Asia Gaming Weekly News Bulletin – ISSUE 21 Week of 30 June 2025
(1) Star Entertainment’s Hong Kong backers threaten to soon exit Brisbane casino deal
Star Entertainment’s Hong Kong investors have threatened to withdraw from the Brisbane casino project over unresolved commercial issues, putting the A$1.6 billion development at risk.
(2) Emperor Entertainment’s Grand Emperor Hotel casino is set to close this year as Macau phases out the satellite casino model
Emperor Entertainment faces growing uncertainty as its Grand Emperor Hotel casino is set to shut down this year amid Macau’s phaseout of the satellite casino model.
(3) Thailand’s cabinet reshuffle and a shift in legislative priorities could lead to the casino bill being delayed or withdrawn
Thailand’s government may withdraw or delay the casino bill amid leadership changes and growing concerns over transparency and readiness.
(4) Macau Casino Comeback Continues, as Gaming Revenue Climbs 19 Percent in June
Macau’s casinos saw a strong recovery in June 2025, driven by premium mass gamblers and entertainment events, boosting industry revenue and investor confidence.
(1) Star Entertainment’s Hong Kong backers threaten to soon exit Brisbane casino deal
(Photo Credit: Reuters)
Star Entertainment is facing a critical blow to its Queen’s Wharf casino project in Brisbane as its Hong Kong investors, Chow Tai Fook Enterprises and Far East Consortium, have issued notice to withdraw from the deal within five business days. The firms currently each hold a 25 percent stake and had agreed to acquire the remaining share earlier this year, but ongoing disagreements over commercial terms have stalled progress despite continued negotiations.
The fallout follows shareholder approval of a A$300 million rescue package to stabilise Star’s operations, and comes amid a backdrop of regulatory scrutiny and financial strain across the casino industry. If the deal collapses, Star must repay A$10 million or forfeit its remaining stake in a Gold Coast casino also tied to the investors, further intensifying the company’s financial pressure.
With roughly A$1.6 billion in debt tied to the Queen’s Wharf development, the potential withdrawal jeopardises one of Star’s major projects and raises fresh doubts about its long-term recovery, even as it remains open to resolving issues with its partners.
News Source: https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/property/star-entertainments-hong-kong-backers-threaten-soon-exit-brisbane-casino-deal
(2) Emperor Entertainment’s Grand Emperor Hotel casino is set to close this year as Macau phases out the satellite casino model
(Photo Credit: Asia Gaming Brief/ Emperor Group)
Emperor Entertainment, the operator of Macau’s Grand Emperor Hotel casino, has reported an annual loss of nearly HK$189 million, reflecting the financial strain facing the company. The casino is one of several satellite venues in Macau that are expected to shut down by the end of the year due to changes in local gaming regulations (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).
The closure comes at a time when the company’s parent, Emperor International, is facing a debt crisis, having breached loan terms and warned of possible immediate repayment demands from banks. Although the financial troubles stem mainly from the parent company, Emperor Entertainment’s shares have also been affected.
Despite a temporary extension of its operating agreement with SJM Resorts until the end of 2025, the Grand Emperor Hotel casino is still expected to cease gaming operations this year. The end of the satellite casino model in Macau marks a significant shift in the region’s gaming landscape, with Emperor Entertainment now facing uncertainty over its future role in the industry.
News Source: https://www.yogonet.com/international/news/2025/06/25/109369-japan-appoints-toshiyuki-shimada-as-casino-regulatory-commission-secretary-general
(3) Thailand’s cabinet reshuffle and a shift in legislative priorities could lead to the casino bill being delayed or withdrawn
(Photo Credit: Nutthawat Wichieanbut)
The Thai government is expected to decide on 7 July 2025 whether to withdraw or delay the controversial casino-entertainment complex bill from the House agenda. Prime Minister’s Office Minister Chousak Sirinil explained that the recent cabinet reshuffle has prompted a review of the bill, which was previously marked as urgent. Although formal withdrawal usually requires a House resolution, it could be done immediately if there are no objections.
Deputy Transport Minister Manaporn Charoensri noted that further discussions are needed with Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat before a final decision is made. The government has shifted its legislative focus to an amnesty bill, pushing the casino bill down the agenda. Concerns have also been raised about the transparency and readiness of the proposal.
Senator Weeraphan Suwannamai, who chairs the Senate committee reviewing the bill, said the panel is worried about a lack of clear information. The committee has invited a representative of suspended prime minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra to address 12 key concerns, including the role of casino revenue, land use legality at Klong Toey Port, and the licensing process for operators.
News Source: https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/politics/3062698/casino-bill-decision-due-on-monday
(4) Macau Casino Comeback Continues, as Gaming Revenue Climbs 19 Percent in June
(Photo Credit: Shutterstock)
Macau’s casino industry saw a strong rebound in June 2025, with gross gaming revenue reaching MOP21.06 billion (US$2.6 billion), a 19 percent increase from the same month last year. This brought total revenue for the first half of the year to nearly US$14.7 billion, up 4.4 percent despite a weak start in January. The recovery has been driven by a shift in focus from VIP gamblers to premium mass players and leisure travellers, following the collapse of the junket system.
Casinos have responded by investing in nongaming attractions to draw a broader audience. Events like Jacky Cheung’s concert residency at Galaxy Macau helped boost visitor numbers, with first quarter arrivals up 11.1 percent and second quarter trends looking even stronger. Analysts credit premium mass players, who bet large amounts without being traditional high rollers, for fuelling the recent surge in gaming revenue.
The strong June performance also lifted investor confidence, with shares of US-based casino operators such as Las Vegas Sands, Wynn Resorts and MGM Resorts rising sharply. Sands, which has a major presence in Macau through its Sands China unit, saw a 7 percent jump in share price. Melco Resorts, listed in the US but based in Hong Kong, gained 10 percent, reflecting optimism about Macau’s continued recovery.
News Source: https://www.casino.org/news/macau-casino-comeback-continues-revenue-climbs-19-percent-june/
