In mid-November 2025, Macau’s casino sector saw a modest pull-back in the growth pace of its gross gaming revenue (GGR). According to a note from Citigroup, industry-source data suggest that for the first 16 days of November, the GGR was approximately MOP 11.1 billion (≈ US$1.39 billion) — translating into a daily run-rate of around MOP 671 million (≈ US$83.7 million). This represents a moderate slowdown compared with earlier in the month.
Vietnam’s anti-gambling crackdown marked a high-profile milestone this week when the Hanoi People's Court handed down sentences to two former provincial officials for their roles in a sprawling illegal gambling ring. The case reportedly involved more than US$106 million in bets placed under false foreign names at a luxury hotel-casino in Hanoi. Among those convicted was Ho Dai Dung, the ex-Vice Chairman of the Phu Tho Provincial People’s Committee, who was sentenced to 3 years 6 months in prison.
Japanese pachinko-hall operator Okura Holdings has announced a significant equity fund-raising initiative, positioning it to modernise its operations amid a challenging environment for the industry. On 7 November 2025 the company entered into a placing agreement under which it would issue up to 120 million new ordinary shares at a placing price of HK$0.18 each, with the gross proceeds expected to reach HK$21.6 million (net proceeds approx. HK$19.0 million).
The economy of Thailand slipped into contraction in the third quarter of 2025, marking a troubling turn for a country that has been attempting to rebound post-pandemic and from global trade headwinds. A poll of economists conducted by Reuters found that GDP likely grew just 1.6 % year-on-year in Q3, down sharply from 2.8 % in Q2; on a quarter-on-quarter basis the figure likely contracted by around 0.3 %. The country thus appears to be heading into the year’s second half in fragile shape, despite pockets of strength.
India’s burgeoning real-money gaming (RMG) sector has hit a severe downturn following the passage of the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025 (PROGA). Industry observers report that the sector has absorbed asset write-downs of over ₹7,000 crore (approximately USD 840 million) and foregone revenues exceeding ₹10,000 crore in just a few months, even before full enforcement of the law.
Author: Janice Chew • Monday, 17/11/2025
