Elections

New Zealand’s racing industry is facing a major overhaul designed to bring in more international interest and boost revenue, though some critics say it increases political involvement in a traditionally neutral industry. The recent national elections returned strident nationalist leader Winston Peters as Minister of Racing and Deputy Prime Minister in a coalition government. Peters leads the New Zealand First Party (NZF), which holds the balance of power in the New Zealand parliament following an inconclusive election in September. The new policy reflects that of NZF.

The push to legalize casinos in Thailand appears to be gathering momentum, though experts say any reforms are unlikely to have much of an impact on the thriving illegal market, which is estimated at more than $5 billion a year. Academics in the country, who focus on gaming, say there is increasing confidence that the issue of casinos will be raised again after the next general election, expected in late 2018. It would be the  most significant step in gaming industry reforms since Thailand became a constitutional monarchy in 1932. 

Most gaming industry analysis currently predicts that the city of Yokohama may very well become the host for Japan’s largest IR in the mid-2020s. Situated in Kanagawa Prefecture as part of Japan’s capital region—with its vast population of tens of millions—almost any major IR operator would love to have a piece of this action; but even should Japan’s IR Implementation Bill pass smoothly through the national legislature, it remains far from clear that Yokohama will actually decide to seek a license. The region's residents go to the polls on Sunday to choose a new mayor, with two candidates opposing the incumbent on an anti-casino platform.  

Goa Governor Mridula Sinha has said that casinos should be allowed to remain in Goa, despite comments from the ruling BJP Party that it...

Casinos in the state of Goa may gain a reprieve after the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), which had vowed to close the properties, unexpectedly...

Golden Globe Hotels Private Ltd. looks set to get the go-ahead for the sixth floating casino on Goa’s River Mandovi after the High Court...

  The Election Commission of India (ECI) has asked the Goa government to keep a strict watch on casinos to ensure they are not used...

Taiwan has elected a new president, Tsai Ing-Wen of the the nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), which will also be in control of the...

Taiwan’s Legislative Yuan failed to pass the Tourism Casino Administration Act in its most recent session, but the bill is not dead yet.Despite considerable uncertainty stemming from upcoming presidential and legislative elections, there may be reason for optimism that even a change in government won’t necessarily derail the process. An upcoming referendum on the island of Penghu may hold the key to unlocking the stalemate, even with a change to a less casino-friendly regime. 

New Zealand’s gambling industry has a lot riding on the outcome of upcoming general elections on Sept. 20th, with opposition parties threatening major changes to the law, including tougher restrictions on pokie machines if elected.