Asia Gaming Weekly News Bulletin – ISSUE 15 Week of 19 May 2025
(1) MGM Resorts Advises Thailand to Adopt a Competitive Casino Tax and Allow Locals to Play
MGM Resorts is optimistic about Thailand’s move towards legalising casinos, urging competitive tax rates and local participation to maximise economic benefits and job creation while ensuring safer gambling practices.
(2) Cebu integrated casino and resort opens luxury hotel
NUSTAR Resort & Casino has launched the NUSTAR Hotel in Cebu, a luxurious 223-room hotel designed to enhance the region’s gaming and hospitality offerings.
(3) PH Resorts says Pagcor did not revoke provisional casino licence for Emerald Bay project
PH Resorts Group confirmed that the provisional casino licence for its Emerald Bay Resort and Casino in Cebu remains valid.
(4) Korea Sports Promotion Foundation raises awareness of youth gambling issues through event
The Korea Sports Promotion Foundation participated in the ‘2nd Youth Gambling Problem Prevention Week’ to raise awareness about youth gambling issues.
(1) MGM Resorts Advises Thailand to Adopt a Competitive Casino Tax and Allow Locals to Play
(Photo Credit: Shutterstock.com)
MGM Resorts is closely monitoring Thailand’s progress towards legalising casinos, viewing it as a significant opportunity for investment. MGM is prepared to invest between US$3 billion and US$5 billion in a casino in Bangkok, but emphasises the need for a competitive tax rate to ensure success.
Ed Bowers, MGM’s president of global development, has highlighted the importance of adopting a tax structure similar to that of neighbouring regions. He noted that Macau and Japan have high tax rates, while Singapore’s average is significantly lower. Bowers also cautioned that limiting casinos to foreign players might hinder their success, referencing South Korea’s struggles with foreign-only casinos. He suggested that Thailand should consider allowing local residents to participate in gaming to maximise revenue.
Bowers believes that regulated gaming in Thailand could offer safer gambling options for locals, protecting them from unlicensed operators. He also pointed out that casino taxes could support government initiatives such as education and problem gambling programmes. Also, the establishment of casinos could create thousands of jobs, providing a strong boost to the economy. MGM is keen to ensure its casino occupies a modest percentage of the total resort area, praising the government’s decision to limit casino space compared to other countries.
News Source: https://www.gamblingnews.com/news/mgm-resorts-advises-thailand-to-adopt-a-competitive-casino-tax-and-allow-locals-to-play/
(2) Cebu integrated casino and resort opens luxury hotel
(Photo Credit: Malaya Business Insight)
NUSTAR Resort & Casino in Cebu has expanded its offerings with the opening of the NUSTAR Hotel, the second of three planned hotels at the complex. This new 223-room, 5-star hotel aims to elevate the region’s hospitality and gaming experience, combining luxurious accommodations with exceptional service. The hotel’s design reflects a blend of timeless elegance and modernity, inspired by local heritage, and features stunning ocean views.
The NUSTAR Hotel’s facilities include spacious guest rooms, the largest in Cebu, and luxurious villas with private pools. Each room is designed to provide a calming sanctuary, equipped with high-end amenities and intelligent facilities. The hotel also focuses on providing top-tier service, with dedicated butlers trained to cater to guests’ every need, enhancing the overall gaming and leisure experience.
As part of the broader NUSTAR Resort, the hotel is positioned to attract both local and international visitors, contributing to Cebu’s growing reputation as a gaming destination. The upcoming open-air Skydeck will offer guests panoramic views, further enhancing the appeal of the resort. Mr. Sean Knights, COO of NUSTAR, emphasised the commitment to creating a unique hospitality experience that integrates world-class gaming with premium accommodations and dining.
News Source: https://malaya.com.ph/lifestyle/living/places/cebu-integrated-casino-and-resort-opens-luxury-hotel/#google_vignette
(3) PH Resorts says Pagcor did not revoke provisional casino licence for Emerald Bay project
(Photo Credit: GGR Asia)
PH Resorts Group Holdings Inc has confirmed that its provisional casino licence for the Emerald Bay Resort and Casino project in Mactan, Cebu, remains valid. This clarification comes after a local media report suggested that the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp (Pagcor) had revoked the licence. PH Resorts stated that the revocation actually pertains to a different, stalled casino project in the Clark Freeport Zone, promoted by its subsidiary, Clark Grand Leisure Corp (CGLC).
CGLC received a notice from Pagcor regarding the revocation of its provisional licence, which was linked to uncertainties surrounding the Clark project. However, PH Resorts emphasised that the Emerald Bay project, developed by Lapulapu Leisure Inc and Lapulapu Land Corp, is unaffected by this decision. The firm had previously requested a voluntary suspension of its licence for the Clark project due to ongoing issues.
In recent developments, the SM Group-backed China Banking Corp announced plans to sell land associated with the Emerald Bay project. Earlier this month, PH Resorts restructured its debt with Chinabank through an agreement involving the sale and leaseback of certain assets related to the Emerald Bay development, which includes an option to buy back the properties in the future.
News Source: https://www.ggrasia.com/ph-resorts-says-pagcor-did-not-revoke-provisional-casino-licence-for-emerald-bay-project
(4) Korea Sports Promotion Foundation raises awareness of youth gambling issues through event
(Photo Credit: ChosunBiz)
The Korea Sports Promotion Foundation took part in the ‘2nd Youth Gambling Problem Prevention Week’ event at Dongdaemun Design Plaza, which aimed to raise awareness about youth gambling issues. Organised by the Integrated Supervisory Commission for Gambling Industries and the Korea Center for Gambling Problems Prevention and Treatment, the event involved 22 organisations focused on highlighting the seriousness of youth gambling and the importance of prevention.
The cycling and racing headquarters conducted several programs to engage young people. They offered a ‘self-diagnosis experience’ for youth to assess their gambling risk levels and provided on-site consultations with addiction prevention counsellors. Additionally, they organised a ‘simulated reporting experience’ to educate participants on how to report illegal gambling activities, along with a virtual cycling experience to promote physical activity and addiction prevention.
A representative from the cycling and racing headquarters noted the increasing risk of youth exposure to gambling due to the online environment. They expressed hopes that the event would enhance social awareness of youth gambling issues and reiterated their commitment to strengthening support systems for prevention and treatment. The ‘Hope Companion’ centre, managed by the foundation, offers comprehensive services for individuals struggling with gambling addiction.
News Source: https://biz.chosun.com/en/en-sports/2025/05/21/MNIOBHJGLBA63IL3TURL3HQ7GE/
