Macau’s gaming sector finished 2024 with a strong rebound, reporting a surplus of MOP 143.1 billion (about US$17.9 billion), a year-on-year gain of roughly 24.7%, according to data released by the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC). This followed a sizable increase in total receipts for the sector (including gaming and non-gaming activities), which rose 23.1% to MOP 231.5 billion (US$28.9 billion). Expenditures (excluding taxes) also climbed, but at a more modest rate: up about 18.0% to MOP 94.4 billion (US$11.8 billion).
The projected cost of MGM Osaka has climbed to about JPY 1.51 trillion (roughly US$10.24 billion) in the latest development plan released by Osaka prefectural authorities — up from the earlier estimate of JPY 1.27 trillion. The increase is largely attributed to surging construction expenses: materials and labour costs have pushed the construction budget to about JPY 1.04 trillion, versus the prior forecast of JPY 722 billion.
Sri Lanka’s 2025 budget has introduced a number of gaming-industry reforms designed to increase state revenue, one of which is a raised turnover tax (levy) on casinos. Under the new framework, licensed casinos will see the tax on their gross collections increase from 15% to 18%. At the same time, the entrance fee for local residents will be doubled from US$50 to US$100 per person.
Shin Hwa World Ltd, the operator behind Jeju Shinhwa World resort in South Korea, has won shareholder approval for its proposed rights issue at the Special General Meeting held on 16 September 2025. The plan involves offering one rights share for every one existing share held by qualifying shareholders, at a subscription price of HK$0.10 per rights share, to raise gross proceeds of roughly HK$182.57 million.
Hakodate, a port city of roughly 240,000 in southern Hokkaido, has declared it is “in no position” at present to pursue an integrated resort (IR) with casino, despite earlier indications of interest. This statement comes from Mayor Jun Ōizumi, who during a session of the Hakodate city assembly on 16 September 2025, explained that while tourism is a major pillar for the city—and therefore there is a natural interest in hosting an IR—there are currently no plans or proposals in place to move forward.
Author: Janice Chew • Wednesday, 17/09/2025
