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PAGCOR statement on the uncollected P2.328B POGO income

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The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) would like to clarify a recent report by the Commission on Audit (COA) regarding its outstanding accounts receivables amounting to P2.328 billion.

Out of the P2.328 billion, the P815.902 million indicated in the report as under protest has already been resolved with finality. To recall, said amount resulted from PAGCOR’s intensive fight against illegal online gambling and its overzealousness to maximize collections which led it to impose assumed or estimated billings for suspected undeclared websites. After thorough revalidation, no link between the suspected undeclared websites and concerned POGOs were established. In fact, the undeclared sites were actually websites of illegal operators stealing the live stream of our licensees.

On the P1.512 billion which remain uncollected, majority of the said amount is attributable to the recent effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. It must be recalled that on March 21, 2020, all POGO gaming operations in the country were ordered shut down by the Government in view of the implementation of the Enhanced Community Quarantine. On June 2020, despite being allowed to resume operations, majority of our operators were still unable to resume operations due to existing lockdowns, restrictions in business operations, prohibition on entry of foreign workers, and other pandemic measures.

It is worth noting that with the passage of the Bayanihan Act, which allowed the adoption of concessions to ease the economic burden on businesses, PAGCOR would have had the option of not imposing the monthly Minimum Guaranteed Fee (MGF) on the POGO licensees which failed to resume its operations. Nonetheless, because of PAGCOR’s desire to source revenues to fund the fight against the pandemic, the monthly MGF, which is for operators who do not meet their monthly target revenues under normal operating circumstances, was continuously imposed on all POGOs for the months of April and May 2020 notwithstanding the closure mandated by the Government, and for the succeeding months, regardless of whether the licensee was able to resume operations or not. In deference to the provisions of the Bayanihan Act, only the procedures on forfeiture of performance bond and cancellation of license were temporarily suspended. Nevertheless, despite such remedial measures, most POGOs were no longer able to reopen since the start of the pandemic, which consequently resulted in the accrual of uncollected bills.

Finally, it must be emphasized that POGOs which are currently operational were required to fully settle their accumulated arrears before they were allowed to resume operations. This meant full payment of their monthly MGF for the months that they were non-operational beginning on March 2020, including the months wherein closure and stoppage of operations was mandated by the government. These collected amounts were used by the Government to fund the fight against the pandemic.

To date, PAGCOR has been observing proper procedures for the collection of its outstanding receivables. Uncollected accounts receivables have already been referred to the legal department for necessary action, and PAGCOR is set on employing all legal means for its collection.

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Internet Vikings Becomes VMware Premier Partner

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Internet Vikings Becomes VMware Premier Partner

 

Internet Vikings, a leading provider of in-state hosting solutions for the iGaming and online sports betting sector, announces that they have achieved VMware Premier Partner status, further enhancing their cloud hosting services in the United States.

On December 11, 2023, Broadcom gave notice of the discontinuation of perpetual licenses and SaaS, shifting towards a subscription-based model for VMware software offerings and introducing improved services for VMware Cloud Foundation and VMware vSphere Foundation. This licensing change will require customers across many sectors, including iGaming and sports betting, to plan for a transition to this new model.

Acknowledging businesses will require support in managing this transition, this status enables Internet Vikings to assist clients through this shift, with a specific focus on implementing efficient strategies tailored to their needs. Internet Vikings, the Swedish based hosting provider is glad to have been selected as a VMware Premier Partner and is well equipped to offer these services to both their European customers and across the U.S. Internet Vikings will also extend a white label solution to partners who don’t have direct access to VCSP licensing options through Broadcom, offering broad-based support and accessibility.

Kristoffer Ottosson, COO at Internet Vikings, states: “VMware’s shift to subscription licensing impacts the digital infrastructure within the iGaming and sports betting industry. As an invited VMware Premier Partner, we’re prepared to help our clients adapt, providing them with access to reliable and scalable solutions.”

“Together with over 16 years experience and the benefits of the Premier Partner Program, Internet Vikings remains a reliable, long-term partner that stays ahead of the licensed U.S. iGaming and sports betting industry changes,” Rickard Vikström, CEO and Founder adds.

Internet Vikings’ dedication goes beyond mitigating the immediate impact of VMware’s licensing changes. This position underscores Internet Vikings’ commitment to providing client-centric solutions meeting customer needs.

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BetMGM Partners with GameCode

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BetMGM has announced a partnership with GameCode, a distinguished iGaming company focused on the North American market. The partnership includes the launch of Boom Boom Boom, HammerCash, Gold Gold Gold and Super3 series which are now live at BetMGM in Michigan and New Jersey through direct integration. BetMGM plans to offer GameCode’s full portfolio of games in all jurisdictions where the operator’s iGaming platform is live pending regulatory approvals.

GameCode’s portfolio of slot titles are built on innovative and one-of-a-kind mechanics. They develop a deep understanding of players’ tastes, and it enables them to develop games that deliver a unique and immersive experience. The initial lineup of titles includes Gold Gold Gold Miners Way, Gold Gold Gold Lions Way, HammerCash, CashPile, Triplestones, and the top performing Boom Boom Boom. Boom Boom Boom is an American-themed 5-reel, 3-row video slot featuring Wild Multipliers and the hold and respin feature on multiple reel sets.

“Boom Boom Boom and other GameCode titles have already proven to be strong performers in their first few weeks of launch at BetMGM. Our mission is to always innovate with in-house, exclusive content with Entain and partners like GameCode to provide our players with an iGaming experience that rises above the rest. This will continue to position us as a destination for players and first choice for suppliers of premium content,” Oliver Bartlett, Vice President of Gaming Product & Content at BetMGM, said.

“At GameCode, we focus on creating good games rather than disposable online gaming content. With experience gained in North American land-based casino, we provide a unique understanding of the market and player needs. We aim to make an impact with each title we release and so far we do so. We innovate at a pace that is difficult to catch up with, providing something new every time we launch a title that players have not seen before. So far, in the states we are live, GameCode’s titles are at the top of the rankings. More is coming,” Matt Hanski, Chief Executive Officer at GameCode, said.

“I’m excited to announce our launch with BetMGM, introducing advanced online slot games powered by our robust in-house technology. These games are hosted on our state-of-the-art Remote Gaming Server (RGS) which is the backbone of its performance and security. It is a long-term play to develop and maintain a RGS that is designed with multiple layers of protection, ensuring the highest standard of data security and integrity in compliance with U.S. regulations. This launch is a testament to our dedication to providing secure, reliable, and immersive gaming experiences,” Wojciech Ziniewicz, Chief Technology Officer at GameCode, said.

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NeoGames partners with BIG Brazil for its Caesars Brazil brand ahead of market opening

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NeoGames partners with BIG Brazil for its Caesars Brazil brand ahead of market opening

 

As part of the agreement, the NeoGames offering will provide a complete online gaming and sports betting solution for the operator’s Caesars Brazil brand

NeoGames S.A, a technology-driven provider of end-to-end iGaming and iLottery solutions, has signed a deal with BIG Brazil to power the operator’s entry into the country’s newly regulated iGaming market with its Caesars Brazil brand.

As part of the deal, NeoGames’ launch with BIG Brazil will encompass its industry-leading gaming platform (PAM), sportsbook solution, online games and additional operational products and services, as the Company embarks on its mission to become a leading supplier in the soon to be regulated Brazilian market, a market that has the potential to become one of the largest in the world.

The agreement between NeoGames and BIG Brazil follows the recent announcement by the operator of a deal forged with Caesars Entertainment, granting BIG Brazil with a license to operate under the Caesars brand in the Brazilian market.

Tsachi Maimon, President and Head of iGaming at NeoGames, said: “Over the past two years we have become closely acquainted with the BIG Brazil team and have learned firsthand of their ambitious plans for the Brazilian market. We are excited to have been selected as their supplier and to have the privilege of supporting them in their journey to become the leading operator in the Brazilian market.”

Andre Feldman, Co-Founder and President at BIG Brazil added: “We have major ambitions to become the go-to brand for players in Brazil once the regulated market opens up, and to achieve this, we need to team up with the right partner.

“After exploring supplier options, it was clear that we need a partner that holds the same level of commitment as us, and from day one we saw that NeoGames shares our vision of building a significant market presence and how to best achieve that.”

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