Joining other Macau gaming giants, Melco and SJM Resorts announce salary increases for employees, effective April 1, 2025, with increases ranging from 2.5% to 6.5%. SJM Resort salary increases for employees  are now part of a growing trend in the Macau gaming industry, as SJM Resorts, S.A. and Melco Resorts & Entertainment announce pay raises effective April 1, 2025. SJM Resorts announced a “salary increment” impacting approximately 99% of its workforce. Eligible staff earning MOP$16,000 or below per month will receive an increment of MOP$600, while those earning above MOP$16,000 will receive a 2.5% increase. SJM Managing Director, Daisy Ho, expressed appreciation for the team's dedication and emphasized the company’s commitment to working alongside its employees for future development and contribution to Macau's economic diversification. SJM had previously confirmed a special discretionary bonus equivalent to one month’s salary for eligible employees. Melco Resorts has also announced salary increases for eligible non-management staff in both Macau and Hong Kong. The increases will range from 2.5% to 6.5%. Similar to SJM’s structure, eligible full-time non-managerial staff earning MOP$16,000 or less per month will receive an increment of MOP$600, representing a 3.8% to 6.5% increase. Those earning more than MOP$16,000 monthly will receive a 2.5% increase. Melco Chairman and CEO, Lawrence Ho, thanked colleagues for their dedication and expressed pleasure in sharing the company’s results with the team. Melco also announced a one-month discretionary bonus earlier in the month, to be paid to non-management colleagues in Macau and Hong Kong before Chinese New Year. These announcements follow similar moves by Sands China and Galaxy Entertainment Group, indicating a positive trend of employee compensation within the Macau gaming sector. Read related article:   China, ASEAN To Team Up Vs. Online Gambling, Telecom Fraud

The Philippines’ gaming regulator announced it was cutting fees for e-games fee by 30 percent to encourage more operators to register with them. PAGCOR Lowers E-Games Fees By 30 Percent Starting January 2025 The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) has reduced E-Games fees by 30 percent, effective January 1, 2025. This fee adjustment—from 35% to 30%—is designed to attract more licensed operators and drive further growth in the country’s regulated gaming sector. The move highlights PAGCOR’s efforts to strengthen legal operations and maintain the Philippines’ position as a rising hub for online gaming. PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro H. Tengco explained that integrated resorts operating E-Games will see an even greater reduction, with fees dropping to 25%. This adjustment recognizes the higher overhead costs associated with brick-and-mortar operations. “By lowering our share rates, PAGCOR is creating a more favorable regulatory environment by encouraging unregistered online gaming operators to transition to the legal market,” Tengco stated. The fees are calculated as a percentage of the licensees’ gross gaming revenues (GGR). This strategic reduction aims to provide operators with increased resources for marketing and prevent potential closures, ensuring continued growth and profitability within the sector. The strategy has already proven highly effective. Mr. Tengco revealed that the gradual fee reductions initiated in 2023 have propelled the E-Games sector to surpass its Php100 billion GGR target for 2024 as early as September. Prior to the current leadership, PAGCOR collected fees exceeding 50% of GGR, a policy that hindered expansion. The recent cuts follow a consistent trend of lowering fees, with the most recent adjustment occurring in April 2024, when rates were reduced to 35%. “The gradual reduction of share rates has significantly contributed to the growth of the E-Games sector, which has become a key driver of the local gaming industry,” Tengco emphasized. This policy shift has also resulted in a significant surge in licensed E-Games operators, as many previously operating in the gray market have sought PAGCOR licenses. The number of accredited gaming service providers has also seen a dramatic five-fold increase, jumping from 49 in 2023 to 174 in 2024. The numbers speak for themselves: PAGCOR has issued 1,188 licenses for various on-site and online gaming offerings, a 13.57% increase from the 1,046 licenses issued in 2023. “We expect this trend to continue, and we are optimistic that the best is yet to come for the country’s E-Games sector,” Tengco concluded. Read related article: PAGCOR Partners with SMC for New Headquarters

Macau's gaming revenue is projected to grow in 2025, but a weak VIP segment is expected to hinder a full recovery to pre-pandemic levels, according to S&P. Macau's gaming industry is poised for continued growth in 2025, but its full recovery remains contingent on the strength of the mass market, according to a recent report by S&P Global Ratings.  While gross gaming revenue (GGR) is projected to increase by 5-6% year-on-year, the subdued performance of the VIP segment is expected to limit overall gains.  The credit rating agency predicts a significant surge in mass-market GGR, forecasting a 15-20% rise above pre-pandemic levels.   However, the report highlights a key constraint on overall recovery: junket, or VIP, volume. S&P Global Ratings suggests that unless regulatory changes occur, this segment will likely remain at its current low levels.  Consequently, total GGR is projected to reach only 80-85% of the levels seen in 2019, before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. This forecast contrasts with the strong performance seen in 2024, where Macau recorded a GGR of MOP226.78 billion (US$28.25 billion), a near 24% increase compared to the previous year and exceeding the government's forecast of MOP216 billion.  The government's prediction for 2025 is MOP240 billion, approximately 11% higher than the 2024 forecast. While this demonstrates positive momentum, the S&P report suggests that achieving full recovery to pre-pandemic levels will require more than just mass-market growth.   The report also touched upon the performance of individual casino operators. Melco Resorts (Macau) and Sands China are expected to benefit from new enhancements and updated properties, leading to accelerated EBITDA growth.  Notably, MGM China Holdings has already surpassed its pre-pandemic EBITDA figures, demonstrating a strong recovery trajectory. The remaining operators are projected to reach approximately 90% of their 2019 EBITDA levels this year.   Despite the generally positive outlook, S&P Global Ratings cautioned about potential headwinds. Economic uncertainties and increased operating expenses aimed at attracting premium mass players could impact Macau's cash flow and leverage improvement.  Furthermore, ongoing development projects could potentially delay deleveraging or add incremental leverage. The agency also noted the potential impact of US operators like Las Vegas Sands Corp., Wynn Resorts Ltd., and MGM Resorts International bidding for New York casino licenses. Read related article:   China, ASEAN To Team Up Vs. Online Gambling, Telecom Fraud

Flutter Entertainment will be the headline sponsor of the Sustainable Gambling Zone at ICE Barcelona, the world's biggest gambling technology exhibition, attended by 55,000 industry professionals. Clarion Gaming has announced that Flutter Entertainment, the parent company of the world’s leading online sports betting and iGaming operator, will be the headline sponsor of the Sustainable Gambling Zone (SGZ) at ICE Barcelona, the world’s biggest gambling technology exhibition which will be attended by 55,000 gambling industry professionals. Flutter, which has been a long-term supporter of Clarion Gaming’s safer gambling undertakings, is also making a donation to ICE Barcelona’s safer gambling charity fund as well as having its own stand to showcase how Flutter is changing the game for good by providing education, tools and support to help everyone Play Well, on the SGZ. In 2022 Flutter introduced its Play Well strategy to support its customers in making informed choices and managing their betting and play responsibly. Flutter set itself the target of having 75% of active online customers using a Play Well tool by 2030. By the end of Q2 this year (2024), 47.5% of customers were already engaged with these tools – double from FY 2022 - marking steady progress towards our goal. This effort has been supported by a significant investment – over $101m in 2023 - in research, product development and marketing.  Ewa Bakun, Clarion Gaming’s Director of Industry Insight and the person responsible for introducing the Consumer Protection Zone to the ICE show floor in 2018 said: “I am absolutely delighted to be able to confirm Flutter as our headline sponsor. I regard this as being a game-changer for SGZ which is being officially launched in Barcelona after undergoing a re-brand. The rebranding to the Sustainable Gambling Zone, which was a decision taken in partnership with our industry stakeholders reflects a deeper understanding of the importance of early interaction. By focusing on the identification of potential risks earlier in the player journey, it’s possible to prevent harm before it escalates.” Jane Palles, Group Head of Safer Gambling, Flutter added: “Our customers are at the heart of everything we do, and we want them to have an entertaining, positive experience with us. We start 2025 with a continued focus on player wellbeing. This sponsorship underscores our dedication to sustainability”. “Play Well focuses on fostering a positive and responsible gaming environment, with initiatives like enhanced customer tools, personalized risk monitoring, and partnerships with expert organizations. “We are delighted to be supporting the new Sustainable Gambling Zone at ICE Barcelona and will showcase our continued efforts, share insights, and collaborate with stakeholders to drive forward the shared mission of safer gambling for all.” The 2025 ICE Sustainable Gambling Zone will occupy 490sqm of space and located in the Fast Forward area of the showfloor, underlining the importance the industry places on sustainability and player protection. As well as featuring a total of 26 safer gambling bodies including Spanish organisations ASENCAS and FEJAR the SGZ will host three days of educational content including two dedicated to consumer protection and one to ESG Read related article:   New Markets for 2025: Slotegrator’s Top 5 Picks

Slotegrator is a B2B gambling solutions provider with over 12 years on the market. We discussed opportunities and challenges of 2025 and collected tips for operators. Every year is different in such a rapidly developing industry. Gambling is sensitive to the newest technologies, latest trends, and volatile regulatory environment. It is also drastically affected by the changes in the audience preferences and demography. Such continuous development is beautiful but it’s also difficult to keep up with. One of the key Slotegrator tips for operators  is to stay up to date with regulatory changes across the globe. While it's crucial to closely monitor the legal landscape in your specific target market, keeping an eye on global iGaming trends is equally important. Understanding the broader legal developments can help operators prepare for new opportunities—especially in newly emerging markets, which often offer unique growth potential. opportunity to establish a growing business, and such tendencies as focus on responsible gaming should trigger response from operators. We can see that more and more countries legalize gambling, and those that have it legal for years update their regulations — Belgium introduced a new gambling age, it’s 21 years old now, South Africa is planning to regulate online gambling, Vietnam has extended its pilot program on legalizing, Brazilian regulated market will finally open, and the UAE issued its first gambling license. Slotegrator always recommends getting a business licensed and helps with the gambling license acquisition . The team also recommends performing proper research to know the most promising locations of the world. Another important aspect is technology . In 2025, the iGaming sector will keep using blockchain technology in all possible ways from accepting crypto payments to in-game NTF rewards. While this is clear, Artificial Intelligence is a relatively new trend. The next recommendation from Slotegrator is to pay attention to the newest innovations and implement them as soon as possible. “We already talked a lot about new types of games and in-game mechanics, such as crash games that will become very popular in 2023-2024 and will be in demand in 2025 as well. When there is a new feature out players know about it from streamers, forums and other communication channels. And they want to try it when their fellows say they did. So the sooner you integrate something new and cool the better it is for your marketing. Don’t wait for your competitors to do it first. Another point is that if you don’t hesitate you’ll start making revenue sooner, and since we don’t know whether this or that trends will be there for long, it’s better to make the most of it immediately. This is why we implemented AI in our BI module of the online casino platform. One of the most obvious ways to use it is analytics. If you’d like to know more about these trends, download our material where we described what to expect from 2025 in detail. It’s very useful now in January.”   says Svetlana Kirichenko, Head of Marketing at Slotegrator. Another tip from Slotegrator is to keep an eye on changing demographics  and preferences. Besides high quality games and technologies today’s players are looking for experience. 2025 will be about socializing and personalization. There is a general shift from online experience to human interaction, and iGaming is no exception here — even though players are still enjoying the convenience of being at home (in transport, at work, on a lunch break, etc.) they want to communicate and feel human presence. This is reflected in two major points: Online casinos add elements of social interaction (including group chats, tournaments, live dealers) Online casinos make players’ experience personalized on every step (including support, bonuses, notifications, game choice) Giving them this feeling will help you boost your retention rate. “To recap everything we said, to prepare for 2025 we recommend: Adding games of high demand on your online casino platform Making sure you follow the technological progress and implement technologies Follow gambling regulations to know what markets are on top today Follow gambling advertising regulations to make compliant marketing strategies  Add more social elements to your platform Think what steps of user experience can be personalized Download our material on the latest trends to know exactly what your casino needs in 2025” Stay updated  and contact the Slotegrator team for more information about opportunities and challenges of 2025. Read related article:   New Markets for 2025: Slotegrator’s Top 5 Picks

Thailand casino bill 2026 may be enacted as early as next year, paving the way for legal casino operations and boosting the country’s gaming and tourism sectors. Thailand’s casino bill is anticipated to be enacted in early 2026, according to Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat this January 16. As reported by Post Today, the government has outlined a comprehensive schedule for the Entertainment Complex Business Act.  Following Cabinet approval, the draft law will be sent to the Council of State for a 45-day review. It will then return to the Cabinet before being submitted to Parliament by March 2025. After further deliberation, the bill is projected to become law in the first quarter of 2026. This enactment will pave the way for the Integrated Entertainment Policy Committee to assess and announce investment conditions later in 2026. Bidding for entertainment complex projects will then open, with construction expected to begin in 2027. The government aims for completion within three to four years, ideally before the end of its current term. Secretary-General to the Prime Minister, Prommin Lertsuridej, has disclosed that six to seven major international investors have already expressed interest in developing these complexes. These include, reportedly, Las Vegas Sands, Wynn Resorts, Caesars Entertainment, MGM China, Hard Rock Group, and Melco Resorts & Entertainment.  Opposition By Criminal Rings However, the path to legalization isn't without opposition. Government spokesman Jirayu Huangtrakul revealed that security officials have reported efforts by criminal rings operating gambling dens both within Thailand and internationally to obstruct the draft bill. These groups are reportedly attempting to undermine the legislation to protect their illicit operations. The government maintains that regulated entertainment complexes offer more benefits than disadvantages and will utilize the law to ensure societal safety. Mr. Jirayu further explained that some opposition parties have also expressed disagreement with the bill, raising concerns about existing gambling issues like online gambling, football betting, and other forms of gambling. However, he pointed out that some of these same parties previously campaigned on promises of opening casinos or other forms of legalized gambling. He urged them to reconsider their positions and work with the government to address these complex issues.  He also mentioned that these same opposition parties have criticized the government for not doing enough to suppress illegal gambling, which they claim leads to issues like money laundering and human trafficking. The government argues that bringing these activities into a regulated framework with strict supervision is the best way to combat these problems and generate revenue for the state. Read related article:   Casino Giants Eye Thailand’s ฿100B Entertainment Complex Plan

Macau's DICJ will add 65 staff in 2025, primarily casino inspectors, according to a Legislative Assembly report. This reflects a commitment to stronger gaming industry oversight. Macau's Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau (DICJ) is set to significantly bolster its ranks in 2025, with a planned net increase of 65 staff positions, according to a Legislative Assembly report reviewing Macau's 2025 budget. The majority of these new roles will be dedicated to inspectors stationed at the city's numerous casinos, reflecting the bureau's commitment to enhanced oversight of the gaming industry.  The report, which details the Macau government's projected income and expenditures for the year, highlights the importance of this staffing increase for the "effective implementation" of casino inspection duties. This is particularly crucial given the current gaming concession period, which commenced on January 1, 2023, and necessitates robust regulatory measures. While the report refrained from disclosing the DICJ's current total workforce size, it clarified that the additional personnel will encompass both inspector and clerical positions. This broader recruitment strategy suggests a focus on strengthening the bureau's overall operational capacity, supporting not only on-the-ground inspections but also administrative functions. This expansion is not an isolated event but rather a component of a larger restructuring initiative within the DICJ.  A new law concerning the bureau's organizational structure, which took effect on June 22, 2021, mandates a substantial increase in the DICJ's workforce, aiming to expand its total posts by approximately 139% over time, growing from 192 to 459 positions. This long-term plan underscores the Macau government's dedication to reinforcing its gaming regulatory framework. Recently, the DICJ has also undergone a leadership transition. Adriano Marques Ho, who had served as the bureau's director since mid-2020, transitioned to a new role as the director-general of the Macau Customs Service on December 20.  As of yet, no official announcement has been made regarding his permanent successor. In the interim period, Lio Chi Chong, a deputy director within the DICJ, has been appointed as the acting director, ensuring continuity in the bureau's operations and regulatory activities. This period of transition will likely be closely watched by industry stakeholders as they await the appointment of a permanent leader to guide the DICJ in the coming years. Read related article: Macau Casinos Eye Strong Rebound with Lunar New Year Surge

Several multinational corporations are eyeing opportunities to develop casino resorts as part of the Thailand Entertainment Complex project, says the Prime Minister’s secretary general. Thailand has attracted interest from six multinational corporations looking to build casino resorts, according to the Prime Minister's secretary general. While the companies remain unnamed, they are described by Prommin Lertsuridej as having extensive experience managing world-class entertainment venues globally. This follows the Cabinet's recent approval in principle of the Entertainment Complex Business Act, designed to legalize and regulate Thailand's substantial underground gambling sector. The goal is to establish integrated entertainment complexes, generating tax revenue and boosting tourism. However, the government emphasizes that casinos will be a small part of these complexes, occupying only about 5% of the total area. The focus is on creating family-friendly tourist destinations similar to those in Singapore, Macau, and Las Vegas. These complexes will feature 4-5 star hotels (with at least 5,000 rooms), convention and exhibition centers, a large indoor sports arena, a concert hall, shopping malls, duty-free shops, theme parks, high-end restaurants, and space for various activities. The six interested companies meet investment criteria, including a minimum of 10 billion baht in registered capital and the ability to invest at least 100 billion baht. They also possess comprehensive business plans for such developments. Sites for the complexes will be located near tourist destinations on state-owned landi, with good transport, digital, and financial infrastructure. The government aims to move quickly, citing competition from similar developments in Osaka, Japan. They believe Thailand's existing tourism infrastructure makes it an attractive investment location. It was earlier reported that MGM, Genting, Galaxy Entertainment want to build entertainment complexes in Thailand, aiming to capitalize on Southeast Asia’s second largest economy. The other three remained unnamed.  The Finance Ministry projects the project will increase national GDP by 0.2% during construction and 0.7% once operational. It is also expected to create 20,000 jobs and increase tourist arrivals during the low season by 5-10%, leading to a 13% rise in tourism revenue. Read related article: After Galaxy, MGM: Genting To Explore Opening Casinos In Thailand

Top Counter-Strike teams will compete at the iconic ICE Esports Arena for the lion’s share of a $25,000 prize pool, showcasing elite gameplay and intense competition. The ICE Esports Arena continues to grow in status with confirmation that three world-ranked professional Counter-Strike 2 teams have entered the inaugural ICE 2025 Invitational (January 20thand 21st). The teams competing for the US$25,000 prize pool are M80,  Sashi , 500 and Nexus.  Announcing the high profile addition to the ICE Esports experience William Harding  Clarion Gaming’s  Head of Emerging Technology and Esports said: “We are thrilled to announce that some of the world’s elite Counter-Strike teams will be competing live at ICE 2025. These exceptional teams will face-off on the iconic ICE Esports Arena stage, battling for an electrifying $25,000 prize pool.” He added: “However, ICE is more than just a showcase competition. As a facilitator of new business opportunities our role is to provide gambling industry professionals from throughout the world with a  gateway to the heart of the esports industry. We’ve invited executive members from these top-tier organizations, to deliver an exclusive opportunity to network with industry leaders, gain invaluable insights, and provide the connections to form strategic partnerships with the most influential teams in the game. “As the only B2B gaming show to feature a professional-level esports tournament, ICE offers operators a unique and unparalleled show experience. In practical terms this means appreciating the theatre and appeal of intense gameplay while benefiting from expert educational presentations that not only analyse the matches but also explore their connections to betting and gaming innovation.  “Our headline partners Oddin.gg , who are the leaders in esports betting will supply the odds and help explain the content and why esports is such a commercially important vertical for operators. The Arena will be even more impressive in our new venue, and I’m confident it will remain the most visited feature on the ICE show floor. With the feature going into its third year, we look forward to welcoming an influential audience of operators, and representatives from throughout the esports betting ecosystem.” Looking ahead to his team’s appearance at the ICE Esports Arena, M80 CEO & Founder, Marco Mereu, said: "M80 is honoured to be part of the inaugural ICE 2025 Invitational, marking an exciting milestone for esports on the global stage. We’re thrilled to not only compete in this ground-breaking tournament but also connect with ICE attendees to explore the evolving landscape and opportunity of esports partnerships as well as share our expertise at the onsite ICE Esports and Games Conference. 2025 will be a breakout year for viewership in the biggest esports in the world and M80 is excited to compete on the global stage."  The ICE esports agenda is available here . Read related article: Pitch ICE: Record Entries Reflect Gaming's Enterprise

Slotegrator experts reveal the top 5 new markets for 2025, highlighting key opportunities for operators to focus on for growth in the coming year. Expanding to a new market for 2025 is an exciting opportunity for operators. Slotegrator’s top 5 new markets include established powerhouses Brazil and Canada, both undergoing significant changes, as well as emerging markets Turkey, Kazakhstan, and Morocco, which offer untapped potential. Brazil What’s bigger than Brazil? The correct answer, in 2025, is “nothing.”  The country’s widely anticipated regulated market launched on 1 January. So far, 14 companies are fully licensed to offer online betting. There are another 52 companies holding provisional licenses who will be able to do the same once they correct a few issues. The Latin Giant has attracted plenty of attention since sports betting was legalized in 2018. Attempts to introduce full regulations lingered in parliament for the next five years until finally gaining steam and being passed last year.  Latin America’s newest regulated market has a lot going for it. Connectivity, a crucial question for online casino and sportsbook operators, is no issue for Brazil’s population of over 200 million, as over 84% of the populace has internet access, and there are an estimated 99 mobile cellular subscriptions per 100 people.  Moving on from the technical side, there’s the fact that Brazilian football fans are famously passionate, and more than willing to put their money where their heart is. That means we can expect the regulated market to generate some jaw-dropping revenues, and the same will probably be true in the black market, which will likely persist to some degree.  “There’s no ignoring the fact that Brazil is a massive opportunity,” says Slotegrator Head of Marketing Svetlana Kirichenko. “A huge population with a love of betting, especially sports betting, and a recently regulated market — it’s the perfect recipe for iGaming success.” Canada What’s new about Canada in 2025? In short, Alberta is following Ontario’s lead.  Traditionally, Canadian players have had two main options — government monopolies or offshore gray-market sites. It’s long been tacitly condoned for players to visit offshore sites. However, that led to millions of Canadian dollars being piped across the border to foreign operators.  A big change came in 2022. In April of that year, the province of Ontario launched private online sports betting and casino gaming, and the market has been growing strongly ever since; players in Ontario wagered CA $18.7 billion in Q2 2024, the most since the launch of the private market.  Likely inspired by Ontario’s success, Alberta has announced plans to follow suit. At the Canadian Gaming Summit 2024, Albertan Minister of Service and Red Tape Reduction Dale Nally announced that the province was already working on launching a “free and open market” which would be based on the Ontario model.  Given Canadians’ propensity to gamble (it’s been estimated that 6 in 10 Canadians participate in some form of gambling) and the country’s high level of economic development, Alberta should draw plenty of attention in 2025; while it’s not certain exactly when the free market will be launched, brands will be getting ready to dive in the second it does.  William Sarto, PR & Marketing Specialist at CasinoRIX, notes: “The year 2024 was very dynamic, and the iGaming industry demonstrated significant growth. From our side, I would also like to highlight the stable growth and development of the Canadian market. The province of Ontario has shown consistent growth quarter by quarter, with new brands obtaining local licenses almost every month. Among these were Tooniebet, TatinPlay, CasinoTime, and others. Additionally, more and more service companies are entering Ontario, including slot providers, platforms, and others, signaling substantial potential in the coming years.” Read related article: Slotegrator expands in Europe and Africa with Octopus Global

Former PM Thaksin Shinawatra discussed plans to regulate online gambling in Thailand, aiming to boost tax revenue and control access with innovative measures. Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra revealed that the government was exploring ways to regulate access to online gambling and generate tax revenue from it. "Online gambling involves 2 to 4 million Thai users, with total savings of 300 billion baht and annual gains and losses reaching around 500 billion baht," Thaksin stated in a speech.  He added, "If we can impose a 20% tax, we could collect over 100 billion baht per year." Despite most forms of gambling being illegal in Thailand, the practice remains widespread. Thaksin and his allied governments have repeatedly advocated for legalizing gambling to boost employment, tourism, and state revenue, emphasizing the vast amounts of money currently lost to unregulated markets. Thaksin also mentioned plans for an identification system to manage online gambling access. This system would prevent underage participation and enable monitoring of gambling addiction. "We could implement something like a passport to regulate who can participate," he said, though he provided no further details. In addition, Thaksin urged Thailand’s financial institutions to embrace cryptocurrency. He highlighted the pro-crypto stance of incoming U.S. President Donald Trump, particularly his appointment of crypto deregulation advocate Paul Atkins to lead the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. He suggested that Thailand’s Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) adopt a more digital-friendly approach, such as allowing the trade of stablecoins—cryptocurrencies backed by assets. The Thai government, Thaksin noted, is already considering permitting cryptocurrency as a payment method, with Phuket being eyed as a potential pilot site. "There’s no risk involved—it’s just another currency in the global system," Thaksin said. Read related article: Government To Choose Location of Thailand’s Casinos

Will Lunar New Year bring a much-needed boost to Macau's gaming industry? Despite a December decline, forecasts point to a strong January and continued recovery in 2025. Macau's gaming industry is anticipating a strong rebound in January, fueled by the Lunar New Year holiday, despite a slight dip in gross gaming revenue (GGR) in December, according to a recent report by Seaport Research Partners. Seaport predicts January's GGR will jump by 6.6 percent year-on-year and a substantial 13.3 percent month-on-month. This anticipated surge is attributed to the influx of tourists expected during the Lunar New Year celebrations, a traditionally lucrative period for Macau's casinos. December's GGR, totaling approximately MOP18.2 billion (US$2.27 billion), painted a different picture. While representing about 80 percent of the comparable 2019 level, it reflected a 2 percent year-over-year decrease and a 1.3 percent month-over-month decline. This performance fell short of Seaport's initial projection of a 5 percent year-on-year increase. Analyst Vitaly Umansky attributed December's softer performance to two key factors in a Monday report: a sluggish first three weeks and the three-day visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping to Macau. While this may be the case, Umansky noted a significant improvement in the final ten days of the month, with the return of higher-spending customers. Looking ahead to the first quarter of 2025, Seaport forecasts a 4.2 percent increase year-on-year and a 4 percent rise compared to the previous quarter. This projected growth, while positive, is more modest than the 6.1 percent year-on-year growth seen in the fourth quarter of 2024. Umansky explained that this is due to "more difficult" year-on-year comparisons, as the first quarter of 2024 benefited from higher VIP volumes and hold rates. The report also provided insights into market segment performance. The mass market demonstrated robust growth last year, reaching approximately 112 percent of 2019 levels. However, the recovery within the mass market was uneven. The base mass segment lagged, achieving only around 80 percent of 2019 levels, while the premium mass segment significantly outperformed, surging to 48 percent above pre-pandemic levels. In summary, while December presented a minor setback, the Macau gaming industry is optimistic about a strong January performance driven by the Lunar New Year. The differing recovery rates within the mass market highlight evolving consumer behavior and preferences, with the premium mass segment leading the charge. The projected growth for the first quarter of 2025, though moderate, indicates continued recovery and stabilization within the market. Read related article:   The 13 Hotel Gets License for Another Year - Report