In a surprising turn of events on August 14th, Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin was ousted from office due to an ethics violation. The Prime Minister was removed for appointing a cabinet member, Pichit Chuenban, who had previously served time in prison for attempted bribery. This decision was made by a Bangkok court that stated Srettha was aware of Pichit’s lack of moral integrity. Srettha, who took office last August, aimed to improve Thailand’s economy through tourism and foreign investment. He advocated for the development of entertainment complexes, including casino resorts, to attract new investments and create jobs.
Australian officials, including former prime ministers and sports figures, have called for a ban on gambling advertisements. Dubbed “Murphy’s Law,” the legislation aims to prohibit televised and online gambling ads to address the country’s gambling addiction. The ban would gradually phase out ads and promotions related to sports betting, with a compromise allowing two ads per hour on television until 10 p.m. The campaign highlights the social harms of gambling, such as financial loss, mental health issues, and family problems.
In Macau, authorities are cracking down on illicit money exchanges within the city’s casinos by proposing a legislative amendment to criminalize such activities. Illegal currency exchanges have been linked to fraud, money laundering, and even violent crimes like kidnapping and murder. The move comes after a recent incident where a man involved in the trade was found dead in a Cotai hotel room. The proposed amendment aims to curb these illegal practices and strengthen security measures within the casinos.
Despite efforts to boost the economy, officials in Bali have rejected a casino plan that could potentially revitalize the Buleleng Regency area. The proposal, spearheaded by Agung Bagus Pratiksa Linggih, aimed to fund infrastructure improvements through a resort development. However, Indonesia’s Minister of Tourism and Creative Economies, Sandiaga Uno, dismissed the idea of building a casino in Bali. This decision reflects the government’s stance on casino developments in the region.
On a positive note, Sri Lanka is moving forward with plans to develop a casino in Colombo, with Golden Island Hospitality Ltd. and Majestic Group Hotels and Casinos securing a gaming license. The Majestic Pride Casino will be located at the iconic Lotus Tower, creating job opportunities and boosting tourism in the area. Additionally, the Philippine gaming industry reported significant revenue growth in the second quarter of 2024, with electronic gaming seeing a substantial increase year-on-year.
In Macau, Melco Resorts CEO Lawrence Ho remains optimistic despite softer gaming revenues in the city this summer. Ho attributed the revenue decline to external factors such as the Euro Cup and Chinese school holidays, which impacted travel patterns. Despite these challenges, Ho remains confident in the resilience of the Macau casino industry and its ability to bounce back from seasonal fluctuations.
