Macau’s casino gross gaming revenue (GGR) in September climbed 6.0 percent year-on-year to about MOP 18.29 billion (roughly US$2.28 billion), according to figures from the city’s Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau. Despite strong year-over-year gains, the monthly total declined 17.5 percent sequentially from August, when GGR hit MOP 22.16 billion—its strongest post-pandemic month.
Australia’s Star Entertainment Group has flagged optimism about fulfilling its financial obligations now that its lenders have granted a waiver on covenant tests under its syndicated loan agreement. According to a Reuters report, Star announced a covenant waiver for the September 30 test, subject to finalising documentation, which relieves some immediate pressure to satisfy restrictive debt conditions. This development follows months of tense negotiations in which Star struggled to gain favour with creditors over the terms proposed for waiver eligibility.
Macau Legend, long known for operating satellite gaming venues like the Landmark and its involvement in Macau Fisherman’s Wharf, now faces a stark warning from its auditors: mounting uncertainties over its ability to continue as a going concern. The crux of the problem lies in a perfect storm of shrinking cash reserves, heavy debt obligations, and the systematic phase-out of Macau’s satellite casinos under new regulatory norms.
South Korea’s newly launched 15-day visa-free policy for Chinese tour groups, effective 29 September 2025. With the scheme set to run until June 2026, industry analysts see this as a timely move to bring back Chinese tourists—long the backbone of South Korea’s foreigner-only casinos—after years of pandemic downturn and geopolitical headwinds.
PAGCOR has pledged ₱50 million (US$860,000) to the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to combat illegal gambling and clamp down on banned Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs). Under the Memorandum of Agreement signed in Pasay City, an initial ₱25 million was released immediately to support enforcement and detainee-related expenses. PAGCOR Chairman Alejandro Tengco highlighted that the collaboration reflects the regulator’s dual role of generating revenues and safeguarding industry integrity.
Author: Janice Chew • Wednesday, 01/10/2025
