Connect with us

Asia

Philippine Senator Pushes for Inquiry into Banks’ Role in Pogo Funding

Published

on

philippine-senator-pushes-for-inquiry-into-banks’-role-in-pogo-funding
Reading Time: < 1 minute

 

Philippine Senator Sherwin Gatchalian has proposed Senate Resolution 1193 to investigate the failure of local banks to detect POGO-related suspicious transactions tied to criminal activities, following the case of former Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo.

Gatchalian, in his resolution, highlighted bank transactions involving Guo’s companies, which amounted to hundreds of millions of pesos and allegedly funded the construction of a POGO hub in Bamban. The amount far exceeded the financial capacity reflected in the companies’ financial statements.

He pointed out a significant increase in cash flows, check disbursements, and transactions involving Guo’s accounts, peaking in 2020—an anomaly given that the COVID-19 pandemic had severely disrupted businesses and economies worldwide.

Gatchalian noted that despite these large transactions, the banking system failed to flag them as suspicious. He raised concerns about the banks’ inability to report such dubious activities, questioning the effectiveness of their internal controls and procedures for identifying and reporting suspicious behaviour.

The senator emphasised that financial institutions are responsible for analysing financial data to detect transactions that may indicate money laundering.

These circumstances, according to Gatchalian, raise doubts about the adequacy of current Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing (AML/CTF) regulations and guidelines for banks and financial institutions.

Gatchalian also pointed out that the Philippines remains on the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list. The country must improve its AML/CTF efforts, including prosecuting money laundering and terrorism financing, addressing beneficial ownership information and strengthening cross-border declaration measures.

While President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has instructed all government agencies to meet the necessary requirements to remove the country from the FATF grey list, Gatchalian stressed that private sector compliance is equally crucial to strengthening the country’s AML/CFT regime. This includes increased adherence to obligations, such as reporting covered and suspicious transactions.

The post Philippine Senator Pushes for Inquiry into Banks’ Role in Pogo Funding appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

Asia

KONAMI GROUP’s Konami Gaming Inc. First to Submit Manufacturer License Application in Japan’s Emerging IR Market

Published

on

konami-group’s-konami-gaming-inc.-first-to-submit-manufacturer-license-application-in-japan’s-emerging-ir-market

KONAMI GROUP CORPORATION’s long-established gaming & systems group company Konami Gaming Inc. announced it has become the first manufacturer to submit license applications with the Japan Casino Regulatory Commission (JCRC), government regulatory agency set forth by The Cabinet of Japan. Additionally, Konami is the first manufacturer to file across all applicable license categories. These filings represent milestone events for the nation’s regulatory framework, as Japan’s emerging integrated resort (IR) market progresses in responsible development. As a leading manufacturer of casino games and technology in 400+ regulated markets worldwide, Konami is taking proactive measures in support of the Japan IR market, highly relevant to the organisation’s rich heritage as a Japanese company.

“Konami’s early filing demonstrates our commitment and readiness to engage constructively with Japan’s regulatory framework from the outset. We have approached this process with a focus on transparency, preparation, and alignment with the stringent standards established by the JCRC,” said Lori Olk, senior vice president & chief compliance officer at Konami Gaming Inc.

Construction is currently underway for the first integrated resort in Japan—an expansive development planned for 2030 opening by one of the world’s largest casino and entertainment operators. Against this backdrop, Konami’s early submission positions the company to participate during the formative stages of this emerging regulated market. Committed to the long-term health of Japan’s IR market, Konami has invested significant resources in localisation, documentation and operational planning to ensure alignment with the nation’s legal, regulatory and cultural expectations. The supplier has leveraged its longstanding compliance infrastructure, governance processes and global licensing experience to fulfill detailed requirements of the Japanese regulatory framework.

“This milestone in Konami’s application process with the JCRC represents a significant, coordinated effort across multiple business units and jurisdictions, supported by decades of experience operating in highly regulated gaming markets worldwide. As Japan continues to expand its IR framework, Konami remains focused on supporting regulatory objectives and partnering with stakeholders to deliver compliant, high-quality gaming solutions tailored to the needs of the Japanese market,” said Tom Jingoli, president & chief operating officer at Konami Gaming.

The post KONAMI GROUP’s Konami Gaming Inc. First to Submit Manufacturer License Application in Japan’s Emerging IR Market appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Continue Reading

Asia

The UAE Lottery joins SAGIP outreach with Philippine Consulate and Infinite Communities

Published

on

the-uae-lottery-joins-sagip-outreach-with-philippine-consulate-and-infinite-communities

The UAE Lottery, operated by The Game LLC (a Momentum Group company), participated in the SAGIP community outreach initiative on 28 June, 2026 at the Philippine Consulate General in Dubai, alongside the Philippine Consulate General in Dubai and Northern Emirates and Infinite Communities.

SAGIP—“Rescue” in Filipino—was positioned by organisers as an immediate support programme for Filipino community members navigating difficult circumstances. The session combined career coaching, counselling and wellness assessments, alongside distribution of essential grocery packs.

The programme also drew voluntary support from local Filipino businesses, HR practitioners, medical and healthcare professionals, psychologists and community volunteers, according to the organisers.

Consul Aleah Marie Gica said: “The Filipino community in the UAE has always demonstrated resilience and unity during difficult times. Community outreach programs such as SAGIP reflect the strength of collaboration between institutions and community organisations working together to support those most in need.”

Elena C. Cruz, Founder and CEO of Infinite Communities, said: “Through our Good Neighbour initiative and our collaboration with The UAE Lottery and the Philippine Consulate, we hope to create a safe and supportive environment where individuals feel seen, supported, and empowered to move forward with dignity and confidence.”

Suzan Kazzi, Associate Director of CSR at Momentum – The UAE Lottery, added: “At a time when many members of the Filipino community are facing various challenges, we aim to provide not only immediate relief through grocery pack distribution, but also pathways toward resilience and renewed opportunities. Through our HR specialists who volunteered their time and expertise, the career coaching sessions were designed to help beneficiaries navigate uncertainty, regain confidence, and reconnect with employment opportunities through practical advice and guidance.”

The post The UAE Lottery joins SAGIP outreach with Philippine Consulate and Infinite Communities appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Continue Reading

appointments

OS Studios names Ishaan Arya country manager to lead India expansion

Published

on

os-studios-names-ishaan-arya-country-manager-to-lead-india-expansion

OS Studios has appointed Ishaan Arya as Country Manager for India, tasking him with leading the agency’s expansion across newly established hubs in Bengaluru, New Delhi, and Mumbai. The appointment was announced on 25 June, 2026 in Bengaluru.

OS Studios, a Project Worldwide agency, said it recently entered the Indian market and will deploy its ‘Fan Z’ approach for brands looking to engage with gaming, esports and live events audiences in South Asia. The company said the expansion will leverage the infrastructure and production capabilities of sister agency George P. Johnson (GPJ) India.

“The future of gaming will be shaped by the communities that care about it most, and few markets embody that more than India,” said John Higgins, CEO of OS Studios. “To build something meaningful, you have to be part of the culture, not looking in from the outside. Ishaan understands that better than anyone. He’s exactly the kind of leader we want building the future of OS Studios in India.”

In the role, Arya will oversee operations, drive strategic brand partnerships, and scale local capabilities, according to the company. “Brands are investing heavily in Indian gaming, but true fan experience is too often an afterthought,” said Rasheed Sait, Chief Growth Officer for India and South Asia at Project Worldwide. “Alongside GPJ India’s experiential footprint, OS Studios will set a new standard for fan engagement in the region.”

Arya previously co-founded The Esports Club and most recently served as Vice President of Partnerships at Nodwin Gaming, where he led Comic Con India. “A massive gap remains between brand intent and authentic community engagement in India,” said Arya. “I’m thrilled to leverage Project Worldwide and GPJ India’s operational strength to build culture-defining experiences for brands and fans alike.”

The post OS Studios names Ishaan Arya country manager to lead India expansion appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Continue Reading

Trending

Get it on Google Play

Fresh slot games releases by the top brands of the industry. We provide you with the latest news straight from the entertainment industries.

The platform also hosts industry-relevant webinars, and provides detailed reports, making it a one-stop resource for anyone seeking information about operators, suppliers, regulators, and professional services in the European gaming market. The portal's primary goal is to keep its extensive reader base updated on the latest happenings, trends, and developments within the gaming and gambling sector, with an emphasis on the European market while also covering pertinent global news. It's an indispensable resource for gaming professionals, operators, and enthusiasts alike.

Contact us: [email protected]

Editorial / PR Submissions: [email protected]

Copyright © 2015 - 2024 - Recent Slot Releases is part of HIPTHER Agency. Registered in Romania under Proshirt SRL, Company number: 2134306, EU VAT ID: RO21343605. Office address: Blvd. 1 Decembrie 1918 nr.5, Targu Mures, Romania