Good Morning. New visa arrival policies have everyone on tenterhooks. And as potential new Chinese customers descend on casinos, retailers, and hotels in South Korea, the release is finally being felt. The new wave of Gen Z can make a notable difference, even as there is a need to fight for the OGs, and see if anything translates to the casino floor. Looking at Australia, times are tough for The Star, but upbeat in a sense, as its second casino license suspension has been put on hold.
What you need to know
- South Korean casinos, retailers, and hotels gear up for Chinese group arrivals as a new visa-free policy launches on September 29th.
- Australia’s The Star Gold Coast gets a reprieve as authorities deem that its casino license should be suspended until Sept. 2026.
On the radar
- Light & Wonder announces $1B notes offering.
- PAGCOR profit remittances push nation’s Treasury past non-tax targets.
- Mocha Kuong Fat in Macau closes; operator hopes to maintain three more.
- MGM China denounces deepfake video of Chairperson Pansy Ho.
AGB Intelligence
SOUTH KOREA
Visa policy opens door for Chinese visitors
South Korea has now opened the floodgates for Chinese tourism, aiming to capitalize on the ongoing boom in consumer sentiment. And as the boost continues, venues in Asia are opening their doors, with countries like South Korea now fully welcoming group tour arrivals, marking a new era for the nation’s success. And as casinos root for incomers, the battlefield is rife for the onslaught.
Corporate Spotlight
90-Day Playbook for Winning Asia’s Gaming Market | GR8 Tech
Every operator can launch, but few can lead. In Asia, leadership is won in the 90 days after go-live, when payments feel effortless, content resonates locally, and every touchpoint builds trust.
Why Asia’s iGaming operators must rethink risk strategy | SEON
Winning Trust, Stopping Fraud. Asia Pacific’s iGaming market is expanding extremely fast, and a new wave of digital-savvy players is pushing demand through the roof. But the rise in adoption has outpaced regulation in many markets, and fraudsters have taken notice.
Industry Updates
- Melco volunteers assist Macau community affected by Super Typhoon Ragasa.
- BETBY accelerates Asian expansion through Broadway Platform partnership.
- Aff.Tech shines at SBC 2025 with strategic talks and industry recognition.
- Aristocrat Gaming and Aristocrat Interactive debut next-gen experiences at G2E 2025.
INTELLIGENCE | ASEAN | CAREERS
