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Resurgence in Asian Poker? APT indicates “huge demand” for tournaments

Kelsey Wilhelm
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Resurgence in Asian Poker? APT indicates “huge demand” for tournaments

Poker has undergone various starts and stops within Asia but it now appears to be on a continuing upward trend, with the Asian Poker Tour (APT) highlighting a breakout event in Taipei recently where it has “truly found a home”.

Speaking to AGB, President of the APT Neil Johnson indicated that the latest 10-day event again set new records for the group and is boosting expectations for the Asia Poker Tour Championship in November. The event is set to be the “largest festival the tour has ever run with a TWD165 million ($5 million) guaranteed main event”.

Johnson notes that, while poker had primarily “been considered an American game,” the rise in popularity in Asia is being boosted by live streaming and media coverage.

That has helped make “players want to play our events and get their time in the sun”.

But the focus is not only on Taiwan.

“There is a huge demand for high quality poker tournaments across the region, and a huge developing market in China, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam, and already a well-established market in the Philippines, where interest in the game is increasing exponentially – as the numbers for our latest Taipei festival has demonstrated,” indicated the executive.

The 10-day event was held in partnership with Chinese Texas Hold’em Poker Club (CTP), bringing in 3,549 unique players from 51 countries and regions, with 22,909 total entries.

“We are very lucky with the APT ownership, who have a true passion for poker and a drive to grow the game in Asia, and who are not scared to put their money where their mouths are and offer some huge guarantees,” notes Johnson.

The executive further highlighted that the group aims to create “something that feels as iconic as the World Series, or the EPT (European Poker Tour), only with the focus on Asia specifically”.

The APT Championship in Taipei runs from November 14th to 30th.

Former PAGCOR Chairman Genuino and four co-accused sentenced to over 100 years jail time

Kelsey Wilhelm
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Former PAGCOR Chairman Genuino and four co-accused sentenced to over 100 years jail time

The former Chairman of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), and four other top officials have been sentenced to over 100 years in prison over graft and alleged misuse of agency funds.

According to reports, former PAGCOR president Efraim Genuino was charged alongside former COO Rafael Franciso, former SVP for administration Rene Figueroa, former SVP for corporate communications services Edward King and former assistance VP for internal audit Valente Custodio.

Each was found guilty of five counts of violating the anti-graft and corrupt practices act.

They were also sentenced to five counts of malversation of public funds.

The court also temporarily archived cases against former PAGCOR Vice President for accounting Ester Hernandez, who authorities indicate remain at large, with possibility of revival upon arrest or surrender.

The case relates to some PHP50.5 million ($912,000) in PAGCOR funds disbursed between 2005 and 2008, allegedly used to fund promotional items for an organization founded by Genuino in 2003 – the BIDA Foundation.

The court ruled that the purchases did not go through a public bidding process, with amounts exceeding threshold targets for procurement.

Despite the charges, the five were acquitted of 14 other counts of graft and 15 counts of malversation linked to other transactions – including donations to the BIDA Foundation, and purchase of tickets for a film and advertisements amounting to over PHP100 million ($1.8 million) in 2008 and 2009.

Genuino was alleged to have diverted the PAGCOR funds to the BIDA Foundation in order to support his run for a seat in the House of Representatives in the 2010 elections, a bid that eventually failed.

The rulings stem from corruption allegations filed by the Office of the Ombudsman in 2011.

US-China tariff spat raised by HK&Macau Affairs Office head during visit

Kelsey Wilhelm
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US-China tariff spat raised by HK&Macau Affairs Office head during visit

The head of the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office has discussed the impact of the US-China trade dispute with Macau officials, attempting to assuage concerns but pushing for diversification away from gaming.

According to RTHK, the trade dispute was highlighted in a seminar with officials, including Macau’s new Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai.

One delegate told media that Xia Baolong indicated that the tariff conflict “will likely continue for a period of time, having a major impact on the entire world”.

The delegate furthered that “he said it will certainly be painful. We may not know how long the pain will last, but we all have to face it”.

In a separate seminar with Macau lawmakers, the affairs office head dished out praise for Macau’s enacting of legislation on gambling and national security, as well as electoral reform, but stressed that Macau needs to diversify its economy.

Xia Baolong was in Macau for a multi-day visit, encompassing many of the SAR’s top tourist sites, as well as meetings with top officials and social groups.

The question of whether Macau’s casino operators could be caught in the middle of the trade dispute has been raised multiple times, as discussions had appeared to reach a stalemate before the weekend.

However, US President Donald Trump attempted to shine a positive light on the topic after US-China trade talks took place in Switzerland.

Trump claimed there had been a “total reset” in trade relations between the two economic giants after the first day of meetings between US and Chinese officials. Talks between US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Chinese Vice-Premier He Lifeng continued on Sunday.

Macau junket rep hopes for regulatory clarity under new DICJ leadership

Viviana Chan
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Macau junket rep hopes for regulatory clarity under new DICJ leadership

Macau’s junket industry is calling for greater clarity and fairness in regulations as the city welcomes a new head of its gaming regulatory body, the Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau (DICJ).

Speaking to AGB, U Io Hung, President of the Macau Professional Association of Gaming Promoters, expressed hope that the appointment of new DICJ Director Ng Wai Han will bring clearer administrative guidance and a more balanced approach to oversight.

“We hope the new director will provide a clear framework for day-to-day operations, not only on the administrative front but also in regulatory monitoring,” U said. He emphasized the need for regulatory measures that are consistent and reasonable in their application.

His comments refer to heightened scrutiny by the DICJ, including a recent reminder that junket employees and administrative management staff must display work permit badges issued by casino operators while on duty. Non-compliance could result in fines ranging from MOP100,000 ($12,430) to MOP500,000 ($62,150).

U described the penalties as unusually harsh by international standards. “I believe this fine is rare in the whole world. I hope Director Ng can reevaluate this issue,” he said.

Macau junket rep hopes for regulatory clarity under new DICJ leadership

The DICJ had been without a permanent leader for over five months before Ng’s appointment. Her swearing-in ceremony was held on May 7th, during which Secretary for Economy and Finance Tai Kin Ip urged her to unite the team and proactively address public expectations for the gaming sector.

U Io Hung also acknowledged that DICJ directors are expected to align with central government policies. He cited recent remarks from senior officials regarding tighter oversight of non-gaming-related investments. “I believe the DICJ will definitely follow the rules,” he added.

The Macau government periodically conducts a comprehensive review of gaming operators’ implementation of non-gaming investment commitments.

Secretary Tai Kin Ip confirmed that a review mechanism is already in place to ensure concessionaires meet their contractual obligations. Under the new gaming concession contracts, the six operators are required to invest a minimum of MOP108.8 billion (US$13.6 billion) in non-gaming projects over 10 years. As Macau’s gross gaming revenue in 2023 exceeded MOP180 billion ($22.5 billion), the required investment will increase by 20 percent to approximately MOP130.4 billion ($16.3 billion).

Although these non-gaming investments are classified as commercial commitments rather than public expenditures, the government has emphasized that it will strictly monitor compliance to ensure gaming companies fulfill their social responsibilities.

On a broader note, junket veteran U Io Hung commended the authorities’ ongoing efforts to curb illicit money exchange activities in and around Macau’s casinos. “The results are clear — illegal money changers inside and outside casinos have been effectively cracked down on,” he said. He noted that DICJ’s new director is expected to approach this issue in line with the existing framework.

Donaco faces delays in takeover process, navigates uncertainty over Cambodian casino tax

Nelson Moura
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Donaco faces delays in takeover process, navigates uncertainty over Cambodian casino tax

Australian-listed casino operator Donaco International Ltd is facing a delay in the implementation of its proposed acquisition by On Nut Road Limited (ONR), as well as growing uncertainty over its tax obligations in Cambodia.

The group operates DNA Star Vegas in Poipet, Cambodia and Aristo International Hotel in Lao Cai, Vietnam.

In a market update, Donaco said the Scheme Implementation Deed (SID) with ONR—announced on March 17th and offering shareholders AU$0.045 ($0.029) per share in cash—has been held up due to valuation and legal review complexities.

The company had initially scheduled the scheme meeting for June 3th, with the accompanying scheme booklet to be sent to shareholders by May 6th. However, these plans have now been pushed back.

Donaco blamed the delay on longer-than-expected timelines from third-party valuation contributors, extended legal analysis of Cambodian and Vietnamese regulatory frameworks, and public holidays in all three jurisdictions.

As a result, the Independent Expert reviewing the deal has not yet finalized its report, preventing the company from lodging documents with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC).

‘The delay is through no fault of the Independent Expert,’ Donaco stated. ‘An updated scheme timetable will be provided once the report is complete and court hearing dates are confirmed.’

Tax trouble in Cambodia

Star Vegas, Donaco International

Separately, Donaco revealed it may be liable for a significant new tax burden stemming from regulatory changes in Cambodia, where its Star Vegas casino operates.

Although Donaco has been paying a 7 percent contribution on gross gaming revenue (GGR) to the Cambodian Commercial Gambling Management Commission (CGMC), a new legal interpretation suggests an additional 10 percent value-added tax (VAT) may also now apply.

This stems from a directive issued by Cambodia’s Ministry of Economy and Finance in December 2022, which expanded tax obligations to include VAT, monthly and annual income tax payments on GGR for all licensed gaming operators.

While these measures had been deferred by the previous administration until at least the end of 2024—prompting many in the industry to assume the delay would be indefinite—the General Department of Taxation (GDT) confirmed in January 2025 that the taxes are now in effect.

Legal advice obtained by Donaco indicates that, effective from January 1st, 2025, the company is indeed liable for the additional taxes, even though no formal tax assessment has yet been issued. The company estimates that the VAT liability for the first quarter of 2025 could be as high as AU$666,000 ($426,246).

Adding to industry concerns is the fact that the 10 percent VAT is not offset against the existing 7 percent GGR contribution to the CGMC, raising the prospect of double taxation—a burden Donaco and other operators have flagged in discussions with Cambodian authorities.

In February, Donaco requested a delay in VAT reporting, but the GDT rejected the appeal in early April, insisting the company must fully comply with the directive and all relevant tax laws.

Engagements with the Cambodian government are ongoing, and Donaco said the final tax determination remains subject to government decision.

The group reported a slight drop in revenue during the quarter ended March 31st, despite stable visitation numbers across its properties.

Cebu authorities arrest 11 with some $9M in cash, claiming to be junket players

Kelsey Wilhelm
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Cebu authorities arrest 11 with some $9M in cash, claiming to be junket players

Authorities in Cebu have arrested 11 people at the international airport after being found with cash amounting to nearly half a billion pesos ($9 million).

According to The Inquirer, the group had a total of PHP441.92 million ($7.98 million), $168,370 and HK$1,000 ($128) in cash that they failed to declare.

The group claimed the money was part of their winnings from a casino in Cebu, saying that they were casino players brought into the country by junket operator White Horse Club.

Of the 11 detainees, six are Chinese nationals, with one Malaysian, one Indonesian, one Kazakh and two Filipinos.

According to authorities, two of the arrested Chinese nationals are respondents in criminal cases pending in the Philippines, while another Chinese national is the subject of an Interpol notice for fraud.

The individuals were stopped from boarding a private plane at the Mactan-Cebu International Airport bound for Manila.

The undeclared cash was detected during X-ray security checks of their bags.

Authorities indicated that they have doubts of the provenance of the money, with one official indicating “these casino winnings are probably not authenticated or not real […] only being used to justify their possession of that large amount of money”.

Authorities say they are now also aiming to “trace the origin” of the cash.

Shikenso Analytics & Triton Poker strengthen collaboration to enhance sponsorship intelligence

AGBrief Editorial
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Shikenso Analytics & Triton Poker strengthen collaboration to enhance sponsorship intelligence

Shikenso Analytics, a leading provider of AI-powered sponsorship intelligence, has announced the renewal of its partnership with Triton Poker Series, home to the world’s most prestigious high-stakes poker tournaments.

This continued collaboration highlights Shikenso’s role as a technology leader in sponsorship analytics, delivering advanced solutions across premium sports and entertainment properties. With its AI-powered tools, Shikenso will support Triton Poker Series in measuring brand visibility across digital and broadcast channels, streamlining sponsor reporting. 

With this renewed collaboration, Shikenso Analytics will deliver tracking and analysis of Triton Poker’s social media performance across all of their digital channels. To raise the stakes on their partner brands’ exposure, Shikenso’s video analysis will track every frame across streams of events.

Additionally, the brand will also unlock the power of words with Shikenso’s voice analysis tool capturing brand mentions. Triton Poker Series is a premier high-stakes poker tour renowned for hosting some of the most exclusive and prestigious events in the global poker circuit.

Established in 2016, Triton brings together elite professional players and affluent recreational participants in a unique blend of competitive spirit and luxury. With a commitment to excellence, charitable initiatives, and world-class production, Triton Poker Series continues to elevate the game’s profile through unforgettable tournaments held in iconic locations worldwide.

Andy Wong, CEO at Triton Poker Series: “At Triton, we are in the constant pursuit of excellence as we build the Pinnacle of Poker. In the past year, Shikenso’s technology has given us the clarity and confidence to demonstrate immense brand value to partners and push the boundaries of what’s possible in poker entertainment. We look forward to a continued partnership.” 

Arwin Fallah Shirazi, Co-CEO & Co-Founder at Shikenso Analytics: “We’re thrilled to continue our work with Triton Poker Series. Their dedication to innovation and excellence aligns perfectly with our vision to transform sponsorship measurement. Together, we’re enabling more intelligent decisions for brands in one of the world’s most nail-biting sports.”

 

Daily Asia Gaming eBrief: Macau’s concert focus is a win/win-ish

AGBrief Editorial
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Daily Asia Gaming eBrief: Macau’s concert focus is a win/win-ish
Good Morning. You may build it, but they don’t always come. Macau’s focus on non-gaming entertainment has been a boon for its international appeal, and has appeased the licensors. But it remains to be seen exactly which type of show can really bring the noise. Speaking of concert-hosters, Galaxy saw a 6 percent revenue increase, progressively above its rivals, as 2025 starts well for the giant. Looking to the casino floor, smart tables are working both for the player and operator, as they shift the game to something more quantifiable.

What you need to know

On the radar

AGB Intelligence

NON-GAMING

Bruno Mars, MGM Cotai

Macau still facing challenges despite concert focus

Macau’s gaming market will always be its lifeblood, but the push to diversify to non-gaming has also added a significant push to the city’s offerings, with new concerts driving in visitors that may not previously have focused on the gaming mecca. But challenges still remain, as artist selection and venue choice have a strong role to play, in particular given regional competition.

Industry Updates

INTELLIGENCE | ASEAN | CAREERS

AGEM Index rose by 7.8% m-o-m in March, up 57.1% yearly

Kelsey Wilhelm
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AGEM Index rose by 7.8% m-o-m in March, up 57.1% yearly

The AGEM Index saw a significant rise in April, up by 7.8 percent compared to March. The Index saw healthy growth of 57.1 percent compared to April 2024.

During the month, seven of the 12 AGEM Index companies reported stock price decreases, which resulted in seven negative contributions to the index.

AGEM Index

The largest positive contribution to the monthly index was Konami Corp, whose 15.6 percent monthly rise in stock price caused a 91.34-point increase for the index. Only a yearly basis, the stock price was down by 113 percent.

Meanwhile, Crane NXT saw its stock price fall by 8.7 percent month-on-month, leading to a 6-point decrease for the index. On a yearly basis, the stock price was down 22.8 percent.

During the month, two of the three US stock indices saw decreases from March, amongst concern and uncertainty over US tariffs and trade policies.

The NASDAQ actually rose by 1.5 percent over the month, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped by 2.9 percent and the S&P 500 decreased by 0.5 percent from March.

Land-based seeking a LAN-line, operators looking for continued growth

AGBrief Editorial
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Land-based seeking a LAN-line, operators looking for continued growth

Land-based games are making waves in the online space, with a top panel of executives noting that games with longer development time, and presence, are pertinent to players.

At a top panel at G2E Asia, Light & Wonder executive Ken Jolly noted that players tend to swap quickly through online games, while IGT’s Orchard noted that games with longer development periods – such as those based on real-game play – tend to “drive better results on the online side as well”.

“We’re going to see great land-based games play a larger role in the online space,” indicated the executive.

Jolly highlighted how the younger generation has increased spending potential, and desire, meaning that creating the experience is more important for getting the customers immersed in the game.

To target this segment, Lloyd Robson, from Aristocrat, noted that strong reinvestment in R&D helps the company continue to stay at the forefront, being able to more specifically target players going after jackpots.

But, on the strong panel at G2E Asia, all participants agreed that players are now going after the secondary jackpot figures on slots, rather than shooting their shot on the big win.

Operator Jerry Chan, from Okada Manila, indicated that hitting the primary jackpot is difficult, so players are now focusing on secondary slots, with operators hoping to come up with new models to attract new players for the changing scape.

Aristocrat’s Lloyd Robson echoed the sentiment, noting that the focus on the smaller jackpots has been increasing, particularly in the Philippines.

Hold & Spin and Triple Metamorphic have worked strongly in the market, but Robson notes that Link has been the best ongoing driver recently in Asia.

L&W’s Ken Jolly indicated that all manufacturers are upping their game, bringing new hardware, bigger screens and better graphics, but that all of the companies’ efforts only resonate “when the players take it”.

Okada’s Jerry Chan notes that, as an operator, there has been a slight downturn recently in the Philippines, particularly due to tariffs, economical issues and the rise of iGaming.

But operators are keen to double down on both spaces.

Ken Jolly suggests a more immersive gaming floor for slots, while Chan proposes a redesign of the gaming floor to incorporate more elements prone for younger generations – like eSports, and Robson highlights the need to correlate the land-based and online side.

No matter what, the online space has to be a focus for the manufacturers, with all having a piece of the pie, and seeking the best outcome.

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