Asia Gaming Weekly News Bulletin – ISSUE 14 Week of 12 May 2025
(1) Government takes multi-pronged approach to curb illegal gambling: Alice Mak
Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs Alice Mak says the Hong Kong government is reviewing public feedback on legalizing basketball betting, emphasizing it as a potential tool to curb illegal gambling.
(2) Macau faces renewed regional pressure as Thailand advances casino legislation
Thailand’s progress towards legalising casino gaming has raised concerns in Macau, as experts warn it could reshape the regional gaming landscape.
(3) The Institute of Philanthropy Launches Hong Kong Jockey Club Medical and Health Scholarship for Mainland Talent
The Hong Kong Jockey Club Medical and Health Scholarship-cum-Fellowship has supported 29 mainland medical professionals in pursuing advanced studies in Hong Kong.
(4) Institute of Philanthropy supports immersive digital exhibition from the Palace Museum exploring the rich heritage of Chinese design
“The Ways in Patterns: An Immersive Digital Exhibition” opens at the Hong Kong Palace Museum, showcasing traditional Chinese patterns through digital technology.
(1) Government takes multi-pronged approach to curb illegal gambling: Alice Mak
(Photo Credit: The Standard)
The Hong Kong government is currently evaluating public feedback from a recent consultation on the potential legalization of basketball betting, according to Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs Alice Mak Mei-kuen. Speaking on a television program, Mak reiterated the government’s stance against gambling but acknowledged that regulated betting could serve as a strategic measure to combat illegal gambling operations. She cited the success of legalized soccer betting in diverting funds from underground markets as a possible model for basketball.
Mak addressed concerns that legal betting contradicts the government’s anti-gambling message, arguing that offering a legal alternative helps reduce the appeal of illicit options. “If we don’t provide a legal pathway, illegal gambling could grow even more intense,” she said. Meanwhile, the Hong Kong Jockey Club has increased its annual contribution to the Ping Wo Fund, which supports gambling addiction prevention and treatment, from HK$45 million to HK$50 million.
In a separate initiative, Mak introduced plans for the Kai Tak Youth Post Hostel, a repurposed quarantine facility set to open in October. Operated by Glorise Tourism & Culture, the hostel will provide affordable lodging for young visitors and host at least 14 public youth events annually. Its location near the cruise terminal and Kai Tak Sports Park is expected to support international cultural and sports exchanges.
News Source: https://www.thestandard.com.hk/hong-kong-news/article/302225/Govt-takes-multi-pronged-approach-to-curb-illegal-gambling-Alice-Mak
(2) Macau faces renewed regional pressure as Thailand advances casino legislation
(Photo Credit: gambling insider)
Thailand’s move towards legalising casino gaming has raised concerns in Macau, with experts warning it could significantly change the regional gaming landscape. At a recent forum held by the Rui Cunha Foundation and Macau Business magazine, speakers expressed that Thailand’s appeal to international tourists may give it an advantage over Macau, which still heavily relies on visitors from mainland China.
Niall Murray, Chairman of Murray International Group, noted that Thailand’s tourism sector is more diversified, making it potentially more resilient during downturns in specific markets. If the gaming legislation passes, it could become one of the largest regulated markets worldwide.
Despite efforts to diversify its economy, Macau continues to focus primarily on gambling and short visits, lacking sufficient attractions to encourage longer stays. Thailand’s draft bill for legalising casinos has passed its first parliamentary committee stage, but further debate and formal approval are still needed, with uncertainties remaining about the regulatory frameworks that will govern the gaming sector.
News Source: https://www.gamblinginsider.com/news/29392/macau-faces-renewed-regional-pressure-as-thailand-advances-casino-legislation
(3) The Institute of Philanthropy Launches Hong Kong Jockey Club Medical and Health Scholarship for Mainland Talent
(Photo Credit: HKJC)
The Hong Kong Jockey Club Medical and Health Scholarship-cum-Fellowship has supported 29 top medical and health professionals from the mainland to pursue Master’s, doctoral studies, and post-doctoral training at universities in Hong Kong. Funded by the Institute of Philanthropy, the programme aims to develop a group of skilled professionals with strategic thinking and a global perspective in medicine and health.
Following a selection process by a committee of leading experts from both the mainland and Hong Kong, the 29 recipients were awarded scholarships or fellowships to study areas such as medical research, public health, biomedical sciences, and health management at The Chinese University of Hong Kong, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, and The University of Hong Kong. The recipients began their studies in the 2024/25 academic year.
Also, the programme supported 25 senior officials from the national health system to participate in a two-week leadership course at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology. This training aimed to enhance their professional knowledge and foster future collaboration between Hong Kong and the mainland in the fields of medicine and health.
News Source: https://corporate.hkjc.com/corporate/corporate-news/english/2025-05/news_2025051401400.aspx?b_cid=EWHPJSE_PACM_CORPNEWSmay-2025_
(Photo Credit: HKJC)
Exclusively sponsored by the Institute of Philanthropy (IoP) and jointly organised by the Palace Museum and the Hong Kong Palace Museum, “The Ways in Patterns: An Immersive Digital Exhibition from the Palace Museum” opens and will run until 13 October 2025. The exhibition showcases traditional patterns from the Palace Museum using advanced digital technology and is part of the celebrations for The Hong Kong Jockey Club’s 140th anniversary.
The opening ceremony featured several prominent figures, including Luo Xianliang, Deputy Director of the Palace Museum, and Ann Kung, Deputy Chairman of the IoP. Luo emphasised that this exhibition reflects the commitment of both museums to promote traditional Chinese culture globally. Ann Kung highlighted that the exhibition is part of a five-year collaboration aimed at showcasing exceptional Chinese culture and nurturing arts tech talent in Hong Kong.
Visitors to the exhibition will experience traditional Chinese culture through seven immersive spaces featuring displays inspired by embroidery, caisson ceiling designs, and dynamic floor patterns. Attendees can also create their own designs of animated fish and birds. This initiative is part of a memorandum signed between The Hong Kong Jockey Club and the Palace Museum, which aims to promote cultural exchange and develop talent in the arts technology sector in both Hong Kong and the Mainland.
News Source: https://corporate.hkjc.com/corporate/corporate-news/english/2025-05/news_2025051301945.aspx
