Asia Gaming Weekly News Bulletin – ISSUE 6 Week of 17 March 2025
Donaco International Ltd has agreed to be acquired by Hong Kong’s On Nut Road Ltd, pending shareholder and court approval by June 2025.
(2) Thailand Moves Forward with Gambling, Confirms Four Casino Host Provinces
Thailand’s casino momentum continues as the country unveiled the four provinces, which would host its first casinos.
(3) Japan Reveals Regulatory Weakness in Policing ‘Free to Play’ Online Casino Marketing
Japan Reveals Regulatory Weakness in Policing ‘Free to Play’ Online Casino Marketing.
(4) The National Bureau of Investigation nabs 4 Koreans for illegal online gambling
The National Bureau of Investigation arrested four Koreans, including two fugitives from a voice phishing syndicate, for illegal online gambling and fraud, seizing computer devices and gambling paraphernalia during the operation.
(1) Hong Kong-based fund Argyle, investor in Southeast Asian casino operator Donaco, proposes a full buyout of firm
(Photo Credit: GGR Asia)
Donaco International Ltd, which operates casinos in Cambodia and Vietnam, has entered into a binding agreement with On Nut Road Ltd, a Hong Kong-based investment fund, for the acquisition of 100 percent of its shares. On Nut Road has been an investor since 2019 and currently holds 12.84 percent of the company.
The board of Donaco has unanimously recommended that shareholders approve the acquisition, which requires their vote at a meeting on 3 June 2025, along with court approval and the deal could be finalised by 18 June 2025. The majority shareholders have indicated their support for the scheme.
The non-executive chairman of Donaco, Porntat Amatavivadhana, noted that the acquisition proposal offers significant value to shareholders while addressing ongoing financial challenges. He also mentioned potential effects from the legalisation of casino gambling in Thailand and operational difficulties due to power supply issues, suggesting that this acquisition opportunity may be particularly beneficial for shareholders.
News Source: https://asgam.com/2025/03/03/amended-thai-casino-bill-looks-to-prohibit-any-form-of-remote-or-proxy-gambling/
(2) Thailand Moves Forward with Gambling, Confirms Four Casino Host Provinces
(Photo Credit: Shutterstock.com)
Thailand is shifting towards legalising casinos, driven by the potential benefits of integrated resorts for tourism and the economy. The government aims to invest $15 billion to make Thailand competitive with other Southeast Asian countries, with hopes of launching its first resort before Japan’s Osaka Integrated Resort. This initiative is expected to create approximately 40,000 jobs and enhance the country’s GDP, despite mixed public opinion on casinos.
The four provinces confirmed to host Thailand’s inaugural casinos are Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Chonburi, and Phuket, chosen for their strong tourist appeal. The planned resorts will be multi-purpose, with less than ten percent of the total area dedicated to gaming, while the remainder will feature hotels, entertainment facilities, shopping districts, and sports stadiums.
However, there is significant opposition to the casino plans, with groups like the Stop Gambling Foundation arguing that they could lead to increased crime and gambling addiction. Additionally, the Council of State has finalised recommendations for the amended casino bill, including a ban on proxy gaming to maintain market integrity and prevent money laundering, as well as discussions about whether locals should be permitted to gamble.
News Source: https://www.gamblingnews.com/news/thailand-moves-forward-with-gambling-confirms-four-casino-host-provinces/
(3) Japan Reveals Regulatory Weakness in Policing ‘Free to Play’ Online Casino Marketing
(Photo Credit: Shutterstock.com)
Japan currently has no legal regulations governing advertisements for free games on iCasino sites, which has created a significant regulatory blind spot that may inadvertently promote illegal gambling. This issue came to light when the UK-based streaming platform DAZN aired ads for free games from iCasino site Vera & John, leading to concerns about their implications. Following backlash, DAZN Japan suspended the ads, highlighting the potential risks associated with promoting free gaming options in a country where online gambling is prohibited.
The absence of regulations has resulted in a surge of advertisements for free online casino games, which has, in turn, increased public interest in illegal gambling activities. The Consumer Affairs Agency has clarified that operators can legally market free-to-play games, causing confusion among the populace regarding the legality of moving from free to paid casino games.
In light of these developments, Japan’s Liberal Democratic Party is considering a revisionary bill aimed at banning online casino advertisements altogether. This proposed legislation seeks to address the regulatory gap and reduce the risks associated with illegal gambling, ensuring that the public is better informed about the legal implications of engaging with online casino content.
News Source: https://www.vegasslotsonline.com/news/2025/03/17/japan-reveals-regulatory-weakness-in-policing-free-to-play-online-casino-marketing/
(4) The National Bureau of Investigation nabs 4 Koreans for illegal online gambling
(Photo Credit: GMA News)
The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) in the Philippines has announced the arrest of four Koreans, including two fugitives, who are allegedly members of a voice phishing syndicate operating in the Philippines since 2017. The arrests occurred during a warrant execution to search and seize computer data at a condominium in Porac, Pampanga, where authorities also confiscated computer devices and gambling paraphernalia.
The operation, conducted in collaboration with Interpol and the Korean Embassy, revealed that the two fugitives had defrauded victims by posing as bankers, amassing $840,000 from their scams. The Chuncheon District Court of the Republic of Korea had issued arrest warrants for the fugitives, who were also subject to a red notice from Interpol, requesting their location and arrest pending extradition.
The NBI stated that the arrested individuals were indicted for illegal online gambling under Presidential Decree No. 1602 and in relation to Republic Act No. 10175, the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012. The two fugitives are currently detained at the NBI-Pampanga District Office facility.
News Source: https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/regions/939647/nbi-nabs-4-koreans-for-illegal-online-gambling/story/
