Corona Resort & Casino opens new premium mass segment

Vietnam

Kelsey Wilhelm

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February 9, 2026

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Corona Resort & Casino opens new premium mass segment

Vietnam’s Corona Resort & Casino has opened a new ‘luxury gaming area’ dubbed “Corona Premium Mass” as part of its ‘commitment to developing the premium segment’.

According to a company release, the premium space is designed exclusively for high-stakes gaming and personalized service. This includes private tables, higher betting limits, priority entry, ‘absolute privacy, and elite environment’.

In the new area, maximum bets have been set at VND1 billion ($38,500) for Baccarat – including Tiger, Dragon-Tiger and No Commission games, with a minimum bet of VND10 million ($385).

For Russian Poker, a bet limit of VND100 million ($3,850) has been set, with a minimum bet of VND5 million ($193).

Maximum bets for Blackjack and Roulette are lower, at VND40 million and VND20 million, respectively. The minimum bet for Blackjack in the premium space is VND2 million ($77) while that for Roulette is VND1 million ($39).

The operator boasts that the new area boats a ‘modern table system, internationally certified equipment and professional operational service Upfinnity Gaming Management.

Corona currently boasts a casino floor totaling 18,800 square meters. The casino offers slots, Sic Bo, Niu Niu Poker, Caribbean Stud Poker, Texas Hold’em Poker and Three Card Poker in addition to the above-mentioned game types.

The 3,000-hotel room and villa resort is located in Phu Quoc Island, in northern Vietnam.

Corona Resort & Casino was recently granted permanent access for Vietnamese nationals after its trial locals gaming period ended.

Also granted permission to allow local gaming are The Grand Ho Tram, in Vung Tau Province and Van Don, in Quang Ninh Province, however these are subject to a five-year limit. The Grand Ho Tram has already welcomed the move, while Van Don is still under development.

Daily Asia Gaming eBrief: Management highlights MGM China’s EBITDA growth

News

AGBrief Editorial

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February 9, 2026

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Daily Asia Gaming eBrief: Management highlights MGM China’s EBITDA growth

Good Morning. One for the team. MGM China’s record-high adjusted EBITDA for Q4 and the full year of 2025, coupled with an increase in market share and an enhanced branding agreement, has led to strong praise from MGM Resorts International’s leadership and positions the company for continued growth, including the ongoing construction of MGM Osaka, expected to open in 2030. Seaport Research considered that MGM China increased its market share in Macau to 16.4% in Q4 2025, bolstered by steady mass-market reinvestment and improved margins, with Senior Analyst Vitaly Umansky highlighting robust operational execution despite rising costs.

What you need to know

MGM China “crushed it” in the fourth quarter, says MGM Resorts CFO after the group saw record-high EBITDA.
Analysts see MGM China maintaining high 15% market share range in 2026, backed by revamped marketing strategy and product enhancements.

On the radar

MGM China “very, very optimistic” for CNY: CEO Kenneth Feng.
Macau’s visitor non-gaming spending increased 14.2% in 4Q25.
Cambodia targets nationwide telecom fraud elimination by end-April.
Cambodia denies Philippine fugitive Atong Ang is in the country.

AGB Intelligence

MACAU

MGM Resorts International’s CFO Jonathan Halkyard praised MGM China for its performance, citing a 16.5% market share despite intense competition in Macau, supported by a focus on high service levels and premium customers. The financial success has also validated MGM Resorts’ decision to increase its branding agreement fees from 1.75% to 3.5%, which is projected to generate over $50 million in incremental cash flow.

Industry Updates

Sands China marks 14 years of support for the Macau Holy House of Mercy.
Sportradar rolls out “Custom Bet” feature ahead of Men’s T20 World Cup.
SoftConstruct AI & Affigates spotlight AI-driven innovation at AIBC Eurasia.

INTELLIGENCE | ASEAN | CAREERS | EVENTS

Integrating content from the most innovative and creative “weightless games” provider adds yet more creative muscle to QTech Games’ burgeoning platform which is taking the widest range of online games to emerging territories, with established names sitting alongside the industry’s most exciting up-and-coming providers.

The games made available to its partners are comprised of popular hits and recent releases, including Penalty, Roulette, Hilo, Tusks & Tails and Target, each of which ride on the back ofsolid maths modelling and intuitive, familiar gameplay.

Players in emerging markets often encounter technological barriers to engagement, such as handset quality limitations, restricted access to fast networks, or high data costs. As a result, PEA Gaming’s games are specifically designed for this specific segment, seeking to solve for these challenges without sacrificing delivery of a high-quality product. The deal also broadens PEA Gaming’s international footprint, unlocking untapped jurisdictions from Africa to Latin America for diversified growth.

Philip Doftvik, CEO of QTech Games — Philip Doftvik

Philip Doftvik, QTech Games’ CEO, said: “PEA Gaming is injecting a prized weightless specialism into the sector, particularly in emerging markets where network connectivity can encounter serious challenges. We’re integrating more and more “weightless” games for markets like Africa to overcome those ongoing data/network obstacles without sacrificing the delivery of high-quality product.

PEA Gaming’s keystone is developing easily intelligible and engaging games for all – prioritizing performance wherever you set your scene on the map. These games are indicative of our strategy to bring more agile entertainment options to the QTech Games platform for our partners worldwide.”

Permi Jhooti, CEO of PEA Gaming, highlighted the company’s mission to deliver truly immersive weightless games that work seamlessly on any device or network. She noted that partnering with QTech will significantly expand their distribution across emerging markets, aligning with PEA’s focus on players using basic handsets, slow connections, or costly data plans. By stripping out unnecessary assets, PEA’s games are up to 2,000 times smaller than many “light” titles, removing data barriers while maintaining quality. Jhooti added that the collaboration is a major step in PEA Gaming’s growth strategy, particularly in high‑potential regions like Africa and Latin America, where their ultra‑efficient games are built to thrive.

In an era where technology moves at an unprecedented pace, SoftConstruct AI and Affigates continue to lead by offering an ecosystem where ambition and intelligence meet. At AIBC Eurasia, the focus will be on the philosophy of “The Choice,” guiding operators toward strategic decisions that ensure long-term growth and operational excellence.

At Stand 5S, visitors can explore a comprehensive suite of solutions built for the modern operator. The company is ready to showcase its Sportsbook and Casino Platforms, enhanced with the latest AI-driven refinements to ensure peak scalability and multi-channel performance.

AI portfolio of solutions

The AI Suite remains the heart of the offering, featuring CRM AI for behavioral insights, Umbrella AI for real-time risk management, and the AI Game Recommendation System for tailored content. Additionally, the showcase features Betting Mate, a sophisticated AI companion offering personalized market suggestions, real-time stats, and an interactive chat interface for an elevated player experience.

Affigates, an independent affiliate ecosystem

BetConstruct launches Affigates, an All-in-One Affiliate solution for the iGaming industry

During AIBC Eurasia, attendees can also explore Affigates, an independently operated, first-of-its-kind affiliate ecosystem showcased at the SoftConstruct AI stand. Designed as a complete growth engine for the iGaming sector, it prioritizes transparency through a unique scoring system and a Traffic Trust Layer that evaluates quality before any commitment is made. With a vetted global network of over 7,000 affiliates and 700 partners reaching 115 million players, Affigates offers a scalable, fraud-protected path to sustained performance.

The Choice

Continuing its commitment to partner success, SoftConstruct AI will highlight the “The Choice to Grow” program. This exclusive 12-month initiative turns performance into tangible cost advantages by rewarding growth. By achieving a 16.67% increase in GGR every quarter across Sportsbook, Virtual Sports, Retail Solutions, FeedConstruct, PopOK Gaming, Pascal Gaming, CreedRoomz, Choice Gaming, Stretch Network, and SOS Hub, partners can unlock a 51% invoice discount every third month, three months of free services for one-time use, as well as special offers and exclusive tournaments from partner brands.

Harmony ChoiceMe Dubai

BetConstruct AI announces Harmony ChoiceMe in Dubai

The momentum begins even before the doors of the Festival Arena open. On February 8, two days before the exhibition, SoftConstruct AI will organize Harmony ChoiceMe Dubai, an exclusive gathering designed to unite the regional iGaming community. This event offers a focused setting shaped around conversation and strategic alignment, allowing industry leaders to share directions and perspectives before the main event begins.

SoftConstruct AI and Affigates invite all attendees to visit Stand 5S to experience how a connected, AI-driven environment can transform the future of iGaming. Visit SoftConstruct AI’s webpage to schedule a meeting during AIBC Eurasia 2026.

Through integration via the Hub88 API, partner operators will be able to quickly access Ebaka’s portfolio of instant games. The titles stand out for their dynamic gameplay, distinctive design, unique Ebaka modes, high volatility and generous multipliers. The provider focuses on delivering strong player engagement and instant entertainment value.

Ebaka Games CEO Vitalii Zalievskyi commented: “It is time to bring Ebaka Games’ genuinely thrilling content to players around the world, and partnering with Hub88 is an important step as we scale our operations. We couldn’t be more excited that operators can now easily integrate our content, and we look forward to building a strong, long-term partnership with Hub88 as we expand globally.”

The integration with Hub88 is just the first step in Ebaka Games’ broader partnership strategy, and the provider will soon be available through major operators and well-known aggregators across the industry.

The food hampers distributed by Sands China this year contain staple items like rice, noodles, biscuits, canned food, cooking oil, toothpaste, and shower gel, in the hope of reducing beneficiaries’ living expenses. To celebrate the upcoming Chinese New Year, the company also gave festive gift packs purchased from Macau Tung Sin Tong Charitable Society to each household. A “God of Fortune” was also present to bestow blessings to the participants, bringing a vibrant festive cheer to the event.

Dr. Wilfred Wong, executive vice chairman of Sands China Ltd., said: “As the longest-established charitable organisation in Macao, Macau Holy House of Mercy has remained unwavering in its mission to support local disadvantaged groups and advance community welfare. Sands China has supported its community work for 14 consecutive years through our donations and distribution of food hampers. These initiatives extend our care and deepen our long-standing commitment to local community service.

This year, we have distributed food hampers to more than 370 local families, sending our festive blessings and warmth to them ahead of the Chinese New Year. We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to Macau Holy House of Mercy for their continued coordination and support, and to the Sands Cares Ambassadors for their participation and spirit of service. Looking ahead, we will continue working with local NGOs to build a warmer, more harmonious community in Macao.”

Sands China marks 14 years of support for Macau Holy House of Mercy’s Welfare shop

Dr. Wong presented a MOP 300,000 donation cheque to António José de Freitas, president of Macau Holy House of Mercy’s Board of Trustees, at the Welfare Shop. During the presentation, António José de Freitas said, “Our sincere gratitude goes to Sands China for their unwavering support of our Welfare Shop over the past 14 years. Through this initiative, Sands China has demonstrated its dedication to the community by providing ongoing assistance to disadvantaged local families and extending care to those in need. We look forward to deepening our collaboration to generate even more positive impact in the community.”

Other guests of honour in attendance were Ng Sio Lai, president of the General Union of Neighbourhood Associations of Macau; Lam Un San, vice president of the Macau Federation of Trade Unions; Catherine Kong, vice president of corporate communications and community affairs for Sands China Ltd.; Annie Lam, director of community affairs for Sands China Ltd.; Gisela Nunes, secretary general of Holy House of Mercy; and Jesse Chiang, associate director of corporate communications for Sands China Ltd.

Sands China’s support of Macau Holy House of Mercy is part of the company’s commitment to social causes and community involvement through the Sands Cares global corporate citizenship programme.

The Golf Classic will be hosted on May 6 at the SouthShore Country Club in Henderson, Nevada, as a fundraiser for the International Center for Responsible Gaming (ICRG). Over the course of its history, the tournament has raised more than $3 million to help the ICRG continue its vital and groundbreaking research.

Registration is now open, and sponsorship and player opportunities are available at golf.jcmglobal.com on a first-come, first-served basis.

ICRG President Michael Soll emphasized the importance of the Golf Classic, stating, “Our strong partnership with JCM, AGA, and AGEM make this event – an ICRG mainstay – possible. Their efforts enable ground-breaking research into the effective treatment and prevention of gambling harms and provide the industry and its peers the tools necessary for conducting responsible gambling strategies.”

The Association of Gaming Equipment Manufacturers (AGEM) and the American Gaming Association (AGA) return as title sponsors and JCM Global repeats as presenting sponsor. GGB Magazine is the media sponsor.

“We invite the industry to join us on May 6 at SouthShore Country Club for this one-of-a-kind golf experience and to drive the success of the ICRG,” said JCM SVP – Sales, Marketing & Operations Dave Kubajak. “For the past 27 years, it has been our honor at JCM Global to organize this philanthropic event that both supports the important work of the ICRG and unites the gaming industry with competitors standing side by side.”

SouthShore Country Club is the first private Jack Nicklaus Signature Course in Nevada, an inspiration that reaches the tops of ridges before falling away down rugged canyons to the sparkling lake below. The 6,903-yard championship course draws upon the area’s unique topography to provide a one-of-a-kind golfing experience.

There are multiple sponsorship levels available to accommodate any business. For information, visit golf.jcmglobal.com or contact [email protected]. The ICRG encourages individuals to consider including them in their annual charitable giving. For more information, visit ICRG.org.

According to official data cited by local Chinese-language outlet Cambodia China Times, authorities have investigated 190 suspected fraud-related locations and arrested 2,508 individuals linked to telecom scam operations since the beginning of 2026. During the sustained crackdown, multiple fraud centers reportedly disbanded on their own, while a total of 110,095 foreign nationals left the country.

The latest figures reflect the government’s “high-pressure” enforcement strategy, which officials say is designed to dismantle organized scam networks and prevent Cambodia from being used as a base for cross-border criminal activity. Law enforcement agencies have been instructed to maintain strict oversight and continue large-scale inspections nationwide as the April deadline approaches.

Officials said the intensified campaign has already disrupted major telecom fraud operations and reduced their capacity to operate. Authorities attributed the surge in departures of foreign nationals partly to the closure of suspected scam compounds and tighter immigration controls introduced alongside the enforcement measures.

National Police Commissioner Sar Thet said the police force remains committed to carrying out Prime Minister Hun Manet’s directive to eradicate telecom fraud. Speaking at a review meeting at the Ministry of Interior, he said law enforcement agencies would maintain strong momentum and ensure that criminal groups are removed from the country in accordance with the law.

Hun Manet recently reiterated that authorities must adopt a “zero-tolerance” approach toward telecom fraud and related crimes. He warned that any officials found to be complicit would face strict legal consequences, emphasizing that the campaign is essential to safeguarding national security and social stability.

Separately, Ministry of Interior spokesperson Sok Touch confirmed that a nationwide “large-scale cleanup operation” is underway, with the objective of completing the crackdown by the end of April.

The campaign has also received international support. On February 7th, Chinese Ambassador to Cambodia Wang Wenbin met with Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sar Sokha and praised Cambodia’s firm enforcement efforts. Wang said China strongly supports Cambodia’s determination to eliminate telecom fraud and strengthen cooperation against cross-border crime.

It is also worth noting that cooperation between China and Cambodia in cracking down on scams reached a key turning point in early January, when Cambodian authorities arrested scam kingpin Chen Zhi and repatriated him to China. Following this case, Cambodia launched a high-profile nationwide crackdown on the online scam industry.

MGM China expands market share in 4Q25 as Macau performance strengthens: Seaport

Macau

Viviana Chan

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February 8, 2026

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MGM China expands market share in 4Q25 as Macau performance strengthens: Seaport

The brokerage said MGM China’s overall gross gaming revenue (GGR) share reached 16.4 percent in the quarter, reflecting gains of nearly 70 basis points year-on-year and 50 basis points quarter-on-quarter.

Senior Analyst Vitaly Umansky noted that MGM’s Macau operations benefited from steady mass-market reinvestment, resilient demand, and improved margins, even as operating costs continued to rise. The performance helped reinforce the group’s competitive position in a crowded market environment, with analysts maintaining a ‘Neutral’ rating on both MGM Resorts International and MGM China.

The report highlighted that Macau GGR rose 21 percent year-on-year to $1.1 billion in the quarter, outperforming the broader market. Property EBITDA after license fees increased 30 percent to $332 million, supported partly by favorable gaming hold in both VIP and mass segments.

Seaport said MGM’s fourth-quarter results reflected ‘robust’ execution in Macau, with mass player reinvestment as a percentage of drop remaining steady and market-wide reinvestment increases showing signs of stabilization.

Operating expenses in Macau increased 14 percent year-on-year and 13 percent quarter-on-quarter, in line with expectations, leading to a property EBITDA margin of 28.6 percent, compared with 26.8 percent a year earlier.

The brokerage attributed the sustained share gains to the company’s ‘revamped marketing and operational strategy’ at its Macau properties. Seaport said MGM’s market share remained ‘significantly higher than pre-COVID levels’ and projected that, while some moderation was likely, the group’s share would probably remain in the high 15 percent range over the coming year.

The firm also noted that high-end product enhancements, including the Alpha Club and upgraded villa offerings at MGM Macau, supported continued traction on the peninsula.

Revenue expected to outpace costs in 2026

Separately, analysts at CBRE said that despite investor concerns over rising operating expenses in Macau, MGM China is well-positioned to deliver further earnings growth in 2026.

While investors remain ‘skittish about Macau’s opex escalation (across the industry)’, CBRE said it believes ‘revenue will continue to outpace costs in 2026, leading to further EBITDA growth’.

The brokerage also highlighted that MGM China’s business continued to outperform market expectations in the fourth quarter, with adjusted property EBITDA reaching $332 million, above the consensus estimate of $293 million. CBRE noted that ‘even considering lucky hold in the quarter’, the company ‘still beat the Street’.

In addition, CBRE said Macau was ‘off to a strong start in 2026’ and expected ‘continued stability in MGM China’s market share’, reflecting sustained operating momentum at the group’s properties.

Analysts John DeCree and Max Marsh added that improving financial performance in Macau, together with structural enhancements such as branding upgrades and growing contributions from BetMGM dividends, is expected to support accelerating free cash flow in the coming years. This, CBRE said, should strengthen MGM China’s financial position and provide greater flexibility for future investment and shareholder returns.

Corona Resort & Casino opens new premium mass segment

Vietnam’s Corona Resort & Casino has opened a new ‘luxury gaming area’ dubbed “Corona Premium Mass” as part of its ‘commitment to developing the premium segment’.

Daily Asia Gaming eBrief: Management highlights MGM China’s EBITDA growth

What you need to know

On the radar