Weekend Conversation Corner – February, 20

Welcome to the most recent installment of our Focus Gaming News Weekend Conversation Corner, a brief overview of the week’s top headlines that have captured global interest. As we summarize the flurry of events into a focused summary, we will discuss the key stories that have influenced discussions, policies, and narratives. Join us as we cut through the clutter and provide a condensed look at the week’s significant developments, keeping you informed about what truly matters in today’s ever-changing world.

Stay informed, stay inspired, and continue gaming. Have a fantastic weekend ahead!

Macau posts record visitor tally amid Chinese New Year surge

The article reports that Macau saw a record-breaking 227,943 visitor arrivals on the fifth day of the Chinese New Year holiday. This influx of visitors contributed to a total of 779,566 arrivals over the first five days of the Lunar New Year Golden Week. The director of the Macao Government Tourism Office had predicted a daily influx of 158,000 to 175,000 arrivals and between 1.4 and 1.5 million over the entire nine-day holiday period. Border checkpoints recorded a total of 750,114 cross-border movements on that day, with most travellers entering through the Border Gate. This surge in visitors marks a significant increase compared to the previous year’s tally of 1.31 million visitors during the Chinese New Year period.

Australian bookmakers call for national blacklist to combat illegal betting

Responsible Wagering Australia is urging the Australian government to create a national blacklist of illegal offshore betting operators, as unlicensed operators now make up 36% of the country’s wagering market. Current enforcement measures are failing to contain this rapidly expanding shadow market, with unlicensed providers using advanced technologies to evade blocks. The lobby group is proposing legal powers to take down illegal websites, remove promotional content on social media, de-rank illicit sites on search engines, and block transactions to offshore platforms. Industry stakeholders believe targeting the digital and financial infrastructure is crucial to combat illegal gambling.

Philippine senator urges tougher legislative action on illegal online betting

Senator Sherwin Gatchalian is calling for stronger legislative measures to combat the proliferation of unlicensed online betting sites in the Philippines. He highlighted the challenges posed by these illegal platforms, including loss of government revenue, lack of consumer protection, and increased exposure of minors to gambling-related harm. Gatchalian emphasized the need for more effective tools to block, penalize, and dismantle offshore operators targeting Filipino players. The Cybercrime Investigation and Coordination Center reported blocking thousands of online gambling sites, majority of which operate outside the country. However, the jurisdictional limitations make it difficult to fully take down these sites, presenting a significant enforcement challenge. Gatchalian’s efforts aim to address these issues and protect the interests of the Filipino population.

Hokkaido plans study to review integrated resort options

Hokkaido Prefecture plans to allocate nearly JPY10m for research and policy review on developing an integrated resort with a casino. Governor Naomichi Suzuki aims to reassess the prefecture’s stance on IR after only one bid succeeded in the first round. The focus is on defining a “Hokkaido-Style IR Concept” with input from local authorities and organizations. This basic stance on IR will guide decisions on submitting an IR district development plan or adjusting the approach for the next round in 2027.

Malaysia plans bill to combat illegal gambling

The Malaysian deputy prime minister, Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, announced plans for a new law to combat illegal gambling, focusing on online betting. The legislation aims to strengthen measures against illegal gambling, especially its impact on youth. The proposed law will enhance police and authorities’ ability to address illegal wagering and related offenses. The bill is still under consideration, with options to introduce it as a standalone act or integrate it into existing legislation like the Common Gaming Houses Act 1953. Fadillah emphasized ongoing consultations with stakeholders to ensure the law’s effectiveness once presented in parliament.

Welcome to the most recent installment of our Focus Gaming News Weekend Conversation Corner, a brief overview of the week’s top headlines that have captured global interest. As we summarize the flurry of events into a focused summary, we will discuss the key stories that have influenced discussions, policies, and narratives. Join us as we…