Asia Gaming Weekly News Bulletin – ISSUE 23 Week of 14 July 2025
(1) Okada Manila, Solaire, Newport emphasise ethical, responsible gaming practices of their online operations
Three major Philippine casino operators affirmed their online and land-based gaming are regulated, ethical, and compliant amid rising calls for tighter controls on digital gambling.
(2) MGM China says gambling debts linked to Hong Kong actor Jacky Heung settled, legal matter terminated
MGM China has confirmed all gambling debts linked to actor Jacky Heung have been settled and legal proceedings have ended.
(3) Macau casino industry gears up for strong summer after promising first half: Jefferies
Macau’s gaming sector is set to outperform government expectations in 2025, with strong summer entertainment and leading operators like Galaxy and MGM driving growth amid shifting market share.
(4) South Korean casino stocks rise on incoming visa-free travel for Chinese tourists
South Korea’s casino stocks are soaring as the country prepares to welcome Chinese group tourists under a new visa free policy starting later in 2025.
(1) Okada Manila, Solaire, Newport emphasise ethical, responsible gaming practices of their online operations
(Photo Credit: GGR Asia)
Three major casino operators in the Philippines, Bloomberry Resorts, Tiger Resort, and Travellers International have issued a joint statement affirming that they run their physical and online gaming platforms ethically and under strict regulation by Pagcor. Their operations include casinos in Manila and Quezon City, along with recently launched online platforms.
This response comes amid increasing public pressure for tighter control of online gambling, with some calling for bans or limits on digital wallets. The casino firms emphasised compliance with anti-money laundering laws, user safety tools like self-exclusion and deposit limits, and tech safeguards to block access from users outside the Philippines.
Pagcor, the country’s gaming authority, supports stronger oversight rather than a full ban and has recently introduced public resources to verify gaming platforms. To further reinforce credibility, the operators noted that all games and gaming equipment are vetted and certified for fairness, while promotional content undergoes thorough review by Pagcor and the Advertising Standards Council.
News Source: https://www.ggrasia.com/okada-manila-solaire-newport-emphasise-ethical-responsible-gaming-practices-of-their-online-operations
(2) MGM China says gambling debts linked to Hong Kong actor Jacky Heung settled, legal matter terminated
(Photo Credit: iag)
MGM China has confirmed that a legal issue involving Hong Kong actor Jacky Heung over gambling debts has been resolved, with all payments fully settled and legal proceedings terminated. The statement followed media reports earlier the same day that claimed Heung borrowed HK$2 million from MGM China in December 2024 and still owed HK$1.4 million.
MGM China clarified that the matter stemmed from a credit guarantee Heung had provided for a third party, which led to legal action when payments were not made. They described the reports as potentially misleading and emphasised that standard procedures were followed to resolve the issue, which has now been concluded.
In its statement, the company said it usually does not comment on internal gaming affairs but felt it necessary due to the distress the coverage may have caused Heung. The actor has appeared in numerous Hong Kong films and is the son of Charles Heung, a prominent producer and businessman.
News Source: https://asgam.com/2025/07/16/mgm-china-says-gambling-debts-linked-to-hong-kong-actor-jacky-heung-settled-legal-matter-terminated/
(3) Macau casino industry gears up for strong summer after promising first half: Jefferies
(Photo Credit: Asia Gaming Brief)
Macau’s gaming industry is projected to generate gross gaming revenue (GGR) of MOP237 billion (US$ 30 billion) in 2025, exceeding the government’s estimate of MOP228 billion. Jefferies analysts highlight strong summer entertainment and improved performance from leading operators as key drivers. Although first half figures prompted a slight trim in forecasts, year-on-year growth of 4.4% shows resilience, with further steady increases expected through 2026 and 2027.
Among the six concessionaires, Galaxy Entertainment and MGM China are expected to continue gaining ground, while SJM Holdings and Wynn Macau face pressure. Sands China is set to stabilise with a revised approach. MGM remains strong in the premium segment, and Sands is focusing on boosting earnings through adjusted EBITDA.
Looking ahead, entertainment and tourism will be crucial in supporting growth. Concerts by Jacky Cheung and Eason Chan, along with the revival of shows like House of Dancing Water, are expected to increase visitor traffic. Although early July 2025 saw a 10% dip from late June 2025, GGR was still up 9% year-on-year, signalling a positive start to a typically softer third quarter. Jefferies maintains a cautiously optimistic outlook for Macau, with operators who offer scale and strategic diversity best placed to benefit.
News Source: https://agbrief.com/news/macau/17/07/2025/macau-casino-industry-gears-up-for-strong-summer-after-promising-first-half-jefferies/
(4) South Korean casino stocks rise on incoming visa-free travel for Chinese tourists
(Photo Credit: Focus Asia Pacific)
South Korea’s casino stocks have surged ahead of a new visa free entry policy for Chinese group tourists, set to begin in the third quarter of 2025. Lotte Tour Development, which operates the Jeju Dream Tower for foreign visitors, saw its share price rise by 37.4% in the past month and over 50% since January 2025. Other companies such as Paradise Co and Grand Korea Leisure also recorded strong gains, outperforming the broader KOSPI index.
The rise in stock prices reflects growing optimism about increased tourism, especially from China, which accounted for nearly 28% of international arrivals as of May 2025. South Korea’s casino industry relies heavily on foreign visitors, as only one of its 19 casinos is open to local residents. The National Pension Service has increased its stake in Lotte Tour, showing institutional confidence in the sector’s growth potential.
The visa free policy is expected to boost travel during peak seasons, with airlines like Korean Air expanding flight routes to meet demand. Authorities are considering extending the programme beyond 2025 and possibly including individual travellers. These developments suggest a strong rebound in South Korea’s tourism and gaming sectors.
News Source: https://focusgn.com/asia-pacific/south-korean-casino-stocks-rise-on-incoming-visa-free-travel-for-chinese-tourists
