The federal regulator General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) in the United Arab Emirates is reportedly preparing to issue a single B2C online gaming licence per emirate — one for each of the country’s seven emirates — mirroring the land-based casino model currently being rolled out. Industry sources say each emirate may decide whether to participate, so while the cap is set at seven licences (one per emirate), not all may be taken up.
Galaxy Entertainment Group (GEG) has announced that its satellite venue Waldo Casino will cease operations at 11:59 pm on Friday, 31 October 2025. The casino, operated via GEG’s subsidiary Galaxy Casino Company Limited (GCSA), will see its gaming tables and electronic machines re-allocated to other GEG managed properties. Local employees will be reassigned either to gaming or non-gaming roles within the group, with the company providing vocational training to support the transition.
SJM Holdings (SJM) has announced that its satellite casino Casino Emperor Palace will close at 11:59 pm on Thursday (30 October 2025). The decision follows an agreement between SJM and Tin Hou Entertainment Group—an indirect subsidiary of Emperor Entertainment Hotel Group—to terminate the service contract earlier than originally planned. The cessation will result in all gaming tables and machines being redeployed to other SJM-operated venues. Local employees directly employed by SJM will be reassigned within the group, while external staff working at the site will be invited to apply for vacancies across SJM properties.
RAM Ratings has reaffirmed the “AA1/Stable/P1” corporate credit ratings of Genting Berhad and its subsidiary Genting Malaysia Berhad (“GenM”), but flagged that the group’s debt cushion is becoming constrained as it moves ahead with its prospective takeover of the remaining GenM shares it does not yet own.
Hong Kong-listed International Entertainment Corporation (IEC) has revealed that during its financial year ending June 30, 2025, it “diversified” its revenue streams by leasing gaming venues to a junket operator at its Manila property. The company took over casino operations at the New Coast Hotel Manila in May 2024 via its subsidiary under a provisional licence from the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR).
Author: Janice Chew • Monday, 27/10/2025
