Japan’s First Female Prime Minister Signals Renewed Casino IR Push — What It Means for MGM Osaka and the Next Two Licenses
Japan’s first female Prime Minister is putting Integrated Resort (IR) casinos back on the national agenda. The new administration is linking IR development to economic growth and tourism, while Osaka’s ~$9B MGM Osaka resort moves toward a 2030 opening. With up to two more IR licenses still available under Japan’s casino law, the race for the next location is reopening.
Macau’s VIP Baccarat Segment Soars in Q3 2025 Amid Junket Industry Shake-Up
VIP baccarat roared back in Q3 2025, up 29.1% to MOP 16.89B as Macau’s GGR rose 12.5%. Operators face higher compliance costs but stronger premium play and stable mass demand.
Thailand loot box regulation: casinos on hold
Thailand’s casino push has cooled after a Senate rejection, but lawmakers are moving on a Games Act that regulates loot boxes and randomized rewards. The article explains what changed, the 2025 timeline, expected compliance steps, and implications for operators in APAC.
One Typhoon, Two Different Impacts: What Super Typhoon Ragasa happened to Philippines and Macau’s Casino?
Super Typhoon Ragasa hit Macau and the Philippines with very different results. Macau executed a 33-hour casino shutdown but still posted +6% YoY GGR and expects strong Golden Week demand. Northern Luzon faced flooding, landslides, fatalities, and widespread outages. This analysis explains Super Typhoon Ragasa’s track, resilience factors, and demand timing that shaped the two outcomes.
Southeast Asia’s iGaming & Casino Landscape in 2025: Growth, Risks, and Regulatory Crossroads
Southeast Asia iGaming map: updated regulation, licensing, taxation, and risk across Vietnam, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Philippines, Myanmar, Laos, and Cambodia—growth opportunities for operators and providers.
Japan to enforce full ban on offshore online-casino promotion from 25 September 2025
Japan has amended its gambling addiction law to outlaw offshore online casino promotion. From September 25, 2025, the National Police Agency will request takedowns of ads, affiliate links, influencer content, and websites targeting Japanese players.
Thailand Casino Legalization Halted After Prime Minister Removal: What It Means for iGaming
Thailand’s plan to legalize casinos has been halted after Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra was removed by the Constitutional Court. The Entertainment Complex Bill was withdrawn, and new PM Anutin Charnvirakul has shifted the focus away from casino reform, leaving investors to look at other Asian markets.
South Korea Casino & Integrated Resort Industry 2025: Record Revenues, Jeju Dream Tower Leads
The South Korea casino and integrated resort (IR) industry in 2025 is breaking records. Jeju Dream Tower overtakes Paradise City with KRW 43.4B revenue in July, while Kangwon Land delays expansion to 2028. Policymakers debate IR reforms as Japan’s MGM Osaka looms.
India Bans Real-Money Gaming: What It Means for the iGaming Industry in 2025
India has outlawed real-money gaming with its 2025 Online Gaming Bill. From Dream11 to MPL, discover the ban’s impact, legal debates, and future strategies.
Philippines iGaming 2025: payments clampdown, policy reset, and a push for safer play
The Philippines iGaming payments regulation is undergoing a major reset. BSP ordered banks and e-wallets to cut gambling links within 48 hours, while new draft rules propose daily caps, short transaction windows, and stricter AML/KYC. With the Senate weighing tougher options and operators forming the PlaySafe Alliance, the payments clampdown signals a new era for the country’s iGaming ecosystem.