The amount of gaming tax the Macau government collected in the first half of 2025 rose by just 1.05 percent yearly, according to the most recent data from the SAR’s Financial Services Bureau.

News

China-Myanmar crackdown exposes family-run crime empire involved in illegal casino operations

Nelson Moura - July 11, 2025

Chinese authorities have dismantled a sprawling criminal network in northern Myanmar run by the notorious Bai family, whose illicit empire spanned fake casinos, online fraud hubs, and drug trafficking.

Philippines

PAGCOR orders immediate removal of gambling billboards, tightens ad rules

Frank Schuengel - July 11, 2025

The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) has ordered all licensed online gambling operators and related service providers to take down all out-of-home (OOH) advertising by August 15, marking its first major move to address mounting public concerns over the aggressive marketing of electronic gambling.

Philippines

LET Group focuses on Westside City Project, despite financial concerns

Kelsey Wilhelm - July 11, 2025

Hong Kong-listed LET Group has indicated that is going to focus on its Westside City Project in the Philippines, as it restructures its assets, amongst a capital crunch.

Indonesia

Indonesia blocks over 17,000 bank accounts linked to online gambling

Nelson Moura - July 10, 2025

The Indonesian Financial Services Authority (OJK) has ordered the blocking of 17,026 bank accounts suspected of involvement in online gambling as part of a coordinated effort to combat illegal gambling in the country.

Hong Kong

Far East Consortium grants share options to founder’s daughters

Nelson Moura - July 10, 2025

Far East Consortium International Limited (FEC) has announced the conditional grant of 20 million share options to its Executive Directors, Wing Kwan Winnie Chiu and Jennifer Wendy Chiu, daughters of founder, Executive Director and Chairman, David Chiu.

Macau

Macau expects 85% hotel occupancy during summer holidays, August to peak

Viviana Chan - July 10, 2025

Macau expects 85% hotel occupancy this summer, with August peaking at 90% amid rising arrivals and policy-driven tourism growth.

Hong Kong

Century Entertainment forms JV with Philippines firm for Asia Pacific gaming expansion

Viviana Chan - July 10, 2025

Century and WPT form joint venture to expand gaming platform development and sales across the Asia Pacific region.

Philippines

Philippine fintech companies pledge stronger online gambling controls

Viviana Chan - July 10, 2025

Philippine fintech firms pledge tighter e-gambling controls to curb addiction, underage use, and illegal platforms amid growing regulation.

Philippines

Philippines lawmaker seeks probe into online gambling’s social impact

Viviana Chan - July 10, 2025

PH lawmaker urges probe into online gambling's social toll as revenue soars to PHP410B, highlighting addiction, debt, and youth exposure.

Vietnam

Hoiana Resort & Golf appoints new Executive Vice President of Gaming

Nelson Moura - July 10, 2025

Hoiana Resort & Golf has appointed David Jorden as Executive Vice President of Gaming.

Macau

Macau revises down 2025 gaming tax revenue forecast by 5%

Viviana Chan - July 9, 2025

Macau trims gaming tax income estimate to $9.87 billion for 2025, citing weaker GGR forecast in amended fiscal budget.

Macau

MGM China positioned as largest market-share gainer in 2Q25: Citigroup

Viviana Chan - July 9, 2025

Citigroup projects MGM China to lead Macau market share gains in 2Q25, with sector GGR hitting post-reopening high of $7.58B.

Australia

Star Brisbane delays poker championship as workers escalate strikes

Viviana Chan - July 9, 2025

2025 Brisbane Champs delayed after escalating worker strikes disrupt Star Brisbane operations amid ongoing industrial dispute.

Philippines

Damian Quayle appointed COO of Solaire Resort North

Nelson Moura - July 9, 2025

Former SJM Chief Gaming Officer Damian Quayle jas been appointed as the new Chief Operating Officer of Bloomberry's new Solaire Resort North property.

Philippines

PAGCOR rejects total ban on online gambling, cites over $1.8B in revenue and job creation

Viviana Chan - July 8, 2025

PAGCOR opposes online gambling ban, cites $1.8B in revenue and 32K jobs, pushes for stricter regulation versus blanket ban.

Macau

Macau legislator criticizes gaming firms for outsourcing local jobs via part-time regime

Viviana Chan - July 8, 2025

A Macau lawmaker warns that over 10,000 workers may be impacted as gaming operators allegedly use part-time locals to lower costs.

Philippines

PH Senator tells e-wallet providers to “take action” and prevent transactions for online gaming

Kelsey Wilhelm - July 8, 2025

Philippine Senator Alan Peter Cayetano is pushing for e-wallet providers to prevent their platforms from facilitating transactions linked to online gambling.