On 17 November 2025, Sands China officially unveiled its “Sands Responsible Gaming Academy” as part of its broader Sands China Academy talent-development platform. The launch ceremony included the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with University of Macau to strengthen cooperation in research, training and localised practices in responsible gaming. The new academy becomes one of eight specialised colleges under the Sands China Academy, indicating the company’s renewed commitment to embedding responsible gaming education across its workforce and community.
In mid-November 2025, Macau’s casino sector saw a modest pull-back in the growth pace of its gross gaming revenue (GGR). According to a note from Citigroup, industry-source data suggest that for the first 16 days of November, the GGR was approximately MOP 11.1 billion (≈ US$1.39 billion) — translating into a daily run-rate of around MOP 671 million (≈ US$83.7 million). This represents a moderate slowdown compared with earlier in the month.
Vietnam’s anti-gambling crackdown marked a high-profile milestone this week when the Hanoi People's Court handed down sentences to two former provincial officials for their roles in a sprawling illegal gambling ring. The case reportedly involved more than US$106 million in bets placed under false foreign names at a luxury hotel-casino in Hanoi. Among those convicted was Ho Dai Dung, the ex-Vice Chairman of the Phu Tho Provincial People’s Committee, who was sentenced to 3 years 6 months in prison.
Japanese pachinko-hall operator Okura Holdings has announced a significant equity fund-raising initiative, positioning it to modernise its operations amid a challenging environment for the industry. On 7 November 2025 the company entered into a placing agreement under which it would issue up to 120 million new ordinary shares at a placing price of HK$0.18 each, with the gross proceeds expected to reach HK$21.6 million (net proceeds approx. HK$19.0 million).
The economy of Thailand slipped into contraction in the third quarter of 2025, marking a troubling turn for a country that has been attempting to rebound post-pandemic and from global trade headwinds. A poll of economists conducted by Reuters found that GDP likely grew just 1.6 % year-on-year in Q3, down sharply from 2.8 % in Q2; on a quarter-on-quarter basis the figure likely contracted by around 0.3 %. The country thus appears to be heading into the year’s second half in fragile shape, despite pockets of strength.
Author: Janice Chew • Monday, 17/11/2025
