Asia Gaming Weekly News Bulletin – ISSUE 18 Week of 9 June 2025
(1) 3 gambling giants to close 11 satellite casinos in Macau amid industry shake-up
Macau is closing 11 satellite casinos due to regulatory changes while ensuring support for affected employees and maintaining industry stability.
(2) Billionaire Razon enters Philippines’ booming online gambling platform
Bloomberry Resorts has launched an online casino in the Philippines to compete with market leader DigiPlus as digital gaming revenues surpass traditional casinos.
(3) The Hong Kong Jockey Club set to lead City’s Basketball Betting
Hong Kong is considering granting the Hong Kong Jockey Club a basketball betting license while ensuring responsible regulation and community support.
(4) Former Thai prime minister Abhisit Vejjajiva reaffirms opposition to casino bill
Former Thai prime minister Abhisit Vejjajiva opposes legalising casino resorts, arguing they will not eliminate illegal gambling and could harm Thailand’s image despite potential economic benefits.
(1) 3 gambling giants to close 11 satellite casinos in Macau amid industry shake-up
(Photo Credit: SCMP)
Macau’s gaming industry is undergoing a major shift as three concession holders, SJM Resorts, Melco Resorts (Macau), and Galaxy Casino prepare to shut down 11 satellite casinos by the end of the year (satellite casinos are businesses which fall under the license of one of Macau’s gaming concessionaires, but operated by third parties on premises not owned by the concession holders. They operate under a partnership model, sharing revenue between the operator and the concessionaire). This decision follows the government’s 2022 amendment to gaming laws, which requires all casinos to operate on premises owned by concessionaires after a three-year transition period. The closures will affect around 6,000 employees, prompting authorities to call for fair treatment and proper job placements.
To support affected workers, Macau’s government has introduced measures including hotlines, labour rights seminars, and job-matching initiatives. Officials assured that most employees will be absorbed into existing gaming concessionaire operations, minimising industry disruption. Also, some concessionaires, like SJM Resorts, are considering acquiring hotels linked to closed casinos to continue operations under the revised legal framework.
The new policy will also alter revenue-sharing models, requiring management companies to oversee casinos instead of third-party operators. Authorities stress that these changes aim to strengthen regulation, enhance the legal framework, and ensure long-term stability in the gaming industry.
News Source: https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3313816/3-gambling-giants-close-11-satellite-casinos-macau-amid-industry-shake
(2) Billionaire Razon enters Philippines’ booming online gambling platform
(Photo Credit: Bloomberg)
Bloomberry Resorts Corp (a holding company in the Philippines involved in gaming, amusement, tourist facilities, and hotel businesses), has entered the country’s growing online gambling market with a new casino platform, aiming to compete with industry leader DigiPlus Interactive Corp. This move comes as revenue from electronic games surpassed traditional brick and mortar casinos for the first time in the country last year. Bloomberry’s platform offers low‑stakes betting on games such as slots, baccarat and roulette, catering to mass consumers.
The company’s decision to diversify its business has been well received, with Bloomberry’s stock seeing a significant rise. Despite the promising outlook, the online gaming market remains highly competitive, with DigiPlus boasting 40 million registered users. Analysts acknowledge the challenge Bloomberry faces in establishing itself against such a dominant player in the sector.
DigiPlus continues to expand its reach, securing a sports betting licence in Brazil and establishing a Singapore-based unit to drive international growth. As Bloomberry enters the digital gaming space, its ability to carve out a market share and compete effectively with existing giants will determine its success in this evolving industry.
News Source: https://www.thestar.com.my/aseanplus/aseanplus-news/2025/06/09/billionaire-razon-enters-philippines-booming-online-gambling-platform
(3) The Hong Kong Jockey Club set to lead City’s Basketball Betting
(Photo Credit: The Standard)
Hong Kong is considering granting a basketball betting license to the Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC) following strong public support for regulation. After a one-month consultation, over 90 percent of responses favoured legal oversight, with the government aiming to implement betting rules similar to those for football gambling. Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs Alice Mak Mei-kuen will present the findings and proposals to the Legislative Council.
Authorities stress that the policy is not about promoting gambling but ensuring responsible participation, with restrictions such as a minimum age of 18 and cash-only payments. To prevent a wider gambling culture, HKJC is proposed as the sole license holder. Discussions will also take place on how HKJC can contribute to the community through the Ping Wo Fund, which supports problem gambling prevention and sports development.
Also, the government plans to increase education and counselling efforts for young people regarding gambling risks. HKJC will be encouraged to expand its contributions to the Fund by establishing new facilities for public awareness and youth support. Authorities aim to ensure the transition is managed responsibly while maintaining social safeguards.
News Source: https://www.thestandard.com.hk/hong-kong-news/article/304228/HKJC-anticipated-to-carry-the-ball-for-citys-basketball-betting-license-Alice-Mak
(4) Former Thai prime minister Abhisit Vejjajiva reaffirms opposition to casino bill
(Photo Credit: Abhisit Vejjajiva/ Focus Asia Pacific)
Former Thai prime minister Abhisit Vejjajiva has criticised the government’s proposal to legalise casino resorts, arguing that it would not eliminate illegal gambling and could harm Thailand’s image. Speaking before the Senate committee reviewing the bill, he questioned comparisons to Singapore and stated that Thailand’s tourism industry does not depend on gambling. He also pointed out that government lotteries continue to exist alongside illegal ones, suggesting that legal casinos might not solve the issue.
Vejjajiva highlighted concerns about revenue sources, noting that only around 20 per cent of casino income would likely come from foreign visitors, while the majority would be generated by Thai citizens. He argued that the tax collected from casinos may be lower than earnings from other sectors, as rates would need to remain competitive with international markets.
The bill, which aims to introduce integrated casino resorts, will be discussed in the next parliamentary session beginning on 2 July 2025. As the government continues to weigh the potential economic benefits against concerns over gambling’s social impact, the outcome of the upcoming discussions will be key in determining whether the proposal moves forward.
News Source: https://focusgn.com/asia-pacific/former-thai-pm-reaffirms-opposition-to-casino-bill
