The National Institute of Statistics and Census shared data for the first six months of the year.
Panama.- The gaming industry continues to rise in Panama. According to information published by the National Institute of Statistics and Census (INEC), in real figures, the bets totaled USD1,253,687 between January and June of 2024.
The local media La Estrella de Panamá reported that the gross bets recorded an increase of 13.5 percent compared to the same period last year, when the bets had reached USD1,104,531.
According to INEC's information, the increase in the first six months of 2024 was observed mainly in type “A” slot machines (11 percent), online gambling (46.1 percent), gaming tables (5.8 percent) and sports betting rooms (13.4 percent).
On the contrary, the racetrack recorded a decrease of 12.9 percent while bingo halls generated 19.2 percent less revenue. On the other hand, the sales and gross revenues of the National Charity Lottery recorded a positive variation of 6.7 percent.
See also: Two annulment lawsuits prevent the end of electronic lottery in Panama
The net bets of the gambling operators reported a positive variation of 4.9 percent in the indicated period; of these, type “A” slot machines grew by 5.6 percent, online gambling by 33.6 percent, and the racetrack by 3.2 percent.
Foreign offshore gaming workers’ visas will be downgraded to tourist visas.
The Philippines.- The Department of Justice (DOJ) has said that foreign workers employed by offshore gaming operators have until October 15 to voluntarily return to their home countries. The POGO Closure Task Force has decided that from October 16, the visas of foreign offshore gaming workers will be changed to tourist visas. They will be required to leave the Philippines within 60 days or face involuntary repatriation.
The Task Force includes the DOJ, Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC), and the Bureau of Immigration (BI). It aims to establish guidelines for the prohibition of offshore gaming operations by the end of the year as directed by president Marcos Jr.
See also: Philippines: SCBPOs won’t be affected by offshore gaming ban
The DOJ has reported that the Philippines’ 41 licenced internet gaming licensees (IGLs), previously known as Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs), have indicated their intention to comply with the ban and halt operations before the end of the year. However, PAGCOR’s chairman and CEO Alejandro Tengco has cautioned that operators may attempt to employ deceptive tactics to conceal illegal business after the ban comes into force.
