Macau’s gaming giant, Sands China Ltd, is shaking up the baccarat scene at its Cotai Strip resorts this July by introducing the region’s first—and currently only—two-tier bonus payout for side bets on ‘6s’ and ‘7s’. This innovative “Sands Baccarat Bonus” opens new possibilities for high-stakes players who opt for the distinct side bet combinations of Small 6, Big 6, Lucky 7, and Super Lucky 7.
In a dramatic turn of events at Brisbane’s $3.6 billion Queen’s Wharf precinct, recent reports now suggest that Crown Resorts, backed by Blackstone, could replace Star Entertainment as the casino operator—should Star’s Hong Kong partners—Chow Tai Fook Enterprises (CTFE) and Far East Consortium (FEC)—successfully complete their takeover of Star’s 50% stake. The shift marks a seismic pivot in the management of one of Australia’s most prominent integrated resorts.
After a six-year absence, the iconic Aussie Millions Poker Series is staging a triumphant comeback at Crown Melbourne from April 24 to May 10, 2026, marking a major revival in the international poker calendar. Previously held to great acclaim through 2020, the tournament experienced an indefinite pause due to the pandemic, regulatory turmoil, and a halt on poker at Crown—factors that eroded its presence long before 2023 rulings formally shuttered the series.
In a strong signal of growth momentum in the Asian gaming security sector, UK-based Synectics plc has announced a US $2.5 million contract to upgrade the surveillance infrastructure at a world-class integrated casino resort in Manila’s Entertainment City. This marks a significant win for the firm’s proprietary Synergy platform and its video surveillance suite, reinforcing Synectics’ foothold in the rapidly evolving market.
A groundbreaking proposal from Macau’s government stands to redefine how tourists—and locals—access healthcare in the world’s largest integrated resort city. Under a new “big health” legal framework currently under public consultation, resorts and hotels that meet strict technical and spatial criteria may soon be permitted to host day hospitals, offering bundled outpatient services right where travelers stay.
Author: Janice Chew • Friday, 18/07/2025
