In a historic milestone, the Philippines' online gaming sector crossed the US $2 billion threshold in gross gaming revenue (GGR) during the first half of 2025, propelled by an unprecedented surge in digital betting activities. Data released by PAGCOR confirms that total GGR reached ₱214.75 billion (approximately US $3.75 billion), marking a 26 percent year-on-year increase.
Condé Nast–ranked Boracay and the scenic shores of Cebu are set to be transformed into world‑class boutique integrated‑resort (IR) destinations, with Alliance Global Group Inc. (AGI) and its Travellers International arm spearheading a US $600 million investment—potentially scaling up to US $2 billion over time.
On July 23, 2025, Thailand’s Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT), in a meeting chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit, formally recognized poker—alongside flag football and American football—as an official sport, a landmark decision poised to transform Thailand's approach to sports, tourism, and regulation. This historic move redefines poker as a skill-based mind sport, entirely distinct from gambling, and establishes a legal framework for professional competition in the country.
DigiPlus Interactive Corp., the Philippine‑listed gaming firm behind platforms such as BingoPlus, ArenaPlus, GameZone, and SpinPlus, has unveiled plans to file for three key gaming licences in South Africa, marking what it calls the next phase of its international expansion strategy. According to a July 25, 2025 press release, the company aims to secure a National Manufacturer License, a Bookmaker License, and a Bookmaker Premises License through the Western Cape Gambling and Racing Board (WCGRB). It also intends to obtain key employee licences to govern operations locally.
As part of Art Macao: Macao International Art Biennale 2025, City of Dreams Macau (COD) has premiered “The Haas Brothers: Clair de Lune”, a special exhibition that reimagines moonlight as metaphor through whimsical, light-infused sculptures (19 July–12 September). The outdoor installation features six large-scale structures by brothers Simon and Nikolai Haas, including five lamp sculptures inspired by the legendary Moonlight Towers of their hometown Austin—works intriguingly titled “A Street Light Named Desire,” “Let There be Street Light,” “A Light in the Streets and Freak in the Sheets,” “Lamp of Approval,” and “Light to Remain Silent” .
Author: Janice Chew • Tuesday, 29/07/2025
