During the operation in San Cristóbal, 28 slot machines operating illegally were seized.
Dominican Republic.- Members of the Central Intelligence Directorate (DINTEL) of the National Police in San Cristóbal, along with the SWAT team and the grey berets, carried out a raid on a house operating as an illegal slot machine storage and repair center.
The raid, overseen by prosecutors from the Public Ministry, focused on dismantling a network involved in the operation and distribution of these illegal gambling machines. During the operation, upon noticing police activity, an individual known as “Gogo”, who has been identified as responsible for the illicit operation, managed to escape.
Among the seized items were 28 slot machines, as well as a large number of electronic components. These included 130 cards, 29 coin dispensers, and various electronic parts used for the construction and repair of the machines.
Additionally, a coin and card counting machine linked to social programs was confiscated. Authorities continue their investigations to locate those responsible and eradicate these illegal operations that affect the economic and social order of the community. In this regard, two weeks ago, another raid yielded a positive result with the confiscation of 19 illegal slot machines in Santo Domingo.
Following an investigation that alerted to the operation of the machines without the necessary licenses, an intervention was carried out at a venue known as "Bodega Zorrilla", as reported by the local media Telemicro. The place mainly operated during nighttime hours at the back of the establishment.
See also: Circe Almánzar calls for the regulation of online gambling in the Dominican Republic: "It can be a very important source of income for the government"
The reforms aim to strengthen casino regulation and tighten protections for vulnerable groups.
Singapore.- The Gambling Regulatory Authority (GRA) has announced that amendments to the Casino Control Act passed on September 10 have come into effect today (October 30). The Casino Control (Amendment) Act 2024 is intended to enhance operational effectiveness, tighten the regulation of casinos and licensees, strengthen protection for vulnerable groups and regularise casino entry levies collected from April 4 to May 7 2024.
Under the revised rules, it is now an offence for “any person” to destroy or falsify documents, knowing that the document is required by the GRA. The amendment also aligns penalties for offences related to casino operations with similar laws in other areas. This includes increased penalties for: providing false or misleading information to GRA and a minor refusing to give particulars or using false evidence of age to enter a casino, which now align with similar offences under the Gambling Control Act.
The bill also gives the GRA the power to take disciplinary action against operators and special employees for regulatory breaches even after their licences have lapsed if the disciplinary action had commenced before the licence lapsing. The GRA retains the authority to regulate gaming software used on mobile devices within casino premises.
The bill also transfers the authority to authorise the primary stakeholders of casino operators from the GRA to the Minister for Home Affairs, which the government sees as more suited to “guarantee ongoing harmony between the integrated resorts (IRs) and the strategic goals of the Singapore government.” The GRA must approve all casino games, gaming machines, and chips.
The bill also gives the GRA the power to regulate betting and lotteries in casinos in addition to games of chance. Additional measures include returning entry levies for Singapore citizens and permanent residents to SG$150 daily and SG$3,000 annually after a period of lower rates.
The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) has reported that the country received 1.27 million visitors in September. That’s a 12.3 per cent increase in year-on-year terms but a decline of 17.53 per cent sequentially.
