Sri Lanka's new Gambling Regulatory Authority (GRA) is set to be established and operational by June 30th, 2026, as announced by the Chairman of the Committee on Public Finance (COPF).

Cambodia

Bangkok, Hanoi, Seoul battle to curb cybercrime-linked human trafficking

Nelson Moura - October 19, 2025

Phnom Penh has witnessed a significant rise in human trafficking linked to cybercrime, prompting Asian governments to enhance cooperation against transnational scam networks.

India

India’s Supreme Court seeks government response on online gambling ban request

Viviana Chan - October 19, 2025

India’s Supreme Court reviews petition claiming loophole in new gaming law allows gambling disguised as social games to continue.

Macau

Macau ‘margin pressure’ prompts CICC to trim 2025–26 EBITDA projections

Viviana Chan - October 19, 2025

CICC trims 2025–26 EBITDA forecasts for Macau casinos as margin pressure grows despite tourism rebound and mass market strength.

Elsewhere

Curacao issues updated fees guidance under LOK framework

Frank Schuengel - October 19, 2025

The Curacao Gaming Authority (CGA) has released version 2.0 of its License Fees under the National Ordinance on Games of Chance (LOK) guidance, clarifying the treatment of annual fees during the transition period.

Macau

Macau VIP play sees strong rise in 3Q25, as other metrics lag

Kelsey Wilhelm - October 17, 2025

Macau’s VIP section is resiliently holding on, generating a 29.1 percent yearly increase in revenue during the third quarter of the year, hitting $2.11 billion.

United States

New York’s downstate commercial casino licenses down to three bids

Nelson Moura - October 17, 2025

After MGM announced it pulled out of the race for a New York downstate casino license, Resorts World, Bally's and Hard Rock are vying for the jewels.

Philippines

Ex-PNP chief Benjamin Acordato leads crackdown on organized crime, illegal POGOs in the Philippines

Frank Schuengel - October 17, 2025

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has sworn in retired police general Benjamin Acorda Jr. as the new executive director of the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC).

South Korea

South Korea seeks ASEAN action on Cambodia’s scam-linked crimes

Frank Schuengel - October 17, 2025

South Korea is pushing for regional cooperation against online scam operations in Cambodia, with President Lee Jae Myung’s administration planning to raise the issue at the upcoming ASEAN Summit.

Macau

Macau shop selling cigarettes and liquor busted for illegal money exchange worth $6.3M

Viviana Chan - October 17, 2025

Police uncover $6.3M illegal money-exchange ring run from a Macau liquor shop, arresting three suspects.

Elsewhere

Unregulated and unstoppable: crypto’s surge fuels illegal betting boom

Frank Schuengel - October 16, 2025

New research from the IFHA show that the strong adoption of crypto has prompted a sharp rise in illegal betting websites, with authorities struggling to keep up.

Philippines

Philippines sees 93% QoQ decline in illegal online gambling in 3Q25: data

Viviana Chan - October 16, 2025

Cyber data show illegal online gambling in the Philippines dropped 93% in 3Q25 amid stricter regulation and coordinated enforcement.

Macau

Galaxy Macau renews 3-year partnership with Alibaba’s Damai and Macau Pass

Viviana Chan - October 16, 2025

Galaxy Macau renews its three-year partnership with Alibaba’s Damai and Macau Pass to expand live entertainment and ticketing in the Greater Bay Area.

Elsewhere

Curacao regulator clarifies supervisory board exit a routine reshuffle, not a regulatory collapse

Frank Schuengel - October 16, 2025

Reports of a regulatory crisis in Curacao’s gaming sector have been greatly exaggerated, with the regulatory body saying it remains fully operational despite the reshuffle.

Philippines

PAGCOR donates 70 patient transport units to improve emergency services nationwide

AGBrief Editorial - October 16, 2025

PAGCOR donates $2.5M for 70 patient transport vehicles to strengthen emergency response nationwide.

Malaysia

Genting $1.6B takeover bid for Malaysian unit poses credit risks: CreditSights

Nelson Moura - October 16, 2025

Genting Berhad takeover bid could strain the parent company’s finances while modestly benefiting its subsidiary, say analysts.

Australia

Victoria gambling regulator unveils plan to strengthen industry accountability

Nelson Moura - October 16, 2025

Victoria’s gambling regulator outlines ambitious agenda aimed at protecting the public, curbing criminal exploitation, and building trust in the state’s casinos and gaming industry.