The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has already processed 4,699 requests submitted this year for content removal related to online gambling and scams, according to Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil.
According to The Sun, Fadzil noted that 72 percent of these requests – submitted since January 1st – involve online gambling, while 14 percent are related to scams.
During a press conference at the International Regulatory Conference (IRC) 2025, Fahmi emphasized the government’s proactive stance against emerging threats, particularly scams utilizing AI-generated “deepfakes.”
He mentioned recent amendments to the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, which enhance the legal framework to tackle these issues.
Fahmi also announced plans for workshops between MCMC and social media platforms to develop effective, long-term strategies for addressing these challenges, focusing on immediate interventions and comprehensive responses.
The Clark International Airport (CRK) saw a 20 percent yearly increase in passengers in 2024, totaling 2.4 million.
Some 65 percent of the total were international passengers.
This comes as flight operations grew by 29 percent yearly, with 19,221 flights. Some 53 percent of these flights were international.
The airport hosts routes by popular low-cost carriers such as AirAsia and Scoot, as well as China Eastern, Emirates, Eva Air, Korean Air and Qatar Airways.
Hann Reserve
Clark’s appeal for punters has steadily grown in recent years, with the expansion of Hann Resort and construction of Hann Reserve.
It has also drawn the eye of Belle Corp, which operates City of Dreams Manila via a subsidiary. However, the operator indicated that the proposed $300 million casino resort project was only in the preliminary stages.
In 2022, Clark International Airport opened a new passenger terminal building, which President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. hailed as a “strong signal” to the world that the Philippines is open for business.
Aside from tourism, the infrastructure is one of the “building blocks” of the government’s goal to turn the Philippines into the “logistics center of Asia”.
Macau’s gaming industry faced a challenging fourth quarter of 2024, with December’s gross gaming revenue (GGR) falling below projections due to President Xi Jinping’s three-day visit to the SAR, brokerage Seaport noted. But things are looking up for 2025.
The long-term outlook for Macau’s gaming industry remains positive, with Vitaly Umansky, senior analyst for Seaport Research Partners, expecting a growth rate of 8 percent in 2025, supported by improving economic conditions in China.
The total GGR for Q4 reached MOP57.4 billion ($7.15 billion), reflecting a year-on-year increase of 6.1 percent and a 3.3 percent rise from the previous quarter. However, this figure remains at 79.6 percent of the GGR from 4Q19.
For the whole of 2024, Macau’s GGR totaled MOP226.8 billion ($28.17 billion), marking a robust year-on-year growth of 23.9 percent.
Mass market gaming contributed significantly, accounting for over 88 percent of the total GGR. Despite this, the annual growth slightly underperformed against earlier estimates of 25 percent.
“December’s GGR was particularly disappointing, coming in at MOP18.2 billion ($2.27 billion). This represented a decline of 2 percent year-on-year and a 1.3 percent month-on-month drop, falling short of early month predictions that anticipated a 5 percent increase compared to the previous year”, indicated Umansky.
The month’s performance was adversely affected by a visit from Chinese President Xi Jinping to celebrate the SAR’s 25th handover anniversary, which dampened the influx of high-spending customers. However, the latter half of December showed signs of recovery as spending picked up.
The average daily GGR for December was MOP587 million ($73.4 million), the second lowest of the year, trailing only behind September. The comparisons to December 2023 were challenging, primarily due to having two fewer weekend days and the impact of high-profile visits on customer traffic.
Looking ahead, Umansky expects January 2025 to show significant improvement over December, with the Lunar New Year holiday from January 28th to February 3rd anticipated to boost visitor numbers.
Predictions indicate a 6.6 percent year-on-year increase in GGR for January, along with a 13.3 percent month-on-month rise. The first quarter of 2025 is projected to see a 4.2 percent increase compared to the same period in 2024.
Despite the mixed signals in 4Q24, the long-term outlook for Macau’s gaming industry remains optimistic, according to Seaport, with continued growth expected throughout 2025.
Umansky estimates an annual growth rate of 8 percent, supported by improving economic conditions in China.
Recent changes in visa policies are set to enhance accessibility for mainland Chinese visitors, particularly from Zhuhai and Hengqin, who can now obtain multi-entry visas allowing weekly visits, the analyst adds.
“The country has enhanced various visa policies for mainland visitors to Macau, including expedited processing times and improved procedures for business visas, the expansion of IVS cities, and new multi-entry visas for hotel guests in Hengqin, as well as multi-entry visas for conventions”, Umansky noted.
Starting January 1st, 2025, residents of Zhuhai, a mainland city of 2.5 million people adjacent to Macau, have been able to obtain multi-entry visas allowing them to enter Macau as frequently as once a week, a shift from the previous policy of one visa every two months, with the same applying to Hengqin residents.
“This new visa policy aligns with a similar initiative for Shenzhen residents, which took effect on December 1st, 2024, permitting daily visits to Hong Kong. Visitors from Zhuhai account for over 26 percent of the total visitors from Guangdong to Macau, a crucial province for the region’s tourism (with over 53.2 percent of mainland visitors to Macau this year coming from Guangdong)”.
Furthermore, ongoing government stimulus measures in China, particularly aimed at revitalizing the real estate market, are expected to bolster consumer confidence and spending. As the Macau economy adjusts, the gaming sector’s resilience is highlighted by robust spending per visitor, particularly within the premium segment.
Despite the challenges posed by a crackdown on illegal money changers and associated criminal activities, analysts maintain a favorable view on gaming stock valuations. With many stocks in the sector remaining undervalued, the risk/reward ratio for investors continues to look promising.
Nearly 60 foreign workers at a Cambodian casino complex broke past security guards to escape from the complex, forcing their way out with metal rods.
The workers, many from Nepal and Pakistan, were fleeing the O-Smach Resort.
The resort is owned by Cambodian businessman Ly Yong Phat and is reportedly home to an online scam operation.
Two guards were injured in the dispute with the 57 workers.
After leaving the complex, the workers walked over 5 kilometers before being picked up by police, who took them to the province’s capital of Samroang for questioning.
According to Radio Free Asia, the workers didn’t specify why they had left the complex, only indicating they wanted to work somewhere else, namely Poipet – rough 200 kilometers from O’Smach.
A witness heard by the publication says the workers had complained of physical punishment.
Human rights groups have been pushing for more investigations into forced labor at complexes in Cambodia, particularly following the sanctioning of O-Smach Resort’s owner Ly Yong Phat for “serious human rights abuses”.
The United States authorities sanctioned Ly’s L.Y.P Group and the O-Smach Resort, while indicating that Ly also controls three other Cambodian properties – the Garden City Hotel, Koh Kong Resort and Phnom Penh Hotel.
Authorities had been investigating O-Smach since 2022 following reports that individuals were duped with false employment claims and that employees had phones and identity documents taken on arrival in order to force them into working the scam operations.
The US authorities claimed there was “corruption” and “official complicity” in the illegal operations at O-Smach, including support from senior government officials.
A record HK$138 million ($7.7 million) Mark Six jackpot from the Hong Kong Jockey Club was split between two winning tickets, after off-course betting stations were swarmed in anticipation.
According to media reports, the Central betting branch saw wait times of over 40 minutes for ticket purchases on Tuesday.
This comes after a recent January 2nd draw saw no first prize winners, after the prize reached HK$100 million ($12.86 million).
The HK$138 million figure is the highest in the history of Hong Kong’s Mark Six lottery.
Each of the main winners won HK$69.23 million ($8.9 million), while 14 winners got the second prize, totaling HK$844,560 ($108,600) per ticket. Total betting for this Mark Six reached about HK$328.8 million ($42.28 million) due to the intense interest.
During the 2023/2024 season, the HKJC registered HK$304.9 billion ($39.23 billion) in bets from customers, with HK$8.5 billion ($1.1 billion) bet on the Mark Six Lottery, a yearly rise of 13.3 percent.
Revenue from the lottery totaled HK$3.9 billion ($501.73 million) during the period.
The HKJC operates Hong Kong’s only horse race and football betting, alongside the Mark Six lottery. The HKJC has been the authorized operator of the Mark Six lottery since 1975.
Thailand’s government is going to start preliminary discussions about legalizing online gambling even as the nation pushes to open its first casino by 2029.
Prasert Jantararuangtong, Deputy Prime Minister
According to the Bangkok Post, Deputy Prime Minister Prasert Jantararuangtong has urged for officials from various involved ministries to work together to push through the legal amendments needed.
Prasert, also the Digital Economy and Society Minister, said that a plan should be completed within the coming few months.
The minister highlighted how properly taxed online gaming platforms could be “good for the economy”, despite admitting that the sector has been linked to criminal behavior, particularly among the youth.
Regarding the age limit on access for online gambling sites, Prasert indicated that the issue has not yet been discussed.
Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra over the weekend indicated that allowing regulated online gambling could be good for both the economy and society, instead of letting the sector flourish underground.
Former Thailand Prime Minister, Thaksin Shinawatra
Thailand’s entertainment complex bill, allowing casinos to operate within large-scale venues, is expected to be passed by the Thai parliament this year. A top official previously expressed that the law should take at least six months to pass.
Currently under discussion are tax regulations, the overall number of licenses, and the proposed location of the casinos. The government is likely to initially grant five casino licenses: two in Bangkok and one each in Pattaya, Chiang Mai, and Phuket.
When initially proposed, Thailand’s move to legalize gambling in the country also included online gambling, which is already prevalent in the country despite being illegal and untaxed.
Saipan casino operator Imperial Pacific International (IPI) and its unsecured creditors’ committee have asked the federal bankruptcy court to approve a bidding procedure for the sale of the casino’s assets, with a minimum bid set at $10 million in cash.
According to local media outlet Marianas Variety, a stipulation filed on January 4th proposes designating a stalking horse bidder, scheduling an auction, and setting procedures for asset assumption and assignment. A stalking horse bidder sets the baseline price for auctioned assets, attracting other bidders and ensuring fair pricing.
Earlier, the court rejected IPI’s proposed sale procedures and allowed the creditors’ committee to hire Intrepid Investment Bankers to market IPI’s properties for a higher sale price. IPI filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in April 2024, owing over $165.8 million. The company operated a casino on Saipan until the pandemic forced its closure in 2020.
The stipulation outlines that prospective bidders may bid on IPI’s assets, but not the casino license, and the sale will be subject to competitive bidding and court approval. IPI and the committee also propose a break-up fee for the stalking horse bidder.
A sale hearing is scheduled for March 25th, 2025, with bids due by February 21st, 2025. Qualified bids must meet specific requirements, including disclosure of bidders’ identities, connections with IPI or other bidders, and details about the assets and liabilities involved.
The stipulation was signed by Aram Ordubegian, representing the creditors’ committee, and Chuck Choi, representing IPI.
Good morning. Unfortunately there can be a negative undercurrent to the gaming industry. And jurisdictions in the Pacific Islands are particularly vulnerable to the types of activities criminal groups aim to exploit via gambling-related operations, warns the United Nations. Key examples, such as Palau and Saipan, highlight how quickly money can be made, and how oversight can be manipulated. Meanwhile, Genting was happy to open up its new casino in Malaysia, however, analysts caution that the impact could be minimal as larger venues remain closed.
What you need to know
Gambling and casino-related crimes have emerged as significant challenges for Pacific Island Countries and Territories, warns a United Nations report.
A new report from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime Southeast Asia and the Pacific (UNODC) highlights new challenges brought about for Pacific Island Countries due to increased gambling-related crimes. Criminal groups aiming to expand their presence are using casinos for money laundering and human trafficking, sheltered by weak oversight and political influence. Regions such as Palau and Saipan have been targets for these operations, exploiting loopholes and relationships.
In 2024, 1xBet achieved significant breakthroughs and successes, solidifying its position in the iGaming industry. The brand secured major partnership deals, received prestigious awards, and showcased its innovations at the world’s leading forums.
Altenar, a leading sportsbook provider is bringing its global expertise to Asia, looking to expand its operations. Since 2011, Altenar has powered hundreds of online sports betting sites worldwide and is a major B2B provider in Europe and Latin America licensed markets.
The AGEM Index was muted in December, dropping by 4.8 percent from the prior month. However, compared to December of 2023, the Index saw healthy growth of 39.9 percent.
During the month, seven of the 12 Association of Gaming Equipment Manufacturers (AGEM) Index companies reported stock price increases, which resulted in nine negative contributions and three positive contributions to the AGEM Index.
The largest negative contribution to the monthly index was Aristocrat Leisure, whose 0.9 percent increase in stock price was offset by changes in the exchange rate between the US and Australian dollar, causing a 28.86-point loss for the index.
In addition, Light & Wonder booked a 9.1 percent stock decrease, causing a 19.14-point loss for the index.
Meanwhile, Ainsworth Game Technology saw its stock price increase by 15.3 percent, leading to a 0.49-point gain for the index.
Two of the three major US stock indices decreased in December. The NASDAQ rose by 0.5 percent over the month, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell by 5.3 percent and the S&P 500 fell by 2.5 percent.
Over the course of 2024, the AGEM Index rose by 34 percent, with 2024 marking the fifth-fastest growing year, just shy of 2021’s growth figures.
The parent company of NUSTAR Resort & Casino, in Cebu, Robinsons Land Corporation, has announced the resignation of its president and Chief Executive Officer and appointed Maria Socorro Isabella V. Aragon-Gobio as the new successor coming in to fill the role.
According to a filing by Robinsons Land Corporation (RLC), Lance Y. Gokongwei has stepped down from the dual role, with Maria Socorro Isabella V. Aragon-Gobio chosen as his successor.
The change comes into effect on February 1st, with Gokongwei retaining the position of Chairman of RLC.
‘With Mybelle Aragon-Gogio at the helm, we are poised to embark on a new era of transformative growth and innovation. Her commitment to synergy, customer-centricity, and operational excellence will undoubtedly strengthen RLC’s leadership in the real estate industry and deliver even greater value to our stakeholders,’ indicated the company in a statement.
Aragon-Gobio will be the first female president and CEO of RLC, having commenced her career with the company in 1993.
Before the change, Aragon-Gobio served as president and CEO of Robinsons Logistix and Industrials, Bonifacio Property Ventures Inc and Bacoor R&F Land Corporation.
