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 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 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 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.
Authorities are analysing whether to pursue a case against Raul Villanueva.
The Philippines.- Raul Villanueva, senior vice president for security at the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), appears to have rowed back from his claim that a former chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP) accepted bribes from offshore gaming operators. According to major general Leo Francisco, the head of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) instructed to look into the allegations made during a senate hearing, Villanueva now says the comment was “purely gossip.”
Francisco told The Philippine News Agency: “What he said was [that] he was not referring to anybody and [that] these are just rumours among the intelligence community. But I told him, ‘Sir, the ex-chiefs of the PNP were concerned and this statement became a big concern and issue within the PNP.”
Francisco said the CIDG will no longer proceed with the investigation into Villanueva’s claim. He indicated that he would seek guidance regarding the possibility of pursuing a case against Villanueva. The Council of Chiefs had demanded a public apology from Villanueva if he could not prove his allegation.
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.
