Japan is planning to investigate offshore gambling sites targeting Japanese players. Legal gambling in Japan is limited to a few activities like the lottery and certain racing events. The National Police Agency (NPA) is concerned about the rise in online gambling during the Covid-19 pandemic. An analysis showed a significant increase in website visits to online casinos.
This surge in online gambling has raised concerns about addiction. The Tokyo-based Society Concerned about the Gambling Addiction reported that calls related to online casinos have increased significantly in recent years. The easy access to these websites has prompted worries about players accumulating large debts through online gambling.
In the Philippines, the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (PAGCOR) is set to sell off its casino assets starting in 2026. The move is aimed at creating fair competition among stakeholders and avoiding conflicts of interest. PAGCOR expects to generate a substantial amount from the sale of its casinos, benefiting both the regulator and potential buyers.
MGM Resorts International has reaffirmed its commitment to the integrated resort (IR) project in Osaka, Japan. Despite the project’s escalating costs, MGM has decided to proceed with the development without any penalties for withdrawal. The construction of the IR on Yumeshima Island is expected to begin soon.
Thailand’s new prime minister is likely to support the establishment of casino resorts in the country. These resorts would focus on non-gaming attractions while allocating a small percentage of space for gambling activities. By legalizing casinos, Thailand aims to boost tourism revenue and curb black-market gambling effectively.
The Chinese Football Association (CFA) recently banned several players and club officials for involvement in match-fixing and gambling activities. The crackdown on corruption in sports is part of Beijing’s efforts to maintain integrity in professional sports. Lifetime bans were imposed on some players involved in these illicit activities.
Overall, the gaming industry in Asia is undergoing significant changes and developments, ranging from regulatory reforms to crackdowns on illegal activities. These initiatives aim to promote responsible gambling, fair competition, and integrity in the gaming sector across the region.