DigiPlus Interactive Corp., which operates the BingoPlus, ArenaPlus, and GameZone platforms, has partnered with Philippine First Insurance Co. (PhilFirst) to introduce what it claims is the country’s first surety bond programme that protects online gaming players’ balances. Under the programme, eligible players are safeguarded for up to PHP 1 million (~US$17,500) per player. The protection takes effect immediately and does not require customers to purchase a separate policy.
Macau’s Studio City will get a private hospital focused on imaging and diagnostics, starting October 1, 2025, under a new agreement between Melco’s subsidiary Studio City Retail Services Ltd (SCRS) and iRad. The facility will be inside Studio City’s integrated resort (Cotai), covering about 12,618 square feet (1,172 sqm), and will offer services like MRI, CT scans, 2D/3D mammography, ultrasound and X-ray diagnostics. The contract is initially for just over nine years (from a “Trading Start Date” tentatively October 1, 2025, until 30 November 2034), with options to renew for two further periods of five years each.
The Philippines’ Court of Appeals (CA), Third Division, delivered a decision on 12 September 2025 ordering Melco Resorts Leisure Corp., operator of City of Dreams Manila, to pay PHP 30,000 (approximately US$510) each to 26 former employees who were terminated under a COVID-19 redundancy program in 2020. While the redundancy scheme itself was judged valid, Melco was found to have violated procedural due process by failing to provide written notice at least 30 days before termination, as required under Philippine labour law.
Genting Malaysia Bhd has formally filed a motion to dismiss the Amended Complaint brought by its minority partner, RAV Bahamas Ltd., over the Resorts World Bimini (RWB) casino-resort in the Bahamas. In its announcement to Bursa Malaysia, Genting says that the Amended Complaint, submitted in late July 2025, merely repeats earlier allegations and fails to introduce any “new material factual elements.” The legal action is being handled through Genting’s U.S. subsidiary, Genting Americas Inc., in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida.
Macau’s gaming sector finished 2024 with a strong rebound, reporting a surplus of MOP 143.1 billion (about US$17.9 billion), a year-on-year gain of roughly 24.7%, according to data released by the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC). This followed a sizable increase in total receipts for the sector (including gaming and non-gaming activities), which rose 23.1% to MOP 231.5 billion (US$28.9 billion). Expenditures (excluding taxes) also climbed, but at a more modest rate: up about 18.0% to MOP 94.4 billion (US$11.8 billion).
Author: Janice Chew • Thursday, 18/09/2025
