In a landmark move on 15 July 2025, New Zealand’s Parliament advanced the Online Casino Gambling Bill with a decisive 83–39 vote in its first reading. Introduced by Internal Affairs Minister Brooke van Velden, the bill aims to regulate online casino operations and protect local players from risks associated with unlicensed offshore platforms.
Las Vegas Sands Corp has officially broken ground on the highly anticipated US $8 billion expansion of Singapore’s iconic Marina Bay Sands, marking the start of what is being billed as “MBS 2.0” and a transformative chapter for the city-state’s tourism and entertainment landscape.
In a keenly watched move, Hong Kong–listed Shin Hwa World Limited unveiled on June 30, 2025, its intention to raise over HK$35 million (approximately US$4.5 million) via a share placement—sending its stock price climbing nearly 12% on the announcement.
In a bold move to expand its gaming portfolio, Iris Capital has made a formal takeover bid for the Reef Hotel Casino in Cairns, offering A$177 million (US$116 million) to acquire the publicly listed Reef Casino Trust (RCT). The Sydney-based hotel and casino operator, through its Iris Cairns Property Trust, announced its off-market cash offer at A$3.5541 per unit—a premium of nearly 18% above RCT’s last trading price on July 11 and over 30% above the unit price prior to February, when initial interest in the casino was revealed. The announcement marks a significant development in North Queensland’s hospitality and gaming landscape, drawing attention from both investors and regulators.
In a rare and unified move, three of the Philippines’ most prominent integrated resorts—Newport World Resorts, Okada Manila, and Solaire Resort—have issued a joint statement defending the integrity, legality, and responsible practices of their domestic online gaming operations. This statement comes amid rising political scrutiny and proposed legislative measures that threaten to curtail or ban online gambling in the country.
Author: Janice Chew • Wednesday, 16/07/2025
