Report: Singapore Has Harshest Penalties for Illegal Gambling

A gaming website puts Singapore at the top of its list of jurisdictions with the toughest penalties for illegal gambling. A person convicted of gambling crimes there can face...

Published April 24, 2023

Macau Now Offers 12 Gaming Zones for Foreigners

As part of its campaign to bring in more international tourists, Macau’s six casino concessionaires have opened a total of 12 new gaming zones reserved just for foreigners.

Published April 24, 2023

Mass Baccarat Leads in Macau

Mass-market baccarat has become the chief contributor to Macau’s casino industry, adding $2.54 billion in gross gaming revenues for the first quarter, or 59 percent of the total.

Published April 24, 2023

In Osaka, IR Work Is Just Beginning

The Japanese government has given a thumbs-up to a plan to build an integrated resort on Yumeshima Island in Osaka Bay. But that’s just the first step in a...

Published April 24, 2023

J.P. Morgan: Thumbs Up on Macau

J.P. Morgan analysts have upped their projections for Macau’s gaming industry, forecasting $407 in gross gaming revenue for the first three months of 2023, and noting a strong start...

Published April 17, 2023

Japan Approves Osaka IR, Nagasaki Resort in Doubt

Japanese lawmakers have approved plans for the country’s first casino, an integrated resort to be built on Yumeshima Island in Osaka Bay. The IR will be developed by a...

Published April 17, 2023

Macau’s Studio City Opens Phase 2

Macau’s Studio City has launched the first of its Phase 2 amenities, opening a new indoor water park and hotel tower. An outdoor water park will debut later this...

Published April 10, 2023

MGM China, MGM Resorts to Push Macau as Global Destination

Macau gaming concessionaire MGM China and its majority shareholder, MGM Resorts International, plan to open more international marketing offices to promote the Chinese gaming hub as a travel destination.

Published April 10, 2023

MBS to Complete Billion-Dollar Upgrade this Year

The Las Vegas Sands Corp. has announced that a billion-dollar renovation project at its Singapore resort, Marina Bay Sands, will be complete by the end of 2023.

Published April 10, 2023

Japan IR Decision Delayed, Again

Japanese lawmakers apparently will not announce their decision on integrated resorts in the country until after local elections this month. The wait has frayed the nerves of potential developers...

Published April 10, 2023

Card Counting Threats In Baccarat: What’s to Detect?

While traditional card counting measures won’t work on regular baccarat games, table game expert Bill Zender there are still methods that may be effective. Here’s how to combat them....

Published April 3, 2023

Suntrust Expects to Open Manila IR in 2024

Last week, Suntrust Resort Holdings said it expects to open its Manila hotel casino project in 2024. The integrated resort will be part of the larger Westside City development.

Published April 3, 2023

Are PAGCOR Casinos Overpriced?

The Philippine Gaming and Amusement Corp. has announced plans to sell off its portfolio of 40-plus casinos and serve only as a gaming regulator. But sticker shock may discourage...

Published April 3, 2023

Credit Suisse Acquisition No Problem for Nagasaki

The pending acquisition of Credit Suisse by the UBS Group should have no impact on the former’s participation as a potential “financial arranger” for a planned multibillion-dollar casino resort...

Published March 27, 2023

Report: Philippine Junkets Failed to Report Transactions

A study of junkets operating in Philippine casinos revealed multiple instances in which operators failed to report transactions covered by the country’s anti-money laundering laws.

Published March 27, 2023

Bloomberry Withdraws from Casino Investment Deal

Bloomberry Resorts Corp., parent company of the Solaire Resort in Manila, has terminated a deal to buy into PH Resorts Group’s integrated resort plans in Cebu and Clark, Philippines.

Published March 27, 2023

Return of Macau Tourism Affected by Labor Shortages

Despite newly reopened borders, a bounce in tourism and the end of strict Covid prevention requirements, Macau casino concessionaires continue to be challenged by labor shortages.

Published March 27, 2023

Okada Manila, U.S. SPAC Tangle over Merger

Okada Manila (l.) and Universal Entertainment are trying to get out of a longstanding deal to merge with U.S.-based 26 Capital Acquisition Corp. and list the merged entity on...

Published March 27, 2023

SJM to Open Versace-Branded Hotel in April

Macau casino operator SJM Holdings plans to open its Palazzo Versace hotel at Grand Lisboa Palace by the end of April, according to an estimate by SJM chair Daisy...

Published March 20, 2023

MGTO Uses Influencers to Grow Thai Tourism

Macau tourism officials hope to boost visitation from Thailand with the help of social influencers. The city is working to grow the international tourism base by offering a diversity...

Published March 20, 2023