Asia
Philippines BIR Predicts 50% Drop in POGO Tax Collections in 2021
The Bureau of Internal Revenue in the Philippines has said that the tax revenue from Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs) will drop this year.
BIR Deputy Commissioner Arnel Guballa told senators that the latest projections show POGO tax collections settling at ₱3.92 billion, just half the ₱7.18 billion raised in 2020.
This is based on the January revenue of ₱327.2 million, down 69% compared to a year ago, multiplied by 12 months.
Victor Padilla, senior manager for offshore gaming of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), said there are only 38 license holders operating from a peak of 61 companies pre-pandemic.
POGOs were forced to shut down due to COVID-19 lockdowns in 2020. They were allowed to reopen in May, but were told to settle all their unpaid dues with the BIR.
The Senate Ways and Means Committee tackled bills that would set the tax rules for POGOs. In the measure, license holders will pay a franchise tax worth 5% of gross gaming receipts while foreign employees will be subject to a 25% withholding tax. This assumes that they are earning at least ₱600,000 a year or ₱50,000 monthly.
These tax rates were originally passed under the Bayanihan to Recover as One Act, but POGO companies ran to the Supreme Court to stop its implementation.
“It is their contention that once the foreign national acquired their working visa, these foreign nationals should be taxed like the ordinary Filipino citizen or resident alien employee,” Guballa said during the hearing.
The BIR official added that POGO firms also insisted that they should not be paying any dues to the BIR as they registered abroad and do not derive income from the Philippines.
Asia
Tencent Cloud Recognised as a Leader in Omdia Market Radar for Games in Asia & Oceania, Solidifying its Position as a Global Gaming Industry Innovator
Tencent Cloud, the cloud business of global leading technology company Tencent, has been named as a leader among cloud platforms for games in the latest report by Omdia, a premier technology research and advisory firm. The report highlights Tencent Cloud’s exceptional capabilities in supporting the gaming industry, showcasing its cutting-edge infrastructure and innovative, gaming-specific solutions, which solidify its position as an innovator in the global gaming sector.
According to the “Omdia Market Radar: Cloud Platforms for Games, Asia & Oceania – 2025,” Tencent Cloud is the top cloud platform for game developers in China – one of the largest and fastest-growing markets globally. It is also expanding its influence internationally, establishing a significant presence in Asia and Oceania, where it is positioned as one of the leading cloud service providers and is the only Asian vendor in the leader quadrant. As China’s largest gaming company, Tencent’s scale is reflected in its deep expertise and sustained focus in the gaming sector, with a sustained focus on gaming, which drives the development of its cloud platform. This emphasis is evident in Tencent Cloud’s robust suite of tools for game developers, including game servers, multiplayer services, and LiveOps. The platform’s offerings reflect the advanced adoption of live service business models in the Chinese market, distinguishing Tencent Cloud as a leader in the industry.
Poshu Yeung, Senior Vice President of Tencent Cloud International, said: “It is an honor for us at Tencent Cloud to be recognized as a leader in the Omdia Market Radar. This acknowledgment is a testament to our commitment to innovation and excellence in supporting the gaming industry. As the demand for cloud-based gaming solutions continues to grow, Tencent Cloud becomes even more well positioned to drive innovation and deliver greater value to developers and players all over the world.”
The post Tencent Cloud Recognised as a Leader in Omdia Market Radar for Games in Asia & Oceania, Solidifying its Position as a Global Gaming Industry Innovator appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Asia
GR8 Tech Expands Reach Across Asia and Latam Through Betting Software Partnership

GR8 Tech has partnered with B2B gambling software provider Betting Software (BSW) to integrate its highly sought-after Sportsbook iFrame Solution into BSW’s offerings. The iFrame stands out for its easy integration and powerful margin management features, which have made it one of the most popular solutions of 2024. By adding the iFrame to BSW’s sportsbook aggregation, GR8 Tech’s innovative technology will reach a broader network of operators.
Bulat Fakhrutdinov, Head of Partnerships at BSW said, “GR8 Tech’s iFrame excels in sports selection and operational flexibility, making it a perfect addition to our portfolio. Our clients will gain access to a superior solution that effortlessly enhances their sportsbook offerings to the fullest.”
“We’re incredibly excited to partner with BSW and bring our iFrame solution to even more operators. It’s already a game-changer in the industry, and we are actively expanding its reach. This partnership is a strong endorsement of the value our iFrame brings, and it’s a big step forward for us as we continue to grow and innovate,” Yevhen Krazhan, CBDO at GR8 Tech added.
GR8 Tech’s Sportsbook iFrame stands out with its broad content offering, featuring over 50 sports and esports, 25,000 daily events, and more than 2,000 betting markets. This extensive selection caters to a variety of player preferences. The iFrame’s easy integration and mobile-first design help operators quickly respond to market trends. Plus, with AI-powered content recommendations and advanced risk management, the iFrame boosts player experience and helps operators optimize margins and minimize risks. Its margin personalization feature can increase profits by over 15%, giving operators a clear edge in profitability management.
To see how GR8 Tech’s iFrame solution can elevate your iGaming business, connect with the team at upcoming events: SBC Summit Rio on February 25-27 and SPiCE South Asia on March 4-6.
The post GR8 Tech Expands Reach Across Asia and Latam Through Betting Software Partnership appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Asia
Thai Deputy PM Says Cabinet Unlikely to Approve the $1.5M Requirement for Casino Access

Thailand Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnviraku has said that the Thai Cabinet is unlikely to approve a proposal by the Council of State to require locals to have $1.5 million in their bank accounts to enter the nation’s casinos.
It would be “difficult for the proposal to win the cabinet’s approval” because it would fail to address the issue of locals visiting illegal gambling dens or casinos in neighbouring countries, Anutin said.
He also stated that his Bhumjaithai Party would, as a government coalition member, support government policies as long as they do not harm society.
Pakorn Nilprapunt, secretary-general of the Council of State – which has proposed the revised policy, said earlier this week that the idea was to limit casino entry to those with substantial financial means.
The revised entertainment complex bill is currently welcoming its second round of public feedback but will also need further cabinet approval if latest policy revisions are to progress.
Anutin said that the newly proposed $1.5 million entry requirement for locals would be discussed at a cabinet meeting.
The post Thai Deputy PM Says Cabinet Unlikely to Approve the $1.5M Requirement for Casino Access appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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