Weekend Report: Jakarta authorities accused of online gambling, Kyrgyzstan allows casinos to open in government buildings

Employees of the Jakarta branch are accused of online gambling

First, 11 officials working within the Indonesian government’s communications and digitalisation ministry have been charged with illegal gambling.

The Jakarta Globe reported that officials allegedly facilitated online gambling by keeping their websites active. This is despite the president’s recent order to close all gambling sites and associated facilities.

Police said 20 percent of the 5,000 popular gambling websites were allowed to continue operating as money exchanges. Each venue paid the official team RP8.5 million (£447/€533/$580) for the privilege.

The identities of those involved have not been released. However, the Jakarta police revealed the case and saw five private citizens arrested. This brings the total number of accused to 16.

The Parliament of Kyrgyzstan authorizes gambling in state institutions

Elsewhere, Kyrgyzstan’s parliament voted to pass legislation allowing gambling in state-owned areas. Government buildings or state-subsidized businesses will now be allowed to host casino operations, the Times of Central Asia reported.

The Ministry of Economy and Trade, which drafted the new law, said that the aim of this change is to attract investment, create jobs and increase tax revenue. Revenue from casino operations will support the development of tourism infrastructure, the Ministry added.

Until recently, gambling was completely banned in Kyrgyzstan, under a law passed in 2012. However, in 2022 a law was passed allowing gambling under strict conditions, so only foreigners could bet.

While the new law allows casinos in government facilities, Kyrgyz citizens will remain barred from entry.

Ontario governor slams horse racing trainer

Moving on to America now and the Alcohol and Sports Commission of Ontario (AGCO) has fined the coach and the regular driver for breaking the rules.

An AGCO investigation found that a non-prescription, performance-enhancing drug – darbepoetin alfa (DPO) – had been used on Funtime Bayama’s horse. This violates the rules and regulations of horse racing in Ontario.

Coach Richard Moreau and driver Sylvain Filion were handed 10-year bans from the sport. Both licensees were also fined CA $40,000.

Any Moreau or Filion horses are ineligible to race during the 10-year suspension. 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 by NeoPollard Interactive

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

Included in iPLAY are the Powerball, Mega Million and Lotto America fantasy games, as well as titles from NeoGames Studio. Other services include responsible gambling options such as withdrawal options and deposit limits.

In addition to this, the Lottery is also introducing a new loyalty program PlayON, through which players can earn points for shopping in person and online shopping or by doing activities online. This gives them access to special promotions and rewards.

John Myers, director of the West Virginia Lottery, said: “We are very excited about this new chapter in lottery gaming.”

Ireland’s new manager is looking to fill key roles

And finally this week, the newly formed Gambling Council of Ireland is looking to appoint its first chairman and board members. The authority is inviting candidates to take on the role of chairman and six ordinary members of its board, reports the Irish Examiner.

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

In contrast to this, the Council is looking to appoint a manager who will establish the Social Impact Development Fund. This will bring tax to the gambling industry to help fund projects and initiatives aimed at solving problem gambling.