Final list of 114 applicants as Brazil gaming licence frenzy ends

PlayUp Interactive, trading as Draftstars, has been handed a record fine of $586,000 for breaching New South Wales' stringent gambling advertising regulations as reported by The Guardian earlier today. The Sydney-based operator, known as Australia's largest daily fantasy sports provider, was penalised after being found guilty of 33 offences related to illegal advertisements. These ads, prominently displayed on its website, offered free bets and other inducements to potential customers—a practice explicitly outlawed in the state.

The fine was issued by Sydney’s Downing Centre local court, marking the most substantial financial penalty ever imposed for such violations in New South Wales. Under state law, it is illegal to offer any incentives to open, maintain, or refer others to betting accounts. These regulations, which are similarly enforced across other Australian states and territories, aim to curb the aggressive marketing tactics that can lead to problem gambling.

Dimitri Argeres, Director of Compliance and Enforcement at Liquor and Gaming NSW, drew attention to the gravity of the offences and the company’s responsibility to adhere to the legal framework governing gambling advertising. "It is the responsibility of the betting service provider to ensure prohibited gambling advertising is not published or communicated in NSW," Argeres stated, reflecting the regulator’s unwavering commitment to enforcing these laws. He further emphasised that Liquor and Gaming NSW will continue to adopt a zero-tolerance approach, with the hefty fine serving as a stark reminder of the consequences of non-compliance.

This record-breaking penalty comes at a time of intense national debate over the future of gambling advertising in Australia. Amid growing concerns about the impact of such ads on vulnerable populations, there has been a push for federal legislation that would impose a blanket ban on gambling promotions across all media platforms, including television, streaming services, and radio. The debate has also highlighted the reliance of Australian media companies on gambling ad revenue, prompting discussions about alternative funding models.

PlayUp Interactive, which operates not only in Australia but also in New Zealand, India, and the United States, has yet to publicly comment on the ruling. The company acquired Draftstars in 2018 from CrownBet, which later merged with Sportsbet. The penalty imposed on PlayUp far exceeds the previous record fine of $210,000 levied against Betr in 2023 for similar offences. As the largest daily fantasy sports operator in the country, PlayUp’s compliance with gambling laws will likely continue to be scrutinised closely by regulators.

Uganda’s Consul General to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Ambassador Henry Mayega, (pictured above) has been recalled along with other consulate officials following allegations of unauthorised gambling activities within the Ugandan Consulate in Dubai. This scandal has sparked an official investigation to identify those responsible for the illicit operations.

State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Henry Okello Oryem, confirmed the investigation on Monday, expressing deep regret over the incident. He clarified that the officials were recalled to assist with the investigation, not expelled as some reports had suggested. Oryem stated that the outcome of the investigation would determine whether the officials could return to their posts. He reassured the public that Uganda’s relationship with Dubai remains strong despite the controversy, which he described as “a small storm in a teacup.”

The issue was first brought to light by Shadow Minister for Foreign Affairs, Haruna Nkunyingi Muwada, during a parliamentary session last month. Muwada criticised the lack of proper guidance provided to Uganda’s diplomatic missions, attributing the scandal to the widespread appointment of politically affiliated diplomats who, he claimed, often lack sufficient knowledge of foreign policy. He warned that the incident could have broader implications, potentially leading to stricter screening for Ugandans entering the UAE.

The recall of Ambassador Mayega follows closely on the heels of another diplomatic controversy involving Uganda’s High Commissioner to Canada, Joy Ruth Acheng. Acheng was declared a “persona non grata” and ordered to leave Canada by 21 August, 2024, due to unresolved issues.

There is no doubt an urgent need for stronger oversight and clearer guidelines for Uganda’s diplomatic missions to prevent further damage to the country’s international standing. The allegations suggest that privately procured gambling machines, shipped under diplomatic cover between Russia and the Middle East, ended up being operated at the Ugandan Consulate in Dubai. This has raised serious questions about the criteria used in selecting Uganda’s representatives abroad, their competence, and the extent of their mandate.

State Minister Oryem assured that the investigation aims to identify the actual officials involved before any further action is taken by the government. He reiterated that if the officials are found guilty, they will not return to Dubai, but if they are innocent, they will be reinstated. Oryem also highlighted that Uganda’s relationship with Dubai has not been affected by the unfolding events, maintaining that it is a minor issue in the grand scheme of their diplomatic relations.

Shadow Minister Muwada has been vocal about the need for reform in Uganda’s diplomatic appointments. He pointed out that a significant number of ambassadors and foreign service staff are political appointees from the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), which he believes contributes to incidents like this. Muwada’s concerns reflect a broader call for merit-based appointments and better training for diplomats to ensure they are well-versed in foreign policy and diplomatic protocols.

The scandal has also brought to light the potential repercussions for Ugandans traveling to the UAE. Muwada warned that the incident could lead to stricter screening processes for Ugandans, complicating travel and business relations between the two countries.

The recall of Ambassador Henry Mayega and the ongoing investigation into the alleged casino operations at the Ugandan Consulate in Dubai highlight significant issues within Uganda’s diplomatic corps. The incident calls for immediate reforms for all diplomatic missions to operate with integrity and professionalism, safeguarding their country’s international reputation.

China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi stressed the urgency of regional cooperation to combat cross-border crimes. Wang?highlighted recent joint operations between China, Myanmar, Laos, and Thailand, which resulted in the arrest of over 50,000 individuals involved in gambling and fraud. ?

Wang called for stronger border controls, improved intelligence sharing, and continued joint efforts to apprehend and repatriate criminals. He emphasised that sustained regional stability depends on consistent cooperation among neighbouring countries.  

According to a report by Global Times, Chinese experts have praised Wang's proposal, noting that it reflects China's strategic approach to fostering long-term regional stability through practical cooperation. The Ninth Lancang-Mekong Cooperation (LMC) Foreign Ministers' Meeting, held in Chiang Mai, Thailand, reinforced this commitment, with leaders from six countries issuing a joint statement to combat cross-border crimes. Chinese observers underscored the importance of collective efforts in addressing the spillover effects of crimes like drug trafficking and smuggling, which threaten both regional and global security.?

Last week, Wang met with Myanmar's leader Min Aung Hlaing in Nay Pyi Taw, focusing on enhancing cooperation to combat cross-border crimes, particularly online gambling and telecom fraud. Min emphasised Myanmar's commitment to China as a trustworthy neighbour and expressed his willingness to strengthen ties, especially in law enforcement. He underscored the importance of collaboration in securing both nations' interests, particularly in cracking down on activities that threaten regional stability. 

Min reiterated Myanmar's support for China's sovereignty and the one-China principle. The discussion also covered advancing Belt and Road cooperation, with both leaders expressing a desire to strengthen partnerships in various sectors, including infrastructure, agriculture, and energy. ?

Wang, meanwhile, reaffirmed China's support for Myanmar's sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity, emphasising non-interference in Myanmar's internal affairs. He praised the resilience of China-Myanmar relations, which have weathered the evolving international landscape.  

Dismissed Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo reportedly left the Philippines in July, according to Senator Risa Hontiveros. During a Senate plenary session, Hontiveros revealed that Guo had departed the country and was in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, by July 18.  

The senator stated that Guo used her Philippine passport to exit the country and later travelled to Singapore to reunite with her family, who had flown in from China. Hontiveros expressed outrage, questioning how Guo managed to leave despite assurances from the Bureau of Immigration (BI) that she would be barred from departing the country.  

Earlier, the Philippines’ Office of the Ombudsman ousted Guo from her mayoral post. According to the Ombudsman’s probe, Guo’s connections to Baofu Land Development Inc., which controlled the property housing the illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) operations, persisted even after she assumed the mayoral office in 2022. ??

Following Hontiveros' revelations, Senator Raffy Tulfo echoed concerns about the possibility that Guo left the country on a chartered plane. Tulfo highlighted the lack of adequate processing centres for passengers of private aircraft, noting that these individuals could bypass standard immigration procedures. He emphasised the need to trace any chartered or private planes that left the country on the day of Guo's departure and to identify the customs, immigration, and quarantine officials on duty at that time.   

In a related development, Immigration Commissioner Norman Tansingco disclosed that intelligence reports indicated Guo left the Philippines without passing through immigration controls. Tansingco confirmed that Guo had flown to Malaysia and subsequently to Singapore. He noted that although Guo's name was listed on the Department of Justice's immigration lookout bulletin, her departure was not recorded in the BI's system, raising concerns about potential lapses in monitoring informal exit points managed by other aviation or maritime agencies.  

Amid these conflicting reports, Guo's lawyer, Stephen David, maintained that she was still in the Philippines. David stated that he spoke with Guo online on Sunday, and she assured him that she had not left the country. He added that Guo had recently sworn under oath before a notary public in Bulacan, further affirming her presence in the Philippines. David acknowledged the potential legal repercussions if the notarization was conducted without Guo's physical presence and pledged to follow up on Senator Hontiveros' claims.  

The controversy surrounding Guo's whereabouts has left many questions unanswered. While senators continue to probe the circumstances of her reported departure, the BI faces scrutiny over its failure to track her movements. As investigations proceed, the truth behind Guo's location and the implications for Philippine law enforcement and immigration protocols remain in the spotlight.?