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, bets totaled USD1,253,687 between January and June 2024.
The local media La Estrella de Panamá reported that gross bets recorded an increase of 13.5 percent compared to the same period last year, when bets had reached USD1,104,531.
According to INEC 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 other hand, the racetrack recorded a decrease of 12.9 percent while bingo halls generated 19.2 percent less revenue. Meanwhile, the sales and gross revenues of the National Charity Lottery recorded a positive change of 6.7 percent.
See also: Two annulment lawsuits prevent the end of electronic lottery in Panama
The net bets of 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.
Gatchalian says PAOCC’s manpower is not sufficient to sustain operations against illegal offshore gaming operators.
The Philippines.- Senator Win Gatchalian has called for an increase in the budget for the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) to enhance its operations against illegal offshore gaming operators. During a Senate hearing, Gatchalian praised the PAOCC for leading raids against offshore gaming operators but said: “Unfortunately, their manpower complement is not sufficient to sustain further operations.”
The senator emphasised the importance of the commission being able to properly enforce the upcoming ban on offshore gaming operations.
He said: “We want to allocate more funds to the PAOCC to increase their personnel, equipment, and other necessary support, so their operations can be strengthened and they can ensure a swift and effective response to cases.” He also stressed the need to prepare for any potential scenario, including the possibility that some offshore gaming operators might operate underground.
There are currently 41 licenced internet gaming licensees (IGLs), previously known as Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs), operating in the country. However, PAGCOR has raised concerns that there may be up to 250 operators without licences that could be involved in criminal activities.
See also: Philippine senate hearing: 24 ex-PNP chiefs under investigation
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), PAGCOR, 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.
The DOJ has reported that the Philippines’ 41 licenced IGLs 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.
