Indonesia Intensifies Efforts to Combat Online Gambling with Mass Account Freezes
Indonesia’s ongoing crackdown on online gambling has taken a significant step forward with the freezing of over 33,000 bank accounts linked to illicit betting activities. The Financial Services Authority (OJK) announced that it had blocked 33,252 accounts, a substantial increase from the previous total of 32,556. This action, which follows enhanced due diligence measures imposed on […]
Isle of Man Pioneers Legal Framework for Data as a Commercial Asset
In a groundbreaking move, the Isle of Man has become the first jurisdiction in the world to officially recognize data as a legal asset, marking a significant milestone for businesses, especially in data-driven sectors like gaming and iGaming. This new legislation, introduced through the Foundations (Amendment) Bill 2025 (pdf), enables businesses to treat their data as an […]
Singapore GRA Appoints New Chairman
Singapore’s gambling regulator has entered a leadership transition, with former Commissioner of Police Hoong Wee Teck taking over as chairman of the Gambling Regulatory Authority (GRA). The appointment took effect Wednesday, April 1st, following an announcement from the Ministry of Home Affairs. Hoong replaces Tan Tee How, who had led the authority since 2018 and […]
GKL Sets 2030 Casino Revenue Target at $340M
Grand Korea Leisure Co Ltd (GKL) has outlined a long-term strategy aimed at increasing its casino revenue and strengthening shareholder returns, with a target of reaching KRW503.8 billion ($340 million) in annual casino sales by the end of the decade. The plan, disclosed through a corporate filing, sets out a steady growth trajectory from the company’s 2025 […]
DigiPlus Backs Tighter Rules for Philippine Gaming Market
DigiPlus Interactive Corp has voiced support for stronger regulation in the Philippines’ online gaming sector, signaling confidence that stricter oversight will help shape a more stable and compliant market rather than limit growth. Regulatory Discussions Point to Stricter Controls Company executives confirmed their involvement in a Senate technical working group tasked with drafting new legislation for the […]
Taiwan Illegal Gambling Fugitive Lin Bingwen Shot Dead in Cambodia
Taiwanese fugitive Lin Bingwen, a figure tied to underground gambling and financial networks, was shot dead in Cambodia, ending a years-long manhunt that spanned several countries and drew widespread attention in Taiwan. The killing took place on the night of March 23 in Sihanoukville, a coastal city known for its concentration of casino activity. Authorities […]
Macau, Hong Kong Raise Travel Alerts Over Middle East
Authorities in Macau and Hong Kong have updated their travel advisories for multiple Middle Eastern destinations, citing escalating security risks linked to ongoing regional conflict. The measures include new alerts, evacuation guidance, and warnings for residents currently in or planning travel to affected countries. Macau’s government introduced a Level 1 travel alert covering several countries, including […]
Thailand’s Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul Blocks Legalization of Casinos
Thailand’s political landscape has shifted again with the return of Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, who has reaffirmed his staunch opposition to casino legalization in the country. Charnvirakul, leader of the Bhumjaithai Party, was re-elected on Thursday, March 19, by the House of Representatives, securing 293 votes out of 498, easily surpassing the 250 votes needed […]
Macau’s Gaming Revenue Surges with Strong Growth in 2025
Macau’s gaming industry has continued its recovery with a substantial increase in revenue for 2025, reinforcing its position as a key contributor to the city’s public finances. According to official figures released by the Financial Services Bureau, gaming tax revenue reached MOP94.86 billion (approximately US$11.9 billion) in fiscal year 2025, marking a 7.63% year-on-year increase. This growth […]
Japan’s Casino Development Moves Forward with New Applications for Integrated Resorts
Japan’s casino industry is entering an exciting new phase with the official confirmation of a second round of applications for integrated resorts (IRs). The Japanese government has set the window for local governments to submit applications from May 6, 2027, to November 5, 2027. This announcement follows a cabinet order approved on March 10, 2026, […]