Australia is making regulatory strides to integrate stablecoins more cleanly into its financial system. The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) is introducing an exemption for stablecoin intermediaries — specifically, those who distribute stablecoins issued by licensed providers — so that they will no longer need a full financial services license. This regulation is part of the Stablecoin Distribution Exemption Instrument 2025/631 which provides class relief, removing certain licensing burdens for these intermediaries.
Macau is set to see another shift in its casino landscape: Melco Resorts & Entertainment has confirmed the closure of Grand Dragon Casino (Taipa) and Mocha Kuong Fat Slots Club (downtown Macau) early next week. Grand Dragon will cease operations at 23:59 on Monday, 22 September 2025, and Mocha Kuong Fat will shut down at 23:59 on Wednesday, 24 September 2025.
Cambodia’s NagaCorp has revealed a significant leap in its financial performance, with a net profit of US$148.8 million over the first half of 2025 and an EBITDA (earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortization) of US$200.3 million. According to Chairman Philip Lee Wai Tuck, a combination of mass-market gaming, premium tables, and a strong rebound in tourism have all played major roles in driving this upswing.
Wynn Al Marjan Island, Wynn Resorts’ massive new integrated resort in Ras Al Khaimah (UAE), is aiming for a tech-forward gaming and hospitality experience. During a panel at the SBC Summit in Lisbon, David Patent, Wynn’s Executive Vice President of Gaming Operations, revealed that the property will install smart gaming tables across nearly all its table games — targeting around 80-85% coverage. These “smart tables” are expected to bring in improvements such as more accurate betting records, fewer dealer errors, faster game speed, and enhanced protection against counterfeit chips.
Esports has evolved into one of the most dynamic segments of the gaming industry, reshaping the way online gaming is consumed and monetized. Industry projections show that global esports revenues could reach around US$4.8 billion in 2025, with steady growth expected to push the figure close to US$5.9 billion by 2029. While the United States remains a dominant market, regions such as the Middle East and North Africa are rapidly emerging as growth engines, thanks to heavy investment in gaming infrastructure and high-profile tournaments. This surge not only challenges traditional forms of online gaming but also provides a more structured and commercially viable path for engaging audiences on a global scale.
Author: Janice Chew • Saturday, 20/09/2025
