Matt Ballesty

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Matt Ballesty is a strategic and results-oriented business expert with 30 years of global experience in leadership and operations management within highly regulated and complex environments. Possesses intimate knowledge on the operations and management of an integrated resort property with the ability to adapt to different jurisdictions. Currently, Matt is the Managing Director of Three Points Consulting, a gaming and hospitality consultancy company providing expert and strategic advice to boards, management, investors and regulators.

LATEST ARTICLES FROM AUTHOR

Elsewhere

The Rise of Robots, CoBots and Automation – A New Normal

Matt Ballesty - June 2, 2023

New Zealand

Matt Ballesty: Looking for travel bubbles

Matt Ballesty - December 18, 2020

LATEST NEWS

Philippines

DOT, Vietnam Airlines sign two-year deal to boost Philippines-Vietnam tourism links

Viviana Chan - June 4, 2026

The Philippine Department of Tourism (DOT) and Vietnam Airlines (VNA) signed a two-year agreement to expand air connectivity and tourism promotion between the two...

Philippines

Middle East crisis, e-wallet curbs could cut Philippine GGR by up to 19% this year: PAGCOR

AGBrief Editorial - June 4, 2026

Philippine GGR could fall by up to 19% this year as Middle East tensions and e-wallet curbs hit online gaming demand.

South Korea

South Korea’s GKL May casino sales jump 40.8% to $28M

Viviana Chan - June 4, 2026

South Korea’s GKL reported $28 million in May casino sales, up 40.8 percent from a year earlier.

India

India’s Supreme Court declares every mobile phone a “Virtual Gambling House” in landmark online gaming ruling

Frank Schuengel - June 4, 2026

India's Supreme Court has issued one of its most consequential rulings on online gaming, upholding state-level bans on real-money wagering and warning that technological change has turned the mobile phone into a "virtual common gambling house" with significant implications for public health.

India

Indian police arrest 11 in multi-state Dafabet betting network probe

Frank Schuengel - June 4, 2026

Indian police have arrested 11 people allegedly involved in facilitating illegal access to the Dafabet online betting platform, in an operation that exposed the layered financial infrastructure used to move funds through restricted gambling markets.

Macau

Galaxy Macau, Trip.com sign 3-year deal to boost live events tourism

Viviana Chan - June 4, 2026

Galaxy Macau and Trip.com Group have signed a 3-year partnership to expand live events, sports and travel experiences in Macau.

UAE

Malaysia’s RGB International secures UAE gaming vendor license

Viviana Chan - June 3, 2026

Malaysia’s RGB International has secured UAE approval to supply gaming machines, positioning it for opportunities ahead of Wynn’s 2027 casino opening.

Australia

Kjerulf Ainsworth raises stake in Ainsworth Game Technology to 9.55%

AGBrief Editorial - June 3, 2026

Kjerulf Ainsworth lifted his stake in Ainsworth Game Technology to 9.55% after further share purchases and offer acceptances.

Macau

Former Macau finance chief joins airport board, with successor still unnamed

Viviana Chan - June 3, 2026

Former Macau finance chief Tai Kin Ip has joined the airport company board, while his former cabinet post remains vacant.

Macau

Macau opens public tender for 700 new taxis under eight-year licenses

Viviana Chan - June 3, 2026

Macau has opened a tender for 14 eight-year taxi licenses covering up to 700 vehicles, as part of a broader fleet expansion plan.

United States

Debt funding emerges as key uncertainty in People Inc.’s MGM Resorts takeover bid: CreditSights

Viviana Chan - June 3, 2026

People Inc.’s MGM Resorts takeover bid is seen as having limited immediate impact on MGM China, but debt funding remains the key uncertainty

Hong Kong

Hong Kong youth targeted by illegal gambling syndicates ahead of World Cup

Frank Schuengel - June 3, 2026

Illegal offshore gambling operators are increasingly using social media platforms to target young people in Hong Kong, with lawmakers and support groups warning that deceptive online advertising campaigns are pushing vulnerable users into severe gambling debt.

Philippines

International Entertainment completes second $102M DigiPlus notes issue

Viviana Chan - June 2, 2026

International Entertainment issued a second $102M convertible notes tranche to DigiPlus, advancing a deal that could give DigiPlus control.

South Korea

South Korea’s Paradise Co. casino sales rise 21.2% in May to $65.2M

Viviana Chan - June 2, 2026

Paradise Co’s May casino sales rose 21.2 percent year-on-year to $65.2 million, supported mainly by higher table game revenue.

Australia

VGCCC says influencer gambling posts may breach state advertising laws

AGBrief Editorial - June 2, 2026

Victorian regulator warns influencers that poker machine posts may breach gambling advertising laws, with legal action possible if offences are substantiated.

Philippines

PAGCOR expands responsible gaming focus amid softer market conditions

AGBrief Editorial - June 2, 2026

The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) has promoted its newly launched National Problem Gambling Helpline as part of a broader push for responsible gaming, as the country’s gaming market showed signs of slowing in the first quarter of 2026.

Macau

CLSA sees Macau GGR growth moderating after solid May finish

Viviana Chan - June 2, 2026

CLSA says Macau posted a solid May GGR finish, but June revenue is expected to slip slightly as growth moderates.

India

India’s Delta Corp reads a ‘favorable outcome’ into Supreme Court GST ruling

Viviana Chan - June 2, 2026

Delta Corp says Supreme Court’s GST ruling could favor its casino tax position, but market doubts remain as full order is awaited.

Malaysia

Malaysia tightens social media controls to combat online gambling and scams

Frank Schuengel - June 2, 2026

Malaysia has introduced mandatory identity verification requirements for social media advertisers as part of wider efforts to combat illegal online gambling, financial scams and the misuse of public figures in fraudulent promotions.

Macau