Asia Gaming Weekly News Bulletin – ISSUE 20 Week of 23 June 2025
(1) Thailand’s Casino Dream Just Crashed–And Investors Are Caught in the Crossfire
Thailand’s plan to legalise casinos has been shelved indefinitely due to political instability and public opposition, stalling a key economic initiative.
(2) Japan appoints Toshiyuki Shimada as Casino Regulatory Commission secretary general
Toshiyuki Shimada will take over as Secretary General of Japan’s Casino Regulatory Commission, leading expanded oversight of both integrated resorts and online gambling.
(3) Macau’s Labour Affairs Bureau says contact made with 4,812 satellite casino employees to discuss rights
Macau’s Labour Affairs Bureau is assisting thousands of satellite casino employees following announced closures, ensuring their rights are protected and helping with job transitions.
(4) E-Wallet Ban For Online Betting Considered By Lawmakers In The Philippines
Philippine lawmakers are seeking to limit e-wallet use for online gambling to curb addiction and reduce easy access to betting platforms.
(1) Thailand’s Casino Dream Just Crashed–And Investors Are Caught in the Crossfire
(Photo Credit: gurufocus)
Thailand’s plan to legalise casinos has been placed on hold indefinitely after the ruling coalition lost its parliamentary majority. The departure of the Bhumjaithai Party has weakened the government’s ability to pass major legislation, leaving little room to push forward core economic initiatives. Though officials cited the need for more public engagement, the political setback is the key reason behind shelving the bill.
The proposed legislation aimed to boost tourism and spending, with projections suggesting a sharp rise in visitor numbers and expenditure. Approved by Cabinet earlier this year, the “entertainment complex” bill was promoted as a tool for economic revitalisation. However, critics raised alarms about social harm, warning of increased gambling addiction and the potential for money laundering, particularly given regional trends.
With the loss of parliamentary support, the legislation has been removed from the upcoming House agenda. It is now uncertain whether the proposal will resurface under the current administration. As political instability grows, expectations for a regulated casino industry in Thailand are being quietly rolled back.
News Source: https://www.gurufocus.com/news/2944489/thailands-casino-dream-just-crashedand-investors-are-caught-in-the-crossfire
(2) Japan appoints Toshiyuki Shimada as Casino Regulatory Commission secretary general
(Photo Credit: Yogonet Gaming News)
Toshiyuki Shimada has been appointed as the next Secretary General of Japan’s Casino Regulatory Commission, effective from 1 July 2025, succeeding Takuya Sakaguchi. Currently Deputy Secretary General and formerly with the Ministry of Finance, Shimada steps into the role during a pivotal period of heightened regulatory focus on both physical and online gambling sectors.
His appointment comes as Japan continues efforts to develop integrated casino resorts while also tackling illegal online gambling. The commission, established in 2020 and comprising five members, oversees both sectors and has been allocated a JPY 3.71 billion budget for 2025. The government has reaffirmed its commitment to casino resort development as part of its long-term tourism strategy.
Shimada is expected to play a key role in enforcing recent legislation aimed at curbing addiction and financial crime related to unauthorised gambling. With only one integrated resort project officially approved so far, his leadership will help shape how Japan balances economic ambition with social responsibility in the gambling landscape.
News Source: https://www.yogonet.com/international/news/2025/06/25/109369-japan-appoints-toshiyuki-shimada-as-casino-regulatory-commission-secretary-general
(3) Macau’s Labour Affairs Bureau says contact made with 4,812 satellite casino employees to discuss rights
(Photo Credit: IAG)
Macau’s Labour Affairs Bureau has contacted 4,812 employees affected by the planned closure of the city’s 11 satellite casinos by year-end, offering explanations about their rights and conducting inspections at gaming venues. These efforts aim to support the 5,600 workers impacted, most of whom are employed through gaming concessionaires.
In response to the closures, 52 briefing sessions have been held, and job fairs organised by major operators have drawn hundreds of participants. The Macau’s Labour Affairs Bureau (DSAL) is overseeing the employment transition process and urging concessionaires to uphold their obligations.
The government has pledged strict enforcement to ensure employees are treated fairly. Concerns about job security remain, but authorities are continuing to coordinate support and employment opportunities for affected staff.
News Source: https://asgam.com/2025/06/24/macaus-labour-affairs-bureau-says-contact-made-with-4812-satellite-casino-employees-to-discuss-rights/
(4) E-Wallet Ban For Online Betting Considered By Lawmakers In The Philippines
(Photo Credit: Casino Beats)
Lawmakers in the Philippines are drafting legislation to restrict the use of e-wallets like GCash and Maya for online gambling, citing concerns over rising addiction and social harm. Representative Jonathan Keith Flores, who is leading the push, argues that these platforms make betting too easy and directly facilitate access to gambling apps, even offering loan services to users.
Despite record revenue growth in the country’s gambling sector this year, Flores insists the convenience offered by e-wallets should not come at the cost of Filipino families. He proposes removing direct links to gambling platforms within e-wallet apps to make the process less seamless and discourage impulsive betting behaviour.
While Flores has stopped short of calling for a complete ban, he warns that stricter action could follow if gambling-related harms continue to grow. His stance has reignited national debate on the role of digital platforms in promoting gambling and their responsibility in preventing addiction.
News Source: https://casinobeats.com/2025/06/26/e-wallet-ban-for-online-betting-considered-by-lawmakers-in-the-philippines/
