Asia Gaming Weekly News Bulletin – ISSUE 87 Week of 19 October 2026
(1) IAG released official promo video for 19th Asian Gaming Power 50 Black Tie Gala Dinner at Galaxy Macau
Inside Asian Gaming (IAG) has released the official promotional video for the 19th Asian Gaming Power 50 Black Tie Gala Dinner, to be held on 6 November 2026 at the JW Marriott ballroom within Galaxy Macau. The event theme is “A Time to Shine”.
(2) MGM Osaka partners with Japan Casino School to launch certified training course for gaming talent
MGM Osaka, the US$10 billion integrated resort project scheduled to open in 2030, has partnered with the Japan Casino School to launch an “MGM Osaka Certified Course” from April 2027 aimed at developing casino and gaming professionals.
(3) Busan police bust casino-linked money-laundering ring; 54 arrested over KRW28.7 billion in fraud proceeds
Busan police in South Korea have dismantled a money-laundering operation that allegedly channelled approximately KRW28.7 billion in online fraud proceeds through casinos and related channels, arresting 54 people.
(4) Taiwan blocked Coinbase and Kalshi websites over suspected election betting
Taiwan has blocked domestic access to the websites of cryptocurrency exchange Coinbase and prediction-market platform Kalshi following a court order sought by police over suspected violations of election-betting laws ahead of the 28 November local elections.
(1) IAG released official promo video for 19th Asian Gaming Power 50 Black Tie Gala Dinner at Galaxy Macau
(Photo Credit: IAG)
The annual Asian Gaming Power 50 list (亞博匯50強) recognises leading figures who have shaped Asia’s gaming industry over the past year and remains one of the sector’s most closely watched rankings. The gala will feature the formal unveiling of the 2026 list through a series of distinctive presentation segments, allowing guests to network while enjoying a formal dinner and live entertainment in a black-tie setting.
Galaxy Entertainment Group (銀河娛樂集團) is the venue sponsor, with Solaire Resort (晨麗度假村) supporting the welcome reception. Platinum sponsors include Angel, Aristocrat, IGT and Light & Wonder, while BCI Worldwide is the entertainment sponsor. Seven operators, including Hann Resorts, Macau SLOT (澳門彩票公司), Melco (新濠博亞), MGM (美高梅), Sands China (金沙中國), SJM (澳娛綜合) and Wynn (永利), are listed as gold sponsors, underscoring broad industry support for the high-profile gathering.
Now in its 19th year, the Power 50 ranking continues to serve as a key industry benchmark that highlights both established leaders and emerging influencers across the region. Organisers have invited further sponsorship and ticket enquiries, providing dedicated contact details through official IAG channels for those wishing to attend or support the event.
(2) MGM Osaka partners with Japan Casino School to launch certified training course for gaming talent
(Photo Credit: IAG)
The curriculum of the MGM Osaka Certified Course (大阪美高梅認證課程) was jointly developed by MGM Osaka (大阪美高梅) and Japan Casino School (日本娛樂場學院) specifically around the operational needs of Japan’s first major integrated resort. In addition to practical dealer skills, the programme covers casino operations, gaming safeguards including cash handling and fraud prevention, hotel hospitality standards and foreign-language training to prepare graduates for a diverse international guest base.
Completion of the course does not guarantee employment at MGM Osaka, but is intended to give participants a recognised professional foundation for roles within the forthcoming property and the broader global gaming industry. The partnership was formally announced at a media event attended by MGM Osaka President and CEO Ed Bowers and President of Osaka University of Commerce Ichiro Tanioka.
The Japan Casino School, established in 2004, has focused on dealer training for more than two decades and views the collaboration as an opportunity to raise training standards. Both parties described the initiative as a timely response to rising demand for specialised talent ahead of the 2030 opening and as a contribution to the long-term development of Japan’s gaming workforce.
(3) Busan police bust casino-linked money-laundering ring; 54 arrested over KRW28.7 billion in fraud proceeds
(Photo Credit: Exmoo)
Investigators said the group used multiple accounts to collect proceeds from online scams before disguising the funds through gambling transactions, currency exchange or bank transfers. Some of the money is reported to have passed through casino-related channels, mixing illicit funds with legitimate activity and thereby complicating efforts to trace ultimate beneficiaries and original sources of the proceeds.
Suspects are alleged to have divided specialised roles, including providing bank accounts, withdrawing cash and arranging the onward movement of funds. Police are examining whether senior organisers directed the scheme from overseas and whether additional victims or co-conspirators remain unidentified as the investigation continues.
The case is being pursued on suspicion of fraud, money laundering and related financial offences. Individual levels of involvement vary among those arrested, and final liability will depend on further prosecutorial investigation and subsequent court proceedings. Authorities continue to assess whether larger sums or a wider network may be linked to the operation.
News Source: https://www.exmoo.com/article/266896.html
(4) Taiwan blocked Coinbase and Kalshi websites over suspected election betting
(Photo Credit: Reuters)
Taiwan New Taipei District Court (臺灣新北地方法院) authorised the communications regulator and internet registry to restrict access after a request from the Criminal Investigation Bureau (刑事警察局). The bureau cited suspected breaches of the Public Officials Election and Recall Act, which prohibits operating gambling for profit based on the outcome of an election or recall vote.
Some Coinbase users in Taiwan reported being unable to reach the site from around 14 October. The bureau stated that the restrictions were intended to protect election integrity and prevent overseas interference. Kalshi has said it does not permit trading by users in Taiwan, although related election markets have appeared on its platform.
Under a 2023 amendment to the election law, individuals who bet on elections can face up to six months’ imprisonment, while operators of such gambling can face up to five years.
Authorities have also blocked Polymarket and intensified scrutiny of illicit financial flows ahead of the polls that will serve as the first major electoral test for President Lai Ching-te (賴清德)’s administration.
News Source: https://tw.tradingview.com/news/reuters.com,2026:newsml_L4T461142:0/
