The Philippines’ Court of Appeals (CA), Third Division, delivered a decision on 12 September 2025 ordering Melco Resorts Leisure Corp., operator of City of Dreams Manila, to pay PHP 30,000 (approximately US$510) each to 26 former employees who were terminated under a COVID-19 redundancy program in 2020. While the redundancy scheme itself was judged valid, Melco was found to have violated procedural due process by failing to provide written notice at least 30 days before termination, as required under Philippine labour law.
Genting Malaysia Bhd has formally filed a motion to dismiss the Amended Complaint brought by its minority partner, RAV Bahamas Ltd., over the Resorts World Bimini (RWB) casino-resort in the Bahamas. In its announcement to Bursa Malaysia, Genting says that the Amended Complaint, submitted in late July 2025, merely repeats earlier allegations and fails to introduce any “new material factual elements.” The legal action is being handled through Genting’s U.S. subsidiary, Genting Americas Inc., in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida.
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.
Author: Janice Chew • Wednesday, 17/09/2025
