Nelson Moura

Senior officials from ASEAN, China and United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) have agreed to address transnational organized crime and trafficking in persons associated with casinos and scams.

As a wealthy nation with a growing population and a reputation as a popular tourist destination, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) possesses significant growth potential in the gaming sector and major players from Asia and Las Vegas are likely to get a piece of the action. UAE-based lawyer Moses Charles Kivuna, breaks down the possible restrictions and restrictions for investors.

Improving the country's basic infrastructure will be key for the Philippines' goal of becoming a "tourist powerhouse in Asia", says the Philippines Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco.

Location, government support, and a complete surrounding touristic environment made Cyprus the right choice for establishing Melco's first European integrated resort, Board Director and President of Melco Resorts & Entertainment Limited, Evan Winkler, said.

The Macau SAR remains an attractive luxury destination in the region thanks to a mix of location, luxury hospitality and fine dining offerings, luxury consultant Daniel Langer told Asia Gaming Brief.

Analysts from Morgan Stanley estimate the average yearly spend for non-gaming diversification by the Macau SAR concessionaires over their 10-year concession term will be around 20 percent of EBITDA volume estimated for 2024.

Macau's Secretary for Economy and Finance, Lei Wai Nong, said Wednesday, when commenting on the recent discussion concerning the future of the Macau Jockey Club, that "operators must perform their obligations strictly in accordance with the requirements of the law and the concession contract".

A Hong Kong sales manager has pleaded guilty to offering bribes to a director of Wynn Macau for maintenance contracts involving a total of around HK$34 million ($4.3 million).

The gaming operators and the Macau government share the same goals, despite delays in diversification plan discussions, the chairman and CEO of Melco Resorts & Entertainment, Lawrence Ho, indicated. The company is also ready to tackle a 20 percent investment pledge increase once GGR levels top $22.45 billion, says the executive.

The legalization of casino gaming in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) would be a "major international development in the ongoing expansion of gaming in Asia", gaming scholar and researcher Jorge Godinho stated.