A report published this week by Bangkok’s Assumption University contends that over 56 percent of Thais oppose having casinos on their national soil. The results will dismay those who advocate legalized gambling as an antidote to Thailand’s tourism slump.
Macau Slots Player In Dispute Over Promotional Jackpot
20 Feb, 2008
A slot player has filed a complaint with Macau’s Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau, or DICJ, over a disputed HK$ 1,056,500 (US$135,000) jackpot at the Venetian Macau. The controversy comes ahead of an overdue revision of Macau’s slot regulations.
Pachinko Speculation Adds To Macau’s Ponte 16 Allure
04 Feb, 2008
The opening of the Ponte 16 casino along Macau’s western waterfront last week highlighted some of the many regulatory, logistical, and fiscal challenges the casino-driven city is currently encountering. It also offers the intriguing possibility of a Japanese investor–backed Pachinko industry becoming established in this region of China.
Interpol Debuts Asia Gambling Corruption Campaign at Singapore Conference
28 Jan, 2008
Interpol’s Global Conference on Asian Organised Crime in Singapore late last week sent a strong message that it would take more proactive measures, including information sharing, to bust illegal sports betting syndicates and clean up corrupt casino operations in Asia.
China Slams Door On Online Lotteries
07 Jan, 2008
Three Chinese ministries have announced a ban on the online sale of lottery tickets to take place immediately. A number of sites are continuing to operate in defiance of the ban but its impact may be considerable.
Guam’s Slot Proposal Voted Down
07 Jan, 2008
A measure to legalise slot machines on the Pacific island of Guam has been defeated in a special election. It is the second time slots have been rejected in nearly two years by voters on the tiny US protectorate, despite the existence of widespread poker and dice games on the island.
Operators With Asian Ambition Curry Western Regulatory Favour
03 Jan, 2008
The announcement late last year that PacificNet, one of the largest providers of lottery welfare services and gaming technology to China, had regained compliant status within the NASDAQ Global Market should have allowed its trajectory of expansion across the Asian region to continue. However, the approval highlights the complex inter-relationship whereby funding for gaming companies seeking to do business in Asia often hinges on Western investment and regulatory approval.
Macau Ferry Operations Outside Gambling Law, Argues Ho
28 Nov, 2007
Dr. Stanley Ho has publicly announced that the Las Vegas Sands Corporation should lose their ferry license for the new Pac On Pier in Macau. The charge could be a damaging blow to the Venetian, which the ferry fleet is supposed to support.
Macau Slot Machine Rules Struggle To Keep Pace
06 Nov, 2007
In the wake of recent slot machine payout scandals Macau has been forced to undertake a speedy overhaul of its machine regulations. The Chinese Special Administrative Region, which is also the world’s fast growing slots market, is planning to roll out its new compliance guidelines within weeks.
Melco’s India Bid Signals Continental Drift
29 Oct, 2007
Despite signs that restrictions on gambling are unlikely to be lifted across most Indian states in the near future, Macau-licensed gaming giant Melco has announced it will be launching into the potentially lucrative Indian lottery market as early as January 2008.