Asia Gaming Weekly News Bulletin – ISSUE 13 Week of 5 May 2025
(1) Hong Kong Jockey Club To Undertake Review Of Whip Rules
The Hong Kong Jockey Club is reviewing its whip rules, considering potential changes to align with international standards and reduce whip usage.
(2) Macau appoints Ng Wai Han as first female director of gaming regulator
Macau has appointed Ng Wai Han as the first female director of its Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau, bringing extensive public administration experience as the gaming sector recovers and regulatory oversight intensifies.
(3) Global Gaming Expo (G2E) Asia trade show, conference begins today in Macau
The Global Gaming Expo (G2E) Asia 2025, held at the Venetian Macao, features leading casino equipment suppliers and the Asian Integrated Resorts (IR) Expo, showcasing 100 product launches.
(4) Senate to invite PM to explain casino-entertainment complex bill
The Thai Senate committee plans to invite Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra to explain the casino-entertainment complex bill.
(1) Hong Kong Jockey Club To Undertake Review Of Whip Rules
(Photo Credit: The Standard/ HKJC)
The Hong Kong Jockey Club has announced a review of its whip rules, reflecting changes in other major racing jurisdictions. Currently, Hong Kong uses a discretionary model for whip use, allowing stewards to penalise jockeys for excessive or improper use. Unlike other countries, there are no set limits on the number of times the whip can be used.
Andrew Harding, the Club’s executive director of racing, confirmed that discussions with key stakeholders, including jockeys, are ongoing. These talks aim to evaluate the current regulations and assess whether any changes are necessary. Harding noted that while no decisions have been made yet, there is a growing international trend towards stricter whip protocols that the Club is closely monitoring.
Harding indicated that a careful approach to potential changes is being considered, emphasising the importance of consulting all relevant parties before any new regulations are implemented. He suggested that if adjustments are made, they would likely take effect for the 2025-26 racing season, starting in September, with a focus on possibly reducing whip usage.
News Source: https://www.thestandard.com.hk/hong-kong-racing/article/301790/Hong-Kong-Jockey-Club-To-Undertake-Review-Of-Whip-Rules
(2) Macau appoints Ng Wai Han as first female director of gaming regulator
(Photo Credit: readwrite)
Macau has appointed Ng Wai Han as the new director of its Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau (DICJ), marking a historic milestone as she becomes the first woman to hold this role. Effective immediately for an initial one-year term, Ng brings nearly two decades of experience in public administration, having previously held senior positions at Macau’s Labour Affairs Bureau and more recently as the director of the Public Administration and Civil Service Bureau.
Ng holds a Bachelor of Laws degree and a Master’s in Criminal Law from Sun Yat-Sen University, equipping her with the legal expertise necessary for overseeing Macau’s heavily regulated gaming market. The Secretary for Economy and Finance, Tai Kin Ip, highlighted her professional competence as a key factor in her selection for this significant position.
Her appointment comes at a time when Macau’s gaming industry is experiencing a resurgence following pandemic restrictions, with strong revenue figures during holiday periods. The government is committed to enhancing oversight of the gaming sector, focusing on corporate responsibility and sustainable growth, and Ng’s leadership will be crucial in navigating changes, particularly regarding satellite casinos and their integration into Macau’s economic plans.
News Source: https://readwrite.com/macao-appoints-ng-wai-han-as-first-female-director-of-gaming-regulator/
(3) Global Gaming Expo (G2E) Asia trade show, conference begins today in Macau
(Photo Credit: GGR Asia)
The G2E Asia 2025 is being held at the Venetian Macao, featuring prominent suppliers of casino equipment for the Asia-Pacific market. This event showcases various innovations and products aimed at enhancing the gaming industry across the region.
Alongside G2E Asia, the Asian IR Expo is also taking place, focusing on the non-gaming aspects of integrated resorts. Together, these events aim to introduce 100 new product launches, highlighting advancements that contribute to the overall development of integrated resorts in Asia.
Keynote speakers include Francis Lui Yiu Tung, chairman of Galaxy Entertainment Group, and Ed Bowers, president of global development at MGM Resorts International. Bowers is also involved in the development of MGM Osaka, Japan’s first integrated resort with a casino, which has an estimated cost of JPY1.27 trillion (US$8.83 billion).
News Source: https://www.ggrasia.com/g2e-asia-trade-show-conference-begins-today-in-macau-3
(4) Senate to invite PM to explain casino-entertainment complex bill
(Photo Credit: Bangkok Post)
A special Senate committee in Thailand is set to invite Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra to explain the government’s casino-entertainment complex bill. The committee’s chairman, Senator Veerapun Suvannamai, indicated that the invitation may occur during a meeting scheduled for 15 May 2025, while also stating that initial reports about an invitation for an earlier meeting were incorrect.
During the upcoming meetings, the committee will establish a framework for studying the project and create sub-committees. These sub-committees will focus on assessing the economic and social impacts of the casino-entertainment complex, with the study expected to take approximately 180 days to complete.
The government has decided to postpone the bill until the next parliamentary session starting on 2 July 2025. Originally planned for a first reading on 9 April 2025, the bill faced opposition that hindered its fast-tracked deliberation, with critics warning of potential ethical violations if the government continues to push for its approval.
News Source: https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/politics/3020130/senate-to-invite-pm-to-explain-casino-entertainment-complex-bill
