David Lawrence

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David is the Casino General Manager for Thunderbird Resorts & Casinos. With over 39 years of experience in the gaming industry, with more than 20 in Asia and currently living in Manila where his family is based, David is well adapted to the region's culture and unique gaming environment. David is well experienced in all aspects of gaming operations including pre-opening of premium IR's.

LATEST ARTICLES FROM AUTHOR

Philippines

Looking forward to a better new normal

David Lawrence - December 17, 2021

Philippines

David Lawrence: Philippines positivity points to a brighter future

David Lawrence - December 18, 2020

LATEST NEWS

Australia

Tabcorp sees 14.3% EBITDA rise in fiscal 1H26, benefiting from reformed Victorian License

Kelsey Wilhelm - February 25, 2026

Tabcorp Holdings has announced a 14.3 percent yearly uptick in group EBITDA for fiscal 1H26, as the company dials in on being “a more consistent company, with greater capability”.

Macau

Macau hotels post 94.8% occupancy in January, average rates down 3.8%

Viviana Chan - February 25, 2026

January 2026 saw Macau hotel occupancy near 95%, yet room prices fell across three- to five-star segments amid ongoing margin pressure.

Singapore

Genting Singapore earnings cut 13–14% on weak FY25 and delayed hotel impact

Viviana Chan - February 25, 2026

Genting Singapore earnings cut 13–14% after weak FY25 results, muted hotel reopening impact, and continued market share pressure.

Macau

Macau posts ‘mild’ CNY performance as Morgan Stanley flags ongoing margin risks

Viviana Chan - February 25, 2026

Macau posts modest CNY gaming growth as Morgan Stanley highlights weak margins, uneven demand, and ongoing promotional pressures.

Singapore

Genting Singapore posts 33% profit drop in 2025 amid higher costs and lower win rates

Viviana Chan - February 24, 2026

Genting Singapore’s 2025 earnings fell 33 percent year-on-year amid cost pressures, weaker gaming results, and ongoing upgrades.

UAE

UAE gaming regulator focusing on operational discipline and sustainable growth: CFO

Kelsey Wilhelm - February 24, 2026

The UAE’s General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority is focusing on stewardship that that enables “confident decision-making operational discipline and sustainable growth”.

Macau

Over 1.7M tourists visited Macau over extended CNY holiday: PSP

Kelsey Wilhelm - February 24, 2026

Macau welcomed 1.7 million visitors during the Chinese New Year holiday, with a daily average of 189,000 tourists, according to data from the Public Security Police.

Philippines

Philippines needs “like-minded president in 2028” says Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

Kelsey Wilhelm - February 24, 2026

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. says that the nation needs a “like-minded president in 2028”, in order to continue the economic reforms introduced in his administration.

Australia

ACMA clears Tabcorp’s Tap in-play service under Interactive Gambling Laws

AGBrief Editorial - February 24, 2026

Australia’s gambling regulator has determined that Tabcorp’s Tap in-play service falls within permitted legal exemptions.

South East Asia

Scam networks in Southeast Asia operating at industrial scale: FBI

Viviana Chan - February 24, 2026

US official says organized scam syndicates in Southeast Asia are operating at industrial scale and causing billions in losses

Hong Kong

Century Entertainment, WPT launch ‘scalable’ mobile gaming push in Asia-Pacific

Viviana Chan - February 24, 2026

Century Entertainment signs WPT deal to deploy mobile gaming apps in Asia-Pacific using licensed technology and regulatory support.

Thailand

Thailand’s EEC tourism megaproject to exclude casinos, targets up to $22.6B in investment

Viviana Chan - February 24, 2026

Thailand is moving ahead with a $22.6B casino-free tourism and entertainment complex in the EEC to boost growth and attract up to 40 million visitors.

Singapore

Singapore tourism down in January with heavy drop in Chinese visitation

Kelsey Wilhelm - February 23, 2026

Singapore tourism arrivals in January fell by 8.1 percent yearly to 1.5 million, according to official data, amongst a sharp decline in its top visitor market: China.

Cambodia

Cambodia deports 494 Chinese nationals over telecom fraud in Sihanoukville

Viviana Chan - February 23, 2026

Cambodia sends home 494 Chinese nationals linked to telecom fraud as part of a nationwide campaign to eliminate online scam operations.

Macau

Galaxy, Melco, and SJM secure renewal of currency exchange permits

Viviana Chan - February 23, 2026

Macau approves renewed currency exchange operations for Galaxy, Melco, and SJM, ensuring continued forex services at major casino resorts.

Macau

Macau premium mass demand stays robust as CNY 2026 average wager rises 13% to record high: Citigroup

Viviana Chan - February 23, 2026

Average wagers in Macau hit a record-breaking $3,788 during the Chinese New Year, marking a 13% rise as the premium mass segment remains resilient.

Philippines

PhilWeb tapped to build and operate FBM Philippines’ online gaming platform

Kelsey Wilhelm - February 23, 2026

PhilWeb Corp. tapped to deploy FBM's online gaming capabilities across up to 30,000 machines across the Philippines.

South Korea

Chinese New Year tourism boosts Korea’s retail, hotels, and casinos: report

Viviana Chan - February 22, 2026

Increased arrivals from Greater China during the Lunar New Year boost hotel occupancy, duty-free spending, and casino-related tourism in South Korea.

Cambodia

Cambodia casino revenue climbs 14% to $72M in 2025: CGMC

Viviana Chan - February 22, 2026

Legal casinos in Cambodia contributed $72 milion in mandatory revenue in 2025, up 14 percent from last year, says regulator.

Cambodia

Cambodia revokes five casino licenses over links to Chen Zhi’s cyber fraud network

Viviana Chan - February 22, 2026

Cambodian authorities revoke and suspend multiple casino licenses linked to Chen Zhi’s cyber fraud network in a sweeping crackdown on illegal gambling.