Weekend Report: Jakarta officials charged over online gambling, Kyrgyzstan allows casinos to open in state buildings

Jakarta ministry officials face charges over online gambling

Up first, 11 ministry officials working within the Indonesian government’s communication and digitalisation ministry face charges over illegal online gambling.

Jakarta Globe reports the officials allegedly facilitated online gambling operators by keeping their websites active. This is despite a recent presidential instruction to close all gambling sites and accompanying apps.

Police say some 20% of around 5,000 identified gambling websites were allowed to continue to operate in exchange for money. Each site paid the group of officials RP8.5 million (£447/€533/$580) for the privilege.

The identities of those involved have not been disclosed. However, Jakarta police did reveal the case has also seen five private citizens arrested. This brings the total of those being charged to 16.

Kyrgyzstan parliament approves gambling in state-owned facilities

Elsewhere, Kyrgyzstan’s parliament has voted through legislation to allow gambling in state-owned facilities. Buildings owned by the state or enterprises with government stakes will now be permitted to host casino activities, the Times of Central Asia reports.

The ministry of economy and commerce, which developed the new law, said the aim of the change is to attract investment, generate employment and boost tax revenue. Revenue from casino operations will support the development of tourist infrastructure, the ministry added.

Until recently, gambling was completely banned in Kyrgyzstan, under legalisation passed in 2012. However, a law passed in 2022 to permit gambling under strict conditions, whereby only foreign nationals could gamble.

While the new law permits casinos in state-owned facilities, Kyrgyz citizens will remain barred from entry.

Ontario regulator penalises horse racing trainer

Moving across to the Americas now and the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) has penalised a standardbred trainer and driver for violating regulations.

An AGCO probe found that a non-therapeutic, performance-enhancing drug – darbepoetin alfa (DPO) – had been used on the horse Funtime Bayama. This is in direct breach of rules and regulations for horseracing in Ontario.

Trainer Richard Moreau and driver Sylvain Filion have been issued 10-year suspensions from the sport. Both licensees have also been issued a monetary penalty of CA$40,000.

Any horses owned by Moreau or Filion are ineligible to be entered to race during the 10-year suspension period. Horses trained by Moreau or Filion are also ineligible to race but may be released or sold to another trainer, if approved by AGCO.

West Virginia Lottery launches iPLAY with NeoPollard Interactive

South of the border, NeoPollard Interactive has partnered with the West Virginia Lottery to launch a new ilottery. Powered by Neopollard’s ilottery 360° Solution, iPLAY allows players to access online lottery services.

Included within iPLAY are the Powerball, Mega Millions and Lotto America draw games, as well as instant titles from NeoGames Studio. Other services include responsible gambling options such as self-exclusion options and deposit limits.

Alongside this, the Lottery is also unveiling a new omnichannel PlayON loyalty programme, through which players can earn points for in-person and online purchases or by completing activities online. This grants them access to exclusive promotions and rewards.

John Myers, director of the West Virginia Lottery, said: “We are incredibly excited about this new chapter of playing lottery games.”

New Irish regulator seeks to fill key roles

And finally this week, the newly formed Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland is seeking to appoint its first chair and board members. The Authority is inviting candidates to fill the role of chair and six ordinary members on its board, the Irish Examiner reports.

To become a board member, candidates must have experience in gambling activities, consumer affairs, the pathology and treatment of addiction, or financial services. As for the chair role, experience of board membership and management experience in large organisations is desirable.

Separate to this, the Authority is looking to appoint a manager to establish the Social Impact Development Fund. This will see a levy on the gambling industry to help fund projects and initiatives aimed at tackling problem gambling.