Sands China Ltd has launched a new dedicated gaming area at Sands Macao, branded as the “Pearl Gaming Room,” marking another step in the operator’s continued shift toward mass-market customers. According to regional gaming media, the new room is designed to cater specifically to players with lower to mid-range bet sizes, reflecting the company’s broader strategy to align with Macau’s post-junket regulatory landscape and evolving visitor demographics.
Authorities in Macau are investigating an alleged casino investment scam involving approximately MOP29 million (US$3.6 million), after a group of investors claimed they were misled into funding a non-existent VIP room operation. According to local law enforcement, the suspects allegedly promised high returns by claiming close ties with major casinos and access to exclusive VIP gaming rooms, persuading victims to inject substantial capital into the purported venture. Initial findings suggest the investment proposal was entirely fabricated, with no actual agreement in place with any licensed casino operator.
The Philippines has announced a new 14-day visa-free entry scheme for Chinese nationals, a move widely seen as a strategic push to revitalise inbound tourism from one of its most important source markets. The policy, unveiled in mid-January 2026, is designed to simplify travel procedures and encourage short-term leisure visits, particularly as regional competition for Chinese tourists intensifies. Prior to the pandemic, visitors from China made up a significant portion of international arrivals to the Philippines, contributing strongly to hotel occupancy, retail spending, and entertainment-related revenues.
Las Vegas Sands continues to demonstrate a clear divergence in performance between Singapore and Macau, with its Singapore flagship delivering strong momentum while all Macau operators, including Sands China, grapple with rising operating costs and margin pressure, according to a recent assessment by Seaport Research Partners. The contrast highlights how regional market structures, labour dynamics and reinvestment obligations are increasingly shaping operator profitability in Asia’s key gaming hubs.
Thai People’s Party has suspended one of its election candidates after the individual was arrested in connection with alleged involvement in an online gambling operation, highlighting the political sensitivity surrounding illegal gambling activities in Thailand. According to local media reports, party leader Rangsiman Rome confirmed the suspension, stating that the party would not tolerate conduct that could undermine public trust or contradict its stated principles.
Author: Janice Chew • Friday, 16/01/2026
