Asia Gaming Weekly News Bulletin – ISSUE 3 Week of 24 February 2025
Chinese and Philippine authorities repatriated nearly 100 nationals for offshore gambling, reinforcing their commitment to combat the issue.
(2) Celebrities take a hit over online gambling with smartphones
Japanese celebrities and athletes are under police scrutiny for illegal online gambling, leading to a crackdown by authorities amid rising gambling addiction concerns.
(3) Malaysian court again rules gambling debts unenforceable
The Federal Court of Malaysia has delivered support to indebted gamblers in the country, reinforcing the nation’s legal stance on gambling debts as unenforceable.
(4) South Korea Leads Charge in Esports Betting Regulation
The fast-growing esports betting market is demanding stronger regulations to protect fans and promote responsible gambling practices.
(1) China-Philippines law enforcement cooperation repatriates nearly 100 Chinese national engaged in offshore gambling
(Official screenshot of the embassy website of the People’s Republic of China in the Republic of the Philippine)
Chinese and Philippine law enforcement agencies repatriated nearly 100 Chinese nationals involved in offshore gambling in the Philippines, according to the Chinese Embassy. This operation represents a significant step in the cooperation between the two countries, especially following the Philippines’ implementation of a ban on offshore gambling, highlighting both nations’ commitment to eradicating such activities.
The Chinese government remains resolute in its crackdown on gambling and related crimes, urging its nationals abroad to adhere to local laws and avoid illegal activities. The embassy has called on the Philippines to address persistent issues tied to offshore gambling and has expressed a willingness to collaborate in combating crime while ensuring the rights of Chinese nationals are protected.
Previously, nearly 200 Chinese citizens were also repatriated for similar reasons, underscoring the ongoing efforts of both governments to tackle offshore gambling and transnational crime. Philippine President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos had initiated a ban on widespread online gaming operations due to the associated crimes such as financial scams, human trafficking, and even murder, reinforcing the need for strict measures against offshore gambling.
News Source: https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202502/1329108.shtml
(2) Celebrities take a hit over online gambling with smartphones
(Captured from the Vera & John website)
Celebrities and athletes in Japan have recently faced police scrutiny for using smartphones to access online casinos, which are illegal in the country regardless of the operator’s location. This issue gained attention when comic Kuruma Takahira revealed on his YouTube channel that he unknowingly participated in illegal online gambling, prompting police inquiries into his activities and those of others in his talent agency, including baseball player Taisuke Yamaoka and table tennis player Koki Niwa.
The National Police Agency (NPA) has intensified its crackdown on online casinos, including those operated overseas, due to concerns that they serve as revenue sources for criminal organisations. In the past year, the NPA detained 279 individuals for such activities, a significant increase from 107 the previous year, driven by the rise in smartphone usage for online gambling. The agency is focusing on Japanese companies that facilitate financial transactions for these foreign operators, as gathering evidence against them can be challenging.
A survey indicated that 2.8 percent of Japanese individuals had used an online casino in the past year, with the majority being under 40. The rise in interest has been linked to increased smartphone accessibility and advertising for online casinos, which has led to a surge in consultations about gambling addiction. A support group for gambling addiction reported a dramatic increase in inquiries, from just eight in 2019 to 91 last year, and advocates are calling for stricter regulations, including technology to block access to these sites.
News Source: https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/15638680
(3) Malaysian court again rules gambling debts unenforceable
(Photo Credit: Next.io)
The case involving tour agent Ting Siu Hua arose when he sought to recover a debt from a client who failed to repay a gambling amount incurred during a trip to Naga Casino in Cambodia. Malaysian law rendered gambling debts unenforceable, leading to the dismissal of both the defamation suit and Siu Hua’s counterclaim for debt recovery by the High Court.
Siu Hua appealed, and the Court of Appeal initially ruled in his favour, classifying the credit extended as a recoverable loan. However, the Federal Court later reversed this decision, affirming that the credit was directly linked to gambling and could not be disguised as a loan, citing legal provisions that declare gambling agreements void and unenforceable in Malaysia.
The Federal Court emphasised that gambling debts are not legally binding and reflect societal disapproval of gambling, stating that such debts are considered “debts of honour” reliant on personal integrity. Ultimately, the court ordered Siu Hua to pay his client RM200,000 in legal costs, reinforcing the principle that gambling debts lack legal enforceability.
News Source:https://next.io/news/regulation/malaysian-court-rules-gambling-debts-unenforceable/
(4) South Korea Leads Charge in Esports Betting Regulation
(Photo Credit: KeSPA)
South Korea is increasingly becoming the focal point of the booming esports betting market, with significant changes anticipated as regulations continue to evolve. The rise of the esports betting industry reflects not only the popularity of esports but also the need for structured regulations to manage this new frontier effectively.
Esports betting, which allows fans to wager on the outcomes of esports tournaments, is seen as both innovative and risky. With its rapid ascent, the market demands flexible yet stringent regulations to safeguard participants. Authorities are increasingly emphasising responsible gambling practices and the selection of licensed platforms. Non-compliance with regulations can lead to severe consequences, including legal repercussions and financial losses. Operators found violating betting laws are subject to hefty penalties, prompting the government to push for well-regulated betting sites that prioritise responsible gambling.
As the esports market matures, there is a growing emphasis on education regarding responsible betting. Insiders advocate for incorporating training programs to educate gamblers about responsible practices, set budgets, and recognise when to seek help. “Implementing educational programs focuses on user-awareness and responsibility. The more informed the bettors are, the more sustainable this industry will become,” states a representative from the Esports Betting Association of Korea.
News Source: https://evrimagaci.org/tpg/south-korea-leads-charge-in-esports-betting-regulation-213440
