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PAGCOR “seriously considering” a purely regulatory role

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Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) Chairman and CEO Alejandro Tengco disclosed the new management’s plans to focus more on PAGCOR’s regulatory role, expand the agency’s reach and contribute more to nation-building.

During the opening of the ASEAN Gaming Summit in Marriott Manila on March 21, 2023, where Tengco was keynote speaker, the PAGCOR chief explained that under his term, the management hopes to privatize the state-run gaming firm’s self-operated casinos nationwide.

Upon its assumption in August 2022, the current PAGCOR Board has been open to talks about privatization but ensured that the welfare of employees who will be affected by such management decision, will be taken into consideration.

Meanwhile, apart from embracing a purely regulatory role, Tengco shared the agency’s plans and programs for 2023, which are geared towards benefiting gaming industry stakeholders, upholding responsible gaming, and contributing to the government’s nation-building efforts.

Among the programs that Tengco discussed were the creation of regulatory frameworks for online poker operations, enhancement of slot machine operations, destruction of outdated gaming paraphernalia and equipment (for suppliers), creation and updating of regulatory manuals such as Junket Licensing Regulatory Manual and Casino Regulatory Manual for licensed casinos.

Also, modernization projects for slot machines in PAGCOR-operated gaming venues, slots information management system and casino management system, as well as PAGCOR’s Technical Standards for Electronic Gaming Machines will also be enhanced.

“As we speak, our Licensing & Regulatory Group has already accomplished projects like the updating of suppliers’ regulatory manual, implementing rules and guidelines for foundations, and crafting of Gaming Employment License regulations on prohibition on enter/stay/play.”

CEO Tengco also mentioned that PAGCOR has already revisited its policies and regulatory frameworks for online gaming after the offshore gaming operations became a subject of public concern last year. He said that monitoring efforts were intensified to ensure lawful compliance by licensees.

“We acknowledge our limitations on the side of enforcement and on our capacity to address illegal gambling, thus we reinforced our partnerships with various law enforcement agencies to address this concern.”

As regards strengthening its regulatory functions, Tengco shared that PAGCOR has forged partnership with various government agencies such as the Department of Justice, Department of Interior and Local Government, Philippine National Police, and the National Bureau of Investigation, among others to update and revise the Mutual Cooperation Agreement, whose main objective is to combat illegal gambling, including those that are illegally operated online.

For domestic online gaming, Tengco explained that amendments were introduced to PAGCOR’s regulatory frameworks to foster the growth of both online and onsite gaming.

Tengco also noted that PAGCOR aims to capitalize in the booming industry of online gaming. “We are studying the possibility of regulating other facets of the overseas gaming operations, or the possible regulation of Special Class of BPOs or those who service legitimate operators licensed abroad and amending the processing of penalties imposed on overseas gaming operators and their service providers so as to discourage non-compliance and involvement in any irregular activity.”

Meanwhile for domestic online gaming, PAGCOR plans to conduct an accreditation of payment gateway providers to curb the gray market. The agency also plans to expand its permitted game offerings and products such as eSports, Live Dealer games, Online Horse Racing, and Online Arcade (includes Perya) games to maximize player engagement and entice them to play more.

“Finally, to better regulate the fast-developing and volatile online gaming industry, we aim to revitalize our information technology systems. It is but right for us to level-up on our technological capabilities to be better in our role as gaming regulators,” Tengco explained.

He added that PAGCOR acknowledges the challenge or competition posed by its licensed casinos. “While we may struggle to be at par facilities-wise, I am of firm belief that we do not trail behind in terms of skill set and talent pool. The greatest asset PAGCOR has ever had is its human resource; thus, to capitalize on our people is also part of our vision.”

All these put in place, Tengco said he sees a Philippine gaming industry with better safeguards and controls which address the social ills which come with the conduct of gaming operations.

George Miller (Gyorgy Molnar) started his career in content marketing and has started working as an Editor/Content Manager for our company in 2016. George has acquired many experiences when it comes to interviews and newsworthy content becoming Head of Content in 2017. He is responsible for the news being shared on multiple websites that are part of the European Gaming Media Network.

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GAMEPOP: The Culture of Play by Red Bull Media House – the first bookazine devoted entirely to video game culture

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Introducing GAMEPOP: The Culture of Play, a new premium bookazine by Red Bull Media House and the world’s first magazine dedicated entirely to video-game culture. Designed as a rich, book-like publication, GAMEPOP rethinks what a magazine can be, capturing the creativity, personalities and ideas shaping modern gaming. GAMEPOP will debut at the Red Bull Tetris World Final in Dubai from December 11 to 13, followed by The Game Awards on December 11. The issue will then be available through select international retailers in the weeks that follow.

Across 180 pages, the issue brings together a wide range of cultural voices, including Japanese game designer Hideo Kojima, leading DC Comics creators, the Oscar-nominated team behind Grand Theft Hamlet and contributors with bylines in Vogue. The bookazine also spotlights standout Red Bull talent, including YouTube star Ludwig, Twitch creators Emiru and Caedrel, and Red Bull athlete MenaRD.

Rather than treating gaming as a standalone medium, GAMEPOP looks at how games influence, and are influenced by, wider culture. Through original photography, long-form features, illustration and visual essays, the publication explores how gaming connects to global trends in style, music, movement, storytelling and performance, and the creative communities driving that conversation.

The issue also includes interactive elements, including a bespoke Choose Your Own Adventure story created exclusively for the launch. A limited collector edition of 150 copies takes the concept a step further, featuring a fully functioning Tetris® device embedded directly into the cover – an industry first that turns the magazine into an object of play.

The post GAMEPOP: The Culture of Play by Red Bull Media House – the first bookazine devoted entirely to video game culture appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry Newsroom.

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Red Rake Gaming Expands Global Presence Through Partnership with QTech Games

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Red Rake Gaming is pleased to announce a partnership with QTech Games, a leading aggregator and platform renowned for its strong presence in emerging markets on a global level. This collaboration brings Red Rake’s diverse and visually engaging portfolio of slots to QTech Games’ extensive aggregation platform, giving players across multiple continents access to high-quality, entertainment-focused casino content.

Founded in 2015, QTech Games is celebrating its 10-year anniversary in 2025. Over the past decade, the company has grown from rapid early-stage expansion to become a dominant force into emerging markets worldwide. With a global presence —including a new tech hub in Spain and offices in Malta—and Latin America, QTech Games has established itself as a fully-fledged international powerhouse.

Players can now enjoy titles from the Million Series, the Super Stars Series, and seasonal slots such as Halloween Wins and Christmas Wins, alongside new adventures including Azteca Gold Collect, Sherlock and the Stolen Gems, Beating Alcatraz, Big Size Fishin’, and Midas Wins.

QTech Games CEO, Philip Doftvik, said: “It’s another notch on our belt to have integrated more premium content from Red Rake. Theirs is a growing and constantly innovating library, delivering impressive support to the depth of our broad igaming-vertical spread.”

Nick Barr, Managing Director for Red Rake Gaming Malta, commented: “We are thrilled to partner with QTech Games and bring our portfolio of games to their growing network. Their leadership in emerging markets and innovative approach to aggregation allow us to reach new players and provide them with high-quality gaming experiences featuring unique features and visually engaging content. This collaboration marks an important step in strengthening our presence in key markets and further establishing Red Rake Gaming’s international presence.”

The post Red Rake Gaming Expands Global Presence Through Partnership with QTech Games appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry Newsroom.

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White Hat Studios launches with Betly mobile sportsbook and casino in West Virginia

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Partnership sees leading branded content and popular Jackpot Royale integrated into Delaware North’s Betly online casino in the Mountain State

 White Hat Studios, the “House of Brands” provider to the United States iGaming market, has partnered with Delaware North to launch on its Betly mobile sportsbook and casino in West Virginia.

The leading provider aims to build its online casino offering with the addition of the industry’s top-performing games.

Betly players in West Virginia will now have access to White Hat Studios’ acclaimed portfolio of premium branded titles, including Ted, The Goonies, and the award-winning 7s Fire Blitz series.

Also included in the rollout are the popular Jackpot Royale and Jackpot Royale Express progressive jackpot networks, currently live across more than 40 titles, and the first Betly-branded iCasino game – Betly Player’s Choice Blackjack.

Designed to elevate player engagement and boost retention, the addition of these promotional tools adds another layer of excitement to the Betly casino offering.

White Hat Studios has made significant strides in its U.S. growth trajectory since launching in 2021, consistently delivering high-performing content across multiple states. West Virginia remains a key market for the provider, following its remarkable success in all seven regulated U.S. iGaming states.

The collaboration represents another major step in White Hat Studios’ expansion across regulated U.S. states and reinforces its reputation as a go-to content partner for forward-thinking operators.

Daniel Lechner, SVP Sales and Marketing at White Hat Studios, said: “We’re thrilled to be partnering with Delaware North on the Betly online casino app in West Virginia.

“This partnership reflects our ongoing commitment to delivering top-tier content quickly and seamlessly to operators across the U.S. With our portfolio of fan-favorite branded titles and innovative features like Jackpot Royale, we’re confident we’ll make an immediate impact for Betly and its players.”

Bob Akeret, General Manager for Betly, added: “We’re excited to welcome White Hat Studios onto our Betly platform in West Virginia. Their reputation for delivering engaging, high-quality games, especially branded content, makes them an ideal partner as we continue to elevate our casino experience.”

The post White Hat Studios launches with Betly mobile sportsbook and casino in West Virginia appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry Newsroom.

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