Police are investigating claims that contestants were told to promote a Philippines-based online casino during the 74th Miss Universe pageant in Bangkok.
Thailand.- Thai police have launched an investigation into allegations that the Miss Universe Organisation (MUO) promoted a Philippines-based online casino during official activities for the 74th Miss Universe pageant in Bangkok.
The inquiry follows a complaint filed by Nawat Itsaragrisil, CEO of Miss Grand International (MGI) and chairman of the Miss Universe Thailand Host Committee. He alleges that MUO staff instructed contestants to film promotional content for Playtime, a PAGCOR-licensed online casino, despite online gambling being illegal under Thai law.
On November 3, officers from Wat Phaya Krai Police Station went to the hotel where contestants were staying and reportedly seized promotional merchandise bearing Playtime’s branding, including a photo of Miss Philippines holding a pillow featuring the sponsor’s logo. Investigators said they are determining whether the site operates as an illegal gambling platform.
MGI has issued a statement asserting that it had “no involvement whatsoever” in the promotion, which it claimed was organised solely by MUO. “Following the incident, it has come to our attention that MUO promoted a sponsor associated with online casinos, an activity strictly prohibited under Thai law,” the company said.
The case has exposed tensions between MUO and the Thai host organisation. MUO, which has undergone significant changes in ownership and leadership in recent years, is currently co-owned by JKN Legacy Inc., a joint venture between Thailand’s JKN Global Group and Legacy Holding Group USA. The organisation is led by President Raúl Rocha Cantú and CEO Mario Búcaro, both appointed in late 2024.
The MUO confirmed that the Miss Universe 2025 pageant will continue in Bangkok as planned Bangkok from November 2 to 21. Police have not yet indicated whether any charges will be filed.
Police are investigating claims that contestants were told to promote a Philippines-based online casino during the 74th Miss Universe pageant in Bangkok. Thailand.- Thai police have launched an investigation into…
Participe da IGI Expo 2026: https://igi-expo.com/
O iGaming & Gaming International Expo - IGI, é um evento inovador criado para reunir empresas e empreendedores, profissionais, investidores, dos setores de iGaming e jogos. Com foco total em networking, exposição e feira de negócios. Além de ser uma fonte inigualável de informações sobre as tendências e o futuro das indústrias nos próximos anos.
📢 Receba em primeira mão notícias relevantes e fique por dentro dos principais assuntos sobre Igaming e Esportes no Brasil e o mundo. Siga no Whatsapp!
...
