China Busts Crypto-Gaming Ring

In the aftermath of the FIFA World Cup, Chinese authorities have busted an illegal cryptocurrency gambling ring worth more than US$1.5 billion. It may be the first-ever sweep of...

Published July 23, 2018

Genting Seeks Investment Capital

Casino operator Genting Malaysia has issued US$644.28 million in debt notes in a campaign to raise funds for its property and gaming resorts projects. Expansion is in the cards...

Published July 23, 2018

Will Paradise Go for Macau Gaming License?

Paradise Entertainment Group, led by Jay Chun (l.), may apply for a gaming concession in Macau when the existing Big 6 license concessions expire starting in 2020. The company...

Published July 23, 2018

Analysts: Macau Fears Overstated

Concerns among investors that the government of Macau will continue to clamp down on the city’s gaming industry—and that such a clampdown would impinge upon growth—may be unfounded, say...

Published July 23, 2018

PAGCOR Under Fire

The Philippines Amusement and Gaming Corp. has made key personnel changes amid charges that it underpaid the government over the course of seven years, and at the same time...

Published July 23, 2018

Tax Hike for PAGCOR?

The state-run Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. could be staring down a massive tax hike under a proposed reform package now before Congress.

Published July 16, 2018

Galaxy’s Philippine License Under Review

Galaxy Entertainment Group’s casino license applications previously suspended in the Philippines will still be processed, though the Macau casino operator’s target market of Boracay has been declared off-limits. President...

Published July 16, 2018

Adelson Eyes North Korea

Sheldon Adelson says the historic summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un could pave the way to an Adelson-led business in the East Asian...

Published July 16, 2018

Philippines Courting Chinese, Indians

The Philippines may introduce “visas upon arrival” for Chinese and Indian visitors. Department of Tourism Undersecretary Benito Bengzon (l.) said the countries are “two major markets” for Philippine tourism.

Published July 16, 2018

Japan Casino Debate Continues

Lawmakers in Japan’s Upper House are taking their time weighing Part II of the country’s casino legislation, the Integrated Resorts Implementation Bill. Optimists hope the measure will pass during...

Published July 16, 2018

In Case of Emergency, Close Casinos

The Macau government wants the right to order the closure of the city’s gaming halls in case of future emergency. The proposal is part of an overhaul of Macau’s...

Published July 9, 2018

Amax Soars Due to Cost-cutting

Hong Kong-listed gaming investor Amax International Holdings has posted robust results for the year that ended March 31. Revenues were up more than 440 percent, and losses declined appreciably...

Published July 9, 2018

COD Hotel Libertine to Open in 2019

Melco Resorts’ new luxury hotel brand Libertine at City of Dreams Macau—formerly the Hard Rock—will open in 2019. Until then, the hotel tower will continue operating under the Countdown...

Published July 9, 2018

Star Vegas Vendors Battle Back

The Thai vendors who own the land under Donaco International’s Star Vegas casino (l.) in Poipet, Cambodia are attempting an arbitration over the injunction granted by a Cambodian court...

Published July 9, 2018

Final Countdown to 13?

Last month, the former 13 Holdings said the long-delayed 13 Hotel in Macau would open July 31. Now the holding company, recently renamed South Shore Holdings Ltd., has indicated...

Published July 9, 2018

IPI Will Miss August Deadline for Saipan IR

The owner and operator of the Imperial Pacific Resort (l.) on the island of Saipan has confirmed that it will not meet the current deadline to complete construction there....

Published July 9, 2018

In Macau, Fears Rise, Share Prices Fall

June gaming revenue was up 12 percent on a tough comp, but investors were underwhelmed, worried that “channel checks”—weekly revenue estimates—were to blame. They’re concerned the world’s largest casino...

Published July 9, 2018

Abe: IR Bill to Pass in this Diet Session

Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe (l.) says he, the ruling Liberal Democratic Party and its coalition partner, the Komeito, are committed to seeing the country’s Integrated Resorts bill pass...

Published July 9, 2018

Udenna Moves Casino Assets to Listed Unit

Udenna Corp., privately led by Philippine businessman Dennis Uy, will shift its tourism and gaming ventures to a renamed entity. PH Resorts Group Holdings Inc. was formerly known as...

Published July 2, 2018

Savoy Hotel Opens Near Resorts World Manila

Megaworld opened its second Savoy Hotel at Newport City near Resorts World Manila in the Philippines last Friday. The PHP5 billion (US$93.5 million) hotel includes 684 hotel rooms and...

Published July 2, 2018