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Asia Gaming eBrief: PAGCOR probity checks gain weight after FATF exit

AGBrief Editorial
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Asia Gaming eBrief: PAGCOR probity checks gain weight after FATF exit
Good morning. The background check never really ends. In the Philippines, PAGCOR probity reviews can be triggered by new applications, ownership changes or adverse reports — and they’re gaining teeth as the country guards its FATF reforms ahead of a 2027 evaluation. In Macau, the toughest quarter since reopening is in the books, per Citigroup, with 2Q26 EBITDA forecast to drop 7 percent to $1.92 billion on World Cup distraction and unfavorable hold. And the tournament, alongside exam season and fuel prices, slowed visitor growth in May and June.

What you need to know

On the radar

AGB Intelligence

PHILIPPINES

PAGCOR

PAGCOR raises stakes for gaming ownership and disclosure checks

PAGCOR’s fit-and-proper assessments have become a key part of the Philippines’ efforts to preserve its strengthened anti-money-laundering framework following its FATF grey-list exit. The reviews may examine ownership structures, financial standing, criminal history and regulatory compliance. Arden Consult noted that directors, beneficial owners and investors holding at least 20 percent may be assessed personally, while companies that fail to disclose changes or provide accurate information risk having applications rejected or licenses suspended or revoked.

Industry Updates

Corporate Spotlight

How Crypto Adoption in Asia is Changing iGaming Payments

Yevhen Krazhan, CSO for GR8 Tech

Yevhen Krazhan, CSO at GR8 Tech, explores how surging crypto adoption across Asia is revolutionizing iGaming payments, stating: “When I look at what’s changing fastest in Asia, it’s payment behavior,” as wallets, stablecoins, and seamless cross-border transfers become deeply ingrained in player habits. The winning operators will be those that offer fast, reliable, and local deposits and withdrawals. To make sense of it, Yevhen breaks Asia into two crypto realities.

INTELLIGENCE | ASEAN | AWARDS | CAREERS | EVENTS

Hong Kong police arrest 65 in crackdown on illegal gambling dens and nightclubs

Frank Schuengel
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Hong Kong police arrest 65 in crackdown on illegal gambling dens and nightclubs

Hong Kong police have arrested 65 people following a large-scale operation targeting a criminal syndicate suspected of operating illegal gambling dens and unlicensed nightclubs, while also uncovering an alleged money laundering operation involving more than HK$13 million ($1.7 million).

The two-day enforcement action, codenamed Thunderbolt and Roaring Tiger, was carried out by Kowloon West Regional Crime Headquarters in conjunction with the Immigration Department. More than 170 officers raided 10 locations across Hung Hom, Yau Ma Tei, Tsim Sha Tsui, Mong Kok and Sham Shui Po. Police said intelligence indicated the syndicate was operating unlicensed nightclubs inside industrial buildings in Hung Hom while also running illegal gambling establishments elsewhere in Kowloon West.

Among those arrested were 40 men and 25 women aged between 25 and 63. Suspects face a range of alleged offences including operating illegal gambling establishments, gambling in illegal gambling establishments, money laundering, drug trafficking, possession of dangerous drugs and breaches of immigration conditions.

Authorities said the first phase of the operation targeted three suspected illegal entertainment venues in Hung Hom. Officers arrested 26 people, comprising 19 men and seven women, after discovering unlicensed premises allegedly supplying illicit drugs and employing mainland Chinese women holding two-way permits as hostesses.

Police seized approximately 360 grams of suspected narcotics, including ketamine, methamphetamine, cocaine and a mixture commonly known as “happy powder”, with an estimated street value of HK$190,000 ($24,200). Officers also confiscated alcohol, sound equipment and other items allegedly linked to the operation of the venues.

Hong Kong

A further raid on two suspected nightclubs in Tsim Sha Tsui resulted in the arrest of 10 mainland Chinese women, aged between 25 and 40, who were suspected of working as hostesses in breach of their visa conditions. Investigators also executed warrants at three suspected gambling dens and a property believed to have been used both as a staff dormitory and storage facility.

Police said the gambling venues offered fishing arcade games and alleged that the syndicate used third-party bank accounts to process gambling proceeds. According to investigators, financial inquiries found that more than HK$13 million ($1.7 million) had been laundered through the personal bank account of a core syndicate member over several years.

During the gambling-related raids, officers arrested another 29 people, comprising 21 men and eight women aged between 27 and 63. They are being investigated for suspected money laundering, conspiracy to operate illegal gambling establishments, operating illegal gambling establishments and gambling in illegal gambling establishments.

Authorities also seized 20 gaming console motherboards, card readers, gambling reward cards and HK$47,000 ($6,000) in cash believed to be linked to the illegal gambling activities.

Under Hong Kong law, operating an illegal gambling establishment carries a maximum penalty of seven years’ imprisonment and a fine of HK$5 million ($637,000), while gambling at an illegal gambling establishment is punishable by up to nine months’ imprisonment and a fine of HK$50,000 ($6,400). Selling alcohol without a licence carries a maximum penalty of two years’ imprisonment and a HK$1 million ($127,000) fine.

The King is back: Why UFC 329 is the perfect stage for Conor McGregor’s return

AGBrief Editorial
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The King is back: Why UFC 329 is the perfect stage for Conor McGregor’s return

UFC 329, held during International Fight Week, is already being called the most anticipated event of the year. The reason is simple: Conor McGregor is finally making his long-awaited return.

Five years after his last appearance in the octagon, McGregor is once again stepping onto MMA’s biggest stage. It’s not just because of his intriguing rematch against Max Holloway. UFC 329 already looks like an event capable of shaking up the entire industry.

International Fight Week: UFC’s biggest celebration 

During International Fight Week, Las Vegas transforms into the global capital of mixed martial arts. Thousands of fans, leading media outlets, and key figures from the MMA world flock to Sin City to see the new inductees into the UFC Hall of Fame and become part of the most thrilling fight show of the summer.

The UFC rarely makes a mistake when it comes to choosing headliners for this important week. This year, the stakes are higher than ever: the organization has entrusted the central bout to a man whose name has long been synonymous with the major event.

At a time when the world’s leading MMA promotion is searching for fresh momentum, The Notorious’ return feels like the boost the UFC has been sorely lacking. The show, the atmosphere, the tension, the electricity, and the aura surrounding every appearance – McGregor has always brought it all. And he will do it again!

McGregor remains one of the biggest figures in global sports 

Even outside the octagon, Conor McGregor continued to be the face of the industry. One of a kind. The leading revolutionary of the era. The man who first brought the UFC to the attention of millions of viewers.

McGregor’s influence on the promotion’s popularity has long been confirmed by the numbers: record-breaking PPV sales, the most-watched press conferences, worldwide recognition, and charisma that has turned him into a phenomenon far beyond MMA.

It’s telling that tickets for UFC 329 sold out in just 240 seconds, while analysts from major platforms, including 1xBet, are already calling the event a potential catalyst for a new wave of global interest in the UFC.

1xBet Secures Conor McGregor as New Global Ambassador

Much has changed over the past five years. However, Conor McGregor’s ability to capture the attention of the entire sports world remains unchanged.

Are you ready?

No matter how many new stars emerge in MMA, McGregor is still the symbol of thrilling spectacle, immense attention, and global excitement.

UFC 329 has reached a scale that can’t be artificially created. It’s driven by the very fact of The Notorious’ comeback – during International Fight Week, in Las Vegas, on the UFC’s biggest stage, and against an opponent with whom he shares a story spanning 13 years.

While the entire MMA community counts down to one of the year’s most anticipated showdowns, the 1xPartners affiliate ecosystem continues to unite sports audiences around the industry’s biggest moments, offering modern traffic monetization tools and competitive terms for partners worldwide.

Galaxsys brings interactive predictions to the Club World Cup with Match Day

AGBrief Editorial
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Galaxsys brings interactive predictions to the Club World Cup with Match Day

As global viewership peaks during the final stages of the FIFA Club World Cup, Galaxsys presents Match Day. This strategic, interactive sports prediction promotion empowers operators to sustain player engagement and incentivize participation well beyond the final whistle.

Launched ahead of the competition, Match Day has been running throughout the FIFA Club World Cup, giving players the opportunity to predict the outcomes of real matches and earn rewards based on the accuracy of their selections.

With Match Day, each promotion can feature between one and four matches per day, and the participants can select match outcomes using W1, X or W2 predictions before kick-off. Depending on the operator’s configuration, successful predictions are rewarded with Cashback or Free Spins, while partial reward logic means that correctly predicting even one match can still earn players a prize.

The promotion has been built with both engagement and operational efficiency in mind specifically for sports events. From prediction tracking and result validation to reward distribution, the entire process is managed automatically, allowing operators to launch interactive campaigns with minimal manual involvement.

Key features of Match Day include:

  • Real sports match predictions using simple W1, X or W2 selections;
  • Between one and four featured matches per promotion;
  • Configurable rewards, including Cashback or Free Spins;
  • Partial reward mechanics to encourage continued participation;
  • Automated tracking, validation and reward distribution;
  • Player history showing predictions, match results and prizes won;
  • Flexible configuration across selected eligible games.

With the tournament entering its final stages, Match Day continues to provide operators with a flexible way to launch timely, sport-themed campaigns, combining interactive predictions, configurable rewards and automated campaign management in a single promotional solution.

Galaxsys supports responsible gambling and provides solutions that help operators deliver campaigns in accordance with applicable regulatory and responsible gambling requirements.

Aristocrat Gaming and The Cosmopolitan unveil exclusive $5M high-limit links

AGBrief Editorial
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Aristocrat Gaming and The Cosmopolitan unveil exclusive $5M high-limit links

Aristocrat Gaming made casino history by debuting the industry’s very first $5 million links at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, marking a major milestone for high-limit gaming.

The debut includes two Dragon Link™ machines on one $5 million link, and a second $5 million link pairing Phoenix Link™ with Lightning 10 Year Storm™, marking a bold new era for premium play.

Aristocrat Gaming and The Cosmopolitan unveil exclusive $5M high-limit links (2)
Hong Kong
Hong Kong

The machines were unveiled inside The Cosmopolitan’s newly remodeled high‑limit room, giving guests a first look at the next evolution of Aristocrat Gaming’s most iconic brands and the resort’s redefined luxury gaming experience.

“This is a milestone moment not just for Aristocrat Gaming, but for the entire gaming industry,” said Craig Toner, CEO of Aristocrat Gaming. “Players have been asking for bigger stakes and stronger possibilities, and these $5 million links deliver exactly that. We’re proud to debut them with a partner as forward‑thinking as The Cosmopolitan.”
 
Mike Gatten, The Cosmopolitan’s Senior Vice President of Casino Operations, added, “The addition of Aristocrat’s $5 million links elevates our gaming floor, offering guests a premier and high-energy playing experience. This installation, paired with our world-class amenities, reflects our ongoing commitment to exceeding expectations throughout every touch point.”

Hong Kong

The launch underscores Aristocrat Gaming’s commitment to innovation and The Cosmopolitan’s reputation for delivering cutting‑edge, high‑energy gaming environments.

SBC Summit 2026 unveils power-packed fintech conference track

AGBrief Editorial
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SBC Summit 2026 unveils power-packed fintech conference track

As financial technology continues to fundamentally reshape the global gaming industry, the upcoming SBC Summit is set to place these critical innovations center stage.

On Tuesday, September 29, the summit will host a dedicated Fintech conference track aimed at helping businesses modernize their payment infrastructures, navigate shifting regulations, and ultimately deliver a safer, faster player experience.

Rasmus Sojmark, CEO & Founder of SBC
Rasmus Sojmark, CEO & Founder of SBC

The Fintech track is a cornerstone of the comprehensive Payment Expert Summit stage, which will also feature dedicated days for AML & Compliance (Wednesday, September 30) and Crypto & Blockchain (Thursday, October 1).

“Fintech is now influencing almost every stage of the player journey, from how players are onboarded and verified to how operators manage compliance, prevent fraud and support responsible gambling. As these technologies continue to evolve, operators have an opportunity to deliver experiences that are faster, more seamless and more secure, while strengthening compliance and player protection,” said Rasmus Sojmark, Founder and CEO of SBC.

Key Fintech Track Sessions

Bringing together leading operators, payment providers, and compliance specialists, the agenda is packed with actionable insights for the modern gaming enterprise:

  • From Click to Cashout: Building Reliable Payment Infrastructure: Payment leaders including Sean Spiteri (Eaton Gate Gaming), Ran Cohen (BridgerPay), Mariola de la Piedra (Grupo GELSA), and Kyle Wiltshire (TESTA) will discuss modernizing deposits and withdrawals to reduce friction and enhance transaction performance.
  • Solving Payments at Scale in Regulated Markets: Experts Rudy Attieh (PGWay), Mark Watts (Aircash), Olga Gunchenkova (Flutter International), and Andrea McGeachin (Neosurf) will tackle the challenges of balancing local market requirements with operational efficiency in increasingly fragmented regulatory environments.
  • Beyond ID Checks: The New Role of Identity in Gaming: Vasilije Lekovic (Trustly), Antony Jordan (Oddset), and Mário Cardoso (Solverde.pt) will unpack the impact of upcoming EU AML reforms on customer verification and how to maintain seamless onboarding.
  • Data-Powered Responsible Gambling: Leveraging Fintech Insights: Nataly Shpak (13Aff), Piotr Lisak (Q Digital Assets), and Ivan Ochoa (Grupo GELSA) will explore how financial data can proactively identify harmful gambling behaviors and elevate player protection standards.

Additional sessions throughout the day will cover the shift toward “Agentic AI” in financial operations and practical guides on building scalable, modular payment orchestration layers.

Unrivaled Networking Opportunities

Beyond the conference stage, delegates will have access to an expanded suite of networking initiatives designed to foster meaningful industry partnerships:

  • Smart Connect: A targeted initiative allowing operators and fintech suppliers to engage in pre-arranged, pre-qualified meetings tailored to their specific business objectives.
  • Fintech Show Floor Tour: A curated, guided networking experience led by the SBC team, introducing delegates directly to premier fintech exhibitors and their latest technological solutions.

Event Details & Registration

The SBC Summit will run from September 29 to October 1, 2026, welcoming an anticipated 40,000 industry professionals to the Feira Internacional de Lisboa & MEO Arena for three days of high-level networking, exhibition, and education.

  • Operators: Apply to participate in the Smart Connect program or reserve a spot on the Fintech Show Floor Tour via the SBC website.
  • Suppliers & Exhibitors: Contact the sales team at [email protected] to secure a place in Smart Connect or to be featured in the Show Floor Tour.

Access to the SBC Summit’s core conference is included with Conference, Business, and VIP Passes. Delegates looking to fully participate in the Fintech-focused networking opportunities will require a Business or VIP Pass.

PAGCOR probity checks take on added weight as Philippines sustains FATF reforms

Viviana Chan
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PAGCOR probity checks take on added weight as Philippines sustains FATF reforms

The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation’s (PAGCOR) fit-and-proper assessments are taking on greater significance as the country works to preserve the anti-money-laundering reforms that secured its removal from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list and prepares for another international evaluation in 2027.

FATF

Directors, corporate officers, significant shareholders and beneficial owners may be assessed personally, while investors holding at least 20 percent of an entity generally fall within the scope of the checks, according to a July 10th analysis by Patricia De Guzman of Arden Consult.

Licensed companies must also notify PAGCOR within 15 calendar days of changes involving their directors, officers or ownership. Incomplete or inaccurate disclosures can result in an application being rejected or treated as withdrawn, while an existing license may be suspended or revoked.

Arden Consult is a Philippine legal and regulatory advisory firm specializing in gaming, fintech, digital assets and technology. It advises companies on regulatory approvals, compliance and market entry involving agencies including PAGCOR.

PAGCOR (Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation)- Philippines

Post-grey-list scrutiny continues

Known as probity checks, the reviews assess whether a company and the individuals behind it are honest, trustworthy and suitable to hold a gaming license, authorization or accreditation. The process may examine financial standing, criminal history, regulatory compliance and reputational records, rather than relying solely on documents submitted with an application.

‘Probity checks are not bureaucracy for its own sake,’ De Guzman wrote, describing them as part of the Philippines’ compliance with international anti-money-laundering and counter-terrorism financing standards.

The FATF removed the Philippines from its list of jurisdictions under increased monitoring in February 2025 after determining that the country had made ‘significant progress’ in improving its AML/CFT regime.

Among the areas cited by the watchdog were stronger controls addressing risks associated with casino junkets and evidence of effective risk-based supervision of designated non-financial businesses and professions, a category that includes casinos.

“The Philippines is now actively combating the risk of dirty money flowing through casinos in the country,” FATF President Elisa de Anda Madrazo said following the decision.

However, removal from the grey list did not end international monitoring. The FATF asked the country to continue working with the Asia/Pacific Group on Money Laundering to sustain its reforms, while a further evaluation is scheduled for 2027.

That review will allow assessors to determine whether the measures introduced under the country’s action plan remain effective and continue to be applied, Madrazo said.

Makati, Manila, Philippines

Ownership changes create licensing risks

According to Arden Consult, probity checks may be triggered by new applications, license renewals, changes in management or ownership, adverse reports or suspected wrongdoing.

Applicants are assigned one of three risk levels based on factors including ownership complexity, geographic exposure, financial standing and compliance history, De Guzman wrote. PAGCOR handles lower-risk reviews internally, while more complex checks may be outsourced to accredited third parties at the applicant’s expense.

The firm said reviews should generally be completed within 30 calendar days after all required documents are submitted, although complex cases may take longer. A favorable result does not guarantee a license, as applicants must still meet other regulatory requirements and obtain final approval from the PAGCOR board.

The MongolZ x 1xBet: System and strong will win in both CS2 and professional football 

AGBrief Editorial
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The MongolZ x 1xBet: System and strong will win in both CS2 and professional football 

While everyone is focused on the battles of the World Championship 2026, The MongolZ already know what it feels like to lift the biggest trophy of the season.

EWC 2025 champions, winners of $500,000 in prize money, and BLAST.tv Austin Major finalists – they’re here to discuss what connects esports and football. 

From underdogs to the grand final 

Mongolia is a country that has long been underestimated in the context of professional sports. Wrestling, horse racing, and archery dominated the country’s sporting landscape, while football and esports remained on the sidelines. Today, that perception is rapidly changing. That’s why The MongolZ’s triumph at the EWC 2025 resonated far beyond the esports community. The team’s coach, maaRaa, explains why such stories capture people’s attention: 

“Underdog stories always hit different. Something like Croatia’s run in 2018. Small country, big heart. That’s basically esports too. Nobody expects you to win, then suddenly you’re in the finals, and people are like: wait, who are these guys?” 

maaRaa

Triumphs like these are inspiring. Croatia reached the 2018 World Championship final, while The MongolZ went one step further in 2025, claiming the EWC title. Their clash with Aurora attracted nearly 740,000 viewers, setting a new record for the tournament. Yet no one on the team was thinking about these numbers. During the match, there was only one priority: the next round. The game itself. 

System over superstars 

The MongolZ set a record for the youngest average roster ever to reach a CS2 Major final at BLAST.tv Austin 2025. While youth is often seen as a weakness due to a lack of experience, this team turned it into one of its greatest strengths. 

The MongolZ rising from underdogs to CS2 powerhouse

The in-game leader (IGL) sets the direction without exerting total control. From there, the system takes over, giving each player the freedom to think independently. Too much pressure leads to mistakes; too little focus costs victories. In decider matches, where defeat means elimination, The MongolZ consistently maintain that balance without relying on rituals or superstitions. Their mental resilience isn’t something that appears just before a match – it’s built through every practice session. 

That system extends beyond the matches as well. Every organization has someone who naturally becomes responsible for keeping the atmosphere positive behind the scenes. For such a young roster, team chemistry is just as important as tactics. 

Where is the line between data and intuition?

The top national teams competing at the World Championship 2026 rely on AI-powered analytics, motion tracking, and big data. Esports has followed a similar path and, in some ways, has moved even faster. They approach preparation just as seriously – reviewing data, studying the opponent, and paying attention to details. However, according to maaRaa, finding the right balance remains the key to success: 

“Preparation is way more detailed now. Demos, stats, tendencies. We look at everything. But intuition still matters. Data tells you what usually happens. Gut feeling tells you what’s about to happen. Best coaches use both. If you rely only on stats, you become predictable. If you rely only on feeling, you’re just gambling.” 

maaRaa

The formula is universal, regardless of the sport. When asked about the team’s next goal, The MongolZ have a clear answer: maintain their position and keep improving. While national football teams continue their quest for the World Championship title, The MongolZ already know what it feels like to be at the top.

1xBet recognized the team’s potential long before others, becoming a partner at the beginning of the organization’s new chapter. Through 1xPartners, the brand’s affiliate platform, thousands of people share the same philosophy, and The MongolZ’s story proves that long-term investing pays off.

High 5 Games secures AGLC Supplier approval ahead of Alberta’s commercial market launch

AGBrief Editorial
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High 5 Games secures AGLC Supplier approval ahead of Alberta’s commercial market launch

High 5 Games has secured AGLC supplier approval, allowing the premium casino content creator to expand beyond Play Alberta and offer its games to all licensed operators in Alberta’s new commercial iGaming market.

High 5 Games has entertained Alberta players since 2024 through Play Alberta, the province’s government operated gaming platform, where titles such as DaVinci DeluxeWays, Billionaire’s Bank, Green Machine and more have become established player favourites. With Alberta’s commercial market now open, that same proven portfolio is available to all licensed operators entering the province.

Alberta’s commercial iGaming market will be opening on July 13, 2026, making it the second Canadian province after Ontario to welcome private sector operators. Overseen by AGLC and the Alberta iGaming Corporation (AiGC), the market launched with nearly 50 registered operator brands, one of the most anticipated regulated market openings in North America this year.

The approval extends High 5 Games’ regulated North American footprint, which includes New Jersey, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, West Virginia, Ontario, Quebec, British Columbia. Alberta players will gain access to High 5’s catalogue of player favourite titles, including DaVinci DeluxeWays, Billionaire’s Bank, Green Machine and other titles through launch partnerships with operators.

“Alberta players already know and love our games through Play Alberta, that is a head start no newcomer to this market can claim. With the open market live, every operator in the province can now offer their players the award winning High 5 titles they have been playing for years, from day one,” said Tony Singer, CEO at High 5 Games.

Exam season, fuel prices and World Cup slow Macau visitor growth in May-June: Govt

Viviana Chan
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Exam season, fuel prices and World Cup slow Macau visitor growth in May-June: Govt

Macau’s visitor arrival growth slowed in May and June as mainland China’s examination season, fuel price volatility and the FIFA World Cup combined to dampen travel demand, according to the city’s tourism chief.

Macau recorded 20.94 million visitor arrivals in the first half of 2026, up 9.0 percent year-on-year, according to police data. However, Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO) director Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes said inbound traffic showed signs of easing in May and June compared with the first four months of the year.

Macau visitor arrivals rise 3.4% to nearly 3.5M in May

She attributed the slowdown to several overlapping factors. May and June coincide with the examination season in mainland China, which typically reduces residents’ willingness and frequency of travel. Fuel price fluctuations and the World Cup, which began in mid-June, also weighed on outbound travel.

With this year’s tournament being held in North and Central America, some travelers chose to attend matches there instead of visiting other destinations, Senna Fernandes noted.

The broader impact of the tournament was already reflected in Macau’s gaming performance. Gross gaming revenue fell 12.1 percent year-on-year to MOP18.52 billion ($2.29 billion) in June, down 18.1 percent from May, after analysts warned that the expanded 104-match format could weigh more heavily on demand than previous tournaments.

Looking ahead to the traditional July-August summer peak, Senna Fernandes said MGTO would strengthen promotions in key source markets, including South Korea, the Philippines and Thailand. A new Air Macau route to the Philippines is also expected to support international arrivals.

The bureau is exploring cooperation with Guangzhou Baiyun and Shenzhen Bao’an airports to develop multi-destination, ‘one trip, multiple stops’ itineraries. It is also in talks with major payment platforms to offer visitor discounts and encourage spending in Macau.

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