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Daily Asia Gaming eBrief: MGM China sees record 3Q25, boosted by increased drop

AGBrief Editorial
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Daily Asia Gaming eBrief: MGM China sees record 3Q25, boosted by increased drop
Good Morning. Results season is again upon us. And for MGM China, the third quarter proved quite profitable. The group achieved record adjusted EBITDAR, boosted by increased table games drop, with both of its Macau properties increasing their revenue, despite different mixes between mass and VIP from each. Looking at Singapore, Marina Bay Sands has been fined for failing to protect customers’ personal data. And down under, Crown Resorts is overturning a new leaf, as it posted its first financial year profit in five years.

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MGM China,Macau

MGM China nets record 3Q25 EBITDAR, market share

Macau gaming operator MGM China saw record performance in 3Q25, both in adjusted EBITDAR and market share, boosted by strong table games drop during the quarter. MGM Cotai continued to outshine the peninsula property, with a strong boost in VIP play coupled with good mass tables results. MGM Macau saw less of an uptick, with VIP play falling yearly, but mass table play improving.

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MGM China sees record results in 3Q25, boosted by increase in main floor table games drop

Kelsey Wilhelm
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MGM China sees record results in 3Q25, boosted by increase in main floor table games drop

MGM China achieved record results in the third quarter, with both a record segment-adjusted EBITDAR and a market share of 15.5 percent.

That’s according to the group’s results, included in those published by parent operator MGM Resorts on Thursday.

Net revenues for the quarter totaled $1.08 billion, up from $929.45 million in 3Q24, up by 17 percent ‘due primarily to an increase in main floor table games drop’.

Main floor table games drop rose by 18 percent, to $4.07 billion during the quarter, while casino revenue for the operator rose by 18 percent, to $947 million.

Segment adjusted EBITDAR rose to $283.99 million, from $237.35 million in 3Q24.

MGM Cotai sees strong VIP play

The tables were hot in both mass and VIP, but VIP saw a particular uptick at MGM’s Cotai Strip property. VIP table games turnover was HK$21.69 billion ($2.79 billion), up from HK$15.04 billion ($1.94 billion) in the same period a year ago. The average win per VIP gaming table also rose to HK$204.7 million ($26.34 million), up from HK$104 million ($13.38 million) in 3Q24.

The segment’s win percentage increased from 3.3 percent a year ago to 4.4 percent in 3Q25, with gross table games win up to HK$952.72 million ($122.6 million), from HK$496.79 million ($63.93 million) in 3Q24.

Main floor table games drop also saw a healthy increase, up to HK$17.37 billion ($2.24 billion), from HK$13.31 billion ($1.71 billion).

The table games win percentage fell to 26.2 percent, from 29 percent in 3Q24, but gross table games win was at HK$4.54 billion ($584.23 million), up from HK$3.85 billion ($495.44 million). Average daily gross win per main floor gaming table was up from HK$118.8 million ($15.29 million)  to HK$140.6 million ($18.1 million) in 3Q25.

MGM Cotai’s 3Q25 revenue rose to HK$5.11 billion ($657.6 million), from HK$4.2 billion ($540.5 million) a year prior.

Adjusted EBITDA was also up, to HK$1.45 billion ($186.6 million), from HK$1.18 billion ($151.85 million) in 3Q24.

MGM Macau

MGM Macau experienced a healthy revenue growth during the period, rising to HK$3.39 billion ($436.25 million) from HK$3.04 billion ($262.52 million) in 3Q24. This helped boost adjusted EBITDA to HK$914.43 million ($117.67 million), up from HK$801.51 million ($103.14 million) a year prior.

MGM Grand Macau, MGM China
MGM Macau peninsula

Contrary to MGM Cotai, VIP play was down on the peninsula property, with table games turnover falling from HK$7.67 billion ($987 million) in 3Q24 to HK$6.08 billion ($782.4 million) in 3Q25. VIP gross table games win was also down, to HK$118.26 million ($15.22 million), from HK$230.13 million ($29.61 million) in the prior year period. The win percentage fell from 3 percent in 3Q24 to 2 percent in 3Q25, with the average daily gross win per table dropping from HK$94.2 million ($12.12 million) to HK$56.5 million ($7.27 million).

Main floor table games drop was up though, on a yearly basis, totaling HK$14.47 billion ($1.86 billion), from HK$13.53 billion ($1.74 billion) in 3Q24. The win percentage rose slightly to 23 percent, with the main floor gross table games win up to HK$3.32 billion ($427.24 million), from HK$2.83 billion ($364.18 million).

The average daily gross win per main floor table was HK$114 million ($14.67 million), up from HK$99.3 million ($12.78 million) in the same quarter of 2024.

Crown Resorts posts first profit in five years

Kelsey Wilhelm
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Crown Resorts posts first profit in five years

Crown Resorts has posted its first profit in five years after strategic restructuring and the final payment on a hefty fine by Australia’s financial crimes watchdog.

The group reversed an AU$164.8 million ($108.3 million) loss in the previous financial year ending June 30th, turning to a AU$142 million ($93.32 million) profit in this financial year. This is the first profit registered since the 2019-2020 fiscal year.

This is good news for Blackstone, which acquired Crown Resorts in 2022 for some AU$8.9 billion ($5.85 billion).

The group has also paid out its final installment on a AU$450 million ($295.7 million) fine for breaches of AML/CTF laws.

Overall, revenue was up 2 percent, to AU$2.8 billion ($1.84 billion), despite lagging international tourism. Revenues were also pressured by new problem gambling mitigation measures – including mandatory ID for EGMs and cash spending limits. This particularly affected Crown Melbourne, whose revenues dropped by 1.3 percent to AU$1.4 billion ($920 million). However, Crown Sydney revenues were up by 22.1 percent and those of Crown Perth rose by 4.7 percent.

Chief Executive David Tsai noted that the results open a new chapter for the operator, stating “these results demonstrate we’re heading in the right direction”. However, the executive cautioned that “the company continues to navigate a complex regulatory landscape and economic headwinds”.

Thailand arrests former Muay Thai champion over $2.7M online gambling ring

Frank Schuengel
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Thailand arrests former Muay Thai champion over $2.7M online gambling ring

Thai cybercrime authorities have arrested a former Muay Thai champion accused of running a large-scale illegal gambling network that generated over THB100 million ($2.7 million) in proceeds.

According to local media reports, the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB), under the command of Police Major General Chatchapandhakan Klaiklueng, dismantled the network in a coordinated operation dubbed “Knock Out 100-Million Gambling Website.” The investigation targeted an online platform known as g2g69bet, which was reportedly processing extensive financial transactions consistent with organized gambling activity.

Authorities identified one of the key figures as Weerapong, also known as “Puenkon Tor Surat,” a former Muay Thai champion turned gambling site administrator. Following confirmation of his involvement, police obtained court-approved warrants for searches and arrests across multiple provinces. Raids were conducted simultaneously at nine locations, including residences in Saen Suk (Chonburi) and Lamphun province. The coordinated effort led to the arrest of eight suspects allegedly linked to the illegal operation.

Confiscated items included bank books, ATM cards, computers, and mobile phones believed to have been used to run the gambling site and process monetary transactions. Among the arrested were several individuals identified by their roles within the operation. Prawit, 27, reportedly handled cash flow; Thawatchai, 37, managed outgoing accounts; and Mutita, 22, was in charge of incoming funds. Two other suspects, Nareerak, 30, and Neramit, 23, were apprehended in Lamphun for running associated gambling platforms.

The suspects face multiple charges, including operating and promoting unauthorized online gambling and money laundering. The CCIB said that all seized assets and evidence have been turned over to investigators as the probe into the broader network continues.

Isle of Man strengthens AML oversight with new guidance for network gaming licensees

Frank Schuengel
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Isle of Man strengthens AML oversight with new guidance for network gaming licensees

The Isle of Man Gambling Supervision Commission (GSC) has published new anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing guidance for online gambling licensees holding network services permissions, providing expanded compliance direction for one of the jurisdiction’s more complex licensing categories.

The document, effective from October 2025, is designed to help operators align their controls with the Gambling (Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism) Code 2019 and the recommendations of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF). It also draws from the Isle of Man’s latest National Risk Assessment (NRA), the National Risk Appetite Statement (NRAS), and the Terrorist Financing National Risk Assessment released earlier this year.

The GSC said the new guidance responds to industry requests for deeper insight into how the Code applies to network models, licensing arrangements that allow Isle of Man operators to host or supply technology to other online casinos. Such setups can present additional financial crime exposure due to their multi-party and cross-border nature.

The 20-page document outlines how license holders are expected to apply a risk-based approach, with specific emphasis on assessing network partners, understanding jurisdictional risks, and documenting enhanced due diligence processes. It reminds operators that by seeking Isle of Man licensing, they commit to “a high standard of governance, integrity, and regulatory oversight,” and stresses that failure to report or detect criminal conduct may lead to liability under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2008.

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The GSC’s expectations include maintaining documented risk assessments, ongoing monitoring, and independent assurance measures to verify partners’ AML and compliance frameworks. Red flag indicators highlighted include reluctance to provide due diligence documentation, complex or opaque ownership structures, unexplained third-party payments, and associations with higher-risk jurisdictions.

The regulator also underscores that network activities – while not directly customer facing – may still pose elevated terrorist financing risks due to their interaction with third-party casino operators. As a result, the guidance advises licensees to tailor controls and staff training to the distinct nature of network operations. Inspections will continue to follow a risk-based model, with the GSC reviewing both the technical adequacy and real-world effectiveness of each operator’s AML framework. Repeated or serious failings may lead to enhanced supervision or escalation to the Commission’s enforcement division.

In publishing the guidance, the GSC reiterated that compliance not only safeguards businesses from regulatory action but also protects the island’s reputation as a leading, well-regulated online gambling hub. The Isle of Man remains compliant with 39 of the FATF’s 40 recommendations, placing it among the most technically compliant jurisdictions in the world for AML/CFT standards.

Magnus Carlsen returns as BETBY’s face of leadership in new branding campaign

AGBrief Editorial
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Magnus Carlsen returns as BETBY’s face of leadership in new branding campaign

BETBY, a top-tier sportsbook supplier, has unveiled the second chapter of its global campaign featuring world chess champion Magnus Carlsen, reinforcing the message that in every field, from chess to business, true leaders recognize and choose excellence.

Building on the success of the campaign’s first launch, this new phase delves deeper into the themes of leadership, trust, and strategic decision-making. It draws a powerful parallel between Carlsen’s mastery on the chessboard and BETBY’s role as a trusted leader in the world of sportsbook solutions.

At the heart of this creative platform is the message “Leaders Choose Leaders”. Just as Magnus chooses the best moves in chess, businesses and operators choose BETBY for innovation, reliability, and performance. BETBY positions itself as the strategic advisor and trusted partner in the same way Magnus approaches the game, with insight, precision, and a drive to win.

Commenting on the campaign, Pierre Pulis, Head of Marketing at BETBY said: “Magnus represents the essence of leadership… mastery, resilience, and strategic brilliance. At BETBY, we share that same mindset in how we empower our partners to make confident, data-driven decisions. ‘Leaders Choose Leaders’ captures that connection perfectly.”

BETBY

Pulis added: “Magnus Carlsen is not only a world champion but a symbol of intellect, precision, and leadership. The campaign captures the idea that even the greatest minds can stumble when stepping outside their area of expertise, yet when it comes to strategy and calculated moves, Carlsen always prevails. This mirrors BETBY’s philosophy: in the fast-paced and competitive world of sports betting technology, industry leaders rely on BETBY to make the right moves and stay ahead.”

With this new campaign phase launching alongside BETBY’s presence at SiGMA Central Europe 2025, the company continues to strengthen its position as an innovator and leader in the sportsbook industry, where strategy, expertise, and leadership define its every move.

To find out more about BETBY’s cutting-edge sportsbook solution, visit booth 4045 during SiGMA Central Europe. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with BETBY’s team and discover how the company’s solutions and services can be their winning aspect for their iGaming project.

PAGCOR demonstrates commitment by launching the 50th center during the Taal crisis

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PAGCOR demonstrates commitment by launching the 50th center during the Taal crisis

The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) marked the opening of its 50th socio-civic center on October 28 in a lakeside town near Taal Volcano, underscoring the persistent hardships faced by nearby residents.

The Php50 million facility in Barangay San Gregorio is designed to serve as both an evacuation site during disasters and as a venue for social and community activities. The two-story building boasts of multi-purpose halls, kitchens, restrooms, and other disaster-resilient amenities to ensure functionality in both emergencies and day-to-day use.

PAGCOR demonstrates commitment by launching the 50th center during the Taal crisis

PAGCOR Assistant Vice President for Community Relations and Services Department (CRSD) Eric Balcos, who turned over the building to Laurel Mayor Lyndon Bruce, said the new structure reflects the state gaming agency’s commitment to safeguard and uplift communities vulnerable to natural calamities.

“Lahat ng mga ito ay idinisenyo para sa kaligtasan, kaginhawahan, at dignidad ng ating mga kababayan,” Balcos said, emphasizing PAGCOR’s continuing efforts to support disaster-prone areas.

Mayor Bruce for his part expressed gratitude for PAGCOR’s assistance, describing the project as a symbol of cooperation among the local government, residents, and the agency.

“Ang proyektong ito ay bunga ng malasakit at pagtutulungan ng PAGCOR, ng pamahalaang lokal, at ng mamamayan ng bayan ng Laurel,” he said. “Kapag ang puso at serbisyo ay iisa, walang unos o pagputok ng bulkan na kayang humadlang sa ating pag-unlad.”

Situated along the shore of Taal Lake, Laurel is among the most vulnerable municipalities during periods of volcanic unrest, with its residents often needing evacuation and suffering prolonged disruptions to day-to-day activities.

This week, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) urged local government units (LGUs) and residents near Taal Volcano and Mt. Kanlaon to remain vigilant amid ongoing volcanic activity. On Sunday, October 26, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) recorded three minor eruptions at Taal Volcano, though officials assured the public that it remains under Alert Level 1, indicating low-level unrest.

To date, PAGCOR has completed 50 socio-civic centers nationwide, with 22 more under construction, as part of the agency’s thrust to channel gaming revenues into community projects that enhance disaster preparedness and improve the quality of life in local communities.

Mega Roulette 3000 marks a bold evolution of a casino classic by Pragmatic Play

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Mega Roulette 3000 marks a bold evolution of a casino classic by Pragmatic Play

Played on a single-zero roulette wheel and featuring all the classic bet types familiar to players, Mega Roulette 3000 by Pragmatic Play builds on the incredible success of the original hit game show, Mega Roulette. In the new title, up to eight Mega Lucky Numbers are assigned to random bet spots on every spin, delivering enhanced wins of up to 3,000x on straight-up bets.

Adding to the boosted win potential is a fresh new look for both the presenters and studio, with stylish uniforms complementing a vibrant backdrop featuring upgraded lighting effects and animations. This premium and immersive live casino environment is unmissable for fans of the original.

A maximum RTP of 97.50% surpasses traditional roulette games, delivering a rewarding player experience, while autoplay functionality, detailed bet history, and a diverse range of inside and outside betting options maximise player control and engagement.

Mega Roulette 3000 is the latest game show to join Pragmatic Play’s award-winning live casino portfolio, following the blockbuster release of Money Time last month.

Irina Cornides, Chief Operating Officer at Pragmatic Play, said: “Set in a stunning new studio, Mega Roulette 3000 brings fresh energy and greater win potential to a live casino favourite. It reflects our continued focus at Pragmatic Play on expanding our portfolio with a mix of original and enhanced gaming experiences for players.”

Fast Track’s Greco integrates with AcuityTec to unify gameplay, identity, and transaction risk

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Fast Track’s Greco integrates with AcuityTec to unify gameplay, identity, and transaction risk

Greco, the first gameplay risk engine platform in iGaming, recently acquired by leading iGaming CRM provider Fast Track1, has announced a strategic partnership with AcuityTec, enabling operators to gain a unified, real-time view of player risk across identity, payments, and gameplay.

The collaboration is designed to help teams detect bonus abuse, multi-accounting and coordinated activity earlier, while reducing manual reviews and protecting genuine players. 

Under the agreement, AcuityTec’s fraud orchestration, transactional screening, risk monitoring, perpetual KYC and player verification will be connected with Greco’s behavioural gameplay intelligence platform. By linking signals that typically sit in silos, operators can observe irregular betting, fund-stashing and exploitative wagering patterns as they emerge, then trigger proportionate interventions in session. 

“Managing risk in iGaming demands a multi-layered approach, including device fingerprinting, identity verification, transactional monitoring, and gameplay. Through our partnership with AcuityTec, our mutual partners receive a comprehensive bonus-abuse defense strategy that shares signals across all risk verticals, empowering fraud teams with the broad data they need to act decisively. This partnership provides a huge step up in the industry’s ability to manage risk,” said Ozric Vondervelden, Co-founder of Greco. 

“At AcuityTec, our mission has always been to help operators move beyond surface-level data and uncover risk across every point of interaction, from player verification to transactional risk monitoring,” added Alfredo Solis, Managing Director at AcuityTec. “Through our partnership with Greco, we are extending that intelligence into gameplay, turning every transaction and session into a signal that strengthens fraud defense. Insight, automation, and collaboration now work together to help operators protect their platform with precision and confidence.” 

The joint solution supports adaptive segmentation and response tooling. Operators can warn, block or pause activity automatically when abuse is detected, and apply dynamic risk rules by brand, jurisdiction or campaign. AI models interpret game mechanics and anonymised bet and win data to keep pace with emerging tactics, helping prevent losses and preserve fair play for legitimate players. 

  1. Fast Track acquired Greco earlier this year, and Greco is now part of the Fast Track product suite. This partnership marks an exciting milestone for Greco and Fast Track, as both companies continue to strengthen their offerings in risk management and fraud prevention. ↩︎

Continent 8 appoints Rob Bolton as Cybersecurity Sales Director to drive strategic growth

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Continent 8 appoints Rob Bolton as Cybersecurity Sales Director to drive strategic growth

Continent 8 Technologies continues to strengthen its cybersecurity leadership with the appointment of Rob Bolton as Cybersecurity Sales Director, reinforcing its commitment to innovation in iGaming and online sports betting.

His appointment follows several years of strategic investment by the company in its cybersecurity solutions, aimed at supporting operators and suppliers across the industry. This has included developing key offerings such as Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), Threat Exchange, and a fully managed Security Operations Center (SOC). These developments underscore the company’s commitment to delivering robust, scalable, and proactive security services that meet the evolving needs of its customers.

In recent years, the iGaming industry has faced significant cyber attacks driven largely by financial motives. The use of diverse payment methods, reliance on third-party integrations and widespread use of mobile devices contribute to the industry being targeted. 

Bolton has vast experience leading US, EMEA and APAC revenue functions having worked at global MSSPs such as Versa Networks, Proofpoint and Infoblox. In his new role, he will oversee revenue growth across the company’s growing cybersecurity portfolio, engaging with CISOs and technical teams for Continent 8 and C8 Secure (a dedicated Continent 8 cybersecurity company) to identify the solutions required to best protect their business. 

Patrick Gardner, Chief Security Officer at Continent 8 Technologies, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Rob to the team who brings over two decades of experience in sales and business development to Continent 8. His deep technical knowledge and strategic vision will be invaluable as we continue to evolve and enhance our solutions to best support our customers.”

Rob Bolton, Cybersecurity Sales Director at Continent 8 Technologies
Rob Bolton, Cybersecurity Sales Director at Continent 8 Technologies

Rob Bolton, Cybersecurity Sales Director at Continent 8 Technologies, added: “Continent 8’s portfolio and service offering in the iGaming industry is unique; their managed security solutions are built on over 27 years of industry experience. The recent launch of the Threat Exchange – the industry’s only cyber threat intelligence platform – is a prime example. I look forward to showcasing our security solutions to the industry, supporting customers with their cybersecurity challenges, and contributing to the company’s growth.”

Rob Bolton will be attending GSATS Phoenix 2025 and is speaking on the panel titled ‘Cyber Resiliency – Protecting the Gaming Industry’ on November 13. To arrange a show meeting, please visit www.continent8.com or contact [email protected].  

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