Setbacks Aside, Japan Still a Potentially Strong Market

Just a few years ago, analysts foresaw astronomical revenues for casino resorts in Japan. Then Covid pulled the rug out. Even so, Strategy Organization analyst Josh Swissman predicts that...

Published March 13, 2023

Cambodian Junket Denies It Will Target Chinese Gamblers

Former Macau junket operator Century Entertainment International has signed a five-year deal to operate eight gaming tables at a casino in Cambodia.

Published March 13, 2023

Only Eight Macau Junkets Now Open for Business

Only a handful of licensed junkets in Macau are now doing business, according to U Io Hung, head of the Macau Professional Association of Gaming Promoters. The government issued...

Published March 13, 2023

Billionaire Plans $1 Billion Philippines Casino

Billionaire Enrique Razon Jr. (l.), whose Bloomberry Resorts controls the Solaire Resort & Casino in Manila, is planning a second integrated resort in the country. Solaire saw a net...

Published March 13, 2023

Macau Casinos Create Foreign Gaming Zones

Melco Resorts’ City of Dreams (l.) and Sands China are the first casino concessionaires in Macau to actively dedicate space for foreign gamblers. Others will follow to get tax...

Published March 13, 2023

Leong Hotel to Host SJM Satellite Casino

Macau casino concessionaire SJM Resorts has signed a three-year satellite casino deal with Angela Leong’s L’Arc Entertainment. Leong is an executive of SJM Resorts and its parent company, SJM...

Published March 6, 2023

Onetime Macau Junket Provider Moves to Cambodia

Former Macau junket operator Century Entertainment International has signed a five-year deal to operate eight gaming tables at a new casino in Sihanoukville, Cambodia (l.).

Published March 6, 2023

Mohegan Gaming Boosts Inspire Investment

Mohegan Gaming & Entertainment has announced it could spend an additional $142 million to complete its Mohegan Inspire integrated resort in Incheon, South Korea.

Published March 6, 2023

IEC Still Plans Manila IR

Hong Kong-based International Entertainment Corp. continues to work with Philippine gaming regulators on the potential development of an integrated resort with gaming in Manila’s Entertainment City (l.).

Published March 6, 2023

FATF Grey List: Cambodia Removed, Philippines Stay Put

Cambodia has been removed from the Financial Action Task Force’s “grey list” of jurisdictions at greater risk for money laundering. The Philippines remain on the list.

Published March 6, 2023

Unemployment Down, GGR Way Up in Macau

In Macau, unemployment is down and GGR is soaring, thanks to the return of tourism in early January. Many casino workers, while glad to be back on the job,...

Published March 6, 2023

Venetian Macao Prepared to Welcome Global Tourists

A foreigners’ gaming zone with baccarat and English-speaking staff is ready for guests at the Venetian Macao, in a space once reserved for VIPs. Meanwhile, consultant Alidad Tash says...

Published February 27, 2023

More than a Year Later, NagaWorld Labor Dispute at a Stalemate

The labor dispute between Cambodia’s NagaWorld casino and dismissed employees remains at an impasse, more than a year after it started. Labor leaders continue to press for the reinstatement...

Published February 27, 2023

Waiting Game Continues for Nagasaki, Osaka

The Japanese government is taking its time approving integrated resorts in Nagasaki (l.)and Osaka. But officials in the prefectures are moving ahead with plans and funding for the multibillion-dollar...

Published February 27, 2023

China, Cambodia Allies in the Fight Against Illegal Gambling

The Chinese government is backing Cambodia in its efforts to rein in online and cross-border gambling. The industry, once based primarily in Sihanoukville (l.), has been linked to crimes...

Published February 27, 2023

Macau Rebound Limited by Labor Shortages

Macau tourism has bounced back since travel restrictions were lifted in January, and non-gaming spend is also on the rise. But staff shortages in the hospitality sector could affect...

Published February 27, 2023

Singapore Moves Beyond Covid

Singapore has done away with travel restrictions related to Covid-19. In a sign of ongoing regional recovery, tourists need not carry proof of vaccine, though pandemic measures could be...

Published February 20, 2023

Analyst: Hiccup in Okada Merger Could Increase Value

An entity created by the merger of Okada Manila and 26 Capital could actually benefit from a delay in the deal’s completion. That’s the word from an analyst who...

Published February 20, 2023

Macau Trade Group Asks for Tax Break

A trade group representing Macau’s remaining junkets has asked that the city roll back its decision to reinstate a 5 percent tax on commissions paid by casinos to VIP...

Published February 20, 2023

Hornbuckle Pushes for IR Decision in Japan

Japanese lawmakers were expected to announce their decision on two proposed integrated resorts in the new year. It hasn’t happened yet, and Bill Hornbuckle (l.), CEO of bidder MGM...

Published February 20, 2023