On August 25, 2025, GGRAsia reported that Hokkaido Prefecture has launched a comprehensive survey of all 179 of its municipalities regarding the possibility of hosting an integrated resort (IR)—a casino‑resort complex. This marks the first survey of its kind since 2019, when Hokkaido had opted not to participate in Japan’s first wave of IR licensing.
Cambodia’s leading casino operator, NagaCorp (operator of Phnom Penh’s NagaWorld resort), recorded a remarkable performance in the first half of 2025. Net profit soared 68.9% year-on-year to US $148.8 million, while EBITDA (earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortisation) climbed 38.5% to US $200.3 million. This growth reflects a strong rebound across its operations, showcasing NagaCorp's strategic positioning during Cambodia’s tourism recovery.
Macau’s gaming sector is swinging back into gear with remarkable strength. For the first 24 days of August 2025, its gross gaming revenue (GGR) reached approximately MOP 17.65 billion (around US $2.2 billion), averaging about MOP 735 million (US $91.9 million) per day. As reported by JP Morgan, last week’s daily run-rate surged 9% week-over-week to MOP 793 million (US $99.1 million), compared to MOP 710 million earlier in the month—and even eclipsing July’s average of MOP 714 million. This marks the most robust non‑Golden Week performance since the pandemic struck.
India’s Parliament has passed the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025, which completely prohibits all forms of real-money online games—whether based on skill or chance. The law also bans advertisements, financial transactions, and platform offerings tied to such games, leaving only e-sports and social or educational gaming models untouched and subject to regulation.
Sands China Ltd is charting a bold path forward with plans to boost its annual dividend payouts to a whopping US $1.5 billion, anticipating that business conditions in Macau will improve significantly. This ambitious target represents nearly triple its current distribution levels and underscores a renewed focus on delivering shareholder value. According to Seaport Research Partners, Sands China is prioritising the return of capital to investors and expects that once performance rebounds, this elevated dividend level is entirely feasible — with its parent, Las Vegas Sands (LVS), receiving approximately 72% of the payout.
Author: Janice Chew • Monday, 25/08/2025
