In a historic move on August 6, 2025, Acting Prime Minister and Interior Minister Phumtham Wechayachai formally signed Interior Ministry Order No. 2253/2568, annulling the decades‑old ban on poker tournaments that traced back to Order No. 490/2501, issued on 28 July 1958. This carefully tailored shift opens the door to cash‑entry poker tournaments—while preserving the broader prohibition on cash games for now.
The New South Wales government has officially postponed the planned AU $1,000 daily cash cap for patrons at The Star Sydney and Crown Sydney, allowing the current AU $5,000 limit to remain in place until 19 August 2027. Despite originally scheduled for mid‑August 2025, the revised timeline comes after concerted lobbying by casino operators and concerns over operational disruption and job losses.
Kangwon Land Inc has officially unveiled renderings and details for its highly anticipated second casino building, positioning itself to significantly expand capacity at South Korea’s only resort where locals may legally gamble. The company shared architectural visuals depicting a striking five‑level structure—two basement floors and three above ground—featuring a “prow roof” or flying gable design, with water features reflecting the rooftop geometry and a vaulted ceiling soaring above the gaming floor.
Vietnam is poised to fundamentally alter how its citizens gain access to domestic casinos. Under a new proposal by the Ministry of Finance, the existing requirement for Vietnamese locals to prove financial capacity—a cumbersome rule limiting access—is set to be replaced with a straightforward entry‑fee model. Public consultation is now underway for this plan, which has already earned approval from the Politburo and awaits formal government legislation.
In a move that reasserts Melco Resorts’ commitment to premium hospitality, Lawrence Ho, Chairman and CEO of Melco Resorts & Entertainment, announced on August 1, 2025 that the long‑stalled Countdown Hotel at City of Dreams Macau will be completely transformed into an all‑suite, high‑end luxury hotel. The existing 330‑room property will be reimagined as a boutique tower featuring approximately 150 expansive suites, each averaging over 1,000 square feet, with the rebrand and reopening slated for the third quarter of 2026.
Author: Janice Chew • Wednesday, 06/08/2025
