Goa Minister: Bikinis No, Casinos Yes

Pragmatism is trumping morality in the Indian state of Goa, where a government minister has proclaimed bikinis to be un-Indian. Casinos, on the other hand … well, they pay...

Published

Crown in Talks for Osaka

A top executive with Crown Resorts was in Osaka recently to meet with the city’s pro-casino governor to discuss the possibility of a $5 billion investment through Melco Crown...

Published

Vietnam May Have Explosion Of Casinos

Developers are pursuing casinos in Vietnam, but may have to wait for regulations to be ratified, even though several are already operating.

Published

More Obstacles for Okada in Philippines

Kazuo Okada needs Philippine partners to move ahead with his Manila megaresort (l.), but a new court order is preventing him from pursuing them. The order was obtained by...

Published August 4, 2014

Report: Asian Gaming To Hit $98 Billion

UBS forecasts that Asia’s major casino markets will grow an average of 11 percent a year over the next five years, reaching $98 billion by 2018. New resort development...

Published August 4, 2014

Workers Group Stages Galaxy Protest

Macau casino operator Galaxy Entertainment has been targeted by a local labor group, which staged a rally outside the company’s offices to protest alleged pay inequalities. The group, Forefront...

Published August 4, 2014

Some in China Bet on Future of Gambling

Beijing businessman Ren Ningning and many others in China are confident that the government will one day legalize gambling on the mainland. A number of forces are quietly building...

Published August 4, 2014

Japan Looks to Singapore

Japanese officials discussing the shape of the country’s planned casino market are focusing on the Singapore regulatory model, according to reports, which could involve entry fees on domestic players....

Published August 4, 2014

Macau VIP on the Downslide as Revenues Dip for Second Straight Month

IP’s share of Macau gaming revenues declined to 60 percent in the second quarter, its lowest level in almost a decade. Theories abound as to why, but what’s clear...

Published August 4, 2014

Wynn’s Cotai Land Deal Under Investigation

The Cotai land Wynn Resorts bought for its planned new resort is the subject of an investigation by Macau authorities. Wynn paid a reported US$50 million to mainland Chinese...

Published August 4, 2014

Japan Moves Closer to Casinos

A special task force is being assembled in Japan to help develop regulations for the country’s nascent casino industry. Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga (l.) says they will be...

Published July 28, 2014

Labor Troubles at Sands China

A group representing Macau dealers and pit staff staged a public protest against what they claim are pay inequities and arbitrary promotion policies at Sands China’s casinos. The company...

Published July 28, 2014

Manila Resort Mulls Expansion

City of Dreams Manila hasn’t opened yet, but the resort casino’s local joint venture partner is already negotiating with nearby landowners to add to the property’s holdings. The resort...

Published July 28, 2014

Nepal Casinos Back in Business

Nepal will allow the casino industry it shut down in April to reopen in order. The move signals the government is retreating from a new, tougher stance on licensing...

Published July 28, 2014

Movie Studio Plans Casino in Korea

South Korea’s gaming expansion push has a new player—20th Century Fox, which is looking to develop a movie-themed leisure park with a casino near the southern city of Busan....

Published July 28, 2014

New Partner for Ho Tram

Vietnam’s largest casino hotel has a new investor in budget hotel tycoon Chien Lee. The Grand – Ho Tram (l.) has struggled in the absence of domestic play, but...

Published July 21, 2014

New Research Points Up Risks of ‘Side-Betting’

Macau needs to improve its regulatory oversight of side-betting in VIP rooms and of the unlicensed investors in the profits the rooms generate. A local law professor Jorge Godinho...

Published July 21, 2014

Triads Infiltrate Hong Kong Casino Cruises

Triad criminal gangs have muscled into Hong Kong’s casino cruise ship business, are competing for mainland gamblers and raising concerns among police that a turf war could erupt. Police...

Published July 21, 2014

Regulator Defends Macau’s Slots

Slot machine malfunctions have become fodder for discussion in Macau’s Legislative Assembly. Two lawmakers are concerned about perceptions that players are being cheated. The city’s top regulator maintains that...

Published July 21, 2014

Theme Parks Join Crowded Japan Field

Universal Studios wants a casino to complement its Osaka theme park, and Huis Ten Bosch wants one in Nagasaki, where it operates a popular Dutch-themed park. But Universal is...

Published July 14, 2014