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PAGCOR AND FOUR OTHER AGENCIES INTENSIFY EFFORTS TO ADDRESS ILLEGAL POGO-RELATED CRIMES

Published

3 years ago

September 20, 2022

Reading Time: 3 minutes

AMIDST reports of increasing number of kidnapping incidents related to illegal offshore gaming operations in the country, the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) has intensified the collaboration with its partner government and law enforcement agencies.

In an inter-agency meeting among PAGCOR, Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Justice (DOJ), Philippine National Police (PNP), and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on September 14, 2022, each agency committed to help safeguard the welfare and safety, not only of Filipinos but also of foreign nationals working in the country.

PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro Tengco said the inter-agency collaboration is a response to the instruction of President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. to address the recent Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations (POGO)-related kidnapping cases and other illegal activities. “The President said na higpitan na natin because the image of the country and of this administration is being tarnished by these illegal incidents,” he stated.

Tengco said that one of the initial steps in the inter-agency undertaking is to identify the illegal operators. “The information we received is that these alarming incidents of kidnapping came from the ranks of illegal operators. While it will be a challenge to all participating agencies, the good thing is that we are receiving information as to where these illegal operations are located. With the help of everybody, we will be able to zero-in immediately,” he cited.

The PAGCOR chief added that the licensed POGO operators have also shown their commitment to help address the problem by “policing their own ranks.”

“First, they are now going to ask their people to contain themselves in an area for safety and security purposes. Second, they will come up with an updated list of their employees because some have already resigned. Third, we will require them to submit a police clearance together with their application for an offshore gaming license employment (OGEL) ID. At least, those who apply, alam natin na malinis ang kanilang record,” Tengco furthered.

If the kidnapping of foreign workers the country is not abated, Tengco warned that the consequences may affect even the legitimate POGO operators.

“If these kidnapping incidents and other illegal activities persist, it is clear that not only will we cancel the licenses of POGO operators, but the entire industry may be affected by whatever decision will emanate from the national government. So let us help each other solve these issues the soonest,” Tengco said.

Meanwhile, PNP chief Rodolfo Azurin said the PNP is doing its best to ensure the safety and security of everyone – including foreign nationals who are working in the country.

“But first, there should be respect for our law. Ilan sa mga pinaka-matinding reports na nakuha natin ay kinidnap na, minurder pa while some are reportedly engaged in human trafficking and slavery. Sa ngayon, kaya nahihirapan tayo kasi sila-sila ang nag-a-away-away. Are we still going to wait na kapwa natin Pilipino ang kanilang saktan? We don’t want that to happen,” Aruzin said.

The PNP chief also stressed the importance of holistic partnership with different government agencies, including the local government units to appropriately deal with the offenders. He likewise requested POGO operators to surrender their permit to carry firearms to PNP as well as furnish them with updated information on the foreign workers’ employment permits.

Interior and Local Government Secretary Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos also cited the importance of inter-agency cooperation and regular updating of the list of legitimate foreign POGO workers in the country to avoid problems related to human trafficking.

“The problem is, those who are no longer working in a legitimate POGO operations, kung saan-saan nagpupunta. It is important for us to track them because these kidnapping incidents are giving the POGO industry, as well as our country a bad name.”

Abalos reported that DILG already started a crackdown against human trafficking. A total of 43 Chinese nationals who were enslaved under human trafficking conditions were rescued in an operation in Angeles City on September 14. The DILG chief gave the PNP and other participating agencies a timeline of two weeks to abate all POGO-related illegal activities in the country.

DOJ Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla, who also attended the inter-agency meeting stated that their agency, in coordination with NBI and the Bureau of Immigration, will cause the immediate summary deportation of arrested illegal foreign workers and those responsible for the spate of kidnapping and related criminal activities.

Latest News

Latin America’s Top Casino Games in 2025

Published

31 minutes ago

September 22, 2025

George Miller

Reading Time: 2 minutes

The Latin American casino market is booming, with revenues expected to surpass US$21 billion this year. Alongside this growth, operators are realizing that catalogue size alone isn’t enough to build loyalty. Success comes from understanding which game types consistently capture attention and reflect how players in the region prefer to play.

According to the Atlaslive Casino Team, three categories dominate:

Slots – still the biggest crowd-pleaser, offering endless formats and localized designs inspired by soccer, mythology, and festivals.
Live casino – roulette continues to dominate, with live dealers and real-time play giving users the authenticity they crave.
Crash games – fast, transparent, and mobile-ready, crash titles are winning over younger audiences seeking quick thrills.

“Part of their appeal is transparency: players see the multiplier rise in real time and decide when to cash out. That balance of risk and reward creates a thrill that traditional casino formats can’t replicate. For younger demographics in particular, crash games feel more like a social challenge than a classic casino round.”
—Anton Pivala, Head of Product Operations at Atlaslive

For operators, the lesson is clear: players in Latin America aren’t just looking for variety, they want meaningful experiences that feel relevant, engaging, and accessible. Positioning slots, live titles, and crash games effectively in the lobby is key to turning growth into lasting loyalty.

Read the full article to find out more insights on the most popular casino games in Latin America!

This document is provided to you for your information and discussion only. This document was based on public sources of information and was created by the Atlaslive team for marketing usage. It is not a solicitation or an offer to buy or sell any gambling-related product. Nothing in this document constitutes legal or business development advice. This document has been prepared from sources Atlaslive believes to be reliable, but we do not guarantee its accuracy or completeness and do not accept liability for any loss arising from its use. Atlaslive reserves the right to remedy any errors that may be present in this document.

About Atlaslive

Atlaslive, formerly known as Atlas-IAC, underwent a rebranding campaign in May 2024. It is a B2B software development company that specializes in creating a multifunctional and automated platform to optimize the workflow of sports betting and casino operators. Key components of the Atlaslive Platform include Sportsbook, Casino, Risk Management and Anti-Fraud Tools, CRM, Bonus Engine, Business Analytics, Payment Systems, and Retail Module. Follow the company on LinkedIn to stay updated with the latest news in iGaming technology.

The post Latin America’s Top Casino Games in 2025 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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Innovation in Mobile title goes to Wazdan at SBC Awards 2025

Published

31 minutes ago

September 22, 2025

George Miller

Reading Time: < 1 minute

Wazdan, the gain-focused iGaming developer behind some of the industry’s most rewarding experiences, has been recognised with the Innovation in Mobile title at the SBC Awards 2025.

This accolade highlights Wazdan’s mobile-first philosophy and its commitment to creating seamless, personalised experiences that engage players while delivering measurable growth for operators.

Whereas many view mobile as an extension, for Wazdan, it has always been the starting point. From intuitive design to player-centric features, every detail is engineered to perform flawlessly across devices.

At the core of this achievement lies Wazdan’s belief that true innovation is about accessibility and control. By putting the mobile experience first, Wazdan continues to set the benchmark in an industry where engagement and results go hand in hand.

Michal Imiolek, Chief Executive Officer at Wazdan, commented: “Winning the Innovation in Mobile award reaffirms our mobile-first approach. Our mission has always been to craft experiences that captivate players and deliver consistent, tangible growth for our partners.

“This recognition belongs to the entire Wazdan team, whose passion and expertise drive everything we achieve.”

The post Innovation in Mobile title goes to Wazdan at SBC Awards 2025 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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Stakelogic enters the Temple: full content suite goes live with UK operator

Published

2 hours ago

September 22, 2025

George Miller

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Slots Temple expands offering with Stakelogic’s acclaimed slots and live casino games

Casino content specialist Stakelogic has partnered with UK-licensed operator Slots Temple, bringing its full portfolio of slot and live casino games to one of the most community-driven platforms in the market. The integration, facilitated via Relax Gaming, will see Slots Temple offer some of Stakelogic’s most innovative and high-performing titles to its growing UK player base.

The deal includes Stakelogic’s Live Casino offering, featuring immersive game shows and roulette experiences designed to stand out in a crowded market. Among the highlights is the Super Wheel, a live bonus round that whisks players away from the main game into a dazzling live studio, where a 54-segment money wheel awaits with exciting win potential. Also included is Spin to Win, a progressive jackpot feature that gives players the chance to trigger real-money prizes -a unique mechanic that bridges the gap between slots and live entertainment experiences.

On the slots side, players can look forward to headline releases like Wrath of Zeus – Clusterbreaker, a mythological epic that combines exciting multipliers and Stakelogic’s proprietary Clusterbreaker mechanic to deliver dramatic chain-reaction gameplay. Also included is Skyline Fortunes, a slick, high-rise slot set against a neon-lit cityscape, where expanding reels and unique bonus features mirror the thrill of urban ambition.

Neil Tanti, Head of Sales at Stakelogic, said: “Slots Temple has built a reputation for innovation and community-led gameplay, and we’re proud to support that vision with our full portfolio. From headline slots to live experiences with a twist, we’re confident their UK players will love what we have to offer.”

Fraser Linkleter, CEO at Slots Temple, commented: “Our players expect the very best from us and with Stakelogic’s powerful combination of cutting-edge slots and highly engaging live content, we’re delivering just that. Features like Super Wheel and Spin to Win aren’t just unique, they’re genuinely exciting. This partnership is a great fit for our player-focused approach.”

This collaboration marks another milestone in Stakelogic’s regulated market expansion, reinforcing its position as a go-to content provider for operators seeking originality, engagement and next-gen performance.

The post Stakelogic enters the Temple: full content suite goes live with UK operator appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.