Asia
Sri Lanka Gets 10 Applications for Casinos
Sri Lanka has received 10 applications to set up casinos under new regulations issued, and they are in various stages of evaluation, State Minister for Finance Ranjith Siyambalapitiya said.
Opposition legislator Athureliye Rathana, a monk, questioned whether two companies, including one called Golden Island Hospitality (Pvt) Ltd had been issued licenses.
He questioned whether a casino had been approved for the Lotus Tower, and whether casinos will be set up in Kandy and Jaffna.
Opposition legislator Lakshman Kiriella requested that casinos not be set up in Kandy, the Sri Pada and Anuradhapura which had a religious significance.
Minister Siyambalapitiya said the applications were in various stages of evaluation and no licenses have been issued so far.
Under regulations gazette last year, there were four casinos which were charged 500 million rupees as an renewable fee for five years.
They also had to pay 15 percent on revenues and collect a 50 dollar fee from Sri Lankan casino players.
The government planned to increase the fee to 200 dollars over three years to discourage locals playing casinos, he said.
Rathana thero questioned why casinos were being set up when people did not have money to eat.
Siyambalapitiya said there was criticism when valued added tax were raised but when alternative sources of revenue was found by taxing foreigners, traditional criticisms were being made that had kept the country back.
“I clearly said 10 applications have been received. We have to remember already regulated casinos which operated without paying a license for many years. We are talking about taxes, asking not to impose VAT, but when a tax is charged from tourists, they we are told not to do this,” Siyambalapitiya said.
“Then are you asking to raise taxes on locals? There is a big problem in going forward with the reality. Always with this traditional opposition this country has gone down the tubes (waler pull-lerter gi-yar). It is the same thing today. We have to realize this Honorable Speaker,” Siyambalapitiya added.
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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.
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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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The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) on Monday committed Php50 million in financial assistance to the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to strengthen operations against illegal gaming, including the banned Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs).
The support was formalized through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signed at the PAGCOR Corporate Office in Pasay City by PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro H. Tengco and NBI Director Jaime Santiago.
An initial Php25 million was immediately turned over by PAGCOR to the NBI, representing the first tranche of the total assistance, during the MOA signing.
In his message during the ceremony, Tengco said the partnership with the NBI underscores PAGCOR’s mission not only to regulate gaming and generate revenues for nation-building but also to protect the integrity of the industry.
“This morning, we are signing a Memorandum of Agreement that underscores the shared responsibility of PAGCOR and the NBI in promoting lawful, fair, and responsible gaming in the Philippines,” he said.
“This assistance will defray the cost of food and expenses for POGO detainees, as well as support the Bureau’s legitimate operations against illegal gaming activities.”
Mr. Tengco said the agreement likewise demonstrates PAGCOR’s resolve to safeguard the gaming industry and ensure that revenues from legal gaming truly benefit the Filipino people.
“Illegal gambling operators undermine our laws, exploit our people, and put our communities at risk. By working hand in hand with the NBI, we are sending a strong message that we will not allow unlawful gaming practices to persist,” he said.
For his part, NBI Director Santiago said PAGCOR’s assistance would boost the Bureau’s capabilities to pursue its mandate.
“The NBI welcomes PAGCOR’s assistance as it will enable us to step up our operations against illegal POGOs and other unlawful gaming activities. This partnership affirms our shared duty to uphold the law and protect the Filipino people,” he said.
The post Fight vs. illegal gambling gets boost with Php50M PAGCOR grant to NBI appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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