Thailand Petitioners Demand Casino Referendum
A network of civic organizations has collected almost 54,000 signatures on a petition demanding that the Thai government hold a referendum on legal casinos.
Thailand’s controversial Entertainment Complex Act would legalize integrated resorts with gaming, licensing up to five complexes in the first phase of development. Petition coordinator Kornkanok Makboon told the Bangkok Post the groups began circulating the petition in early January and exceeded the 50,000-name minimum in May. It has since been filed with the Thailand Election Commission.
Thanakorn Khomkrit of Thailand’s Stop Gambling Foundation says a referendum would give the government “a clear mandate from the people,” no matter the outcome. It would “reduce public resistance and give investors confidence in the legal framework” supporting casinos.
The Electoral Commission has 30 days to verify the signatures before forwarding the petition to the Office of the Secretariat of the Cabinet for review.
Philippines DOJ Pledges Continued Fight Against Money Laundering
On June 13, the European Commission removed the Philippines from its list of markets at high risk for financial crimes. In response, the Philippines Department of Justice has promised to continue its battle against money laundering, terrorism financing and proliferation financing.
In a statement, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said the delisting “is an affirmation of our government’s unyielding stand against money laundering and terrorism financing. It will serve as a catalyst for the DOJ to further strengthen the rule of law not just within the Philippines, but at a global stage.”
In recent years the Philippines has cracked down on crime associated with gambling. Last July, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. banned Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations, or POGOs, following widespread reports of financial crimes, online scams and human trafficking.
A Manila Bulletin editorial warned that delisting from the EU watchlist is “a milestone to celebrate—not an endpoint. It is a stepping stone toward a more transparent, trusted and inclusive financial system.”
Earlier this year, the Philippines celebrated its exit from the Financial Action Task Force “grey list” of countries vulnerable to financial crimes.
Cambodia’s Star Vegas Feels Brunt of Thai Border Restrictions
Thai nationals are now prohibited from crossing the border to work or gamble at Cambodian casinos. The order came down from the Thai Royal Army, in response to a violent border conflict that killed a Cambodian sergeant in May.
Since the incident, Thailand has threatened to cut power and internet access to Cambodia. Cambodia has banned Thai media and the shipping of fruits and vegetables from Thai purveyors. Starting June 8, both countries restricted border-crossing hours.
On June 16, the military ordered all Thai nationals who work at border casinos to stay home until further notice. According to the Bangkok Post, leisure travelers also are barred from crossing into Cambodia, including for “gambling reasons.”
Donaco International, operator of Poipet’s Star Vegas Casino, has since posted a 62 percent drop in casino traffic and a 42 percent decline in hotel occupancy. In a filing to the Australian Securities Exchange, the company acknowledged the disruption will affect revenue in June. It promised to “update shareholders as appropriate.”
Chan Steps Down from Macau Legend Development
At a June 13 general meeting of Macau Legend Development, two board directors retired. Melinda Chan and Charles Hongxin Wang were replaced by Lam Shu Yan and Ma Cheuk Ling.
According to Macau Business, Chan became CEO of Macau Legend in March 2022 following the arrest of former boss and junket magnate Levo Chan. Chan was later sentenced to 14 years in jail for illegal gambling. Melinda Chan maintained the chief executive position until early 2023.
Macau Legend provides casino services for SJM Resorts at Legend Palace, one of 11 satellite casinos that will close by the end of 2025.
Hawkins Joins Bloomberry Resorts as President, COO
The board of directors of Bloomberry Resorts has announced the appointment of Gregory Francis Hawkins as director, president and chief operating officer, effective June 11.
Hawkins joined the Philippines gaming operator in November 2023 to head Solaire Resort North as COO. In December 2024, he succeeded longtime Bloomberry president and COO Thomas Arasi as acting COO of Bloomberry Resorts and Hotels.
In a statement, Bloomberry cited Hawkins’ “extensive experience in the hospitality and gaming industries,” having previously held senior roles in the Philippines, Macau, Australia and New Zealand.
In addition to Solaire Resort Entertainment City and Solaire Resort North in the Philippines, Bloomberry runs the Jeju Sun Hotel & Casino in South Korea.
Genting Group Named Top Asian Gaming Company in Fortune 500
Malaysian casino giant Genting was named the top Asian gaming company on the Fortune Southeast Asia 500 list. According to the Malaysian Star, companies were ranked by revenue for the most recent fiscal year.
Genting ranked 53rd on the list, one rung higher than in 2024. It saw a 1.6 percent increase in revenue to $6.06 billion.
Others on the 2025 list include Bloomberry Resorts Corp., operator of Philippine IRs Solaire Resort Entertainment City and Solaire Resort North; NagaCorp, operator of Cambodian casino NagaWorld; and Alliance Global Group, which runs Manila’s Newport World Resorts.
