Good Morning. What if casinos are not a problem but rather a solution? A top economist calls for a complete rethink of the function that casinos serve, arguing that current regulatory policy is “systematically wrong”, and should focus on casinos’ functional role in solving legitimate economic problems. Meanwhile, regulators are facing challenges in controlling prediction markets, with mounting concerns that financial transactions can bypass gaming legislation. And in land-based news, Japan is pushing hard to use its remaining two IR licenses, with the next round of applications opening in May of next year.
What you need to know
- “Casino regulatory policy is systematically wrong”, argues top economist, pushing for a new economic-based approach to regulation.
- Prediction markets have regulators in a bind, with their surging popularity and speed making it hard to judge who should be overseeing them: expert.
- Japan sets a May through November 2027 window for the next round of integrated resort applications.
On the radar
- Bloomberry’s Enrique Razon Jr. leads PH tycoons on Forbes billionaires list.
- SJM faces ‘perfect storm’, as satellite closures and costs hit results: CLSA.
- Kangwon Land to commence $135M property revamp in April.
- Cambodia Cabinet to review draft anti-scam law this week: report.
- TransAct casino and gaming sales reach $26.87M in FY25.
- AGEM Index down by 10.7% monthly in February.
AGB Intelligence
REGULATORY
Casino policy is “systematically wrong”, argues top economist
A top economist is calling for a complete rethink of casino policy, arguing the current regulatory framework is “systematically wrong”. Andrew Russell says the “polluting factory” model ignores the utilitarian and transactional nature of casinos, with reactionary policymaking ignoring casinos as an institutional solution to legitimate economic problems.
Industry Updates
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