WA.Technology’s Weekly iGaming News

June 28, 2024

Welcome to this week's edition of WA.Technology's iGaming newsletter. We provide your go-to source for the latest iGaming trends and insights. Keep connected with our expert analysis, breaking news, and industry updates tailored to keep you informed and engaged. Whether you want to explore emerging markets or just relax with a good five-minute read, we've got you covered. Dive in and discover with your go-to B2B provider, WA.Technology.

New Deputy Secretary Appointed for Prizes & Betting Secretariat

Carolina Yumi de Souza has been appointed Deputy Secretary of the Prizes and Betting Secretariat (SPA) under the Ministry of Finance. The position had been vacant since Simone Vicentini's departure in May. 

De Souza, a lawyer with extensive experience in federal roles, including Director of the Department of Asset Recovery and International Legal Cooperation at the National Secretariat of Justice, previously served as Chief of Staff at the Federal Supreme Court. She has master’s degree and a PhD in Procedural Law from the University of São Paulo (USP). 

Peru's iGaming Sector Formalised by September

Yuri Guerra, Peru's Casino and Slot Games General Director, has stated that all online gaming operators will be formalised by September. In an exclusive interview with Yogonet during the Peru Gaming Show 2024 (PGS), Guerra emphasised the success of the country's regulation process. 

Starting September 15, the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism (Mincetur) will begin inspections to ensure compliance. Guerra highlighted that 145 applications were received, 43 authorised, and 60 more are expected to be authorised soon. Those not authorised will be able to reapply at a later date. The regulatory framework aims to integrate the online and land-based gaming sectors to form a stable and compliant market.

Integrated Resorts Boost Tourism in the Philippines, Says PAGCOR

Integrated resorts (IRs) are driving tourism growth in the Philippines, according to Ma. Vina Claudette Oca, PAGCOR's Assistant Vice President for gaming licensing and development, speaking at the first Philippine Tourism and Hotel Investment Summit. The summit, held at the New World Makati Hotel on 21 June, was co-presented by the Department of Tourism and its affiliated agencies.  

Oca highlighted that IRs, employing over 20,000 Filipinos, must feature various non-gaming attractions to appeal to a broader audience. Only 7.5% of their floor space must be allocated to gaming, with the remainder dedicated to amenities like hotels, retail, and dining. Nearly 80% of PAGCOR's gaming revenue is remitted to the government to support social projects.

Alberta, Canada, to Open Regulated Online Gambling Market

Alberta is set to open its regulated online gambling market, moving beyond the Alberta Gaming Liquor and Cannabis (AGLC) monopoly. Alberta’s Minister of Service and Red Tape Reduction, Dale Nally, announced the new model at the Canadian Gaming Summit. The model will probably mirror Ontario's system set-up. To avoid any future conflict of interest, AGLC will not be responsible for overseeing the newly regulated operators. 

This change allows First Nations – currently operating land-based casinos in Alberta – to join the online market. The legislative framework is in place following the passage of Bill 16, although the market opening timeline remains unspecified. This shift aims to integrate all operators into a legal, tax-paying system successfully.

Alison Taylor: Keynote Speaker at Regulating the Game 2025, Sydney

The Regulating the Game 2025 conference in Sydney will feature Alison Taylor, Clinical Associate Professor at NYU Stern School of Business and Executive Director of Ethical Systems, as a keynote speaker. 

Taylor, known for her expertise in ethical business practices, will share insights from her book ‘Higher Ground: How Business Can Do the Right Thing in a Turbulent World’. Organisers anticipate her contribution will add substantial depth to the event. The conference, set to cover critical themes for regulators and industry professionals, opens registration in August. More details are available on the event's website.

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