Asia Gaming Weekly News Bulletin – ISSUE 9 Week of 7 April 2025
Macau’s six gaming concessionaires saw stock prices plummet by over 10% on Monday due to US tariffs, contributing to a historic decline in the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, which closed down 13%, while other regional gaming stocks also suffered significant losses.
(2) Macau’s crackdown on illegal currency exchange puts pressure on casino revenues
Macau’s crackdown on illegal currency exchange is pressuring casino revenues, with gross gaming revenue down despite increased visitor numbers.
(3) Korea surveys media habits of 1.64 million youths to combat overuse and gambling
Survey targets youth in South Korea to address media dependency and gambling issues.
(4) Bishops oppose Thailand’s proposed gambling law
The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Thailand (CBCT) opposes a controversial bill that would legalise casinos within large-scale entertainment complexes, warning of grave moral and social consequences.
(1) Macau’s Hong Kong-listed gaming stocks all fell by more than 10% on Monday due to the impact of US tariffs.
(Photo Credit: HKEX/ Inside Asian Gaming)
Macau’s six gaming concessionaires experienced significant stock price declines, with all falling more than 10% on Monday as the Hong Kong Stock Exchange plummeted in response to US President Donald Trump’s new tariff policy, which includes a 34% increase on Chinese goods effective 9 April 2025. This led to a historic drop in the Hong Kong market, closing down 3,021 points, or 13%, its largest single-day decline on record, dubbed “Black Monday.”
As a result of the market turmoil, gaming stocks were heavily impacted, with Galaxy Entertainment closing at HK$26.40, down 12.4%, and Sands China dropping 14.2% to HK$13.36. Wynn Macau and SJM Holdings also saw sharp declines, with SJM falling 18.03% to its lowest price in over eight years.
Other gaming stocks in the region similarly suffered, with NagaCorp falling nearly 20% to a 52‑week low. The broader trend of falling stock prices extended beyond Hong Kong, affecting stock markets across Asia, including sharp declines in China, Japan, and Taiwan.
News Source: https://asgam.com/2025/04/07/macaus-hong-kong-listed-gaming-stocks-all-fall-by-more-than-10-monday-on-impact-of-us-tariffs/
(2) Macau’s crackdown on illegal currency exchange puts pressure on casino revenues
(Photo Credit: Readwrite)
Macau’s ongoing crackdown on illegal currency exchange operations is beginning to exert significant pressure on the region’s casino revenues. According to an analysis by Macquarie Equity Research, gross gaming revenue (GGR) has declined by 3% compared to the same period last year, despite a rise in visitor numbers during the Qingming Festival holiday. The influx of around 410,000 tourists, primarily from mainland China and Hong Kong, has not translated into increased earnings for the casinos.
The tightening of regulations has particularly affected both the VIP and mass market segments, with reports indicating a 6–8% drop in mass gaming volume and a 6–7% decline in VIP play. Industry insiders highlight that the absence of unregulated money changers disrupts the cash flow channels that many players rely on, creating challenges for casino operators. This shift comes as Macau adjusts to a new reality of heightened financial scrutiny and regulatory compliance.
The impact of the crackdown on illegal currency exchange could hinder the recovery of one of Asia’s most iconic gaming hubs. As the industry grapples with these challenges, all eyes will be on the upcoming revenue figures to assess the long-term effects of these regulatory changes.
News Source: https://readwrite.com/macaus-crackdown-on-illegal-currency-exchange-puts-pressure-on-casino-revenues/
(3) Korea surveys media habits of 1.64 million youths to combat overuse and gambling
(Photo Credit: JoseonDB/ ChosunBiz)
The Ministry of Gender Equality and Family has announced the upcoming ‘2025 Youth Media Use Habit Diagnosis Survey,’ set to take place by the end of April 2025. The survey will target approximately 1.64 million youths in transitional educational stages, specifically first and fourth graders in elementary school, as well as first graders in middle and high schools. This annual survey, conducted since 2009, aims to identify and support youths facing issues related to excessive media use and cyber gambling.
To address concerns raised by the survey, the government offers personal and group counselling for those overly dependent on the internet or smartphones. Should the assessment reveal psychological or emotional difficulties, such as depression or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), youths can receive comprehensive psychological testing and hospital treatment, with financial support available for up to 400,000 won (US$270), or 600,000 won (US$410) for vulnerable groups. Additionally, youths in need of intensive healing may participate in residential healing camp programmes.
Choi Eun-joo, the youth policy officer at the Ministry, emphasised the importance of early detection and support for at-risk youths. She urged schools and guardians to cooperate in identifying individuals who require professional counselling and healing services, thereby fostering a healthier lifestyle for young people. Those identified as at risk for cyber gambling will be referred to the Korea Centre for Gambling Problems Prevention and Treatment for specialised counselling services.
News Source: https://biz.chosun.com/en/en-society/2025/04/08/ZHBI2OKHPZG4XNFQUTRBIJ6E4Y/
(4) Bishops oppose Thailand’s proposed gambling law
(Photo Credit: Catholic Social Communications of Thailand)
The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Thailand (CBCT) has formally expressed its opposition to the controversial Thailand Entertainment Complex Act, which aims to legalise casinos within large-scale entertainment venues. On 9 April 2025, Archbishop Francis Xavier Vira Arpondratana and Bishop Joseph Chusak Sirisut delivered a statement to Parliament urging lawmakers to reject the draft legislation. This follows the Thai Cabinet’s decision to delay the bill’s final deliberation, with Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra announcing that more time is needed for a thorough review and public consultation.
Despite the postponement, the CBCT remains vigilant, as the government has indicated its intent to push the bill forward in future parliamentary sessions. The proposed legislation has sparked widespread concern among various sectors of Thai society, including religious leaders, civic groups, and educators, all warning of potential long-term societal costs.
The CBCT has highlighted the moral implications of legalising gambling, linking it to social issues such as addiction, household debt, and human trafficking. As the bill remains stalled, advocacy efforts are expected to intensify, with plans for public hearings and expert panels to continue the dialogue surrounding the Thailand Entertainment Complex Act in the coming weeks.
News Source: https://www.heraldmalaysia.com/news/casino-bill-on-hold-but-thai-bishops-press-on-with-moral-opposition/81712/1
