Malaysia to amend communications law to tackle online gambling

Malaysia is taking a significant step towards strengthening its digital regulatory framework with the tabling of amendments to the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998. Introduced by Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil, the Bill addresses modern challenges such as online gambling, scams, cyberbullying, and crimes against children.

Displaced POGO workers face uncertain employment future  

The Philippines’ Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has acknowledged that not all workers displaced by the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) shutdown will find suitable employment before the 31 December deadline.

20,000 more foreign POGO workers to leave Philippines: BI

The Bureau of Immigration said about 20,000 more foreign Pogo workers are expected to leave the country in the coming few weeks.

Decoding Decree 147: A Christmas surprise for Vietnam’s gambling industry

Scheduled to take effect on December 25, 2024, Decree 147 will redefine how both domestic and international entities operate in Vietnam’s online space.

Philippines aids 15 children left by deported POGO workers 

The Philippine government, through the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC), is extending support to 15 young children left behind after their foreign fathers, former Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) workers, were deported. These children, aged between infancy and three years old, are now receiving assistance for basic needs, including milk, diapers, and occasional rent payments.

Malaysia flags over 90% of Facebook content on gambling, scam 

The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has urged Facebook to remove 249,268 harmful content this year, with an overwhelming 91.6 percent tied to online gambling and scams.

Gambling in Singapore drops to record low, but spending sees a rise

Gambling participation among Singapore residents dropped to its lowest since 2005, but spending and illegal online gambling increased.

Cebu City ramps up efforts against disguised POGOs  

The Cebu City government has reaffirmed its commitment to combating illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) following a directive from Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Juanito Victor Remulla.

Philippine Senate closes POGO probe, exposes complex network of alleged wrongdoers 

The Philippine Senate Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations, and Gender Equality has closed its investigation into illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs). The probe, led by Senator Risa Hontiveros, revealed that POGOs, introduced in 2016, became a front for large-scale criminal activities, including human trafficking, forced labour, and online fraud.

Indonesia freezes 7,500 accounts linked to gambling

Indonesia has declared war on online gambling, with Bank Indonesia (BI) freezing over 7,500 accounts linked to these illegal activities. In collaboration with various ministries, BI is deploying advanced fraud detection systems and blocking hundreds of thousands of websites.