Brazil’s Sports Betting Market: Navigating the Regulatory Shift
Other than PAGCOR, authorities regulating certain special economic zones in the Philippines may also host and license gaming entities whose activities and gaming equipment (including computer servers) will generally be limited within such economic zone. These authorities are the CEZA, the APECO, and the Authority of the Freeport Area of Bataan (AFAB). Social gaming is generally allowed, as long as such games do not fall under the definition of “gambling”. Activities that fall under the definition of “gambling” are illegal, unless there is a law specifically allowing them. Under the regime of PAGCOR chairman and CEO Alejandro Tengco, it committed to focusing more on its regulatory role. However, due to the need to amend its charter to cede its operator functions, the plan to privatise some 40 casinos operated by PAGCOR may be pushed back to early 2026.
For land-based casinos, permissible advertising mediums include print, TV and cable, radio, internet, SMS, posters, and billboards. The content of such advertisements must focus on gambling as a form of entertainment, fun and leisure and not as a money-making activity, and must not imply that gambling solves financial problems. The remote or online gaming platform must have prior written approval by PAGCOR before any implementation. Furthermore, only games or markets or sports with prior approval of PAGCOR are allowed to be deployed in the remote or online gaming platform as game contents. Entities that do business in the Philippines are also required to secure a licence to do business from the SEC and business or local government permits from the relevant local government unit where they choose to conduct business.
- There are different/unique casino regulatory manuals (CRMs) that govern different venues (ie, if the location is greenfield, in an ecozone or in the Entertainment City).
- China, for instance, prohibits most forms of gambling, including online sports betting, while countries like the Philippines and Cambodia have embraced a more liberal approach, licensing online betting operators.
- Certification of WLA members to the WLA-SCS can be conducted by experienced auditors that are employees, agents, or subcontractors of an ASE affiliated with the WLA.
- They’re not exactly a “hands-on” authority when it comes to vetting their licenses and they’re not much help if players lose money in the case of their licensees goes bankrupt.
- The Agreement must be signed and sent to the WLA prior to the ASE and/or auditor taking the responsibility for the performance of WLA-SCS assessment to WLA members.
PAGCOR : A Partnership for Secure, Fair, and Responsible Gaming
Under the Revised Penal Code, persons found guilty of violating anti-illegal gambling laws may be sentenced to serve a prison sentence ranging from four to eight years per count. The taxation of casinos and PAGCOR licensees in the Philippines is governed by the National Internal Revenue Code (“Tax Code”) and specific legislation like Republic Act No 11590. WLA does not have any knowledge of the information contained in such other sites, nor has WLA been able to include such other sites in its efforts to provide accurate information.
Partially remote assessments are considered remote assessments and must be scheduled, and performed, taking into consideration the requirements and procedures included in this guide. The WLA may perform spot checks on the procedures for remote assessments identified by the ASEs and followed by the auditors. During the initial certification all the premises to be covered by the WLA-SCS certificate must be physically visited and assessed against unibet all the applicable controls. Part A of the GtC contains principles, requirements, and procedures that are involved in the WLA-SCS certification process. It is meant to support WLA members seeking WLA-SCS certification, auditors that have been selected to perform the WLA-SCS assessment, and for the ASEs that employ the selected auditor. A remote assessment is an assessment that is conducted off site, either in whole or in part.
Refers to a complete evaluation and assessment process performed by a WLA-SCS auditor for a certified WLA member before the expiry of the three-year term of validity of the previous certificate, in order to confirm compliance with the WLA-SCS. Refers to the evaluation and assessment process performed by a WLA accredited auditor to determine compliance to the WLA-SCS. The rules for ASEs and auditors remain unchanged from the previous edition of the Guide to Certificate. All data and information are regularly monitored via the yearly reports that all ASEs are required to send to the WLA. Some controls have been reorganized to simplify the standard, for instance, moving those applicable to all game offerings to the general section.
WLA-SCS:2024Assessment Form
Criminal laws require that all elements of a crime be present, so theoretically, all the elements of illegal gambling will need to be proven before a person is convicted of such violation. The conduct of social games is allowed provided that these are played merely as parlour games or for home entertainment, are not held in places habitually used for gambling and do not have betting disguised to defeat the intent of the law. Fantasy sports betting (if it involves wagering or betting), if not licensed or regulated by PAGCOR, is considered illegal gambling. PAGCOR issues licenses and accreditations to gaming operators, enforces gaming laws, monitors gaming activities, and generates revenue for the government through taxes and fees.
States like New Jersey, Nevada, and Pennsylvania have emerged as key markets, implementing comprehensive regulatory frameworks to oversee sports betting operations. However, the decentralized approach has resulted in a patchwork of regulations across states, posing challenges for operators and consumers alike. PAGCOR has recently indicated its intention to require registration and permanent establishment requirements for foreign/non-accredited data/content streaming providers to e-gaming licensees. Based on initial information from PAGCOR, this includes requiring said B2B providers to set up an office in the Philippines and secure PAGCOR accreditation. This will ensure additional oversight and supervision by PAGCOR of games and content provided to its e-gaming operations.
PAGCOR also mandated a reduction of the number of days to conduct the full KYC process for players from seven to three days. With the inclusion of casinos as “covered persons” under the AMLA, casinos are required to comply with the requirements and are subject to the penalties prescribed under the AMLA and the CIRR. The AMLC, other regulatory bodies and PAGCOR also issue regular orders, guidelines and supplemental rules relating to AML compliance. Therefore, this summary does not purport to provide a comprehensive list of requirements, but rather the general principles that should be incorporated into the operations of a casino licensee. It is recommended that the licensee or potential licensee consult a legal professional for guidance. In addition, offshore gaming operators/internet gaming licensees and their service providers have been designated as covered persons under AMLA, thus they are required to comply with the same reporting requirements.
The Order aims to eliminate all forms of offshore gaming activities within the Philippines, regardless of where they are organised or licensed. Asia represents a significant market for sports betting, driven by a burgeoning middle class, increasing internet penetration, and the popularity of sports such as football and cricket. However, regulatory frameworks in many Asian countries vary widely, ranging from strict prohibition to limited legalization in designated zones (e.g., Macau). China, for instance, prohibits most forms of gambling, including online sports betting, while countries like the Philippines and Cambodia have embraced a more liberal approach, licensing online betting operators.
Likewise, any person who is the beneficial owner of 10% or more of any class of any security of the concerned entity, which is a publicly listed company, is required to disclose and file a statement with the SEC and the PSE. Billboards promoting gambling facilities and activities must be located no less than 200 metres away from schools and places of worship, such as churches. The casino operator may also opt to file an exclusion form against a player who is engaged in cheating, theft, fraud, and other similar offences.
Operators need to navigate a complex regulatory landscape, address cultural nuances, and compete with established international players. By fostering the exchange of vital facts,the cooperation between sportradar and the Ministry of Finance will considerably enhance the detection and mitigation of irregular betting patterns,laying a solid foundation for a transparent and sustainable market. Sportradar’s Integrity Services will lend its specialized expertise to the Secretariat, focusing on identifying and reporting any suspicious activities observed within the market. Furthermore, the company will provide strategic guidance to help navigate and address such situations effectively.
