The Philippines offers an exciting landscape, as operators thrive amongst a solid regulatory framework. Lorraine Koo, Corporate Chief Operating Officer for Dowinn Group explains how the company is expanding its roots beyond a junket base into IRs, the shifting focus on clientele – from Chinese to Korean, and the company’s evolving role.

Australian gaming operator Crown Resorts is facing a fine of some AU$450 million ($300 million) over 546 breaches of anti-money laundering laws in the country linked to its operations with junkets, in particular former Macau-linked Suncity. If the fine is paid, it will be the largest-ever linked to a casino operator and the third-largest fine in the history of Australian finance.

Jurisdictions in South East Asia need to become more proactive in their anti-money laundering efforts to avoid reputational damage from being placed on “grey” or “black” lists.

Casino operators should reassess their relationships with their junket partners in the wake of the Bergin report into Crown Resorts and the changes in the global geopolitical climate, according to SVA, a corporate and political risk consultancy.

Australia’s top anti-money laundering watchdog has released an in-depth report into junket operators, concluding they are highly vulnerable to criminal activity and that casinos need to do more to mitigate the risks.

The Philippines found itself on the global money laundering and terrorist financing watchdog Financial Action Task Force's (FATF) gray list in June 2021 due to junket issues.

The Star Entertainment Group has responded to the NSW Independent Casino Commission’s show cause notice, providing a “Remediation Plan Structure” signed by Executive Chairman Ben Heap, on behalf of the Board.

The Hann Casino Resort in Clark City held a soft opening in mid-December, while the NUSTAR Resort on Cebu is on track for a March debut as the Philippines emerges from lockdown.

VIP play had been projected to be a major segment of the potential overall Japanese gaming market, but a lot has changed since the law permitting integrated resorts was passed in 2018.

VIP play had been projected to be a major segment of the potential overall Japanese gaming market, but a lot has changed since the law permitting integrated resorts was passed in 2018.