Twelve people suspected of involvement in illegal online gaming operations were arrested after a month-long surveillance by authorities, according to the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR).

In a press release, PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro Tengco said the arrests were made by the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) and the Anti-Cybercrime Group of the Philippine National Police (PNP) together with the PAGCOR monitoring team.

“The raiders were armed with a warrant to search, seize, and examine operations of computer data against the suspects who were caught red-handed while operating the illegal online gaming platform tbb888.com or the Big Bet,” Tengco said in a statement.

The PAGCOR chairman said the illegal gaming site has been operating games like slot machines, live casinos, and e-sports, among others.

Authorities seized eleven computer sets, 21 mobile phones, 2 iPads, 6 laptops, and flash drives from the suspects.

PAGCOR Senior Vice President for Security and Monitoring Cluster Raul Villanueva said onsite examination revealed that the confiscated gadgets contain evidence of the group’s illegal online activities.

The raid was conducted inside BF Northwest Subdivision in Para?aque City, an affluent enclave whose residents include some of the most prominent political and business leaders in the area.

PAGCOR intensifies fight vs. illegal online gambling

Villanueva said cases will be filed against the suspects before the Para?aque Regional Trial Court.

“The operation was part of our unified efforts to intensify the fight against illegal online gambling because we have a marching order from PAGCOR Chairman Tengco to put a stop to these illegal activities,” Villanueva said.

“We will continuously collaborate with law enforcement authorities such as the PNP and even the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency to put a stop to these,” he said.

“We advise the public to stop patronising illegal online gaming sites and instead play on legal platforms to protect themselves.”

More groups under surveillance

Villanueva detailed that the agency is working closely with the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center under the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) because PAGCOR has more targets under surveillance.

According to Villanueva, close to 5,000 illegal online gaming sites were operating in the country at one time but 80% of these were already blocked.

“We need to consistently monitor and report them to authorities not only to protect the bettors but to also ensure that revenues from regulated gaming are channelled back to the government for its nation-building programs,” he said.?

SiGMA Eurasia and SiGMA Africa – less than a month away

With less than a month until the highly anticipated SiGMA Africa event kicks off in Cape Town, South Africa on the 11th of March, the gaming industry is abuzz with excitement. Building on the success of its inaugural edition in Nairobi, Kenya, in January 2023, SiGMA Africa is strategically positioning itself at the forefront of Africa’s burgeoning gaming landscape. With the continent’s market poised for exponential growth, driven by a rapidly evolving digital ecosystem and increasing mobile connectivity, SiGMA Group recognizes the need to foster collaboration and innovation within the industry. By bringing together leading stakeholders and visionaries in gaming, SiGMA aims to catalyse progress and propel Africa towards a new era of prosperity and opportunity. As the countdown to the event begins, anticipation mounts for what promises to be a landmark gathering of gaming enthusiasts and innovators in the vibrant city of Cape Town.

The fourth edition of SiGMA Eurasia will once again be held at the InterContinental Dubai Festival City. Held between the 25 and 27 February 2024, the summit provides invaluable opportunities for attendees to network with industry professionals, gain exposure to the latest tech and innovations in the sector, meet key decision makers, and gain insight into new markets.