Singapore’s police have released new data showing that casino operators were the second-largest contributors to suspicious transaction reports (STRs) in 2024, underscoring the role of the gaming sector in anti-money laundering efforts. According to the Singapore Police Force’s Commercial Affairs Department annual report, casinos submitted 10,261 STRs last year, out of a total 85,988 reported from all sources — an overall increase of nearly 29 % compared with the year before.
Melco Resorts & Entertainment will begin operating three Mocha slot clubs through a dedicated management company from 1 January 2026, marking another adjustment to Macau’s evolving satellite and slot club operating framework. The change follows regulatory refinements under Macau’s new gaming concessions, which require clearer lines of responsibility and stronger oversight by licensed concessionaires. The three Mocha venues involved will continue to operate, but under a structure that places Melco in a more direct managerial role.
Wynn Macau has confirmed it will cap intellectual property (IP) licence fees at US$150 million annually from 2026, formalising a key cost-control measure under Macau’s new gaming concession framework. The cap applies to fees paid to parent company Wynn Resorts for the use of branding, trademarks and related IP, reflecting updated regulatory expectations around transparency and related-party transactions. The move follows disclosures made in Wynn Macau’s regulatory filings ahead of the new financial year.
Palasino Group has officially opened a new casino in the Czech Republic, marking another step in the group’s steady expansion across Central and Eastern Europe. The launch forms part of Palasino’s broader strategy to strengthen its land-based gaming presence in regulated European markets, leveraging demand from both local patrons and cross-border visitors. The Czech Republic has increasingly positioned itself as an attractive jurisdiction for casino operators due to its stable regulatory framework and proximity to key European tourism corridors.
Macau’s gross gaming revenue (GGR) rose 9.1% year-on-year in 2025 to MOP247.4 billion (US$30.9 billion), according to data released by the city’s gaming regulator, even as December delivered a weaker-than-expected finish to the year. The December tally came in at MOP18.2 billion, reflecting a moderation in momentum following stronger results earlier in 2025, with analysts pointing to a more cautious mass-market spend and softer VIP volumes toward year-end. The figures underline a year of steady recovery rather than a rapid rebound to pre-pandemic highs.
Author: Janice Chew • Saturday, 03/01/2026
