Weekend Conversation Corner – December, 19

Welcome to the most recent installment of our Focus Gaming News Weekend Conversation Corner, where we provide a brief overview of the week’s top headlines that have captured global interest. We will dissect the flurry of events and highlight the key stories that have impacted discussions, policies, and overall narrative. Join us as we cut through the clutter to deliver a concise summary of the week’s significant developments, ensuring you are informed on what truly counts in today’s ever-changing world.

Stay informed, stay engaged, and keep on gaming. Wishing you a fantastic weekend ahead!

Sun Group breaks ground on US$2bn Van Don Casino Resort project

Sun Group has started construction on a $2 billion casino and resort complex in Quang Ninh province, Vietnam. The project aims to create a modern “resort city” for both international and domestic visitors, featuring a Marriott hotel complex, beachfront villas, shopping areas, and entertainment facilities. The casino will be open to Vietnamese citizens on a trial basis and is set to open in 2028, with full completion expected by 2034. The project, located in the Van Don Economic Zone, will include 214 gaming tables and 2,140 slot machines, creating around 6,000 jobs and contributing significantly to the local economy. Sun Group sees this project as a key driver in developing Van Don into a regional tourism and entertainment hub.

Japan to hold second round of casino licence applications

A draft proposal in Japan sets a six-month window for local authorities to submit bids for integrated resorts. The second round of applications for IR licenses is expected to be held from May 6 to November 5, 2027, with up to two licenses available. Only municipalities will be allowed to apply, with private operators needing to partner with local authorities. Hokkaido and Nagasaki are likely to submit applications, aiming to boost international tourism. Proposals must demonstrate strong governance, financial resilience, and benefits to regional tourism to be considered. MGM’s Osaka project was the only one approved in the first round, leaving room for more developments in the upcoming round.

Macau receives 36.5 million visitors in January-November period

Macau is set to welcome 39 million visitors in 2025, surpassing last year’s total. The director of the Macau Government Tourism Office, Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes, revealed that the city had already received 36.5 million visitors by November. Despite falling short of the 2019 record, overseas visitors are expected to reach 80% of pre-pandemic levels. Senna Fernandes expressed confidence in attracting more international visitors, highlighting cooperation within the Greater Bay Area and China’s visa-free transit policy. The SAR government plans to open tourism and trade offices in Southeast and Northeast Asia to support promotion and business links. Additionally, efforts will be made to diversify source markets, launch new tourism products, and enhance traditional offerings.

UAE’s first regulated online gaming website goes live

Play971 is the first website licensed by the United Arab Emirates’ General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA), offering online casino games like blackjack and roulette, as well as sports betting markets. Operated by Coin Technology Projects LLC, the site requires users to be at least 21 years old and physically located within the UAE. VPNs or masking location methods are prohibited, with breaches resulting in forfeited winnings. Responsible gaming measures are in place, including deposit limits and self-exclusion tools. The GCGRA has issued 19 licenses since its establishment, including one for the UAE Lottery, which awarded over US$40m in prizes in its first year. Wynn Al Marjan Island in Ras Al Khaimah is also licensed to become the UAE’s first integrated gaming resort in 2027.

India’s online gaming ban drives surge in offshore gambling, survey finds

The article discusses how the ban on real-money games in India has led to a 20% increase in the use of offshore gambling platforms. A survey by CUTS International found that after the ban, 82% of former real-money gaming users in Delhi NCR region switched to offshore sites, with some starting to use them only after domestic platforms were shut down. Spending levels have also risen, with more users spending significant amounts on offshore platforms. The daily use and session durations on offshore platforms have also increased significantly post-ban. CUTS highlights concerns about consumer protection and is conducting surveys in other states to see if similar trends are occurring nationwide.

Welcome to the most recent installment of our Focus Gaming News Weekend Conversation Corner, where we provide a brief overview of the week’s top headlines that have captured global interest….