Vietnam’s anti-gambling crackdown marked a high-profile milestone this week when the Hanoi People's Court handed down sentences to two former provincial officials for their roles in a sprawling illegal gambling ring. The case reportedly involved more than US$106 million in bets placed under false foreign names at a luxury hotel-casino in Hanoi. Among those convicted was Ho Dai Dung, the ex-Vice Chairman of the Phu Tho Provincial People’s Committee, who was sentenced to 3 years 6 months in prison.
Japanese pachinko-hall operator Okura Holdings has announced a significant equity fund-raising initiative, positioning it to modernise its operations amid a challenging environment for the industry. On 7 November 2025 the company entered into a placing agreement under which it would issue up to 120 million new ordinary shares at a placing price of HK$0.18 each, with the gross proceeds expected to reach HK$21.6 million (net proceeds approx. HK$19.0 million).
The economy of Thailand slipped into contraction in the third quarter of 2025, marking a troubling turn for a country that has been attempting to rebound post-pandemic and from global trade headwinds. A poll of economists conducted by Reuters found that GDP likely grew just 1.6 % year-on-year in Q3, down sharply from 2.8 % in Q2; on a quarter-on-quarter basis the figure likely contracted by around 0.3 %. The country thus appears to be heading into the year’s second half in fragile shape, despite pockets of strength.
India’s burgeoning real-money gaming (RMG) sector has hit a severe downturn following the passage of the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025 (PROGA). Industry observers report that the sector has absorbed asset write-downs of over ₹7,000 crore (approximately USD 840 million) and foregone revenues exceeding ₹10,000 crore in just a few months, even before full enforcement of the law.
South Korea’s in-city casino operator GKL is at a strategic crossroads. On one hand it has physical venues that require renewal and refreshing, on the other it has an opportunity to deploy artificial intelligence (AI) to reshape its business model. According to statements by CEO Yoon Doo‑hyun in a recent interview, the company is actively pursuing both tracks.
Author: Janice Chew • Monday, 17/11/2025
