Weekend Conversation Corner – July, 04
Welcome to the newest installment of our Focus Gaming News Weekend Conversation Corner, where we delve into the top headlines of the week that have captured global interest. In our effort to streamline the chaos of current events, we will discuss the key stories that have influenced conversations, policies, and narratives. Join us as we cut through the clutter and provide a concise summary of the most important developments of the week, keeping you informed on what truly counts in our ever-changing world.
Stay informed, stay motivated, and keep gaming on. Have a fantastic weekend ahead!
Decision on Thailand’s casino bill set for Monday
The Thai government is considering whether to withdraw or postpone the Entertainment Complex Bill, which aims to legalize casinos in Thailand. Amid criticism from various groups, the decision will be made on Monday. The bill’s timing is being reevaluated due to a recent cabinet reshuffle, with discussions ongoing between ministers. The focus has shifted to an amnesty bill, complicated by the suspension of the Prime Minister. Transparency concerns have been raised by the Senate committee overseeing the bill, with key issues needing clarification. Civil society groups have protested against the bill, citing concerns about limiting casino access to wealthy individuals. The situation remains tense as the government weighs its options regarding the controversial legislation.
Special report: How will the closure of satellite casinos change the gaming landscape in Macau?
Harmen Brenninkmeijer, Founder and Executive Chairman of NYCE International Plc, discusses the closure of Macau’s satellite casinos with Focus Gaming News. The Macau government confirmed that 11 satellite casinos will shut down by the end of the year, marking a significant shift in the region’s gaming industry. The closure is part of regulatory changes to enhance oversight and ensure all gambling activities occur in casinos owned by licensed entities. While this move aims to create a more upscale and controlled gambling environment, it may impact Macau’s appeal to local players seeking familiar venues. Brenninkmeijer suggests that operators need to innovate to attract players back to Macau and maintain its competitive edge as an entertainment hub. The Chinese government’s focus on large, structured operations over smaller venues aligns with the closure of satellite casinos to control negative societal impacts and maintain profitability.
Carolyn Lidgerwood, ACMA: “We’ve done a truckload of work to minimise gambling harm in Australia”
The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) is actively enforcing gambling regulations in Australia, focusing on compliance and consumer protection. In an exclusive interview, Carolyn Lidgerwood, an authority member at ACMA, discusses the agency’s recent enforcement actions, including the implementation of BetStop – the National Self-Exclusion Register. The ACMA has also been working on disrupting illegal gambling services and enforcing the new credit card ban. With a commitment to reducing harm, the ACMA has undertaken extensive and innovative work in the gaming industry. Moving forward, the agency aims to continue raising awareness of BetStop and disrupting illegal operators. Additionally, the ACMA is prioritizing ongoing efforts to minimize gambling harm and educate the industry on compliance with regulations.
Macau GGR rises 19% year-over-year in June
In June, Macau’s gross gaming revenue reached MOP21.06bn (US$2.60bn), a 19% increase from the previous year. This marked the second-highest monthly figure of the year, following May’s GGR of MOP21.19bn (US$2.62bn). Despite a 4.4% year-on-year increase in GGR for the first six months of 2025, the total figure remains 20.5% below pre-pandemic levels. Citigroup attributed the rise in June visitation to a concert series by Jacky Cheung, leading to a significant increase in premium mass wagers and average bet size per player. Galaxy Macau and Wynn Palace both saw positive impacts on foot traffic and market share, with some operators offering concert tickets as incentives for top-tier patrons.
Bill to regulate online casino gambling introduced in New Zealand
The Minister of Internal Affairs, Brooke van Velden, has introduced the Online Casino Gambling Bill in New Zealand, focusing on harm minimization, consumer protection, and tax collection. The government plans to regulate online casino gambling by 2026, with up to 15 licenses to be auctioned for operators. Licensed operators must provide business plans and adhere to advertising restrictions, while unlicensed operators face fines of up to NZ$5m. The proposed legislation will proceed to the select committee for further review. Interested operators can register on the Department of Internal Affairs website for an igaming license.
Thai Senate committee calls for withdrawal of casino bill
The Senate committee in Thailand has advised the government to withdraw a bill aiming to legalize casinos in entertainment complexes, citing economic and constitutional concerns. Senator Veerapun Suvannamai highlighted potential breaches of the constitution and lack of transparency in the proposal. The committee also refuted claims that legalizing casinos would reduce illegal gambling, as only a small number of wealthy individuals would have access. They emphasized that casino profits mainly benefit private investors rather than the state. Amid political tensions and coalition shifts, the bill’s presentation in Parliament has been indefinitely postponed. The committee’s recommendation reflects doubts about the bill’s economic impact and legality, urging the government to reconsider its approach.
