Asia Gaming Weekly News Bulletin – ISSUE 10 Week of 14 April 2025
(1) Macau’s leader warns world’s biggest gambling hub could face a budget deficit.
Macau’s Chief Executive has warned that the enclave may face a budget deficit if monthly gambling revenues drop below 15 billion patacas, following a shortfall in the first quarter and ongoing economic challenges.
(2) Macau’s crackdown on illegal currency exchange puts pressure on casino revenues
The Asian giant may force U.S. companies to sell their assets in Macau, the gambling capital of the world.
(3) Sports Toto Korea leads campaign to combat illegal gambling at Gwacheon Park
On 13 April 2025, about 900 visitors joined a campaign at Gwacheon Horse Racing Park, organised by Sports Toto Korea, to raise awareness against illegal gambling.
(4) Singapore regulator renews Marina Bay Sands casino license for three years
The Gambling Regulatory Authority of Singapore has renewed Marina Bay Sands’ casino license for three years.
(1) Macau’s leader warns world’s biggest gambling hub could face a budget deficit.
(Photo Credit: Reuters/ Tyrone Siu)
The leader of Macau has warned that the enclave risks entering a budget deficit if monthly gambling revenues fall below 15 billion patacas (US$1.88 billion), following a shortfall in the first quarter. Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai expressed concerns to local legislators about the implications of continued low revenues, stating that failure to meet revenue targets would necessitate significant fiscal adjustments.
Macau’s economy is heavily reliant on its casino industry, which accounts for approximately 80% of government tax revenues. The Chief Executive highlighted the seriousness of the fiscal imbalance, stressing the need for a strong sense of crisis awareness as regular expenditures continue to rise. He emphasised that the city must confront these financial challenges proactively, given its small size and substantial spending obligations.
Factors such as reduced orders from Guangdong, a major export hub, and a weakening yuan contribute to these concerns. The first quarter saw a slight increase in gaming revenue of 0.6% year-on-year, but this fell short of the government’s full-year forecast, leading to calls for the diversification of revenue sources beyond gambling to ensure economic stability.
News Source: https://www.reuters.com/world/china/macaus-leader-warns-worlds-biggest-gambling-hub-could-face-budget-deficit-2025-04-16/
(2) Macau’s crackdown on illegal currency exchange puts pressure on casino revenues
(Photo Credit: Nathan Howard)
China and the United States are engaged in an escalating trade war, and one potential escalation could see China demanding the forced sale of U.S. casino operations in Macau if the U.S. pursues the forced sale of TikTok and control over Panama Canal ports, which would significantly impact major American companies like Las Vegas Sands, MGM Resorts, and Wynn Resorts.
Macau operates under the principle of “one country, two systems,” allowing it to maintain a separate administrative and economic framework. It is the only region in China where gambling is legal, attracting millions of visitors annually and earning the title “the Las Vegas of Asia.” The gaming industry is central to Macau’s economy, making it the largest gambling hub globally.
If China continues its retaliatory approach, American casino operators may be compelled to sell their assets to Chinese investors, which could drastically alter the market landscape. The possibility of China introducing new laws to restrict financial flows from Macau to U.S. parent companies is another potential strategy to exert pressure on American firms operating in the region.
News Source: https://en.as.com/latest_news/china-hits-back-at-trumps-tariffs-on-casinos-in-its-special-region-n/
(3) Sports Toto Korea leads campaign to combat illegal gambling at Gwacheon Park
(Photo Credit: JoseonDB/ ChosunBiz)
On 13 April 2025, approximately 900 visitors participated in a joint campaign at Gwacheon Horse Racing Park aimed at eradicating illegal gambling. Organised by Sports Toto Korea in collaboration with the Integrated Supervision Committee of Gaming Industry, the campaign, titled “Springing Forward Towards Health,” featured activities such as pledges against illegal gambling and an “OX quiz event” designed to promote a healthy leisure culture.
The event encouraged attendees to engage actively, with many writing pledges and taking part in the quiz, which educated participants on the differences between legal and illegal gaming. This initiative not only raised awareness about the harms of illegal gambling but also fostered enthusiasm for healthy gaming practices among the public.
A representative from Sports Toto Korea emphasised the campaign’s significance in informing the community about the risks associated with illegal gambling and reiterated their commitment to ongoing collaborations with relevant organisations. Sports Toto Korea stated that will continue its efforts to promote a healthy gaming culture through future campaigns and initiatives in the industry.
News Source: https://biz.chosun.com/en/en-sports/2025/04/15/AMY7FJNYQBCPBCNXSTFA3VVIBI/CPBCNXSTFA3VVIBI/
(4) Singapore regulator renews Marina Bay Sands casino license for three years
(Photo Credit: Marina Bay Sands/ IAG)
Singapore’s Gambling Regulatory Authority (GRA) has renewed the casino license of Marina Bay Sands Pte Ltd (MBS) for a three-year term, effective from 26 April 2025. The renewal follows an assessment confirming that MBS met the necessary requirements under the Casino Control Act 2006.
In contrast, MBS’s competitor, Resorts World Sentosa (RWS), received only a two-year license renewal last year due to its “unsatisfactory” tourism performance during the evaluation period from January 2021 to December 2023. The GRA noted that RWS struggled to develop and maintain its integrated resort as a compelling tourist destination, a claim RWS attributed to significant challenges posed by the global pandemic.
As MBS prepares for its future, it will soon begin a US$8 billion expansion project that includes a fourth hotel tower featuring casino amenities, luxury suites, and extensive event spaces. Construction is expected to start in June 2025, with the new facilities set to open on 1 January 2031, further enhancing MBS’s position as a leading tourist destination in Singapore.
News Source: https://asgam.com/2025/04/13/singapore-regulator-renews-marina-bay-sands-casino-license-for-three-years/
