DigiPlus Interactive Corp has strengthened its strategic investment in International Entertainment Corp (IEC) through the issuance of a second and final tranche of subscription notes worth HK$800 million (US$102.5 million). The latest funding follows an earlier tranche of the same size issued in March, bringing the total potential investment to HK$1.6 billion (US$205 million). If fully converted into equity, the transaction would give DigiPlus a controlling stake in IEC and indirect control of Manila’s LaVie Resort & Casino.

IGT has expanded its mobile gaming footprint through the deployment of its integrated Vi mobile gaming platform at Prairie Band Casino & Resort in Kansas. The solution enables guests to access Class II real-money casino games across multiple resort locations, extending gameplay beyond the traditional casino floor. By combining mobile gaming, digital payments, loyalty rewards, and compliance technology into a single ecosystem, the platform represents a significant evolution in tribal gaming operations.

Media and entertainment veteran Barry Diller has launched an ambitious takeover proposal valued at approximately $18 billion to acquire MGM Resorts and remove the casino giant from public markets. The offer, made through Diller-controlled People Inc., triggered a sharp rally in MGM Resorts shares as investors reacted to the prospect of a premium buyout. The proposed transaction highlights growing interest in undervalued leisure and hospitality assets amid evolving market conditions.

Rhode Island's gaming industry delivered a strong performance in April, generating $55 million in total casino revenue despite growing competition from an expanding tribal gaming facility across the Massachusetts border. Revenue increased 5.5 percent year-over-year, driven by robust gains in both slot machines and table games. Slot revenue remained the dominant contributor, while table games recorded double-digit growth, highlighting healthy customer engagement across gaming segments.

Warren Buffett has once again raised concerns about the growing speculative behavior dominating modern financial markets, arguing that investing is increasingly being overshadowed by a gambling mentality. The Berkshire Hathaway chairman observed that rapid trading, short-term speculation and the pursuit of quick profits have become more prevalent than disciplined, long-term investing. While acknowledging that markets have always contained elements of speculation, Buffett suggested the current environment reflects an unprecedented appetite for risk-taking.

Indiana's digital gaming industry continues to evolve despite the state's prohibition on real-money online casino gambling. While residents can legally wager on sports through regulated online platforms, lawmakers have not extended legalization to internet-based casino games such as slots, blackjack, roulette and poker. In response, sweepstakes and social casino operators have emerged as a rapidly growing alternative, offering casino-style entertainment through virtual currencies rather than direct cash wagers.

New York's commercial casino industry recorded steady growth in April, with total gross gaming revenue (GGR) rising approximately 4% year-over-year, highlighting the resilience of the state's land-based gaming market despite ongoing economic uncertainties.

According to figures released by state regulators, the state's commercial casinos generated higher revenue from a combination of slot machines, table games, and sports betting operations. The performance reflects continued customer demand and stable visitation levels across New York's major gaming destinations.

The Supreme Court has ruled that casinos cannot calculate their Goods and Services Tax (GST) liability using the Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR) model, delivering a significant judgment that clarifies how gambling and gaming activities are taxed under India's GST framework.

A bench comprising Justice J.B. Pardiwala and Justice R. Mahadevan held that GST is payable at the moment a player places a stake and is allowed to participate in a gambling activity, rather than being determined by the casino's eventual profit or loss from the game.

Casinos Favored GGR-Based Taxation

The United States remains the world's largest regulated casino market, with commercial and tribal casinos generating tens of billions of dollars in annual gaming revenue. Growth has been driven by strong consumer spending, the expansion of sports betting, and the rapid adoption of online gaming in several states. Major operators such as MGM Resorts, Caesars Entertainment, Wynn Resorts, Boyd Gaming, and Penn Entertainment continue to invest heavily in both physical resorts and digital gaming platforms.

New Zealand's casino industry continues to benefit from recovering tourism, steady domestic demand, and investments in technology-driven gaming experiences. The country's regulated casino market is dominated by a handful of licensed operators, with SkyCity Entertainment Group remaining the largest player. While traditional gaming activities continue to generate significant revenue, casinos are increasingly focusing on hospitality, entertainment, and digital innovation to attract customers.