Asia Gaming Weekly News Bulletin – ISSUE 7 Week of 24 March 2025
(1) Korea Racing Authority earns A grade for tackling illegal gambling and youth issues
The Korea Racing Authority received an A grade in the Evaluation of the Soundness of Gambling Industry Operators for its efforts in enhancing industry soundness.
(2) Just three Macao casino operators are likely to apply for Thai concessions
Thailand has potential to become a massive gambling market, but many casino operators are awaiting more details on the finalised legislation before committing.
(3) Bet365 Reportedly Prepares to Exit China
Gambling giant bet365 is reportedly considering quitting China as its shift toward regulated markets continues. Once a grey market powerhouse, the company is now increasingly focused on its operations in mature and emerging regulated jurisdictions.
(4) Thai cabinet approves draft law for casinos, with limits for local gamblers
Thailand’s cabinet has approved a draft law for casinos and entertainment complexes, imposing strict restrictions on local gamblers, with the aim of boosting tourism, revenue, and job creation despite ongoing public opposition to the plan.
(1) Korea Racing Authority earns A grade for tackling illegal gambling and youth issues
(Photo Credit: ChosunBiz/ KRA)
The Korea Racing Authority (KRA), chaired by Jeong Gi-hwan, announced on the 25 March 2025 that it received an A grade in the Evaluation of the Soundness of Gambling Industry Operators.’ This evaluation assesses the efforts of gambling industry operators to enhance soundness and mitigate side effects, targeting nine operators across seven sectors, including horse racing, cycling, boat racing, casinos, and lotteries.
The KRA achieved perfect scores in nine quantitative indicators, including compliance rates for total sales and the implementation of expanded electronic card use. Also, it excelled in non-quantitative indicators, such as specialised education for preventing staff gambling addiction and cooperation with relevant institutions for illegal monitoring, earning an A+ grade in these areas.
The KRA has actively participated in campaigns against illegal gambling with the Gambling Supervision Commission since February 2025 and is collaborating with the Gwacheon Police Station on youth gambling prevention initiatives. In April 2025, it will implement a joint campaign at Let’s Run Park Seoul in conjunction with the cherry blossom festival.
News Source: https://biz.chosun.com/en/en-sports/2025/03/25/ZHOW35PSEJAOBANIGYWPXFHXB4/
(2) Just three Macao casino operators are likely to apply for Thai concessions
(Photo Credit: TheMacaoNews)
With Thailand advancing its plans to legalise casinos, trade website Inside Asian Gaming (IAG) conducted a survey of fifteen casino operators regarding their intentions in this emerging market. Out of the fifteen, six appeared likely to proceed, with three of those based in Macao. While the specific names of the operators were not disclosed, it is widely believed that Melco Resorts & Entertainment has established a representative office in Bangkok in anticipation of opening a casino there.
The report indicated that some operators confirmed they had no intention of applying for a Thai concession, while others were more focused on their existing operations but remained attentive to developments. IAG noted that the actual number of bidders could potentially exceed six though uncertainty surrounding the finalised legislation could also reduce this number.
IAG highlighted that while Thailand has the potential to become one of the world’s largest gaming markets, many potential bidders remain cautious, having been burned by previous experiences in markets like Japan, and are awaiting more details before committing to the opportunity.
News Source: https://macaonews.org/news/business/thailand-macau-gambling-casinos-licences/
(3) Bet365 Reportedly Prepares to Exit China
(Photo Credit: Shutterstock.com)
Gambling giant bet365 is reportedly planning to exit the Chinese market as it shifts its focus towards regulated markets. The company has confirmed that it will stop accepting bets from customers in China starting 27 March 2025, allowing users to access their accounts until 30 April 2025 to withdraw their funds.
Bet365 described its exit from China as a “business decision” that aligns with its strategy to move away from grey markets. A bet365 spokesperson indicated that China is no longer viewed as a sustainable region for operations, prompting the company to consolidate its resources in markets that offer long-term revenue potential.
Bet365’s departure from China coincides with the country’s stringent stance on gambling, which has affected the company’s success in the region. Analysts noted that the operational focus on China has declined significantly, with the region contributing less than 5% of the company’s current revenue. As bet365 focuses on legal markets, this strategy is expected to enhance its reputation with regulators in established markets.
News Source: https://www.gamblingnews.com/news/bet365-reportedly-prepares-to-exit-china/
(4) Thai cabinet approves draft law for casinos, with limits for local gamblers
(Photo Credit: EPA-EFE)
Thailand’s cabinet has approved a draft law for casinos and entertainment complexes as part of the government’s efforts to attract more tourists and develop a significant gaming industry. Currently, gambling is largely banned in the country, with exceptions for state-controlled horse racing, the lottery, and some sports betting. Successive governments have advocated for legalising casinos to increase foreign visitors, create jobs, and generate state revenue.
The approved draft law imposes significant restrictions on Thai citizens wishing to enter casinos, requiring an entry fee of 5,000 baht and proof of at least 50 million baht in bank deposits, effectively limiting access for much of the population.
If the draft law passes through parliament, the Senate, and receives royal approval, the government aims to attract at least 100 billion baht in new investments and boost foreign arrivals by 5% to 10% annually, generating over 12 billion baht in revenue each year. Despite the government’s plans, public opinion appears to be divided, with some political parties expressing concerns that establishing a gambling industry could worsen social problems.
News Source: https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/thai-cabinet-approves-draft-law-casinos-with-limits-local-gamblers-2025-03-27/
