Asia
UNODC: Casinos and Cryptocurrency Fueling Underground Banking and Crime in Asia
A new report by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has found that casinos, junkets and cryptocurrency have emerged as a critical piece of the underground banking and money laundering infrastructure in East and Southeast Asia, fuelling transnational organised crime in the region.
Titled “Casinos, Money Laundering, Underground Banking, and Transnational Organized Crime in East and Southeast Asia: A Hidden, Accelerating Threat”, the study highlights the nexus between illegal online casinos, e-junkets and cryptocurrency exchanges that have proliferated in recent years alongside surging cross-border criminality throughout the region.
“Casinos and related high-cash-volume businesses have been vehicles for underground banking and money laundering for years, but the explosion of underregulated online gambling platforms and crypto exchanges has changed the game. Expansion of the illicit economy has required a technology-driven revolution in underground banking to allow for faster anonymized transactions, commingling of funds, and new business opportunities for organized crime. The development of scalable, digitized casino- and crypto-based solutions has supercharged the criminal business environment across Southeast Asia, and particularly in the Mekong,” said Jeremy Douglas, UNODC Regional Representative for Southeast Asia and the Pacific.
As outlined in the report, countless recent cases demonstrate that online casinos and related businesses have been used by major organised crime groups to move and launder massive volumes of state-backed fiat as well as cryptocurrencies, effectively creating channels for integrating billions in criminal proceeds into the financial system. At the same time, the creation and success of these underground banking mechanisms has helped expand the region’s broader illicit economy, in turn attracting new networks, innovators and service providers to the criminal ecosystem.
Cases examined also highlight how illegal online casino operators have diversified business lines to include cyberfraud and cryptocurrency laundering, with extensive evidence of organised crime influence within casino compounds, special economic zones and border areas, including those controlled by armed groups in Myanmar to conceal illicit activities.
“Organized crime groups have converged where they see vulnerabilities, and casinos and crypto have proven the point of least resistance. That said, operations against syndicates in countries including Cambodia and the Philippines have caused a partial displacement, and we have seen criminals moving infrastructure into other places where they see opportunity — basically where they expect they will be able to take advantage and not be held to account, to remote and border areas of the Mekong, and recently elsewhere,” Douglas added.
UNODC analysis estimates there were more than 340 licensed and unlicensed land-based casinos operating in Southeast Asia as of early 2022, with most having shifted online to offer live-dealer streaming and various proxy betting services. According to latest available industry data, the formal online gambling market is projected to grow to more than US $205 billion by 2030, with the Asia Pacific region representing the largest share of market growth between 2022 to 2026 at a projected 37%. The study describes several policy developments and enforcement measures implemented by governments in the region to address illegal casino-based capital outflows, corruption, and money laundering that have in part driven these trends.
The technical policy brief describes the mechanics, intricacies and drivers of underground banking in the region, and has been developed through extensive examination and analysis of criminal indictments, case records, court filings, related public disclosure and other data collected in consultation with authorities and partners over more than a year. Its development has included an extensive mapping and analysis of thousands of so-called “grey and black business” online groups, including clear web and dark web forums and marketplaces, used for illicit activities. The study also provides a list of recommendations geared towards strengthening knowledge and awareness, legislation and policy, and enforcement and regulatory responses in the region, intended to assist governments to address the situation.
“It’s clear that the gap between organized crime and enforcement authorities is widening quickly. If the region fails to address this criminal landscape the consequences will be seen in Southeast Asia and beyond as criminals look to reinvest profits and innovate operations. We trust the report will prove as a useful reference for deeper engagement between countries in Southeast Asia, UNODC, and international partners. At this point, we are just scratching the surface,” said Benedikt Hofmann, UNODC Deputy Regional Representative.
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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.
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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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