Asia Gaming Weekly News Bulletin – ISSUE 5 Week of 10 March 2025
(1) 3.37 million in Japan use overseas online casinos, police survey suggests
A National Police Agency survey revealed that around 3.37 million people in Japan engage with overseas online casinos.
(2) Protesters disrupt Thailand entertainment complex bill vote
Protests have led Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra to delay the Entertainment Complex bill’s Cabinet discussion, citing the need for stakeholder input.
(3) Replay for gambling fears as legal betting sought on basketball in Hong Kong
The Hong Kong Jockey Club proposal, similar to the one on football bets 22 years ago, calls for rigorous public scrutiny, discussion and education.
(4) Huang Xiaoming denies $1.03 billion yuan Macao gambling debt following Jay Chou’s rebuttal
Chinese actor Huang Xiaoming denied allegations of losing 1.03 billion yuan in a gambling spree at the Wynn Palace casino in Macao.
(1) 3.37 million in Japan use overseas online casinos, police survey suggests
(Photo Credit: Getty Images)
A recent survey by the National Police Agency revealed that approximately 3.37 million people in Japan have engaged with overseas online casinos, contributing to an estimated annual expenditure of ¥1.2 trillion on illegal gambling. Alarmingly, around 40% of users were unaware that online casinos are illegal, suggesting that a lack of awareness may be encouraging participation.
The findings indicated that 2% of respondents currently use online casinos, while 3.5% have used them at some point, suggesting around 1.97 million active users. Of those aware of online casinos, 4.6% had accessed gambling sites, with three-quarters having placed bets. On average, users spent approximately ¥630,000 each per year on these platforms. Additionally, 60% of respondents acknowledged their gambling addiction, with 46.2% admitting to borrowing money for online gambling.
The survey also exposed the tactics used by overseas online casinos to attract Japanese users, including the lack of clear messaging regarding the illegality of their operations and the use of Japanese language sites. Despite only two of the 40 surveyed casinos explicitly stating that participation from Japan is prohibited, a significant proportion of users were found to be accessing these platforms.
News Source: https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2025/03/13/japan/japan-online-gambling-police-survey/
(2) Protesters disrupt Thailand entertainment complex bill vote
(Photo Credit: MNA Gaming Macau)
Protests against the proposed Entertainment Complex (EC) bill outside Thailand’s Government House have prompted Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra to announce that the bill is not yet ready for Cabinet discussion. The bill, which aims to legalise casinos in Thailand, was expected to face a key vote in the National Assembly as the current legislative session approaches its end on 11 April 2025. The Prime Minister emphasised the need to consider the opinions of all stakeholders before proceeding, especially given that Thailand has no prior experience with casinos.
During the protests, demonstrators, including members from various political and social groups, expressed strong opposition to the legalisation of casinos and online gambling, claiming it would harm the nation and its people. A long-time entertainment executive in Thailand questioned the government’s reasoning for delaying the bill, suggesting that there might be other underlying factors influencing this decision.
Analysts have noted that the political volatility surrounding the upcoming vote of no confidence on 24 March 2025 could affect government projects, including the EC bill. A significant concern regarding the bill is the proposed entrance fee for Thai locals, which requires proof of THB 50 million in the bank, a measure that could deter foreign investment. As internal tensions within the ruling parties rise, the future of the EC bill remains uncertain, with calls for careful review of its details and implications for the industry.
News Source: https://www.macaubusiness.com/protesters-disrupt-thailand-entertainment-complex-bill-vote/
(3) Replay for gambling fears as legal betting sought on basketball in Hong Kong
(Photo Credit: SCMP)
The arguments for allowing legal betting on basketball in Hong Kong mirror those made for legalising football betting in 2003. At that time, the expansion of legal gambling was justified as a means to combat illegal operations, which is now the case with basketball betting, reportedly turning over up to HK$90 billion annually. The Hong Kong Jockey Club, the city’s largest taxpayer, is advocating for regulated basketball betting, proposing legalisation by September in time for the new season.
The Jockey Club estimates that regulated basketball betting could generate HK$1.5 billion a year in government revenue, although it may take three to four years for this to materialise as the service would be seasonal and the public would need time to adapt to the betting system.
Opposition to expanding regulated gambling remains similar to concerns raised 22 years ago, highlighting risks of addiction and potential effects on youth. The debate over gambling legality, whether regulated or not, is a significant community issue that has prompted reflection among some government members and lawmakers. If illegal gambling persists, as seen with unregulated football betting, it arguably reinforces the case for proper regulation to ensure some proceeds benefit the community.
News Source: https://www.scmp.com/opinion/article/3301999/replay-gambling-fears-legal-betting-sought-basketball-hong-kong
(4) Huang Xiaoming denies $1.03 billion yuan Macao gambling debt following Jay Chou’s rebuttal
(Photo Credit: Dimsum Daily)
Chinese actor Huang Xiaoming denied allegations that he lost 1.03 billion yuan during a gambling spree at the Wynn Palace casino in Macao. The rumour initially implicated Mandopop star Jay Chou but shifted to Huang due to speculation from social media users and entertainment outlets in China.
Huang addressed the claims on social media, responding light-heartedly by sharing sunset photographs with the caption, “Wow, the sunset is so beautiful!” When questioned about the alleged loss, he humorously replied, “You mean fun tokens?” He clarified that he was in Fujian filming a project, further debunking the allegations.
The rumour began when reports claimed that a “super A-list male star” had gambled away significant assets and mortgaged luxury properties. Initially, speculation centred on Jay Chou, who quickly refuted the claims through his record label, JVR Music, and demonstrated his presence in Australia working on an album. As the focus shifted to Huang Xiaoming, his humorous engagement with fans effectively addressed the speculation and highlighted the importance of responding promptly to unsubstantiated rumours among high-profile individuals.
News Source: https://www.dimsumdaily.hk/huang-xiaoming-denies-1-03-billion-yuan-macao-gambling-debt-following-jay-chous-rebuttal/
