Month: December 2025

Việt Nam

Myanmar demolishes more illegal gambling buildings in Shwe Kokko and KK Park

Posted on by Admin VietNamGaming

01-10-2020 |  

The Myanmar government has intensified its crackdown on illegal online gambling and scam operations in the Shwe Kokko and KK Park areas, demolishing additional unauthorised buildings and bringing the total number of structures destroyed in KK Park to 519 out of 635, according to the state-owned Global New Light of Myanmar.

Authorities have been carrying out systematic operations to enter and clear illegal buildings in the two areas, which have been identified as major hubs for online scams and gambling. The latest action took place yesterday in Section 3 of the Myawaddy–Maethawtalay area, also known as KK Park, where four illegal buildings were demolished. These included one four-storey structure and three two-storey buildings used for online scam and gambling activities.

With the latest demolitions, the number of illegal buildings systematically destroyed in KK Park has risen to 519, out of a total of 635 identified structures. The operations have been conducted by joint teams comprising security personnel, administrative authorities and local officials.

Demolition work using heavy machinery has been completed in KK Park, while fire cylinders have been used since December 14th to ensure complete destruction. Five additional two-storey buildings were destroyed using this method on Monday, bringing the total number of fully demolished buildings to 71.

Materials used for online scams and gambling in both the KK Park and Shwe Kokko areas were also systematically burned to prevent further misuse. The government reiterated that combating online scams and illegal gambling is a national responsibility and said the operations would continue in coordination with domestic forces and neighbouring countries to prevent such activities from re-establishing themselves in Myanmar.

Source: AGBrief

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Việt Nam

Portugal extends casino concessions as bidding process continues

Posted on by Admin VietNamGaming

01-10-2020 |  

The Portuguese government has extended the operating concessions for casinos in three key regions by three months, as the process to award new long-term licenses remains underway.

The decision grants a temporary reprieve to current operators, including a subsidiary of Pansy Ho’s Estoril Sol, which is expected to bid to retain its Póvoa de Varzim license.

The extensions apply to the gaming zones of the Algarve, Espinho, and Póvoa de Varzim. In a statement, the government cited the need “to comply with all required formalities” in the complex tender process, which missed the original December 31st, 2025, deadline for awarding new contracts.

The incumbent holders, Solverde and Estoril Sol, will continue operations under the prolonged terms.

The current extensions follow a series of delays in a lucrative and closely watched licensing round. The government launched public tenders last year for five casino licenses across the three zones: three in the Algarve and one each in Espinho and Póvoa de Varzim. The new concessions are set for a 15-year term.

The existing contracts, originally expiring in 2023, had already been extended to the end of 2025 to compensate operators for pandemic-era closures. The latest three-month prolongation ensures continuity while the final stages of the tender are completed.

Estoril Sol, chaired by Macau gaming magnate Pansy Ho, currently operates the casino in Póvoa de Varzim, a city in northern Portugal’s Greater Porto region.

The preliminary qualification phase concluded on December 29th, identifying a competitive field of bidders. Besides the incumbents, qualified contenders include the Spanish groups Cirsa (backed by US fund Blackstone) and Comar, the French Lucien Barrière group, and the Canadian group Mercan.

While the final proposal deadline has passed for Póvoa de Varzim and Espinho, the submission window for the Algarve licenses remains open until January 4th, 2026.

A government-appointed jury will now analyze all final proposals before issuing a recommendation, moving the process toward a conclusive award later this year.

Source: AGBrief

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Việt Nam

Vietnam proposes full ID disclosure for football bettors, keeps daily betting cap at $380

Posted on by Admin VietNamGaming

01-10-2020 |  

The measures are set out in a draft decree being prepared by the Ministry of Finance to replace Decree 06, issued in 2017, which regulates betting on horse racing, dog racing, and international football. The finance ministry recently published a summary of feedback and official responses from public and inter-agency consultations on the draft.

According to the consultation document, the Ministry of Justice recommended adding detailed requirements on the personal information bettors must provide when opening betting accounts. The proposed disclosures include full name, nationality, occupation, phone number, address, and place of residence. The justice ministry said the requirement is necessary to ensure consistency with the 2022 Law on Anti-Money Laundering.

In response, the finance ministry said it has accepted the recommendation and revised the draft decree to include comprehensive identity verification requirements, making full identification a core condition for participation in regulated betting activities.

Finance ministry rejects proposal to raise betting limits

On betting limits, however, the finance ministry rejected a proposal from the Ministry of Science and Technology to substantially raise the maximum daily betting cap.

The proposal suggested allowing bets of up to VND100 million ($3,800) per person per day, or VND10 million ($380) per day for each betting product, rather than applying a single daily aggregate cap. The ministry argued that a higher ceiling would help licensed operators attract high-spending customers and compete more effectively with illegal betting markets, with risks managed through measures such as bettor identification, cash-flow monitoring, and risk warnings.

The finance ministry disagreed, stressing that betting activities are intended to meet demand for regulated, recreational gambling rather than encourage high-stakes wagering. Citing Vietnam’s current average income of about $5,000 per capita per year, the draft decree maintains a maximum betting limit of $380 per person per day at a single licensed operator.

The ministry said the cap reflects income realities and is designed to prevent excessive betting that could affect public order and social security. The draft was therefore submitted to the government with the limit unchanged.

It is also worth noting that in September, the Ministry of Finance proposed raising the daily limit for legal international football betting to VND10 million ($380), a tenfold increase from the current ceiling of VND1 million ($38), citing Vietnam’s rising per capita income.

Eligible football competitions expanded under revised draft

The consultation process also addressed the scope of football competitions eligible for legal betting. Several ministries called for clearer criteria to expand the list of international football matches and tournaments permitted under the regime. The finance ministry noted that existing rules limit eligibility to tournaments announced by FIFA, resulting in only about four to eight tournaments per year, each lasting between 10 and 30 days, reducing the sector’s attractiveness to investors.

In response to comments from the Ministry of Public Security, the revised draft broadens eligibility to include major, reputable, and highly professional tournaments widely followed by Vietnamese fans. These include competitions organized by UEFA, AFC, CONMEBOL, and CONCACAF. National leagues and cup competitions from countries ranked in FIFA’s Top 10 as of the previous December would also be included.

For international football betting, the draft allows a pilot program with a maximum of three licensed companies. The finance ministry said that because football betting is a sensitive business with nationwide public order implications and money-laundering risks, the authority to select pilot operators rests with the prime minister under the Law on Investment.

Source: AGBrief

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Việt Nam

Cebu City bans physical and online advertisements promoting gambling

Posted on by Admin VietNamGaming

01-10-2020 |  

Cebu City has banned all billboards, digital and online ads promoting gambling.

According to The Manila Times, the Cebu City Council approved the citywide ban, passing the measure during a City Council session on Wednesday.

The measure covers physical billboards, posters, LED screen displays, online and digital ads, sponsored events and other promotional activities by gambling operators.

The resolution indicates that the ban is based on evidence that gambling advertisements ‘significantly contribute to gambling addiction, financial hardship, and other social issues’.

City officials claim the presence of gambling adverts normalizes such behavior, leading to a surge in online gambling due to digital media, social networks and sponsored community events.

The ban’s enforcement will be coordinated between the police, Legal Office, Business Process and Licensing Office and other departments.

It comes after a July 2025 resolution directing government offices to block access to online gambling sites and VPN applications on public networks.

Cebu City is the latest region to ban gambling advertisements, amongst a nationwide effort to safeguard citizens from possible gambling addiction or gambling-related harm.

Earlier this month, Pasig City imposed a similar ban, citing rising cases of gambling addiction and financial distress.

Source: AGBrief

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Việt Nam

PAGCOR maintains target for late-2026 to 2027 Casino Filipino privatization

Posted on by Admin VietNamGaming

01-10-2020 |  

The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) is targeting the privatization of its Casino Filipino operations by late 2026 or early 2027, as part of a broader plan to transition into a purely regulatory body.

Cited by Philstar, PAGCOR chairman Alejandro H. Tengco said the planned sale of Casino Filipino branches could generate between PHP30 billion and PHP50 billion ($530 million to $880 million), broadly in line with earlier estimates.

Speaking over the weekend, Tengco said the state-owned gaming regulator and operator is awaiting the completion of a comprehensive review by the Governance Commission for Government Owned and Controlled Corporations (GCG). He added that PAGCOR is seeking the GCG’s approval, or ‘green light,’ for its proposed “decoupling” process as early as next year.

The remarks are consistent with statements Tengco made in September, as PAGCOR continues to wait for the GCG’s nod.

Under the decoupling plan, PAGCOR would exit casino operations entirely and assume a solely regulatory role, focusing on issuing licenses and collecting regulatory and license fees from private operators. Tengco said that once the GCG review is completed and approval is granted, the proposal will be forwarded to the Office of the President. The final step may involve the issuance of an executive order or amendments to existing directives to formalize the transition.

Opening speech by Alejandro H. Tengco, Chairman of PAGCOR at ASEAN Gaming Summit 2024

Tengco noted that the timeline for completing the shift will depend on the pace of regulatory approvals, but said the transition could be finalized by late 2026 or early 2027. He reiterated that the sale of Casino Filipino branches is expected to provide a significant one-off boost as PAGCOR exits direct gaming operations.

However, Tengco acknowledged that privatization will fundamentally alter PAGCOR’s revenue structure. Once the agency stops operating casinos, income from gaming operations will cease and be replaced primarily by license and regulatory fees collected from private casino operators. He noted that current legislation allocates around 70 percent of PAGCOR’s income to nation-building contributions, a structure that will change following privatization as revenues shift toward regulatory collections.

According to the latest financial results, PAGCOR’s self-operated casinos under the Casino Filipino brand recorded PHP3.22 billion ($57 million) in revenue in the third quarter of 2025, down 11.6 percent year-on-year.

Casino Filipino properties accounted for about 3.4 percent of total Philippine gross gaming revenue during the period.

At the same time, Tengco stressed that PAGCOR’s operating expenses are expected to decline sharply after decoupling. The regulator will no longer need to maintain casino personnel or lease and operate gaming facilities, which he said would help offset the anticipated drop in gross income.

As reported earlier by AGB, PAGCOR is also prioritizing the modernization of its Casino Filipino venues while processing the privatization plan. This includes upgrades to gaming facilities and the acquisition of new equipment to improve asset value and operational standards ahead of a potential sale.

Source: AGBrief

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Việt Nam

Vietnam seeks to simplify financial-capacity rules as it updates 2017 local-access casino decree

Posted on by Admin VietNamGaming

01-10-2020 |  

The move comes just weeks after the government approved permanent locals gaming at Phu Quoc’s Corona Resort & Casino and authorised The Grand Ho Tram to admit Vietnamese citizens under a new five-year pilot scheme.

The draft decree outlines revised rules for permitting Vietnamese citizens aged 21 and older to enter and play at casinos, while streamlining administrative processes. Existing eligibility requirements would remain: players must have full civil act capacity, demonstrate financial capability, purchase an entry ticket, and not appear on a family-requested or self-exclusion list. They would also be required to use Vietnamese Dong (VND) for chip purchases, with refunds available for unused chips.

According to the ministry, these conditions have proven effective in regulating local participation without major enforcement issues. However, the financial-proof requirement has become a practical challenge, often obliging players to submit multiple documents and creating administrative burdens for both customers and operators.

In its evaluation of the current decree, the ministry said Vietnam’s casino regulatory system remains comprehensive: covering licensing, importation of gaming equipment, public security oversight, and foreign exchange controls. Even so, officials argue that several provisions need updating or expansion to reflect new policy directions and improve regulatory efficiency.

The ministry noted that the proposed decree is intended to address practical needs and enhance policy coherence as the market continues to develop.

The report also stated that Vietnam currently has nine operational casinos—six small-scale properties and three large integrated resorts—with two additional projects under construction. Major venues are located in Ho Tram, Hoi An, and Phu Quoc.

From 2017 to 2022, the casino sector generated VND22.89 trillion ($950 million) in revenue and contributed VND11.81 trillion ($490 million) to the state budget. The industry recorded a downturn between 2019 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Phu Quoc’s casino operated a pilot locals-gaming program from 2019 to 2024. During this period, Vietnamese players accounted for 52 percent of total visitation but generated 88 percent of revenue, with most customers being men aged 30 to 49.

The new five-year pilot scheme also covers the future $2 billion Van Don Integrated Casino & Tourism Complex, planned for development in a special economic zone (SEZ) in Quang Ninh Province on Vietnam’s northeastern coast. According to the developer’s latest update, the resort is slated to be fully operational by 2032.

Source: AGBrief

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Việt Nam

Vietnam’s Sun Group aims to make Phu Quoc Island the next Phuket or Bali

Posted on by Admin VietNamGaming

01-10-2020 |  

Vietnamese conglomerate Sun Group is intensifying its push to elevate Phu Quoc Island into a leading regional resort destination by coupling aviation expansion with integrated hospitality and entertainment assets.

A new analysis from CAPA – Center for Aviation, a global aviation intelligence provider, highlights the group’s strategy to position the island alongside Phuket, Bali, and Jeju within Asia’s competitive tourism landscape.

Phu Quoc Island has seen steadily rising visitor numbers, supported by Vietnam’s gradual airport privatization, infrastructure upgrades, and shifting regional tourism dynamics influenced by reduced travel to Thailand.

Sun Group, which operates Phu Quoc International Airport and several other aviation assets, is preparing to launch a new airline, initially targeting high-volume domestic routes before expanding internationally. According to CAPA, the carrier is expected to scale from eight aircraft by the end of 2025 to as many as 100 by 2030, including long-haul models.

Although the island has established links with several international markets, connectivity gaps remain. Sun Group is banking on its vertically and horizontally integrated model — spanning airports, airlines, hotels, attractions, and premium travel services — to improve access and capture higher-value visitor segments. CAPA describes the strategy as an emerging ecosystem in which the group controls the supply chain across air travel, accommodation, and tourism operations.

Phu Quoc Island’s appeal is also set to rise following a major policy shift in Vietnam’s gaming sector. Under Resolution No. 307/2025, issued on November 26th, the government granted permanent local entry at Corona Resort & Casino — the country’s first casino in Phu Quoc permitted to admit Vietnamese nationals on a non-pilot basis.

According to CAPA, the combined effect of expanded air connectivity and broadened access to casino gaming could accelerate Phu Quoc Island’s transformation into a top-tier tourism hub, mirroring integrated aviation-tourism models that have succeeded in Europe and the Americas.

Massive increase in hotel rooms

Speaking to AGB previously, gaming expert Ben Lee – Managing Partner of IGamiX Management and Consulting – noted that the Sun Group also was given a five-year locals-gaming allowance for the multi-billion-dollar property it is building in Van Don. The property is aiming for a 2032 launch.

But the group’s Phu Quoc aspirations are already being cemented, literally, with a “massive project” on the main island and another on the “neighboring island”. Lee indicated that the hotel complex on Phu Quoc itself could total up to 20,000 keys, possibly opening as early as 2027. Meanwhile, the development on the neighboring island could also bring up to another 20,000 room keys into play. “They are building close to Macau’s entire room inventory,” noted Lee.

The expert highlights how the group has leveraged itself to become the top real estate developer in the country in recent years, by creating infrastructure, reclaiming land, building theme parks, airports, creating its own airline (as well as a VIP charter airline) and focusing on the wider picture – which then can also leverage its potential reapplication for a locals gaming license or an expansion from its Van Don property.

Source: AGBrief

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Việt Nam

Ho Tram approval set to reshape Vietnam’s gaming landscape and redirect regional player flows: Expert

Posted on by Admin VietNamGaming

01-10-2020 |  

Vietnam’s decision to allow local players at The Grand Ho Tram—the country’s largest integrated resort in the south—marks a watershed moment for the nation’s gaming market, with an industry expert saying the move will unlock a major domestic segment and shift regional player flows that have historically favored casinos across the Cambodian border.

Tim Nguyen, Director of Fortuna Investments

Speaking to AGB, Tim Nguyen, Director of Fortuna Investments and a 20-year industry veteran, described the approval as a structural turning point that will reshape investment sentiment and accelerate Vietnam’s emergence as a regulated integrated-resort destination.

The authorization forms part of Resolution No. 307/2025/NQ-CP, issued on November 26th, which grants permanent local entry at Corona Resort & Casino and establishes five-year pilot programs at Ho Tram and Van Don. The policy shift represents Vietnam’s most significant expansion of domestic casino access since the launch of the first pilot program in 2017.

Ho Chi Minh City

Nguyen told AGB that allowing Ho Tram to welcome Vietnamese nationals is “one of the most significant milestones in Vietnam’s gaming landscape since the original pilot program was launched in 2017.” He added that the resort’s proximity to Ho Chi Minh City positions it to reshape both domestic and cross-border activity. “Ho Tram’s proximity to Vietnam’s largest metropolitan area will likely unlock a strong domestic market segment that was previously traveling to Cambodia.”

“This approval is a game-changer. Ho Tram becoming the second casino in Vietnam allowed to serve local players will transform the country’s gaming landscape, boost tourism, and redirect a substantial portion of Vietnamese players who previously traveled to Cambodia. For the industry, it represents a clear sign that Vietnam is finally unlocking its true IR potential.”

He added that the shift will also prompt renewed interest from international operators and investors evaluating Vietnam’s long-term growth prospects.

Local-entry conditions remain governed by Decree 03/2017, which sets out eligibility requirements for Vietnamese citizens. Players must be at least 21 years old, demonstrate a stable monthly income of at least VND10 million ($400), and face no written objection from immediate family members. They must also purchase either a VND1 million daily pass ($40) or a VND25 million monthly pass ($1,000). Authorities have stressed that monitoring systems and compliance requirements will remain strict for all operators participating in the pilot programs.

Nguyen said the approval signals Vietnam’s growing confidence in managing a regulated casino sector that includes local participation. He noted that Ho Tram’s pilot is “not only a commercial breakthrough but also a strong policy indicator that Vietnam is ready to evaluate broader integrated-resort development similar to Singapore or the Philippines.”

If the program delivers positive results—both in tax revenue and responsible-gaming compliance—he believes it could pave the way for local-entry approvals in tourism hubs such as Da Nang, Hanoi, and Van Don.

The Van Don integrated resort project—which is still going to be built—is valued at VND51.5 trillion ($2.16 billion) and operates under a 70-year concession. Designed to anchor northern Vietnam’s tourism sector, its inclusion in the pilot scheme is expected to strengthen investor sentiment and support the project’s long-term commercial viability once construction moves forward.Ho Tram, which opened in 2013 following a $500 million investment, remains Vietnam’s most established integrated resort.

The property is currently undergoing a $1 billion expansion that will increase its hotel capacity to more than 9,000 rooms and add new entertainment and gaming amenities. With local entry now permitted, industry analysts expect Ho Tram to solidify its role as the southern anchor of Vietnam’s gaming industry.

Source: AGBrief

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Việt Nam

Jeju Dream Tower casino sales surge 97% in November, GKL marks 12.9% rise

Posted on by Admin VietNamGaming

01-10-2020 |  

South Korea’s gaming sector maintained positive momentum in November, supported by Jeju Dream Tower’s strong performance and a steady uptick at foreigner-only operator Grand Korea Leisure (GKL).

Jeju Dream Tower, operated by Lotte Tour Development, recorded a 97 percent year-on-year surge in casino sales, while GKL reported a 12.9 percent increase, reflecting strengthening table-game demand across both operators.

Jeju Dream Tower recorded KRW51.36 billion ($38.5 million) in casino sales for the month, nearly doubling the KRW26.08 billion ($19.5 million) posted a year earlier. Month-on-month, revenue rose 1.9 percent, supported almost entirely by table-game performance. Table-game sales reached KRW49.89 billion ($37.4 million), up 3.2 percent from October and 100.7 percent year on year. Machine-game revenue declined 28.8 percent month-on-month to KRW1.47 billion ($1.1 million), though it remained 19.6 percent higher than in the prior year.

Hotel operations at the integrated resort weakened, with November sales falling 12.7 percent year on year to KRW6.46 billion ($4.8 million). No monthly comparison was provided.

For January to November, Jeju Dream Tower’s casino revenue climbed 60.7 percent year on year to KRW435.68 billion ($326.9 million). Table games contributed KRW416.72 billion ($312.5 million), up 63.9 percent, while machine-game revenue increased 13.3 percent to KRW18.96 billion ($14.2 million). Hotel revenue for the same period totaled KRW73 billion ($54.7 million), down 7.7 percent year on year.

The company also highlighted operational considerations affecting investor sentiment, including revenue-sharing commitments with agents and marketing partners. Total drop volume for November reached KRW235.78 billion ($177 million), down 8.2 percent month-on-month but up 74.4 percent year-on-year. Jeju Dream Tower maintained a 62.5 percent hold rate, while year-to-date drop rose 63.8 percent to KRW2.27 trillion ($1.7 billion).

Across the broader market, fellow foreigner-only operator GKL also reported a strong November. Casino sales reached KRW36.98 billion ($28.45 million), up 12.9 percent year on year, driven by a 13.7 percent rise in table-game revenue.

Month-on-month growth was particularly strong, with total casino sales increasing 46.2 percent from October’s KRW28.56 billion ($21.97 million). Table-game revenue surged 52.6 percent month-on-month to KRW38.38 billion ($29.52 million), while machine-game revenue dipped 1.1 percent month-on-month to KRW3.37 billion ($2.59 million).

For the year to date through November, GKL posted KRW354.91 billion ($272.24 million) in cumulative casino revenue, up 9.6 percent year on year. Table-game revenue rose 9.2 percent to KRW323.09 billion ($248.53 million), while machine-game revenue grew 13.8 percent to KRW31.82 billion ($24.47 million).

GKL operates three foreigner-only casinos under the Seven Luck brand in Seoul and Busan, and its monthly performance remains a key indicator of foreign-visitor gaming demand in South Korea.

Source: AGBrief

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