Macau, 31 August 2025 — SJM Holdings confirmed during its recent earnings call that it remains in discussions to acquire two of its satellite casinos—Ponte 16 and L’Arc Macau—as part of a broader strategy to comply with Macau’s regulatory deadlines and restructure its operations. The company clarified that while no formal agreements or pricing timelines have been set, any potential deal would need to be finalized by year-end in line with regulations.
Macau, 28 August 2025 — SJM Holdings has revealed a mixed performance in the first half of 2025. While its gross gaming revenue (GGR) climbed nearly 12% to HK$14.8 billion (US$1.90 billion) and non-gaming revenue rose 11.8% to HK$1.01 billion (US$130 million), the company nonetheless recorded a widened net loss of HK$182 million (US$23.4 million)—compared to a loss of HK$162 million (US$20.8 million) in the same period a year earlier.
On 29 August 2025, Thailand’s Constitutional Court delivered a sharp blow to the administration of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra by removing her from office. The ruling, handed down in a 6–3 decision, cited ethical violations tied to a leaked phone call with Cambodia’s former leader Hun Sen—marking yet another judicial setback for the powerful Shinawatra political dynasty.
This abrupt dismissal also obliterated any momentum behind the casino legalization bill, a signature economic reform championed by Paetongtarn aimed at attracting foreign investment and reviving tourism.
Paradise Entertainment posted a solid set of results in the first half of 2025, with group revenue up 19.4% year-on-year to HK$507.9 million (US$65.2 million). Profit attributable to shareholders climbed 48.5% to HK$172.5 million, while adjusted EBITDA rose 43.4% to HK$211.8 million. Reflecting confidence in its financial position, the company declared an interim dividend of HK$0.075 per share, up from HK$0.05 a year earlier.
Suguru Kanazawa, the mayor of Tomakomai in Hokkaido, has officially confirmed that the city will respond affirmatively to a recent survey from the prefectural government regarding the establishment of an integrated resort (IR) featuring a casino. During a press briefing, he stated the city is "interested in having an IR" and emphasized its willingness to collaborate with neighboring municipalities to fortify the region's bid.
Author: Janice Chew • Tuesday, 02/09/2025
