In anticipation of the NBA’s much-awaited preseason return to Macau this week, Sands China has rolled out a dynamic series of fan-focused events aimed at igniting basketball fever among locals and tourists alike. The multi-day program features interactive exhibitions, celebrity meet-and-greets, and immersive basketball-themed experiences staged across the company’s flagship properties, including The Venetian Macao and The Londoner Macao. According to multiple industry reports and official statements, the festivities combine elements of music, fashion, and technology, blending global sports culture with Macau’s unique entertainment flair to create a festival-like atmosphere ahead of the games.
Thailand is preparing to introduce its first dedicated gaming legislation, tentatively named the Promotion of the Game Industry Act, aimed at curbing “hidden gambling” elements embedded in video games—such as randomized rewards, loot boxes, and prize draws. The draft, already backed by the Comptroller General’s Department and funded via the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC), is expected to be submitted to the Cabinet shortly. Under the new law, the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau would gain the power to suspend unregistered games and audit operators to ensure compliance with transparency, safety, and fairness standards.
In September 2025, Paradise Co. posted total casino sales of KRW 64.03 billion (≈ USD 46.6 million), representing a 4.3 percent year-on-year increase. However, when compared sequentially to August, the sales figure dropped sharply—down 20.4 percent—indicating cooling momentum following summer peaks.
In September 2025, Grand Korea Leisure (GKL) posted casino revenues of KRW 34.78 billion (≈ USD 25 million), reflecting a modest 0.8 percent decline from August but a 1.4 percent gain compared to September 2024. While table-game revenue held relatively firm—showing a slight month-on-month rise of 0.6 percent—machine-game turnover fell sharply, down 12.4 percent from August. Compared year-on-year, machine gaming actually showed strong growth (up 26 percent), offsetting some pressure on the table side.
Between October 1 and 7, Macau recorded just over 1,055,730 visitor arrivals, driven by the strong pull of China’s extended Golden Week holiday. This surge underscores the region’s continued appeal amid Beijing’s efforts to stimulate domestic travel, and represents a significant increase over past years.
Author: Janice Chew • Thursday, 09/10/2025
