Casino

In a rare setback for South Korea’s thriving gaming and tourism sector, Jeju Dream Tower reported a noticeable month-on-month decline in both casino revenue and visitor traffic for October 2025. The integrated resort, operated by Lotte Tour Development, experienced weaker-than-expected performance following several months of steady growth. While the company attributes the slowdown to seasonal fluctuations and a dip in foreign tourist arrivals, analysts suggest broader macroeconomic headwinds and tightening travel patterns may have contributed.

Thailand’s government has reaffirmed its stance against legalising casinos, taking decisive action to restore confidence among Chinese travellers and revitalise inbound tourism. During a bilateral meeting in late October, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul told Chinese President Xi Jinping that the country has no policy to permit casino-driven growth, a move Beijing reportedly welcomed. The durable pledge follows a steep decline in Chinese arrivals and a political backlash against earlier casino-legislation efforts.

South Korea’s state-run casino operator, Grand Korea Leisure Co. (GKL), reported a 6.5% decline in casino revenue for October 2025, reflecting softer table-game performance and reduced player activity. The company’s total gaming revenue stood at KRW 39.75 billion (approximately US$28 million or Rs. 234 crore), underscoring a temporary slowdown after several months of steady recovery. Despite the year-on-year contraction, GKL remains optimistic about long-term growth, citing stable machine-game performance and a rebound in inbound tourism.

South Korea’s leading foreigner-only casino operator, Paradise Co., reported a notable surge in performance during October, with casino revenues reaching approximately US$51 million (Rs. 426 crore). The company’s table-game segment drove much of this growth, supported by rising tourist arrivals and improved consumer sentiment. Compared with the previous month, revenue rose over 16%, underscoring a strong recovery in the post-pandemic gaming sector.

Sri Lanka finds itself at a crossroads as it grapples with the dual imperatives of economic revival and regulatory integrity in its gambling industry. While the government eyes luxury casinos and gaming resorts to bolster tourism and foreign-exchange inflows, mounting concerns about unregulated online platforms, money-laundering risks and incomplete oversight have triggered calls for tighter control. A new bill seeks to unify and strengthen gambling regulation—but gaps remain.

The boundary between sports and gambling has blurred dramatically over the past decade, giving rise to a multibillion-rupee betting industry that has reshaped fan engagement, media narratives, and even athletic integrity. What began as a fringe activity has evolved into a mainstream economic force, driven by technology, legalization, and social normalization. Today, betting is not merely an accompaniment to sports—it is an integral part of its ecosystem.

Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has assured Chinese President Xi Jinping that his government will not resort to casino development as a tool for economic stimulation. The statement follows regional speculation over Thailand’s potential legalization of integrated resorts to attract tourism and foreign investment. Anutin emphasized that his administration remains committed to balanced and sustainable growth, underpinned by transparent governance and ethical economic policies.

In a pivotal diplomatic exchange during the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting, Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul reaffirmed that his government will not pursue the legalization of casinos, despite growing speculation about using gaming complexes to boost the economy. The “no casino” stance, reiterated directly to Chinese President Xi Jinping, underscores Thailand’s preference for sustainable growth through innovation, tourism diversification, and human capital development.

Konami Group Corporation has reported a steep 60% decline in operating profit from its casino segment for the first half of 2025, underscoring the mounting pressures faced by the global gaming and entertainment industry. The downturn reflects weaker demand in key markets, higher operating costs, and currency fluctuations that weighed heavily on margins. Despite steady progress in digital gaming and sports entertainment, the company’s land-based casino operations have struggled to regain pre-pandemic momentum.

Gaming and Leisure Properties Inc. (GLPI) has reported robust financial growth, underscoring its position as one of the most resilient and strategically diversified real estate investment trusts (REITs) in the U.S. gaming sector. The company’s expanding portfolio of casino properties, coupled with new partnership agreements and disciplined capital deployment, has driven a steady increase in revenue and shareholder returns.