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

Macau Rally Continues, MICE to Grow

The end of China’s zero-Covid policy and the return of Macau tourism has analysts buoyant on the gaming mecca’s continued recovery. Meetings and conferences could rise significantly throughout the...

Published February 20, 2023

Macau’s 13 Hotel Officially Bankrupt

It’s finally kaput for a failed luxury hotel concept in Macau. Last week, almost two years after parent South Shore Holdings filed for voluntary liquidation, a Macau court declared...

Published February 13, 2023

MGM China: The Lion Roars in Macau

Speaking to analysts on a 4Q earnings call last week, MGM Resorts chief Bill Hornbuckle said the U.S. company’s Macau operations are more than pulling their weight, seeing record...

Published February 13, 2023

Jailed Ex-Junket Boss Files Appeal

Alvin Chau, who once ruled Macau’s junket sector as head of the Suncity Group junket operation, is appealing his 18-year prison sentence. In January he was convicted of illegal...

Published February 13, 2023

26 Capital Sues Okada Manila over Stalled Merger

26 Capital, a special purpose acquisition company based in the U.S., has filed suit against Okada Manila and associated companies, claiming they delayed a planned merger. The SPAC wants...

Published February 13, 2023

Macau Brings Back Junket Tax

Macau junkets, whose wings have been clipped under the newly amended gaming law, may once again be subject to a 5 percent commission tax. That’s according to Kwok Chi...

Published February 13, 2023

PAGCOR Revenues Soar, but POGO Controversies Continue to Unfold

The Philippine gaming industry saw a marked rebound in 2022, with receipts of more than US$1 billion to the country’s gaming regulator, PAGCOR. However, after pledging to “nurture” its...

Published February 6, 2023

South Korea Casino Needs More Time to Open

R&F Korea, which is building a casino resort in Incheon, South Korea, has asked for another year to complete the project. R&F also wants to scale back on the...

Published February 6, 2023

Cambodia Watchdog Eyes Border Crime

Cambodia’s National Committee for Counter Trafficking has reiterated its pledge to combat crimes including illegal iGaming along the country’s border. It claims it’s already made notable progress in Preah...

Published February 6, 2023

Macau Business Leaders Testify for Chan

Business leaders in Macau took the stand at the trial of former Macau junket king Levo Chan (l.) to testify to his good character. Chan, like the recently convicted...

Published February 6, 2023

Analyst: Wynn Macau Set to Grow

CBRE analyst John DeCree says Wynn Macau is well-positioned to grow its market share, thanks to proven performance in premium and VIP gaming. Meanwhile, DS Kim of JP Morgan...

Published January 30, 2023

PAGCOR Won’t Banish POGOs, Despite Links to Crime

The Philippine gaming regulator will not shut down the country’s offshore gaming industry, despite its past association with crimes including kidnapping. The regulator is also under fire for hiring...

Published January 30, 2023

S&P: MGM to Invest $2.5 Billion in Osaka

MGM Resorts International, in its bid to run an integrated resort in Japan, could be responsible for up to $2.5 billion of an estimated $10 billion total investment. Lawmakers...

Published January 23, 2023

All Jeju Casinos Have Reopened

The Gongzi Jeju Casino (l.) recently reopened, meaning all eight casinos in Jeju, South Korea have reopened following lengthy Covid-related shutdowns. The casinos are open only to foreigners; the...

Published January 23, 2023

13 Chairman Coker Arrested in Thailand

Peter Lee Coker Jr. (l.), onetime chairman of a company that ran the failed 13 Hotel in Macau, was arrested in Thailand last week on fraud charges. The arrest...

Published January 23, 2023