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.

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

Thailand

Thailand PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra suspended from duty by Constitutional Court

Viviana Chan - July 1, 2025

Suspension of Thailand’s PM Paetongtarn over ethics charges puts gaming policy reforms on hold, sparking political uncertainty.

Philippines

PAGCOR allocates $877K to BI for illegal POGO worker repatriation

Viviana Chan - July 1, 2025

PAGCOR grants $877K to the Philippines' Bureau of Immigration to fund the deportation of illegal POGO workers.

Hong Kong

Emperor Entertainment sister company reports $2.1B overdue debt

Viviana Chan - July 1, 2025

Emperor International Holdings Ltd., the real estate-focused sister company of Macau satellite casino operator Emperor Entertainment, reported HK$16.6 billion ($2.1 billion) in overdue bank loans as of March 31st and announced it is in discussions with banks regarding a restructuring plan.

Macau

Macau Legend assures auditors it secured agreements with lenders to restructure its debt

Nelson Moura - July 1, 2025

Macau Legend undergoes debt restructuring, acknowledging the concerns over its financial status.

Macau

Macau June GGR totals $2.60B, up 19% year-on-year

Viviana Chan - July 1, 2025

Macau's gross gaming revenue (GGR) recorded solid growth in June, defying seasonal trends and bolstered by a wide range of non-gaming offerings. GGR reached...

United States

Resorts World NY eyes full casino license with $5.5B proposal

Frank Schuengel - July 1, 2025

Genting Malaysia Berhad is doubling down on its US ambitions with a landmark $5.5 billion proposal to convert its existing Resorts World New York City (RWNYC) property into one of the largest integrated casino resorts in the country.

Australia

Tom Jingoli promoted to role of President and COO of Konami Gaming

Kelsey Wilhelm - July 1, 2025

Konami Gaming has announced that it has promoted company veteran Tom Jingoli to the role of President and Chief Operating Officer, as well as Managing Director of its subsidiary Konami Australia.

New Zealand

Lotto NZ proposes changes to Powerball odds: Report

Nelson Moura - June 30, 2025

Lotto NZ is proposing to increase the number of balls in the Powerball draw, a change that could significantly affect the odds of winning.

Australia

New South Wales and Queensland state budgets have a risky dependence on gambling: Expert

Nelson Moura - June 30, 2025

A top academic has warned that recent budget reports from New South Wales and Queensland show a troubling trend of increasing reliance on gambling taxation

Macau

Ex-dealer and gambler arrested in $226K Macau casino fraud case

Viviana Chan - June 30, 2025

Macau police arrest ex-dealer and gambler for $226K fraud scheme involving delayed bets and high-payout games at a local casino.

Sri Lanka

Think tank calls for Sri Lanka to withdraw and redraft Gambling Regulatory Authority Bill

Kelsey Wilhelm - June 30, 2025

A top think tank in Sri Lanka is calling for the government to completely withdraw and redraft the current version of the Gambling Regulatory Authority bill, published in May of this year.

Thailand

Casino bill debate delayed until August as Thailand seeks broader consensus

Viviana Chan - June 30, 2025

Thailand delays casino bill debate to August, citing need for more review amid political rifts and growing concerns over social impact.

Australia

Queen’s Wharf Brisbane JV partners aim to terminate deal to buy out The Star from the project

Kelsey Wilhelm - June 30, 2025

Embattled Australian gaming operator The Star is facing yet another hurdle as it tries to stay out of bankruptcy, with its joint venture partners in the Queen’s Wharf Brisbane integrated resort indicating they would like to pull out of a deal to purchase its equity stake in the project.

Australia

PointsBet adjusts FY25 revenue and EBITDA outlook

Nelson Moura - June 30, 2025

PointsBet Holdings Limited expects its FY25 revenue and EBITDA to be at the lower end of its previously announced guidance.

Sri Lanka

City of Dreams Sri Lanka casino to open on August 2nd

Nelson Moura - June 30, 2025

The City of Dreams Sri Lanka casino, managed by Melco Resorts & Entertainment Ltd, is set to open on August 2, as announced recently.

Thailand

Thai Senate panel urges govt to drop casino bill over legal, economic concerns

Viviana Chan - June 30, 2025

Thailand's Senate calls for casino bill withdrawal over legal breaches and doubts about economic benefits.

Philippines

PAGCOR warns against fake offshore gaming sites

AGBrief Editorial - June 29, 2025

PAGCOR has issued a warning against illegal offshore gaming websites that are falsely claiming to be licensed or approved by the agency.

Vietnam

Vietnam approves $2B Van Don casino project, local access still pending

Viviana Chan - June 29, 2025

Van Don IR gets Vietnam’s approval with $2B investment; local player access still pending government decision.

Singapore

Asian gaming jurisdictions make Top 25 in Global Wealth Report

Kelsey Wilhelm - June 29, 2025

Numerous Asian and APAC gaming jurisdictions made it into the Top 25 list in UBS’ Global Wealth Report 2025, as overall wealth worldwide accelerated last year by 4.6 percent.

Philippines

Westside City IR opening delayed yet again, now scheduled for 3Q26

Kelsey Wilhelm - June 27, 2025

The opening of the billion-dollar-plus Westside City integrated resort in Manila has again been delayed, with the group behind its development – Suntrust Resorts – now indicating the main casino could only open in the third quarter of 2026.