What's happened
Philippine authorities have intensified their crackdown on illegal online gambling, arresting over 160 foreign nationals in a recent raid. This follows President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s ban on offshore gaming operators, primarily targeting Chinese-run operations. Meanwhile, Thailand is moving towards legalizing casinos, reflecting a shift in regional gambling policies.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to The Independent, the Philippine crackdown on illegal online gambling has led to the arrest of over 160 foreign nationals, primarily Chinese and Indonesians, in a raid on a resort in Cebu. This operation is part of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s broader strategy to eliminate illegal gambling, which he claims has led to serious crimes, including human trafficking and financial scams. Meanwhile, The Japan Times highlights that the crackdown follows a ban on Philippine offshore gaming operators, which has been welcomed by Beijing. In contrast, The Independent reports that Thailand is moving towards legalizing casinos, with a recent public hearing showing 80% support for the initiative. This reflects a significant shift in regional gambling policies, as countries like Cambodia and Singapore have already embraced legalized gambling.
How we got here
The Philippine government has been grappling with illegal online gambling operations, particularly those catering to foreign clients. President Marcos Jr. announced a ban on these operations in July 2024, citing widespread violations and associated crimes. Concurrently, Thailand's government is considering legalizing casinos to boost tourism and revenue.
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The Philippines, officially the Republic of the Philippines, is an archipelagic country in Southeast Asia. Situated in the western Pacific Ocean, it consists of about 7,641 islands that are broadly categorized under three main geographical divisions from
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China, officially the People's Republic of China, is a country in East Asia. It is the world's most populous country, with a population of around 1.4 billion in 2019.
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