Will Thailand’s New PM Continue Casino Quest?
Where does Paetongtarn Shinawatra, the new prime minister of Thailand, stand on legal casinos in the country? Speculation abounds, but to date, no one really knows.
Former PM Srettha Thavisin was an ardent supporter of “entertainment complexes” with gaming to boost tourism. With his abrupt removal Aug. 14, the plan hangs in the balance. Paetongtarn belongs to the Pheu Thai Party, which is receptive to casinos. But she hasn’t taken a stand on current legislation, and opposition is wide-ranging.
Chaichana Detdecho, deputy secretary-general of the Democrat Party, says his party “will not support this bill.” He doubts Thai casinos can succeed at the level of jurisdictions like Singapore. People’s Party MP Rangsiman Rome is concerned casinos will put Thailand at greater risk for money laundering.
The Bhumjaithai Party says it opposes casinos for several reasons: they aren’t guaranteed to eliminate the black market; projected revenues don’t justify the investment; as a tourism destination, Thailand doesn’t need casinos; and the bill fails to ensure job security for Thai workers.
Analysts say casinos in the country could draw upward of $10 billion in foreign investment. Wynn Resorts, MGM Resorts and the Las Vegas Sands Corp. all have expressed interest in the market, along with Galaxy Entertainment and Genting Berhad.
Ex-Philippine Mayor Evades Apprehension; Marcos Promises Accountability
Alice Guo, former mayor of Bamban, Philippines, has been implicated in human trafficking at a Philippine Offshore Gaming Operation (POGO). But she has been keeping one step ahead of law enforcement.
Guo—actually a Chinese national named Guo Hua Ping—has left the country. Senator Sherwin Gatchalian suspects she was aided in her escape by immigration officials. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has vowed to “expose the culprits” who abetted her getaway. In an August 20 post on X, he said, “Let me be clear: Heads will roll.”
Guo is reportedly now in Indonesia. She has been charged with the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003 and the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act.
Bank Managers Charged in Singapore Money Laundering Case
On Aug. 15, two ex-bank managers were charged for their alleged involvement in Singapore’s multibillion-dollar money-laundering case. Wang Qiming and Liu Kai, of Citibank and Julius Baer respectively, were the first financial professionals charged in the scandal.
To date, 10 people have been convicted of laundering a total of S$3 billion (US$2.3 billion) through 16 Singapore banks, including illicit gains from overseas gambling. About S$1 billion in cash and assets were also seized, including luxury real estate, vehicles, jewelry, handbags and watches. At least 17 suspects are still at large in the case.
Okada Manila Parent to Install Tomohiro as Director
Universal Entertainment will hold a special meeting next month to elect Tomohiro Okada as a board director. The son of Kazuo Okada, founder of Universal Entertainment, split with his father in 2017, after Kazuo was forced out on allegations of embezzlement.
In 2022, a Kazuo faction briefly seized control of the Manila resort, but was later removed. According to Asia Gaming Brief, at the Sept. 19 meeting, the company will also dismiss director Jun Fujimoto, who is alleged to have breached his “duty of loyalty as a director.” Fujimoto resigned as Universal president in April.
Former MBS Exec Reportedly Banned from Singapore Rival
Andrew MacDonald, executive vice president and chief casino officer at Resorts World Sentosa (RWS) in Singapore, has reportedly been banned from RWS’ sole market rival, Marina Bay Sands (MBS).
In recent visits, McDonald has allegedly attempted to pilfer customers and employees and win them over to his own property. He received a “persona non grata” notice telling him to stay away from MBS or face legal action. McDonald told Inside Asian Gaming the visits were “purely social.”
PlayUp Fined AU$586,000 for Inducements
Australian sports betting operator PlayUp was fined AU$586,000 (US$395,541) by the Downing Centre local court in Sydney for 33 advertising violations, according to the Australian Associated Press. State law stipulates that operators cannot offer inducements to open accounts or refer others.
The fine comes at a time when gambling advertising in the country is under more scrutiny than ever. Last week, several prominent officials urged the federal government to go through with a proposed tiered advertising ban that it has been considering for several months. The proposed legislation is known as “Murphy’s Law,” after late MP Peta Murphy.
MGM China to Add Spas, Health Centers to Cotai Resort
Macau gaming operator MGM China Holdings may add new nongaming amenities to its Cotai resort, according to information from Bloomberg.
The expansion would add spas, health treatment centers and hundreds of new hotel rooms inside a dedicated wellness-themed attraction.
Officials have ordered casino concessionaires to diversify their offerings beyond gaming for an economy that is less reliant on a single industry. Operators have committed $15 billion to development through 2033, with 90 percent to be invested in non-gaming. New theme parks, health centers and cultural exhibits are in the works.
