The 2025 Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix proved once again why it remains one of the city-state’s most powerful tourism and economic engines. Over 300,641 fans filled the Marina Bay Street Circuit across the three-day event — a sell-out crowd and an 11.7 percent jump from 2024’s attendance. Organizers noted that nearly 40 percent of spectators were international visitors, underlining the Grand Prix’s global magnetism and direct contribution to Singapore’s hospitality and retail sectors.
Despite an uptick in visitor arrivals during the Golden Week holiday, Macau’s retailers are voicing frustration: foot traffic hasn’t translated into meaningful sales. In the eight-day period from September 29 to October 6, Macau welcomed 1.14 million visitors, averaging 143,000 daily — a modest 1.9 percent year-on-year increase in arrivals. The record border crossings—5.54 million over the holiday stretch—did little to boost consumption in shopping districts.
Australia’s media and communications regulator, the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA), announced that it has stepped up enforcement of interactive gambling safeguards in its 2024–25 compliance report. The report highlights that, beyond education and compliance outreach, the agency has launched 10 new investigations, closed another 10, and intensified its monitoring of operators’ adherence to rules around the National Self-Exclusion Register (NSER), banned payment methods, and blocking illegal offshore gambling sites.
Genting Berhad has quietly increased its stake in its leisure arm by acquiring over 1.7 million shares in Genting Malaysia. While the share volume is modest relative to total outstanding stock, the move signals confidence in Genting Malaysia’s prospects and may strengthen the parent company’s influence in strategic decisions.
Philippine-listed gaming operator DigiPlus Interactive Corp has entered an exclusive partnership with bills payment provider Bayad to expand over-the-counter (OTC) or physical cash payment options for its platforms. Under the deal, Bayad will become the “only gaming partner” of DigiPlus for OTC cash transactions.
Author: Janice Chew • Friday, 10/10/2025
