provinces on September 30, 2025, DigiPlus Interactive Corp., through its social development arm, BingoPlus Foundation, mobilized immediate assistance to the hardest-hit families residing in the island’s northern region. On October 5, 2025, the Foundation delivered 1000 family relief packs to the municipalities of Daanbantayan and Medellin, enabled by employee volunteers from Cebu-based BingoPlus branches.
Each pack was designed to support the immediate needs of a family of five and included 10 liters of potable water in reusable containers, 5 kilograms of rice, a hygiene kit and basic medicine. Collectively, the effort reached 1000 families or about 5000 individuals across both municipalities.
“These are communities that need swift, reliable help. Through our BayanihanPlus initiative, we work hand in hand with local officials and community leaders to reach the hardest-hit areas, prioritize those most in need, and get essential goods to families without delay,” said Paul Henczen Tamayo, BingoPlus Foundation Programme Manager for Resilience and Healthcare.
Dan Kemuel Mabano, BingoPlus Area Manager for Cebu, said: “While we had initially targeted the towns of Bogo and San Remigio, information on-ground advised us to go farther up into Medellin and Daanbantayan because relief goods still needed to reach those areas too.”
This deployment underscores DigiPlus and BingoPlus Foundation’s ongoing commitment to stand with Filipinos in times of crisis – leveraging the reach of its retail network to deliver immediate relief and hope to communities in need.
Don Adviento, BingoPlus Regional Manager for Visayas and Mindanao, said: “Following BingoPlus Foundation team’s quick deployment of relief packs from our DigiPlus warehouse in Parañaque, our employees from Cebu City, Mandaue, and Talisay volunteered to oversee the final distribution in northern Cebu.”
“It was a challenge transporting our stocks and navigating through the congestion and aftershocks, but it is rewarding to be able to deliver much-needed help to our fellow Cebuanos. Daghang salamat (many thanks) for the teamwork – from our head office, to our branches and our LGUs (local government units),” said Judaline Geraldez, Branch Manager of BingoPlus Park Mall and team lead of employee volunteers deployed.
The Foundation continues to assess the evolving needs of affected communities in coordination with local government units and partner agencies as recovery progresses.
The post DigiPlus, BingoPlus Foundation Deploy 1000 Family Relief Packs to Earthquake-hit Cebu appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
2026 FIFA World Cup
JBO Thailand Launches Promotional Campaign for 2026 FIFA World Cup

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JBO Thailand has launched an exclusive promotion for the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers, offering players an incredible opportunity to win a fully-paid trip to the Final round and earn up to 7000 Jcoin.
This exciting campaign is ongoing and will conclude on November 19, 2025, at 23:59 (GMT+8), providing football fans plenty of time to participate and secure fantastic rewards. To join the promotion, participants simply need to place bets on the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers matches through the JBO sportsbook platform. The JBO promotion can be accessed via the “Reward Corner” section on the JBO website.
A total of 18 lucky winners will be selected to receive the grand prize, which includes a fully paid trip for two people to the 2026 World Cup Final. The package includes round-trip flights, 4 to 5-star hotel accommodations, local transportation, match tickets and cash support for travel expenses. In addition, players can earn up to 7000 Jcoin based on their turnover, with rewards available across different tiers.
With the JBO easy-to-use platform, fans can enjoy the football matches and earn real rewards. The JBO App, available on both Android and iOS, provides a secure and smooth experience with quick withdrawals and easy gameplay. JBO provides a reliable platform for esports and traditional sports betting, offering opportunities to enjoy popular events and earn rewards.
The post JBO Thailand Launches Promotional Campaign for 2026 FIFA World Cup appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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