Asia Gaming Weekly News Bulletin – ISSUE 12 Week of 28 April 2025
(1) Jockey Club supports five initiatives to empower city’s youth
The Hong Kong Jockey Club has committed HK$1.4 billion to support five youth development initiatives aimed at empowering young people for a better future
(2) The Hong Kong Jockey Club’s first rollout of experience packages tailored for international tourists
The Hong Kong Jockey Club launched two special experience packages for international visitors during a major race day, combining horse racing excitement with business networking opportunities.
(3) Macau gaming regulator adds 60 new inspectors
Macau’s Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau has appointed 60 new inspectors to strengthen regulatory capabilities, while the Director position remains vacant.
(4) MGM Osaka breaks ground as Japan’s first casino resort moves toward 2030 launch
Construction has begun on MGM Osaka, Japan’s first integrated resort with a casino, set to open in autumn 2030.
(1) Jockey Club supports five initiatives to empower city’s youth
(Photo Credit: The Standard)
The Hong Kong Jockey Club has committed HK$1.4 billion through its Charities Trust to support five youth development initiatives, aiming to empower the next generation and lead Hong Kong towards a brighter future. This announcement was made during the Club’s 140th anniversary celebration at the Community Day event at Sha Tin Racecourse, attended by over 200 representatives from charities and the community.
The initiatives align with recent comments by President Xi Jinping, emphasising that Hong Kong’s prosperity depends on the success of its youth. They include collaborations with the Home and Youth Affairs Bureau, aimed at helping secondary school students explore life planning and national opportunities. Another project will transform part of Youth Square into an interactive space for young people to gather, share ideas, and engage in various activities.
Also, the ‘JC Echoes of Love Fund’ will offer bereavement support services and create development plans for bereaved children under 18. Together, these initiatives are designed to help young people build resilience and establish a successful trajectory for their future.
News Source: https://www.thestandard.com.hk/spotlight-news/article/301316/Jockey-Club-supports-five-initiatives-to-empower-citys-youth
(2) The Hong Kong Jockey Club’s first rollout of experience packages tailored for international tourists
(Photo Credit: TVB)
For the first time, the Hong Kong Jockey Club introduced two special experience packages for international visitors during a major race day at Sha Tin Racecourse. The initiative aims to combine the excitement of horse racing with opportunities for high-spending tourists to network and explore business connections.
The elite package, priced at HK$4,500, allows buyers to enjoy the races from the spectator stands of a high-end restaurant, complete with breakfast, a buffet, and a whiskey-tasting session. Among the first purchasers were 16 senior executives from Australian companies, who expressed enthusiasm about finding international business opportunities while enjoying the event.
In addition to the elite package, the Jockey Club offers a more affordable HK$200 package for less experienced racegoers and individual visitors. This option includes a guided tour of the racecourse facilities and insights into Hong Kong’s racing culture. The Club aims to continue attracting international guests by enhancing their experiences at future horse racing events.
News Source: https://news.tvb.com/sc/pearlnews/680e42554ca58752a489399f/TVB%20News-HKJCs-first-rollout-of-experience-packages-tailored-for-intl-tourists
(3) Macau gaming regulator adds 60 new inspectors
(Photo Credit: Asia Gaming Brief)
Macau’s Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau (DICJ) has welcomed 60 new inspectors to its team, despite the Director position remaining vacant. A swearing-in ceremony for the new recruits, overseen by Acting Director Lio Chi Chong, who administered the oath after the inspectors completed their training successfully.
The DICJ indicated that the addition of these inspectors will enhance its regulatory capabilities and improve monitoring efficiency. The bureau expects the new inspectors to approach their roles with dedication, actively safeguarding national security and development interests while effectively carrying out their regulatory responsibilities. Their work is viewed as vital for the healthy and orderly development of Macau’s gaming industry.
Since 20 December 2024, when former Director Adriano Ho was appointed head of Macau’s Customs Service, the position of DICJ Director has been unfilled. Lio Chi Chong has been serving as Acting Director in the interim, managing the bureau’s operations and the integration of the new staff.
News Source: https://agbrief.com/news/macau/28/04/2025/macau-gaming-watchdog-welcomes-60-new-inspectors/#:~:text=Macau’s%20Gaming%20Inspection%20and%20Coordination,recruits%20last%20Thursday%2C%20April%2024.
(4) MGM Osaka breaks ground as Japan’s first casino resort moves toward 2030 launch
(Photo Credit: Shutterstock.com)
Construction has officially begun on Japan’s first integrated resort with a casino, MGM Osaka, following a ground-breaking ceremony attended by key figures, including Osaka Governor Hirofumi Yoshimura. The ¥1.27 trillion (US$8.8 billion) project, developed by MGM Resorts International and Japan’s Orix Corporation, a Japanese diversified financial services group, is located on Yumeshima Island and is set to open in autumn 2030. It represents a significant step in Japan’s venture into legalised casino gaming.
Once in operation, MGM Osaka is expected to generate around US$5.9 billion annually in gross gaming revenue, making Japan the third-largest gaming market in the world after the United States and Macau. The resort will feature a casino, three hotels with approximately 2,500 rooms, as well as extensive convention and entertainment facilities, including a theatre and large exhibition and conference spaces. Construction will be carefully managed to minimise disruption during the Expo 2025, which will also be hosted on Yumeshima.
Despite the project’s approval, challenges remain, including a shrinking labour force and competition from other Asian markets. The resort will implement entry restrictions for Japanese residents to address social concerns, including a per-visit fee and limits on visits each week.
News Source: https://www.yogonet.com/international/news/2025/04/25/102761-mgm-osaka-breaks-ground-as-japans-first-casino-resort-moves-toward-2030-launch
