Asia Gaming Weekly News Bulletin – ISSUE 68 Week of 8 June 2026
(1) Pansy Ho’s King – The Queen’s Effect on a Billion-Dollar Empire
Pansy Ho has sold her entire stake in MGM Resorts International, ending a long-standing investment in the US parent while retaining her strong position in MGM China. The move points to a sharper focus on Macau just as MGM Resorts faces a possible takeover and broader strategic change.
(2) Mario Ho Says Sports Gambling Could Drive Macau’s Next Growth Chapter
Entrepreneur Mario HO, son to Macau gambling kingpin Stanley HO, delivers a keynote speech at the G2E Asia, spotlighting his visions for a pro-sport model, diversifying from Macau’s traditional dependence on casinos, hotels and restaurants by leveraging the appeal of international sports and e-sports, thereby urging relevant stakeholders to “come together” and explore the “clear opportunity” ahead.
As the World Cup 2026 looms near, in a bet to reduce illegal gambling sites and ensure an illegal gambling-free “healthy sports festival”, the South Korean government introduces a commission-based tipping hotline with rewards upwards of KRW600,000 per month. South Korea joins a host of other countries in instating regulations, warning operators of a peak of gambling over the World Cup period.
(4) China and Sri Lanka step up joint enforcement against cross-border gambling and fraud networks
China and Sri Lanka have intensified cooperation against cross border online gambling and telecom fraud, as Beijing says criminal networks are shifting operations to Sri Lanka. Authorities have carried out raids, made arrests and repatriated suspects, highlighting a broader effort to curb transnational crime and prevent further expansion of illicit activity.
(1) Pansy Ho’s King – The Queen’s Effect on a Billion-Dollar Empire
(Photo Credit: Jonathan Wong / SCMP)
Pansy Ho Chiu King has fully exited her long held stake in MGM Resorts International, marking a notable shift in her relationship with the US gaming giant and sharpening her focus on Macau. According to filings with the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, the MGM China chair sold her remaining shares in five transactions between May 28 and June 3, raising about US$140.14 million and reducing her interest in the parent company from 1.2 per cent to zero.
The move ends a crossholding structure that had linked Ho to both MGM Resorts and its Macau subsidiary for more than a decade. Although MGM China said the disposals were made when market conditions were favourable and described them as part of personal investment and treasury management, the timing suggests a broader strategic reset.
Just days before Ho’s final sale, MGM Resorts disclosed a non-binding cash offer from People Inc. to buy the shares it does not already own for US$48.30 each. With People Inc. already holding a significant stake, the proposal points to the possibility of a major change in ownership and strategy at the US parent.
Ho’s exit leaves her no longer invested in MGM Resorts directly, but still firmly positioned in MGM China, where she and her controlled entities retain a substantial holding. The sale appears to simplify her role and signals a clearer bet on Macau’s gaming recovery rather than on uncertainty surrounding the American parent.
News Source: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/pansy-hos-king-queens-effect-billion-dollar-empire-sofia-linhares-yeqvc/
(2) Mario Ho Says Sports Gambling Could Drive Macau’s Next Growth Chapter
(Photo Credit: IGamingBusiness)
At the keynote speech of G2E Asia, entrepreneur Mario Ho, youngest son to gambling legend Stanley Ho, stuns the industry by advocating the need for Macau’s officials to leverage the dominance of sporting culture over day-to-day life to re-invent Macau’s cultural identity, tourism and economic models.
The part-owner to NBA’s Boston Celtics highlights the universal appeal to sports, with barriers imposed by politics, business and traditional media failing to obstruct the magic of uniting people from all walks of life.
Ho calls upon “governments, investors, technology partners, sport operators and IR operators” to join arms and collectively capitalise this clear opportunity. He adds in asserting that incorporating sports to Macau will be the next step to helping them surpass their traditional economic, cultural and touristic model of casinos, hotels and restaurants, as the sway of sports “quietly redefines how cities and destinations compete for the next generation”.
More than 75% of the population is expected to watch the World Cup 2026, which constitutes more than 6 Billion people around the world. With 104 matches throughout, the tournament is expected to attract a mass in excess of 4 Billion USD in wagers, declaring a clear opportunity for the taking.
“The question is no longer when Asia will lead the next decade of global sports,” HO said. “The real question is, which city and which operator will move first?”.
News Source: https://igamingbusiness.com/casino/tourism/mario-ho-macaus-future-must-include-sports-esports/
(Photo Credit: IGamingBusiness)
In preparation leading up to the World Cup 2026, the South Korean Gambling Control Commission (GCC) fires an intense campaign aimed at eradicating illegal online gambling. Between the dates of the 8th of June up till the 31st of July, the commission encourages members of the public and industry stakeholders to report any websites or parties officiating illicit online gambling, directed at South Korean citizens.
Under the Prime Minister’s Office, chaired by Choi Byung-hwan, the GCC has set up the “Illegal Gambling Industry Monitoring and Reporting Center” website alongside a tipping hotline. Arm-in-arm with the National Police Agency and the Korean Communication Standards Commission the GCC introduces that to be eligible, claimants must provide specific evidence, including screen captures showing bets, deposits or withdrawals, as well as login details for the relevant site. Rewards are capped at 600,000 won per person each month.
In addition to blocking sites, the GCC will be collaborating with licensed gambling operators in bolstering monitoring efforts. Investigative efforts will also be made as required.
Chairman Choi Byung-hwan also states that he intends for the Gambling Control Commission to concentrate all its capabilities on eradicating illegal gambling sites, and asking for citizens’ participation, emphasising that citizen reports are the most effective ways to prevent the spread of illegal gambling, as Korea joins a host of other countries, brandishing regulations in preparation for the World Cup.
(4) China and Sri Lanka step up joint enforcement against cross-border gambling and fraud networks
(Photo Credit: Asia Gaming Brief)
China and Sri Lanka have stepped up law enforcement cooperation in a widening crackdown on cross border online gambling, telecom fraud and related criminal activity. According to a statement from the Chinese Embassy in Colombo, the two sides have expanded practical coordination since the start of 2026, with Sri Lankan authorities carrying out multiple raids that dismantled gambling and fraud operations and led to arrests involving suspects from several countries.
The embassy said online gambling and telecom fraud remain the main targets, but described them as part of a broader criminal ecosystem that also includes human trafficking, money laundering, kidnapping, illegal detention and unlawful border crossings. It added that some Chinese nationals implicated in fraud related offences had been handed over to Chinese authorities, and said the repatriations had created a strong deterrent effect.
Chinese officials argue that tougher enforcement in East and Southeast Asia has pushed criminal networks to relocate to Sri Lanka. They cited the country’s telecommunications infrastructure, strategic location and relatively accessible visa policies as factors that have made it attractive to illicit operators.
Beijing also praised the support of Sri Lankan ministries and law enforcement agencies, while warning that inaction could harm the country’s international reputation and public safety. The latest cooperation follows similar arrangements China has pursued with countries including Spain, the United Arab Emirates, Myanmar and Cambodia as it expands its cross-border security campaign.
