Imperial Pacific International’s path to financial recovery has taken a decisive turn following the completion of its asset sale in Saipan. Earlier court-supervised proceedings culminated in Team King Investment (CNMI) LLC finalizing the purchase of IPI’s core casino assets—including the land lease and partially built resort—for US $12.95 million, held in escrow, prompting Judge Robert J. Faris to lift his prior show-cause order that had threatened dismissal of the Chapter 11 case.
South Korea’s top foreigner‑only casino operator, Paradise Co., reported a solid 11.7% year-over‑year increase in casino revenue for August 2025, reaching KRW 80.45 billion (approximately US $57.7 million). This marked yet another climb in a series of monthly gains, with revenue also rising 7.0% month-on-month compared to July. The growth was underpinned by a standout performance in table games, which saw a 12.9% year-on-year rise to KRW 76.01 billion (US $59.4 million), effectively offsetting a dip in machine gaming, down 5.8% year-on-year to KRW 4.45 billion (US $3.5 million), though up slightly 3.9% from July.
Galaxy Entertainment Group reported a striking uptick in new visitor numbers at its Macau properties—40 to 50 percent of recent patrons were first‑time visitors. This surge in new clientele was revealed during the Goldman Sachs Asia Leader Conference held on September 3 in Hong Kong, where the operator credited its strategic shift toward immersive non‑gaming attractions for the boost. Core investments in concerts, events, and lifestyle offerings have tapped into previously underserved segments—particularly younger guests and families—broadening Galaxy’s appeal beyond its traditional gaming market.
Sands China has earned a groundbreaking acknowledgment: becoming the first integrated resort (IR) operator in the Asia‑Pacific region—and the first company within Macau’s tourism and service sector—to be certified as a Top Employer by the globally recognized Top Employer Institute, headquartered in Amsterdam. This award recognizes Sands China’s excellence across 18 core human resources areas, including leadership, talent acquisition, workplace environment, and employee recognition—assessed against more than 200 rigorous criteria.
Delta Corp, India’s largest listed gaming and hospitality firm, has placed its ambitious integrated resort‑casino project in Dhargal, North Goa, on indefinite hold. Valued at approximately US $285 million (₹2,000–2,500 crore), the project was slated to open by 2027 and was poised to include hotels, a casino, convention center, multiplex cinema, retail spaces, water park, and other attractions. The halt comes amid mounting uncertainty over a proposed 40% Goods and Services Tax (GST) levy on bets, coupled with retrospective tax claims from government authorities. Delta Corp’s chairman, Jaydev Mody, warned that such taxation would render the sector unviable—jeopardizing thousands of jobs, tourism revenue, and prior investments—and stressed that the project will remain suspended until the GST framework is clarified.
Author: Janice Chew • Thursday, 04/09/2025
