The Asian Poker Tour (APT) has announced the cancellation of its APT Manila 2025 tournament, originally scheduled to take place from May 30th to June 8th at the City of Dreams Manila.
In a statement, the APT expressed regret for the cancellation without specifying the reasons for the cancellation.
Looking ahead, the next scheduled stop on the APT tour will be APT Taipei 2025, set to run from April 25th to May 4th. This event features a guaranteed TWD70 million ($ 2.1 million) for its Main Event.
Following Taipei, the APT will host APT Incheon 2025, which will take place from August 1st to 10th at the Paradise Hotel & Resort. The Main Event will have a buy-in of KRW2.5 million ($1,706) and a guarantee of KRW1.5 billion ($1 million).
Additionally, the tour will continue with APT Jeju 2025, scheduled for September 26th to October 5th at Jeju Shinhwa World. This event will feature a Main Event buy-in of KRW2.6 million ($1,775) and a prize pool guarantee of KRW 2.2 billion ($1.5 million).
The 2025 APT poker schedule will conclude with the APT Championship (APTC), which will run from November 14th to 30th at the newly opened Red Space venue in central Taipei. The APTC Main Event will offer a record-breaking TWD165 million ($5 million) prize pool guarantee, the largest in the tour’s history.
Formerly part of Crown’s Southbank precinct in Melbourne, the prime land opposite Crown Casino is set to be transformed into a 67-storey residential tower, a project which could cost AU$1.5 billion ($950 million).
According to the Financial Review, developer Vince Giuliano of PDG has unveiled plans for this landmark project, following his AU$85 million ($57 million) land acquisition from Blackstone, Crown Resorts’ owner, last year.
This location was initially intended by Crown for a AU$1.75 billion ($1.17 billion), 90-floor hotel and apartment complex, a project that was ultimately abandoned in 2019.
PDG’s proposal, designed by Cox Architecture, features 483 apartments and allows for the potential development of a boutique hotel, integrating the heritage-listed Queensbridge Hotel into the building’s design. Giuliano expressed confidence in his ability to succeed where Crown, among others, had previously encountered setbacks.
The sale of the One Queensbridge development site, finalized in August, is a component of Blackstone’s strategic initiative to address Crown’s financial underperformance, as reported by AGB. This transaction is part of a broader divestment strategy, which also included Crown’s sale of its 20 percent stake in Nobu for AU$1.3 billion ($760 million).
Thailand’s tourism industry has expressed concerns over the potential impact of gambling legalization on the country’s primary market feeder. The sector fears that this shift could negatively affect its relationship with China, one of its major sources of visitors.
Sisdivachr Cheewarattanaporn, president of the Association of Thai Travel Agents
According to the Bangkok Post, Sisdivachr Cheewarattanaporn, president of the Association of Thai Travel Agents, mentioned that the association had raised these concerns with Chinese authorities multiple times. The Chinese government has consistently shown unease about the legalization of cannabis and the upcoming entertainment complex bill, which includes casinos.
Sisdivachr noted that if Thailand proceeds with legalizing casinos, China may limit the number of travelers to the country, as Beijing perceives these businesses as potential facilitators of money laundering.
Thailand implemented a visa-free policy for China starting March 1st, 2024, allowing stays of up to 30 days. This policy was extended to 60 days on July 15th, 2024. Prior to this visa exemption, Chinese citizens were required to apply for a visa on arrival or in advance. Authorities have not set an end date for the visa-free policy.
As reported by AGB, China’s President Xi Jinping expressed concerns over Thailand’s plan to legalize casinos in February during a meeting with Thailand’s Prime Minister, Paetongtarn Shinawatra.
This warning was issued during Paetongtarn’s visit to China, where she met with President Xi to discuss the government’s proposed casino-entertainment complex—a project that could significantly reshape Thailand’s tourism landscape. Paetongtarn mentioned that Xi sought more information about the project during their meeting.
Xi’s input is significant, not only because of China’s longstanding influence on regional tourism, but also due to its strict policies on gambling. The country has consistently cracked down on illegal gambling operations, including cross-border gaming activities. Currently, Macau is the only region in China where casinos are legal, and it remains a critical hub for Chinese gamblers.
Sisdivachr also pointed out that, while the entertainment complex concept could bring significant revenue to Thailand, Beijing is concerned about weak law enforcement and corruption loopholes, which it views as major issues.
He noted that legal casinos are common in countries seeking to boost their tourism sectors, but that Thailand’s tourism industry could still thrive without adopting this model. He emphasized that the policy presents more risks than opportunities for the sector.
Concerns within Parliament
The issue was raised during a censure debate against Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra on Monday, where the opposition People’s Party argued that legalizing casinos was not part of the Pheu Thai Party’s campaign promises. They warned that the policy could harm Thailand’s tourism if China discourages its citizens from visiting due to legalized gambling.
MP Parit Wacharasindhu stated that, while the government continues to push the casino project, it must acknowledge Beijing’s ongoing efforts to limit the number of Chinese tourists seeking gambling opportunities abroad. This has already affected destinations with legal casinos, such as Singapore, the Philippines, and Macau.
Parit added that during the prime minister’s official visit to China last month, President Xi raised the issue of casinos three times. He questioned whether the policy could create risks, as it might prompt China to adjust its policies, making travel to Thailand more difficult.
Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has successfully survived a no-confidence vote in parliament, overcoming accusations from opposition parties that she is influenced by her father, former premier Thaksin Shinawatra.
During Wednesday’s vote, Paetongtarn secured the backing of 319 out of 488 lawmakers present, with seven abstentions. The vote followed a two-day censure debate in which opposition leaders criticized her governance and questioned her experience in managing the country.
The opposition People’s Party claimed Paetongtarn was under the influence of her father, Thaksin Shinawatra, who served as Thailand’s prime minister from 2001 to 2006.
Paetongtarn is also the niece of Yingluck Shinawatra, who held the role of prime minister from 2011 until her removal in a coup in 2014.
During Tuesday’s censure debate, opposition MPs criticized the prime minister’s perceived knowledge gaps and accused her of avoiding questions from reporters.
Paetongtarn also faced accusations of economic mismanagement, national security failures, and tax evasion.
The motion came amid declining public confidence in her government. A February NIDA poll showed public satisfaction with her first six months in office at just 45.12 percent. Confidence in her coalition’s ability to address national issues was even lower, at 38.55 percent.
Following the termination of its horse racing contract with the Macau SAR Government in April of last year, the Macau Jockey Club (MJC) was required to relocate all its horses by the end of March 2025, and has successfully done so.
According to local media outlet TDM, 177 of the MJC’s horses have now been transferred to Zhuhai, a neighboring city in mainland China. The horses were moved in five separate shipments, with the final group of 41 horses recently completing the relocation.
As per established procedure, the horses underwent infrared temperature measurement and clinical examinations. Upon passing inspection, they were transported to the Yintan Quarantine Facility in Doumen District for a 30-day quarantine period.
Previous reports indicated that the horses were intended for competitive, exhibition, and performance purposes.
The MJC ceased its horse racing operations on April 1st, 2024, and had agreed to return the racecourse land to the Macau SAR Government. Half a month later, the Macau Government officially recovered the 363,192-square-meter land plot.
According to the agreement, the concessionaire has until April 2025 to return all facilities to the government.
For the fourth year running, MGM Cotai earns the title of ‘Best Business Hotel in Macau’ at the 18th TTG China Travel Awards 2025.
This recognition highlights MGM team members’ dedication to excellence and reaffirms the Company’s commitment to delivering exceptional guest experiences.
Hubert Wang, President and Chief Operating Officer of MGM China Holdings Limited, said: “We are honored that MGM Cotai has been awarded ‘Best Business Hotel in Macau’ fourth year in a row. MGM is committed to supporting Macau’s economic diversification by attracting discerning international travelers and extending their stay through a dynamic mix of entertainment, sporting events, and world-class conventions.”
“We will continue expanding our presence in the MICE and luxury travel markets by introducing more international events and collaboration opportunities. By promoting the development of the MICE industry, we aim to contribute to the city’s ongoing economic diversification while reinforcing its position as a global hub for conventions and exhibitions,” Wang added.
The annual TTG China Travel Awards, organized by TTG China of TTG Travel Trade Publishing, recognizes the best of Greater China’s travel industry, including airlines, hotels, and other related segments in the region.
This year, MGM once again stands out amongst distinguished enterprises, further solidifying the Company’s reputation and professionalism within the industry.
EvenBet Gaming, a leading developer of online gaming software and solutions, has released a series of innovative UX enhancements designed to elevate player engagement and deliver a more immersive online poker experience.
The latest updates introduce three major features: Tips for Dealers, Card Squeeze and the Tournament Display, all aimed at replicating the dynamics and excitement of real-world poker play.
EvenBet’s new Tips for Dealers feature allows players to express their appreciation for dealers, just as they would in a traditional casino setting. Players can now tip the dealers at various dedicated tables via a tipping button, giving players the option to customise the monetary value.
The new Card Squeeze feature enhances online gameplay by introducing an interactive element reminiscent of live poker. Players can mimic the real-world experience of revealing their hand with a range of hand gestures and squeeze-like motions, adding more live authenticity to digital gaming.
The Tournament Display provides players with a streamlined and user-friendly panel displaying essential tournament details, including chip counts and blind levels. The dashboard presents real-time tournament status, mirroring the information found in the tournament lobby but in a more accessible format that allows players to stay informed without disrupting their focus.
These latest additions – which complement the existing Cut the Deck and Video Chat functionalities – further reinforce the company’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge gaming solutions that replicate the best aspects of the physical poker experience in a digital environment.
Dmitry Starostenkov, CEO at EvenBet Gaming, said: “We are constantly looking for ways to improve the player experience and bring online poker closer to the real-world casino atmosphere, and our variety of new features do just this. These new UX solutions are designed to increase engagement, interaction and immersion, making digital poker more dynamic and enjoyable for our players and partners alike.”
The leading provider of innovative iGaming solutions PopOK Gaming has announced the release of Crash Poki, a captivating crash game where charming Poki characters transform into fearless pilots, soaring to new heights with ever-increasing multipliers.
This adrenaline-pumping adventure is now live and ready to be enabled for partner platforms!
A New Dimension of Crash Gaming
Crash Poki is not just another crash game; it’s an immersive experience that places players in the pilot’s seat of a Poki’s plane, climbing towards sky-high multipliers. The thrill builds as players decide when to cash out, maximizing their winnings while navigating the exhilarating highs of this dynamic game.
Key Features of Crash Poki:
Multiplier-based gameplay – Watch as your earnings rise alongside your aircraft.
Strategic Cashout System – Cash out at the perfect moment or aim for even bigger rewards.
Auto Pilot Mode – Activate auto cashout to secure winnings effortlessly.
Risk & Reward Balance – A game for both daring risk-takers and strategic masterminds.
Soar High, Win Big! Crash Poki is a symphony of anticipation, strategy, and risk, delivering a thrilling experience for all types of players. Whether you prefer to test your instincts or rely on calculated strategy, the sky’s the limit in this action-packed crash game.
Resorts World Sentosa (RWS) has announced the upcoming launch of Weave, a retail and lifestyle area scheduled to open in the second half of 2025. This new development, previously known as The Forum, is part of RWS’s broader transformation strategy.
The 20,000 square meter space will feature over 40 lifestyle and premium brands distributed across three interconnected levels.
RWS is wholly owned by Genting Singapore, a company of the Genting Group. Located on Singapore’s resort island of Sentosa, it occupies 49 hectares and includes the Universal Studios Singapore, S.E.A. Aquarium, Dolphin Island and Adventure Cove Waterpark.
RWS CEO Tan Hee Teck stated that Weave represents a significant step in the RWS 2.0 transformation, aimed at enhancing premium and lifestyle experiences within a cohesive environment. He noted that Weave will serve as a social hub, connecting guests across the resort and attractions.
The architectural design of Weave, created by the firm Benoy, incorporates biophilic elements and a weave pattern, reflecting the island’s tropical environment.
Planned Offerings at Weave
Weave will include a range of flagship and concept stores. Notably, the Maison Pierre Hermé Paris flagship will offer a selection of pastries and desserts, including an ice cream bar.
Additionally, WeWa, a Middle Eastern street food concept, will serve items such as falafels and shawarmas prepared in an open kitchen.
Michelin-starred chef Paul Pairet will introduce two dining concepts at Weave: an ice cream parlor featuring unique flavor pairings and a kitchen specializing in contemporary French cuisine. Other dining options will include Peking Chamber from mainland China, Standard Bread from South Korea, and Chatterbox, known for its chicken rice.
In addition to Weave, RWS is also planning a new waterfront lifestyle development expected to open by 2030. This project will be situated near the S.E.A. Aquarium and Universal Studios Singapore and will include a promenade, two luxury hotels, a “mountain trail,” a light sculpture, and a retail and dining podium.
Current attractions at RWS include the multimedia art experience Harry Potter: Visions of Magic, which opened in November, and the recent launch of Illumination’s Minion Land at Universal Studios Singapore in February.
The Hong Kong Jockey Club’s aspirations to potentially have horse racing betting based upon races in mainland China could have been slightly set back, given that the Conghua racecourse in mainland China has had its racing debut pushed back.
According to the Hong Kong Standard, racing at the HKJC’s new facility in Conghua has been delayed from April of next year to October, given the potential for rain.
The CEO of the group had previously opined that there could be a racing and breeding industry in China in five years, 10 years or 15 years. This would further expand the live racing events that the Hong Kong Jockey Club hosts, as well as its streams – which are available for live betting via the Hong Kong Jockey Club.
The HKJC has invested about $1.09 billion into the transformation of Conghua into a racecourse since 2015, in a bid to promote the sport and possibly open up betting options.
The HKJC was initially estimating to start its horse racing program in Conghua in April of 2026, with up to six race meetings per season. This was to be accompanied by equestrian programs every weekend and other entertainment.
The executive indicated recently that “we would be practically ready to start in April from an infrastructure point of view but it means we have much more time to do tests because it’s a completely new site”.
The Hong Kong Jockey Club, as of last year, has pushed to allow betting on more nonlocal race days. It is also working with the government to explore the possibilities of expanding its sports betting offerings beyond horse racing and football betting, in particular to basketball.
