South Korea’s newly launched 15-day visa-free policy for Chinese tour groups, effective 29 September 2025. With the scheme set to run until June 2026, industry analysts see this as a timely move to bring back Chinese tourists—long the backbone of South Korea’s foreigner-only casinos—after years of pandemic downturn and geopolitical headwinds.
PAGCOR has pledged ₱50 million (US$860,000) to the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to combat illegal gambling and clamp down on banned Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs). Under the Memorandum of Agreement signed in Pasay City, an initial ₱25 million was released immediately to support enforcement and detainee-related expenses. PAGCOR Chairman Alejandro Tengco highlighted that the collaboration reflects the regulator’s dual role of generating revenues and safeguarding industry integrity.
Macau is witnessing a wave of early shutdowns among its satellite casinos, driven largely by the aggressive recruitment of their marketing and public relations teams by larger operators. According to Billy Song, President of the Macau Responsible Gaming Association, many satellite venues are now unable to retain customers because “other companies are poaching the mass gaming floor public relations staff.” Faced with a mass exodus of talent, several smaller properties have already suspended operations ahead of the official December 31, 2025, deadline.
Solaire Resort in Manila has officially launched a new dedicated event and exhibition venue dubbed The Space at Solaire, marking a strategic push into the meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE) segment. The inaugural use of the space will be for “The FRIENDS™ Experience: The One in Manila”, scheduled from October 8 to November 30 — giving a strong kickoff to the venue’s debut.
Robert Goldstein, Chairman and CEO of Las Vegas Sands (LVS), was one of a select group of about 20 U.S. business leaders and policy figures meeting privately with China’s Premier Li Qiang in New York. The gathering took place on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly, with participation from representatives of the U.S.-China Business Council, National Committee on U.S.-China Relations, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and other organizations.
Author: Janice Chew • Tuesday, 30/09/2025
