Good Morning. The sound of silence. In this particular case, the lack of comment on proposed bans for online gambling in the Philippines in the State of the Nation Address (SONA) was particularly profound, and a welcome sign that the nation’s president is not hastily addressing an issue with such a significant impact due to populist pressure. Looking to Macau, even as SJM is shuttering its satellite casinos, it’s expanding its hotel offerings in neighboring Hengqin with a $101 million investment. This comes as the first half year in the SAR delivered GGR above expectations, boosted by events driving increased foot traffic.
What you need to know
- PH President’s silence on online gambling ban signals a strategic shift toward smarter regulation over populist policymaking, says expert.
- SJM’s new Hengqin hotel project involves an investment of some $101.2 million and could open as early as 2028.
- CreditSights analysts: Macau’s June GGR overperformed, satellite casino closures not likely to have a ‘significant impact’.
On the radar
- Online gaming issue not raised by PH President in State of the Nation Address.
- Macau’s Casino Grandview satellite operation to close on Wednesday.
- Australia’s Reef Casino receives competing takeover bid from Morris Group.
- Belle Corp.’s City of Dreams Manila gaming revenue share drops 18% in 1H25.
- Pansy Ho’s Estoril Sol expected to bid as Portugal opens casino tender.
- Macau casino stocks rally 53% amid visitor boom, GGR surprise.
AGB Intelligence
PHILIPPINES
PH President strategically avoids online gambling in SONA
While speculation was rife that the Philippine President would address calls for a ban on online gambling in the country during his 2026 State of the Nation Address on Monday, his silence on the issue was strategic and avoids a knee-jerk reaction to such a complex topic. According to an expert, the move allows for the country to tame the ‘perils of online gambling through smart laws and vigilant enforcement’, rather than blanket bans.
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