ASIAN GAMING
Pansy Ho of MGM China and Francis Lui of Galaxy Entertainment Group are promoting broad-based cultural tourism that would include stops in Macau, Hong Kong, and Mainland Chinese cities.
Thai Casino Study Set for Release
A second feasibility study on legal casinos in Thailand is expected to reach the House of Representatives next week. An initial study, completed in 2022, recommended up to five...
Nagasaki Partner Won’t Appeal IR Decision
The head of Kyushu Resorts, which partnered with Nagasaki Prefecture and Casinos Austria in a bid for an integrated resort, says the firm will not appeal the Japanese government’s...
Macau Operators Work to Strengthen Premium Mass
Casino operators in Macau, buoyed by post-pandemic visitation, are working to solidify their positions in the competitive marketplace. All are focused on catering to high-end premium mass customers.
Will Vietnam Price Out Sports Betting Bids?
Vietnam may open the bidding for sports betting licenses, though past efforts went nowhere because of investment minimums. In 2017, the government asked investors to pony up $43.5 million...
Indonesia, Malaysia Want Help to Stamp Out Online Gambling Ads
Indonesia and Malaysia have invited social media platforms X and Telegram to join them in the battle against illegal gambling ads posted on their sites.
Bloomberry Courts Buyers for South Korean IR
Philippine casino giant Bloomberry Resorts Corp. has announced it is “open to the possibility” of selling its stake in the Jeju Sun Hotel & Casino in Jeju, South Korea.
Imperial Pacific Settlement Offer Still Uncertain
Embattled Saipan casino operator Imperial Pacific International has offered to pay $49 million to surrender its gaming license and exit the jurisdiction for good. But at the last minute,...
Cambodian PM Considers End to Gambling
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet has announced a ban on new casino licenses, the possible revocation of existing licenses, and the “elimination” of all illegal gambling operations.
Philippines Still Working to Exit Grey List
Officials in the Philippines say they are making progress in efforts to be removed from the “grey list” of jurisdictions that are vulnerable to money laundering and other financial...
RWG Closes Malaysian Casinos for Upgrades
Malaysia’s sole integrated resort, Resorts World Genting (l.), announced last week that it had closed two of its three casinos effective February 28. It disputed reports that the closures...
Facing License Revocation, Saipan Operator Offers Settlement
In court hearings last week, Saipan casino operator Imperial Pacific International proposed a settlement to satisfy millions in overdue license fees to Northern Mariana Islands regulators. Terms were not...
In Korea, Mohegan Irons Out Kinks Ahead of Inspire Opening
Mohegan Inspire in Korea is ironing out a few operational kinks in advance of its March 5 grand opening. The resort, which has been opening in phases since last...
Does Macau Gaming Crime Bill Miss the Mark?
Newly proposed gaming legislation in Macau, sent to the Legislative Assembly for review, creates new categories of crime and punishment without suggesting preventive measures, say several industry experts.
Malaysian Police Raid Illegal Gambling Ops, Arrest 181
During the Chinese New Year celebration, Malaysian law enforcement raided a gambling outfit in the southernmost state of Johor, arresting 181 people and seizing cash and gambling apparatus.
Macau Bill Proposes Jail Terms for Illegal Gaming Loans
New legislation in Macau would provide stricter punishments for people who make illegal loans for casino gambling. The bill has been sent to the Legislative Assembly for review.
Macau Exceeds 1 Million Visitors for CNY
Macau welcomed more than 1 million visitors during the weeklong Chinese New Year holiday. That’s up 3.7 percent compared to 2019 and the highest figure tabulated since 2017.
Mohegan Inspire Grand Opening Set for March 5
Mohegan Inspire in Incheon, South Korea, which introduced its non-gaming operations last November, will stage an official grand opening on March 5. The resort’s casino opened February 3.
Myanmar Casino Shut Down After Raids
Police in Myanmar have issued an arrest warrant for U Kyaw Lwin, owner of a casino resort on Thahtay Kyun island. The fugitive is wanted for money laundering, illegal...
Macau Posts Big Visitation in CNY
The Chinese New Year started with a bang in Macau, which expects up to 1 million visitors before the holidays end on February 24. The hotel occupancy rate neared...