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Business Groups Support POGO Phaseout

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Business groups and stakeholders expressed their support for the phaseout of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs), citing its “social and reputational” costs to the country.

In a joint statement, the Foundation for Economic Freedom (FEF), the Makati Business Club (MBC), and the Management Association of the Philippines (MAP) cited the crimes supposedly associated with POGOs.

“We fully support the Department of Finance’s (DOF) push to phase out all POGO operations, and urge our legislators and the Executive Department to take all actions necessary to execute in an orderly way,” the statement read.

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The Department of Finance (DOF) has shared a similar sentiment, with Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno earlier saying the industry has already been disallowed in other countries such as China and Cambodia.

“The social and reputational costs of government sponsorship of operations that are globally frowned upon far outweigh any economic benefits,” the statement read.

“Conflicting mandates and the lure of corruption have rendered it and other involved government agencies incapable of effectively regulating POGOs,” it added.

Data from the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) show that revenues from POGOs have hit P4.438 billion from January to August this year, higher than the P3.91 billion collected for the full year 2021.

Last year’s collection fell short of the P32.1-billion goal, in line with Republic Act 11590 or the POGO Law, signed in September 2021 by then-President Rodrigo Duterte.

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“The total ban will only result in temporary economic stains, as opposed to the enduring socio-economic consequences and heavier disruption if we do not act now,” the business groups said.

“The Chinese government has been quite categorical in its objections to POGO, which they characterized as harming not only China’s interest and China-Philippines relations but also hurt the interests of the Philippines,” they added.

Finance Undersecretary Bayani Agabin earlier this month said the country can recover the potential losses from the exit of POGOs in other industries with high value added.

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MGM China Announces Salary Increment for 99% Team Members in March

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MGM China has announced a salary increment for all eligible team members with effect from March 24, 2025, in recognition of their hard work and contribution for the company.

A 2.5% increment will be awarded for all eligible team members in which 99% team members will be rewarded. For team members with a monthly salary of or less than MOP16,000, a standard salary adjustment of MOP600 will be granted, which represents a 2.5-5.5% increment.

Ms. Pansy Ho, Chairperson and Executive Director of MGM China Holdings Limited, said: “We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our team members for their wholehearted dedication in moving forward hand in hand with the Company. In the new year, MGM will fully support the policy implementation of the SAR Government as always; pragmatically promote the development all-for-one cultural tourism, while working with the team to continue enrich the essence of Macau as ‘One Center, One Platform, One Base’.”

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The post MGM China Announces Salary Increment for 99% Team Members in March appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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NRT Technology Appoints Tecnet Asia as its Official Distributor in the Philippines

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NRT Technology Corp, a global leader in payment solutions and self-serve kiosks, has appointed Tecnet Asia Inc as its official distributor in the Philippines.

The collaboration aims to bring NRT’s innovative technologies to the local gaming and hospitality markets, further enhancing operational efficiency and improving customer experiences, the companies said in a joint announcement.

NRT currently serves clients across the Asia-Pacific region, including the Philippines.

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“This collaboration underscores the growing demand for secure and innovative payment solutions in the Philippine gaming industry. By joining forces with NRT, we aim to deliver cutting-edge technologies that meet the evolving needs of our clients,” said Suat Sirin, President of Tecnet Asia.

Art Ayow, NRT’s Senior Vice President of International Sales, said: “Tecnet Asia’s local expertise and strong network make them the ideal partner to expand the NRT brand in the APEC region. We are excited about the opportunities this partnership will create for our clients in terms of enhancing guest experiences and improving operational efficiencies.”

The partnership aims to drive significant advancements in the region, reflecting both companies’ commitment to innovation, growth and world-class service in the gaming and hospitality sectors, they said.

Tecnet Asia said the partnership reflects its continued growth in expanding its offerings to meet industry demands, providing expertise in technical consultancy, project management and support services. The company last year also became distributor for renowned brands like Novomatic, Ainsworth, Apex, Patir Seating and Miwa Locks.

The post NRT Technology Appoints Tecnet Asia as its Official Distributor in the Philippines appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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Natural8 India welcomes 2025 in style with Natural8 India X APT Manila Classic 2025

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Welcoming 2025 in spectacular style, Natural8 India has announced its latest India Exclusive, Natural8 India X APT Manila Classic 2025, to the delight of poker enthusiasts across the country. The multi-table tournament, scheduled to take place on January 19, will offer participants a chance to fight for the massive event prize pool and the glory of winning a prestigious APT Trophy. But that’s not all, for nine finalists will also secure an all-expense paid trip to participate in APT Manila – competing for the grand prize at a grand stage with some of the sharpest poker players in all of Asia!

With a buy-in of only INR 5,500, Natural8 India X APT Manila Classic 2025 will offer flight and stay packages for nine finalists, worth up to INR 100,000 each, for the upcoming APT Manila Classic. In addition, the top four finalists will secure a Main Event ticket worth INR 90,000 each at APT Manila Classic 2025, while the other five will win Mini Main Event tickets worth INR 37,000 each. The tournament also has various satellites running daily from January 12 to January 19, with a buy-in of just INR 550.

Speaking on the upcoming India Exclusive, Kunal Patni, Executive Director and Country Head – Natural8 India, said, “2024 was a spectacular year for Natural8 India and the broader Indian poker community. Throughout the year, we saw a strong response to the various India Exclusives, which not only nurtured the country’s growing poker landscape but also connected poker enthusiasts to the broader Asian poker scene on a more consistent basis. We took 23 players to various APT events in 2024 through these India Exclusive APT events. With the Natural8 India X APT Manila Classic 2025, we expect a similarly stellar response, especially with mega bonus on offer worth up to INR 15 lakh. Our latest India Exclusive will set the tone for the rest of the year and give poker enthusiasts and professional players across the country a chance to start 2025 on a bang!”

The post Natural8 India welcomes 2025 in style with Natural8 India X APT Manila Classic 2025 appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.

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