SiGMA Manila highlights ASEAN approach amid POGO crackdown

SiGMA Manila has responded to the Philippines PAGCOR regulator’s latest move to work with China by rooting out illegal Chinese nationals, emphasising the importance of a pan-ASEAN approach to iGaming across the region. PAGCOR has urged operators of Philippine offshore gaming operations to cooperate with authorities and surrender illegal Chinese workers with criminal records. “The crackdown is a result of PAGCOR’s constant coordination with the Chinese embassy and law enforcement agencies to ensure that proper regulations are observed,” PAGCOR observed. “The state-run gaming agency is continuously working with concerned agencies like the Department of Justice for the creation of an operations center where all problems related to illegal gambling and cybercrimes will be coursed through. With this shared effort, PAGCOR can be ensured that all operations being made by the law enforcement agencies are in accordance with the law.” While other Manila-based shows have focussed more specifically on local iGaming markets that could be negatively impacted by Chinese interference in Philippines’ POGO sector, this latest move re-affirms SiGMA Group’s broad perspective for the Asian continent’s fast-growing iGaming sector as mitigating the risk of a singular market focus. Eman Pulis, founder and CEO of SiGMA Group, commented, “SiGMA Manila is focused on the entire Asia region and not exclusively on Chinese delegates or the POGO sector. Scenarios like this make it even more pertinent for a show like ours to focus on a wider market, and this is reflected by the fact that the expo floor has almost reached capacity already. Exhibitors still looking for space with us should get in touch quickly!” SiGMA Manila takes place 8th-9th June, 2020, at the SMX Convention Center in Manila, Philippines.