Industry News
Operators considering Isle of Man switch after POGO tax hike
A significant tax hike for Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) could lead to an influx of companies looking to move to the Isle of Man, according to one industry expert.
Egaming companies in the Philippines are facing a more-than-double tax hike after new rules were signed into law.
POGOs – companies licensed by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) to provide offshore gaming services – will have to pay 5% tax on turnover, replacing the previous 2% gross revenue tax.
Failure to comply could result in companies losing their PAGCOR licences and it seems many companies are exploring other options.
Alex Gardner, director of Isle of Man-based Affinity Group, which supports egaming operators looking to set up in the Isle of Man, said the company had noticed an uptick in enquires.
She said: “The Philippines has historically been a jurisdiction chosen by Asian-facing operators but, following the recent negative press surrounding POGO and more recently the tax increase, we have seen an influx of enquiries from operators who are looking for a suitable licence to either continue or start targeting the Asian market.
“The Isle of Man is perfect for this having developed an international reputation as being a leader in the egaming industry and is already home to some of the biggest Asian facing operators in the world.
“As a company that has helped many start-ups and established companies through the Isle of Man Licence licensing process it is understandable that many operators are considering moving their operations from the Philippines.”
The bill in the Philippines has been signed into law by president Rodrigo Duterte as part of the Bayanihan to Recover as One Act, as the Philippines aims to close gaps in its Covid-19 relief fund.
All 60 licensees were forced to halt operations as part of the Covid-19 lockdown and the government has seemingly taken this opportunity to crack down on companies failing to meet tax obligations. Only 29 have since been granted permission to resume activities.
Filipino politician Franklin Drilon said: “The Bayanihan 2 will more than double the tax collection from POGO, from Php7 billion (US$144.5 million) estimated collection in 2019 to approximately Php17.5 billion (US$361.2 million) this year because of the reforms we have introduced in the measure.
“All revenues from POGO will be used to fund the various types of assistance laid out in the Bayanihan 2 for all sectors affected by the pandemic.”
PAGCOR and the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) said in May that all POGOs and their service providers must fulfil certain prerequisites before being given the green light to resume activity, including settling any outstanding tax liabilities as certified by the BIR, updating payment of any regulatory fees, license fees, performance bonds or penalties owed to PAGCOR, and remittance of all regulatory fees.
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Continent 8 Technologies
Continent 8 appoints Cris Kuehl as Chief Data, Information & AI Officer
Continent 8 Technologies, a leading provider of managed IT solutions for the global iGaming and online sports betting industry, has appointed Cris Kuehl as its Chief Data, Information & AI Officer.
Cris brings over 20 years of expertise in AI, analytics, and data strategy, with senior roles including VP of Artificial Intelligence & Data Science at Akkodis and Global Head, CX Analytics & AI at Foundever. His career focuses on helping regulated organisations adopt secure, scalable, and practical AI capabilities.
At Continent 8, Cris will oversee the company’s global data, AI, and information strategy, driving innovation in analytics, automation, cybersecurity, and customer-centric intelligence. He will also shape AI-enabled product development, champion responsible AI practices, and strengthen data governance for the iGaming, tribal, and enterprise sectors.
Michael Tobin, CEO and Founder of Continent 8, said:
“Cris’ expertise across data, AI, and regulated environments is a perfect fit for our organisation. His leadership will help us provide secure, high-performance solutions that deliver measurable value to customers.”
Cris Kuehl added:
“I’m thrilled to join Continent 8 at such a pivotal moment. AI is transforming how organisations operate, collaborate, and protect their data. Continent 8 is uniquely positioned to lead this transformation in the iGaming and online sports betting sector, and I’m excited to drive the next chapter of innovation.”
The post Continent 8 appoints Cris Kuehl as Chief Data, Information & AI Officer appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
iGaming
PRAGMATIC PLAY BRINGS LEGENDARY SLOTS IP TO LIVE CASINO WITH GATES OF OLYMPUS ROULETTE
Pragmatic Play, a leading iGaming content supplier, has launched Gates of Olympus Roulette, a live casino experience that merges classic roulette with thrilling slot-action, delivering a game show truly fit for the gods.
Set in a temple-inspired studio with a marble-encased roulette wheel at its centre, the game immerses players in a Grecian fantasy world, complete with striking visuals, dramatic sounds, and charismatic presenters.
Each spin offers the chance to hit a Bonus Number and up to seven Lucky Numbers, carrying multipliers of 50x–250x to boost straight-up bets. The Super Booster feature further amplifies wins by multiplying the Bonus and selected Lucky Numbers 2x–10x, enabling potential payouts of up to 2,500x in the base game and 10,000x in the bonus round.
Landing the Bonus Number triggers the Gates of Olympus bonus game, where Zeus presides over a 6×5 slots grid. Starting with 15 spins, players win whenever 8–12+ matching symbols appear anywhere on the reels. Multipliers up to 500x can strike randomly on any spin or tumble, and three or more scatters award five additional spins.
Following the success of Sweet Bonanza CandyLand, which brought the iconic Sweet Bonanza slot to live casino audiences, Gates of Olympus Roulette underscores Pragmatic Play’s expertise in transforming beloved slot IPs into cross-vertical live experiences. The launch complements recent game show hits like Money Time and Mega Roulette 3000.
Sharon McHugh, Director of Public Relations at Pragmatic Play, said:
“Gates of Olympus Roulette is a spectacular addition to our portfolio, bringing one of our most celebrated IPs into the live casino spotlight. The epic studio design, dynamic roulette-slot fusion, and immersive Grecian theme showcase Pragmatic Play’s commitment to creating truly standout player experiences.”
The post PRAGMATIC PLAY BRINGS LEGENDARY SLOTS IP TO LIVE CASINO WITH GATES OF OLYMPUS ROULETTE appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Industry News
Prime Casino launches ultimate VIP Football Experience
Online casino Prime Casino is giving players the chance to win a once-in-a-lifetime VIP Football Experience in the USA this summer.
Running now until 7 June 2026, new players who deposit a minimum of £10 will receive 155 free spins on Football Cash Collect and can participate in freeroll tournaments and raffles, all leading to the ultimate football prize.
VIP Treatment Stateside
With international football heating up, 48 teams will compete across Canada, Mexico, and the USA. Winners of Prime Casino’s VIP Football Experience will enjoy a guest pass, quarter-final match tickets, VIP hospitality, covered accommodation, and flight contributions.
England, second favourites to replicate their 1966 triumph, face Croatia, Ghana, and Panama in the group stage, with a potential quarter-final against Brazil looming. Scotland will also compete, starting against Haiti before facing Morocco and Brazil.
Play for Prizes
Eligible players can join a series of freeroll tournaments and raffles, featuring prizes including cash, free spins, and the headline VIP Football Experience.
Freeroll Tournament Prizes:
- 1st: VIP Football Experience
- 2nd: £1,500 cash (TV prize)
- 3rd: £1,000 cash (Free Pizza for a Year)
- 4th–100th: 150 free spins
- 101st–200th: 125 free spins
- 201st–300th: 100 free spins
- 301st–400th: 60 free spins
- 401st–500th: 40 free spins
- 501st–600th: 25 free spins
- 601st–650th: 15 free spins
Raffle Prizes:
- 1st: VIP Football Experience
- 2nd: £1,500 cash
- 3rd: £1,000 cash
Full terms and conditions: Prime Casino Football Experience
18+ GambleAware.org
Dom Aldworth, Head of Brand Marketing at Kinetic Digital, said:
“Football remains one of the most exciting engagement drivers for our players. This campaign combines a strong welcome offer with ongoing tournaments and the chance to win a VIP football trip, giving multiple ways to get involved. At Prime Casino, we focus on creating standout experiences that players genuinely value, and this promotion is a perfect example.”
The post Prime Casino launches ultimate VIP Football Experience appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
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