Authorities in Macau are investigating an alleged casino investment scam involving approximately MOP29 million (US$3.6 million), after a group of investors claimed they were misled into funding a non-existent VIP room operation. According to local law enforcement, the suspects allegedly promised high returns by claiming close ties with major casinos and access to exclusive VIP gaming rooms, persuading victims to inject substantial capital into the purported venture. Initial findings suggest the investment proposal was entirely fabricated, with no actual agreement in place with any licensed casino operator.
The Philippines has announced a new 14-day visa-free entry scheme for Chinese nationals, a move widely seen as a strategic push to revitalise inbound tourism from one of its most important source markets. The policy, unveiled in mid-January 2026, is designed to simplify travel procedures and encourage short-term leisure visits, particularly as regional competition for Chinese tourists intensifies. Prior to the pandemic, visitors from China made up a significant portion of international arrivals to the Philippines, contributing strongly to hotel occupancy, retail spending, and entertainment-related revenues.
Las Vegas Sands continues to demonstrate a clear divergence in performance between Singapore and Macau, with its Singapore flagship delivering strong momentum while all Macau operators, including Sands China, grapple with rising operating costs and margin pressure, according to a recent assessment by Seaport Research Partners. The contrast highlights how regional market structures, labour dynamics and reinvestment obligations are increasingly shaping operator profitability in Asia’s key gaming hubs.
Thai People’s Party has suspended one of its election candidates after the individual was arrested in connection with alleged involvement in an online gambling operation, highlighting the political sensitivity surrounding illegal gambling activities in Thailand. According to local media reports, party leader Rangsiman Rome confirmed the suspension, stating that the party would not tolerate conduct that could undermine public trust or contradict its stated principles.
Google will ban advertising for rummy and fantasy sports platforms in India from January 21, 2026, marking a significant tightening of its gambling-related advertising policies in one of the world’s largest digital markets. According to reports, the move applies across Google’s advertising ecosystem, including Search, Display and YouTube, and is aimed at aligning ad policies more closely with India’s evolving regulatory and legal landscape around online gaming. The decision is expected to have an immediate impact on operators that have relied heavily on Google Ads to acquire users.
Author: Janice Chew • Friday, 16/01/2026
