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.
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.
Author: Janice Chew • Thursday, 18/09/2025
