In a strategic move marking its first major hospitality expansion into mainland China, Macau gaming concessionaire SJM Holdings Limited has finalized an approximately US $101.2 million (RMB 724 million) acquisition of 12 floors of office space in Hengqin—an island next to Macau—intending to convert the space into a three‑star hotel by as early as 2028. This deal builds upon preliminary plans announced in December 2024 and reflects a meaningful shift toward broader Greater Bay Area integration and tourism diversification .
In a notable departure from expectation, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. made no mention of a domestic online gambling ban in his State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 28, 2025. Despite widespread public and legislative pressure calling for outright prohibition or tighter regulation of iGaming, the President’s silence drew attention—and praise—from policy analysts who interpret it as a deliberate and considered move.
In a historic milestone, the Philippines' online gaming sector crossed the US $2 billion threshold in gross gaming revenue (GGR) during the first half of 2025, propelled by an unprecedented surge in digital betting activities. Data released by PAGCOR confirms that total GGR reached ₱214.75 billion (approximately US $3.75 billion), marking a 26 percent year-on-year increase.
Condé Nast–ranked Boracay and the scenic shores of Cebu are set to be transformed into world‑class boutique integrated‑resort (IR) destinations, with Alliance Global Group Inc. (AGI) and its Travellers International arm spearheading a US $600 million investment—potentially scaling up to US $2 billion over time.
On July 23, 2025, Thailand’s Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT), in a meeting chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit, formally recognized poker—alongside flag football and American football—as an official sport, a landmark decision poised to transform Thailand's approach to sports, tourism, and regulation. This historic move redefines poker as a skill-based mind sport, entirely distinct from gambling, and establishes a legal framework for professional competition in the country.
Author: Janice Chew • Tuesday, 29/07/2025
