During the anniversary of the entity, Teófilo Tabar referred to the complicated situation the industry is facing in the Dominican Republic.
Dominican Republic.- In the context of the 142nd anniversary of the National Lottery, its general manager, Teófilo “Quico” Tabar, spoke about the delicate situation the lottery industry is facing in the country and requested that the entity be granted more powers to control illegal betting shops.
In this regard, during his speech, the official said that the National Lottery needs to be granted powers to apply sanctions administratively, albeit provisionally, to the sector of betting shops and electronic lotteries.
He added: “Unfortunately, there are advisors and officials who are more concerned about the so-called compliance with due process than the serious offenses, non-compliances, and illegalities committed in this sector to the detriment of the State and themselves.”
Moreover, Tabar explained that this institution lost the ability to audit betting shops, as these powers were transferred to other government agencies.
In his speech, he said that by losing the powers to regulate and audit lottery betting shops, the Lottery has been reduced to practically managing draws, without effective control over the sales points that proliferate in the territory. This fragmentation is compounded by the six electronic lottery concessionaires that conduct daily draws and manage part of the betting shop ecosystem, which deepens the dispersion of the sector.
See also: Fiscal reform in the Dominican Republic: they assure that the new gambling tax will increase illegality
Facing this situation, Tabar pointed out that President Luis Abinader proposed the idea of unifying the regulation of gambling under a single entity, either by creating a General Directorate of Gambling and National Lottery or by returning those powers to the National Lottery itself.
The bill, which is in its final phase, seeks to centralize the regulation of gambling. However, Tabar admitted that the process has faced challenges, due to the existence of various bill proposals driven by different actors, such as the Ministry of Finance and betting shop owners. These divergences, he said, have complicated the progress of the project, although he remains optimistic about its approval.
For the official, it is difficult to understand the need to “unnecessarily complicate processes that lead to confusion and bad thoughts.” For him, these are part of a tradition entrenched in bureaucracy, which, in his opinion, has not yielded good results and which he resists.
Tabar shared that he is in deep reflection about his continuity in the position. He admitted that his work in the gambling sector, an area he does not find entirely pleasant, has been marked by resistance to bureaucratic practices he considers counterproductive. “I reflect on whether this resistance makes me an obstacle to the development of the process,” he confessed, leaving open the possibility of making significant decisions about his professional future.
The administrator also expressed an emotional thanks to President Abinader for trusting his experience and giving him the opportunity to serve the country, despite his advanced age. He also expressed his gratitude to the members of the National Lottery Advisory Council for their selfless commitment. “Thank God for allowing me to remain firm in the right to disagree with respect,” he concluded.
The company earned the Corporate Excellence and Fast Enterprise awards.
The Philippines.- DigiPlus Interactive has received two awards at the Asia Pacific Enterprise Awards (APEA) 2024. The company won the Corporate Excellence Award and the Fast Enterprise Award.
The awards ceremony took place at Hilton Manila on December 11. It recognised businesses and people for their achievements, leadership, and innovation. DigiPlus said the Corporate Excellence Award recognised its commitment to sustainable growth, innovative leadership and exemplary business practices. Meanwhile, the Fast Enterprise Award acknowledged the company’s rapid growth and adaptability in an ever-evolving and competitive market.
Celeste Jovenir, vice president for investor relations, corporate communications, and sustainability, said: “DigiPlus was born from a vision to redefine digital entertainment in the Philippines. This recognition is a celebration of the incredible passion, ingenuity, and dedication of our team. It is also a tribute to our stakeholders, whose trust empowers us, and the communities we serve, who inspire us to continue pushing boundaries and elevating entertainment experiences for all.”
In November, DigiPlus and its social development branch, BingoPlus Foundation, launched a campaign to educate Filipino players about responsible gaming. The campaign uses the term Petsa de Peligro, which refers to the necessity for caution before paydays in the Philippines, as a metaphor for times when players should be careful in their gaming. According to DigiPlus, it aligns with the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR)’s initiatives to ensure safe and responsible gaming.
