On 29 August 2025, Thailand’s Constitutional Court delivered a sharp blow to the administration of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra by removing her from office. The ruling, handed down in a 6–3 decision, cited ethical violations tied to a leaked phone call with Cambodia’s former leader Hun Sen—marking yet another judicial setback for the powerful Shinawatra political dynasty.
This abrupt dismissal also obliterated any momentum behind the casino legalization bill, a signature economic reform championed by Paetongtarn aimed at attracting foreign investment and reviving tourism.
Paradise Entertainment posted a solid set of results in the first half of 2025, with group revenue up 19.4% year-on-year to HK$507.9 million (US$65.2 million). Profit attributable to shareholders climbed 48.5% to HK$172.5 million, while adjusted EBITDA rose 43.4% to HK$211.8 million. Reflecting confidence in its financial position, the company declared an interim dividend of HK$0.075 per share, up from HK$0.05 a year earlier.
Suguru Kanazawa, the mayor of Tomakomai in Hokkaido, has officially confirmed that the city will respond affirmatively to a recent survey from the prefectural government regarding the establishment of an integrated resort (IR) featuring a casino. During a press briefing, he stated the city is "interested in having an IR" and emphasized its willingness to collaborate with neighboring municipalities to fortify the region's bid.
On 7 August 2025, Tecnet Asia, the official regional distributor for APEX Gaming, facilitated the launch of the Clover Link Extreme system at Solaire Resort Entertainment City in Manila—marking its first appearance in the Asian market. This introduction represents a significant milestone, bringing APEX Gaming’s dynamic slot experience, previously popular in Europe, to the thriving casino floor of one of the Philippines’ premier integrated resorts.
In a significant regulatory development, Crown Melbourne has been granted a two‑year extension, pushing the deadline for implementing mandatory carded play across all table games from December 2025 to December 2027. This adjustment followed newly introduced legislation in Victoria, which acknowledged the technological hurdles associated with deploying systems not foreseen when the Royal Commission’s recommendations were made in 2021.
Author: Janice Chew • Tuesday, 02/09/2025
