Asia Gaming Weekly News Bulletin – ISSUE 77 Week of 10 August 2026
(1) Galaxy Entertainment H1 Profit Hits HK$5.3 Billion, Dividend Up 29%
Galaxy Entertainment’s first-half net profit reached HK$5.28 billion as post-World Cup gaming revenue recovery drove growth. The company raised its interim dividend by 29% to HK$0.90 per share.
(2) HKJC Sells Tai Kok Tsui Betting Station for HK$51 Million to Church
The Hong Kong Jockey Club sold its former Tai Kok Tsui off-course betting station to a church for HK$51 million after 39 years of ownership, reflecting declining demand for physical betting venues amid the rise of online platforms.
(3) Gambling Rooms Uncovered Inside Vanuatu Consulate in Guangzhou
Chinese authorities uncovered an alleged gambling operation that ran inside Vanuatu’s Consulate General in Guangzhou for four months in 2025, prompting diplomatic requests for explanation and an opposition complaint in Vanuatu.
(4) Myanmar Arrests 156 in Kengtung Online Gambling Raid
Myanmar security forces arrested 156 people, mostly Chinese nationals, in an August 8 raid on an online gambling operation in Kengtung Township, seizing 658 phones, 134 computers, and 13 Starlink units.
(1) Galaxy Entertainment H1 Profit Hits HK$5.3 Billion, Dividend Up 29%
(Photo Credit: Orange News)
Galaxy Entertainment Group (0027.HK) reported net profit of HK$5.28 billion for the six months ending June 30, 2026, with revenue up 4.2% year-on-year to HK$24.23 billion. Adjusted EBITDA grew 1.3% to HK$6.956 billion, while normalized adjusted EBITDA rose 13.9% to HK$6.979 billion excluding low win-rate impacts.
The board declared an interim dividend of HK$0.90 per share, a significant 28.6% increase from the HK$0.70 paid in the same period last year . This marked increase in shareholder returns reflects management’s confidence in the company’s cash flow position and outlook.
The recovery in gaming revenue has been attributed in part to the post-World Cup period, which historically drives increased betting activity and visitation to Macau’s integrated resorts. Galaxy Entertainment’s portfolio of properties, including Galaxy Macau, StarWorld Macau, and Broadway Macau, has benefited from the resurgence in both mass market and premium direct segments.
Second-quarter adjusted EBITDA declined 5% sequentially and year-on-year, suggesting some moderation in recovery pace. Shares rose 3.5% to HK$34.14 following the announcement.
The company continues to benefit from Macau’s steady tourism and gaming recovery, which has improved since the relaxation of travel restrictions and the conclusion of major sporting events that drive betting activity.
(2) HKJC Sells Tai Kok Tsui Betting Station for HK$51 Million to Church
(Photo Credit: HK01)
The former off-course betting station located at the ground and first floor of Pak Sing Building, 27-41 Tong Mi Road, Tai Kok Tsui, has been sold for HK$51 million. The property, which comprises approximately 7,000 to 8,000 square feet of floor space, was originally acquired by The Hong Kong Jockey Club in April 1987 for HK$7 million.
After 39 years of ownership, the Club realized a profit of approximately HK$44 million from the sale, representing a 6.3-fold appreciation in value. The property had been listed for sale at an asking price of HK$80 million approximately one year ago, but was eventually sold at a discount of over 35%.
The buyer, Hong Kong Christian Shuen Tao Church, previously operated from a modest second-floor unit on Fuk Chuen Street and will use the street-front premises as its main meeting space. The HKJC has reduced its betting station network from 101 in early 2020 to approximately 83 currently, with additional former stations in Central, Sheung Wan, and Tsim Sha Tsui reportedly on the market.
The transaction reflects a broader market shift where religious and non-profit organizations are acquiring large retail spaces as investors retreat amid high interest rates and declining property prices.
Similar deals include Island Evangelical Community Church’s HK$750 million purchase of Sun Beam Theatre in North Point in early 2024 and the Dharma Drum Mountain Buddhist group’s acquisition of industrial units in Cheung Sha Wan for HK$50 million in June.
(3) Gambling Rooms Uncovered Inside Vanuatu Consulate in Guangzhou
(Photo Credit: Asia Gaming Brief)
Chinese public security authorities discovered that a criminal gang allegedly established gambling rooms with tables, equipment, and chips inside Vanuatu’s Consulate General in Guangzhou between January and April 2025.
A diplomatic letter from China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs to Vanuatu’s Embassy, dated September 15, 2025, cited violations of the Vienna Convention prohibiting consular premises from being used for functions incompatible with consular duties.
Vanuatu’s opposition filed a complaint with the Ombudsman, claiming the foreign ministry received the Chinese letter but failed to respond for an extended period. The opposition also questioned the status of Consul General Jacques Himford, who was reportedly removed and later reinstated.
Consul General Himford denied consular involvement, stating that an individual with trusted access abused that privilege without the Consulate’s knowledge. He confirmed the investigation concluded in 2025, the individual was detained and released on bail, and legal proceedings remain ongoing.
Vanuatu’s foreign ministry told the Daily Post that the matter had been resolved in 2025 but did not disclose details of what action was taken or when it formally responded to China.
(4) Myanmar Arrests 156 in Kengtung Online Gambling Raid
(Photo Credit: Asia Gaming Brief)
Myanmar security forces arrested 156 individuals in a targeted raid on a suspected illegal online gambling operation in eastern Shan State on Friday, August 8. Acting on a tip-off, authorities raided a building in Kengtung township as part of a broader crackdown to prevent cyberfraud networks from establishing regional bases.
Security forces seized a substantial haul of operational equipment, including 658 mobile phones, 134 all-in-one computers, 28 laptops, 15 central processing units, three Wi-Fi routers, 13 Starlink satellite units, five uninterruptible power supplies, two generators, a refrigerator, and a freezer . The presence of Starlink terminals is consistent with a recurring pattern in Shan State and Karen State fraud compounds, where operators rely on satellite internet to bypass Myanmar’s unreliable power grid and state-controlled telecommunications infrastructure .
Authorities said those arrested would face legal action under existing laws following the completion of investigations, and that the seized equipment would be processed according to official procedures .
The Kengtung raid follows a series of similar operations across Shan State and along the Thai border in recent months. In June, authorities detained 59 individuals in Muse, and continuing clearance operations in the Shwe Kokko and KK Park areas of Karen State have resulted in the arrest of well over a thousand foreign nationals since late 2025 .
Myanmar said it continues cooperating with neighboring countries and international organizations to eliminate online gambling and fraud operations and prevent them from taking root in the country.
