Daily Asia Gaming eBrief: Total shutdown of POGOs in the Philippines by year-end

Good morning. The end is nigh. PAGCOR has announced that all Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) will close by the end of the year due to a crackdown on illegal activities, with a complete shutdown expected by December 15th. Meanwhile, in New Zealand the dog days could be over for greyhounds, as authorities officially announced intentions to ban greyhound racing. In the Greater Bay Area, authorities in the Hengqin special economic zone are improving supervision in preparation for new visa policies that will allow Zhuhai residents more entries in Macau.

What you need to know

• PAGCOR declares that all Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) will cease operations in the country by the close of this year.
• New Zealand has officially announced its intention to ban greyhound racing, citing an alarming rate of injuries among the dogs involved in the sport. 
• Hengqin authorities are ramping up supervision and inspections of residents with permits eligible for multiple-entry Macau visas to prevent abuse.

On the radar

• New legislation will expand monopoly held by TAB on online betting in New Zealand.
• Australian politicians demand Sportsbet remove Snapchat filters targeting children.
• Macau outdoor performance venue daily rent up to $62,380.
• Isle of Man GSC cancels Metagrow’s B2B license on back of director’s criminal conviction.
• Queensland pubs and clubs GGR up 11.6% Y-o-Y in November.

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