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Interpol Illegal Gambling Investigation Leads to 5100 Arrests

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In a massive international operation targeting illegal football gambling and its associated criminal activity, authorities made over 5100 arrests and recovered more than USD 59 million in illicit proceeds.

The operation, code-named SOGA X and conducted between June and July 2024, was a collaborative effort involving INTERPOL and 28 countries and territories. It was designed to tackle illegal online football gambling during the UEFA 2024 European Football Championship, which was predicted to generate a surge in betting turnover, and lucrative profits for criminal organisations.

The illegal gambling market is worth a staggering USD 1.7 trillion globally, according to research by the Asian Racing Federation, and is closely tied to other criminal enterprises. Beyond shutting down tens of thousands of illegal websites, SOGA X investigations also led to the rescue of trafficked workers and the exposure of money laundering syndicates.

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Hundreds of human trafficking victims rescued in the Philippines

In one significant case in the Philippines, local authorities, supported by INTERPOL, dismantled a scam centre operating alongside a licensed gambling site. The operation resulted in the rescue of more than 650 human trafficking victims, including almost 400 Filipinos and more than 250 foreign nationals from six different countries. Many of the victims had been lured to the location with false promises of employment and were kept there through threats, intimidation, and even passport confiscation. They were then forced into working for the legal gambling site, while also running illegal cyber scams, including romance scams and cryptocurrency-related fraud.

An INTERPOL Operational Support Team provided vital assistance to Filipino authorities on the ground, providing expertise in extracting and analysing forensic evidence from seized devices, tracing illicit financial flows and identifying potential victims and suspects in other jurisdiction.

The SOGA X operation also cracked down on large-scale illegal betting sites and complex financial crime schemes.

One notable example from Vietnam, where online gambling is prohibited for citizens, saw authorities dismantle a sophisticated gambling ring that was generating a staggering USD 800,000 in daily transactions.

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The syndicate, powered by servers located in multiple countries, used an elaborate network of bank accounts and e-wallets to receive illegal gambling bets and distribute payouts.

In Thailand, police raided two locations hosting major illegal betting websites, arresting the ringleaders and their network for gambling and money laundering offenses and seizing assets worth over USD 9 million.

In Greece, authorities took down a major illegal betting ring that exploited fake and mule user accounts to place bets on sports events. The organised crime group, which employed Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) to bypass internet blocks in Greece, operated at least seven illegal gambling sites and had access to accounts on 60 other illegal websites.

The group managed 3000 fake and ‘mule’ user accounts on legal gambling websites in Greece, Cyprus and Spain. The accounts had been created using both stolen identity cards and forged documents and often utilised e-wallets to facilitate their illegal activities. During the investigation seized laptops were found to contain 9000 pictures of fake ID cards.

The goal of this type of scheme is to break down large sums of money into smaller, less detectable amounts. By dispersing their profits across multiple accounts, criminals aim to avoid detection by law enforcement, financial institutions and legitimate gambling sites. It’s a method also used to facilitate money laundering.

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SOGA X was a coordinated effort led by INTERPOL, with crucial support from the Asia-Pacific Expert Group on Organised Crime (APEG), the INTERPOL Match Fixing Task Force (IMFTF) and operation partner UEFA. INTERPOL facilitated intelligence sharing among participating countries, providing case mentoring and training for local authorities.

Stephen Kavanagh, INTERPOL Executive Director of Police Services, said: “Organized crime networks reap huge profits from illegal gambling, which is often intertwined with corruption, human trafficking, and money laundering. The successes of Operation SOGA X would not have been achieved without global information sharing and significant efforts by law enforcement authorities on the ground.”

Illegal gambling can also be closely tied to match-fixing as criminals attempt to manipulate the outcome of sports events to guarantee profits. When illegal gambling is rampant, it becomes easier for corrupt individuals to influence games, so the SOGA X operation also aimed to intercept and interrupt any signal of manipulation. Related investigations are still ongoing.

The post Interpol Illegal Gambling Investigation Leads to 5100 Arrests appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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Compliance Updates

Dutch Gaming Authority Focuses on Tackling Illegal Gambling Apps

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The Dutch Gaming Authority (KSA) has intensified its supervision of illegal gambling apps. Since the start of 2025, 20 apps have been removed from the app stores. The regulator calls on consumers to always report suspicious apps.

In the fight against illegal gambling, the KSA also focuses on tackling illegal gambling offers in app stores. This problem is becoming increasingly urgent, especially with the increasing number of apps that refer users to illegal websites. These websites are also often accessible to minors, which makes the situation even more worrying. Many of these apps are advertised via social media.

Illegal providers often use underhand techniques to convince consumers, for example by displaying logos of licensed providers. An app was recently reported in the App Store that misused the Holland Casino logo. Also, an “ordinary” game is often advertised (in many cases a variation on “plinko”), but after downloading it links to illegal gambling websites.

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In the past three months, the KSA has had 20 of these apps removed, so that they are no longer available to users. It is of great importance to the KSA that consumers continue to report these apps, so that this process can continue throughout the year. When reporting gambling advertising, it is essential that the name of the app in question that is being advertised is mentioned in the report.

In addition to reports from consumers, the KSA is also increasingly receiving reports from industry associations and licensed casinos. For example, via Meld Vals Spel, a platform set up by the industry for reporting illegal gambling sites. Reports received via that platform are also investigated by the KSA. The KSA has working agreements with app stores to report illegal apps to them and then have them removed.

The post Dutch Gaming Authority Focuses on Tackling Illegal Gambling Apps appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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Thai Deputy PM Defends Entertainment Complex Bill as Shield Against US Trade Move

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Thai Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai has defended the Entertainment Complex Bill, set for parliamentary debate on April 9, as a vital economic measure amid rising US tariffs on Thai goods.

While opposition continues inside and outside parliament, Mr Phumtham insisted the bill’s fate should be decided through democratic processes — not protests.

The bill, which includes casino operations within an integrated entertainment complex, aims to generate significant revenue and counter the 36% US tariff hike on Thai goods — far higher than Singapore’s 10%, he said.

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Mr Phumtham argued the measure would boost Thailand’s financial resilience and dismissed concerns that it promotes gambling addiction. He said strict entry rules, including age and income restrictions, would help mitigate risk.

“This isn’t about encouraging gambling — it’s about economic survival,” he said.

He urged critics to join the parliamentary debate and cited results from the government’s online public hearing held between Feb 28 and March 14, in which more than 70,000 people participated, with around 80% supporting the bill.

While acknowledging the right to protest, he warned such demonstrations should not be seen as representing the entire nation.

He said public opinion often differs from that of opposition parties and civil groups, stressing the need to respect the democratic process and let parliament decide.

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The post Thai Deputy PM Defends Entertainment Complex Bill as Shield Against US Trade Move appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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AGCO

Playnetic granted Ontario supplier license

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Global B2B iGaming content provider secures first Canadian market entry following the successful submission and approval of its gaming-related supplier application

Playnetic, the in-demand global B2B iGaming content provider known for its quality games, reliable delivery and outstanding customer service, has announced the approval of its gaming-related supplier application by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO).

With the AGCO licensing process being recognised in the industry for its rigorous standards and thorough due diligence, the new certification confirms Playnetic was able to meet the high levels of integrity and regulatory compliance needed to legally distribute its content within the province.

As a result of the approval, Playnetic has now secured its first Canadian market entry and will be able to provide its library of innovative games to licensed operators in the Ontario region – with this starting point paving the way for further expansion into other regulated provinces in future.

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Given signs of change emerging within the Canadian market and Alberta making progress toward a regulated online model – likely drawing from Ontario’s framework – this license positions Playnetic strongly to expand its footprint in the country and further solidifies the company’s ambitious growth plans.

In the meantime, Playnetic has already begun making groundwork with key operators in the Ontario region and is looking forward to going live with some exciting brands over the coming months. The company will also be attending SBC’s Canadian Gaming Summit from June 17-19, where both existing and new potential partners alike are welcome to stop by and meet the team.

Dan Phillips, Chief Executive Officer at Playnetic, said: “Acquiring AGCO approval for our gaming-related supplier application is undoubtedly a big step for Playnetic. The new license not only secures our first Canadian market entry, but also reaffirms Playnetic’s position as a trusted provider in iGaming and underlines our commitment to compliance and operational excellence.”

Julian Borg-Barthet, Chief Commercial Officer at Playnetic, said: “We’re very excited to now be in a position to offer our library of innovative gaming content in Ontario, and the groundwork to do that with some of the region’s biggest licensed operators is already underway. Over time, we’re confident this license will also help us expand further into current markets and emerging regulated provinces, such as Alberta.”

The post Playnetic granted Ontario supplier license appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.

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