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

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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.

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DigiPlus Officially Incorporates Singapore Hub to Power Global Growth

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DigiPlus Interactive Corp, the Philippines’ leading digital entertainment company, has taken a step forward in its international growth strategy with the official incorporation of DigiPlus Global Pte Ltd in Singapore.

Fully owned by Diginvest Holdings Inc, a 100% subsidiary of DigiPlus Interactive, the newly established DigiPlus Global will serve as the company’s international hub—driving its global ambitions through strategic partnerships, talent acquisition and corporate support. The entity is formally registered under Singapore’s business activity classification for head and regional offices, acting as DigiPlus Interactive’s centralised administrative and management office.

While the Singapore entity will focus solely on regional support services, it will not operate any gaming platforms in Singapore, in full respect of the country’s regulatory framework.

“This is not just an expansion; it’s a foundational step in our growth strategy. By anchoring our international presence in Singapore—one of the world’s most advanced business ecosystems—we are accelerating DigiPlus’ transformation into a globally recognized force in digital entertainment,” said DigiPlus Interactive Chairman Eusebio Tanco.

The move enables DigiPlus to deepen its access to global expertise, strengthen cross-border collaboration and build high-value relationships in key markets. It will also accelerate the company’s ability to pioneer the next wave of digital entertainment innovations as it continues to grow its digital platforms—BingoPlus, ArenaPlus and GameZone—which already dominate the Philippine market.

The post DigiPlus Officially Incorporates Singapore Hub to Power Global Growth appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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KONAMI GROUP CORPORATION Named “Most Honored Company” in the Gaming Sector in Extel’s “2025 Japan Executive Team” Survey

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KONAMI GROUP CORPORATION has been named “Most Honored Company” in the gaming sector in Extel’s (formerly Institutional Investor) “2025 Japan Executive Team” survey.

This survey is conducted by Extel to select listed Japanese companies with outstanding IR activities based on votes from 541 investors and analysts from 237 firms, nominating a total of 533 companies.
In the gaming sector, KONAMI GROUP CORPORATION ranked first in the categories of “Best CEO” (Sell-Side), “Best Investor Relations Professional,” “Best Investor Relations Program,” and “Best Company Board,” and as a result, the company has been named the “Most Honored Company.”

To increase our corporate value, KONAMI GROUP CORPORATION places high priority on constructive dialogue with shareholders and investors to deepen mutual understanding. In FY2025, the company held over 400 IR meetings, with our top management actively participating in quarterly financial results briefings and overseas IR roadshows. The “Most Honored Company” designation is in recognition of these efforts.

KONAMI GROUP CORPORATION will continue to work to achieve sustainable growth and enhance our corporate value over the medium-to-long-term through our IR activities.

The post KONAMI GROUP CORPORATION Named “Most Honored Company” in the Gaming Sector in Extel’s “2025 Japan Executive Team” Survey appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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Macau Govt Appoints Ng Wai Han as Director of DICJ

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The Macau Government has appointed Ng Wai Han, who was serving as Director of the Public Administration and Civil Service Bureau (SAFP), as Director of the Macau Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau (DICJ).

Ng had served as head of the Public Administration Bureau since September 2023, following a three-year stint as Deputy Director.

Between 1999 and 2020, Ng rose through the ranks of the Labour Affairs Bureau (DSAL) to the position of Deputy Director.

With this appointment, the reshuffling of DICJ’s leadership team is now complete. The position of Director had remained vacant since 20 December last year, when her predecessor, Adriano Marques Ho, became Director General of the Macau Customs. Deputy Director Lio Chi Chong had been serving as Acting Director in the interim.

Lei Seak Chio, who, like Ng, previously worked at DSAL, was appointed one of DICJ’s Deputy Directors in February, replacing Peter Chui.

The post Macau Govt Appoints Ng Wai Han as Director of DICJ appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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