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SJM debuts Macau’s premier integrated tourism & leisure enterprise at CICPE

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SJM Resorts, S.A. (SJM) has announced its highly anticipated debut at the 5th China International Consumer Products Expo (CICPE) in Hainan, April 13-18. As the first Macau-based integrated tourism and leisure enterprise to participate, SJM will utilize CICPE’s global reach and national influence to advance its ‘go global’ and ‘attract investment’ strategies, leveraging Macau’s strategic position as a Greater Bay Area gateway.

SJM aims to strengthen partnerships with leading Mainland and international brands and explore collaborations in high-end tourism, retail and brand managements. This engagement will further broaden SJM’s business network and cross-sector synergies, while unlocking shared opportunities across areas such as “Tourism+”, “MICE+” and “Culture+”. 

Ms. Daisy Ho, Managing Director of SJM, remarked: “As the only integrated tourism and leisure enterprise from Macau at this year’s CICPE, SJM is proud to represent the city and showcase its distinct urban appeal. The Expo plays a vital role in stimulating domestic demand and supporting high-quality development, with this year’s focus on key sectors including health, wellness, cultural tourism and sports—areas that are highly aligned with SJM’s strong commitment to integrated development. We look forward to joining hands with Mainland and global brands to explore new markets, inject momentum into Macau’s ‘1+4’ diversification, and further enhance China’s consumer appeal on the world stage.” 

Located in Fashion Lifestyle Hall, SJM’s showcase celebrates its legacy of over six decades, featuring iconic Macau landmarks—Hotel Lisboa Macau and Grand Lisboa Macau—serving as prominent visual elements. Grand Lisboa Palace Resort Macau, SJM’s latest flagship project, takes centre stage with three large displays highlighting its three distinct hotel towers.

These include Macau’s only two designer-branded luxury hotels: THE KARL LAGERFELD MACAU—designed by the late fashion icon Karl Lagerfeld—and the first Palazzo Versace Macau in Asia. Complementing these is the Grand Lisboa Palace Macau, which blends Eastern and Western architectural elegance. 

The booth reflects SJM’s visionary approach to integrating tourism, culture and fashion as core pillars of its brand. The lotus flower pattern—Macau’s emblem—artfully crafted in traditional Portuguese mosaic on the booth floor, embodies the city’s unique East-meets-West character and its role as “One Platform, One Base.”

SJM’s booth also highlights its diverse and vibrant tourism offerings, featuring 13 Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star properties across hotels, dining and spas—the highest number of Five-Star restaurants and spas awards globally for an integrated tourism and leisure enterprise—a testament to SJM’s exceptional hospitality standards. A video presentation showcases SJM’s acclaimed gastronomy, including the three-MICHELIN-star Robuchon au Dôme for 17 consecutive years, the two-MICHELIN-star Cantonese restaurant The Eight, and the recently crowned one-MICHELIN-starred refined Japanese restaurant Zuicho.

The presentation also features the dynamic Kam Pek Market at San Ma Lo, offering an enticing array of global casual dining options that create a complete culinary spectrum catering to every taste preference. 

SJM Resorts revamps Kam Pek Market into a culinary landmark in San Ma Lo

The booth will also feature some of SJM’s year-round “Tourism+” initiatives which integrate sports, arts and culture elements – embodying SJM’s commitment to the philosophy of “shaping tourism with cultural activities and promoting culture through tourism.” At Grand Lisboa Palace, visitors can explore two themed experience zones: AI Wonderland, showcasing advanced AI technology with “edu-tainment” approach and the Martial Arts Arena, allowing guests to experience the joy of martial arts in the 21-st century.

Furthermore, SJM’s long-standing support of the Macau Grand Prix and organisation of the Macau Open demonstrate its dedication to fostering synergies between tourism and culture, reinforcing SJM’s significant contribution in Macau’s development as a “World Centre of Tourism and Leisure.” 

SJM’s mascot, “Sam the Rooster”, will also make special appearances at the booth, delighting visitors with souvenirs. To mark the occasion, SJM is launching exclusive, limited-time hotel and MICE packages, enabling guests to experience its Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star hospitality and the diversified convention and exhibition services.

Marina Bay Sands casino license renewed for three years

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Marina Bay Sands has seen its casino license renewed for three years by the Singapore Gambling Regulatory Authority.

The GRA announced the news on Friday noting that it renewed the casino license ‘after assessing that MBS has fulfilled the requirements’. The license renewal comes into effect on April 26th.

Under Singapore’s regulations, the GRA may specify a license term of three years or less. Marina Bay Sands being granted a three-year license renewal is of particular importance to the company given, that in November of 2024, the Gambling Regulatory Authority decided to only renew the casino license of MBS rival Resorts World Sentosa for a period of two years. The license renewal came into effect on February 6th.

At the time the GRA indicated that following an assessment of RWS’s tourism performance from 2021 to the end of 2023, it was found to be ‘unsatisfactory’. The GRA indicated that there were a number of areas that ‘require rectification and substantial improvement’. RWS can be subject to another evaluation in 2026.

Right Marina Bay Sands’ casino license renewal is also of particular importance to the company given the recent $9 billion loan it secured for its expansion plan. The loan is expected to aid the integrated resort expansion project going towards development and construction, covering costs expenses and fees.

The expansion project will add a fourth hotel tower, featuring 570 luxury suites, a 15,000-seat arena, and 110,000 square feet of MICE space. Construction is expected to begin by June 2025, with a target opening date of January 1st, 2031.

Once the project is complete, and yes is expecting a 40 percent increase in adjusted property EBITDA. The expansion is also aimed at creating the most valuable tourism development in the world.

Racing & Gaming Conference – Saratoga 2025

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The Racing & Gaming Conference at Saratoga is an intensive, premier forum for industry decision-makers, stakeholders, and racing and gaming patrons to analyze trends in all sectors – in New York and nationally – as well as to discuss critical issues and to share ideas. The RGCS is held at The Saratoga Hilton in Saratoga Springs, NY.

Crown Resorts announces Martin Pakula as new Chair for Melbourne Board

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Crown Resorts has officially announced that Martin Pakula will join the Board of Crown Melbourne as Chair, effective May 1st, 2025, succeeding Ian Silk, who will step down from the position on July 1st, 2025.

Silk has been pivotal in guiding Crown Melbourne through a significant period of transformation and remediation over the past two and a half years. Under his leadership, the Melbourne venue successfully regained its operational license from the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission, a critical milestone in the company’s recovery. To ensure a smooth transition, Mr. Silk will retain his role until the end of June 2025.

Martin Pakula, who brings a wealth of experience from his roles as Attorney-General and Minister for Tourism, Sport, and Major Events in the Victorian government, is currently serving as Chair of the Australian Grand Prix Corporation. His industry knowledge is expected to facilitate continued growth at Crown Melbourne.

Crown Resorts CEO, David Tsai, expressed his enthusiasm for Pakula’s appointment, stating, “I look forward to Crown benefiting from Martin’s extensive industry and leadership experience.” Mr. Silk echoed these sentiments, reflecting on his tenure and the achievements made.

Pakula expressed his commitment to the operator, adding, “I am delighted to accept the role of Chair at Crown Melbourne and to play a role in its exciting future.” His appointment is pending necessary regulatory approvals.

LET Group still facing HKSE delisting risks

Hong Kong-listed LET Group, formerly known as the Suncity Group junket, still faces the risk of delisting, as certain requirements remain unmet, the group indicated in a recent dispatch

The company remains under a trading suspension, with the Resumption Guidance unchanged as of the latest announcement.

Following the resignation of independent non-executive director Kwok Kai Bun Bennie on November 11th, 2024, LET Group had been operating without a replacement while actively seeking suitable candidates.

Although a new independent non-executive director has recently been appointed, the company still faces the risk of delisting, as certain requirements remain unmet.

LET Group’s shares have been suspended since February 14th, 2024, and will remain so until all resumption conditions are fulfilled.

Trading in shares of Summit Ascent, which is linked to LET Group, has also been suspended and halted at the same time. Summit Ascent is expecting to record a profit of HK$38 million for 2024, reversing a loss from 2023.

To resume trading, LET Group must meet several criteria set by the Stock Exchange, including demonstrating the integrity of its management, publishing outstanding financial results, and ensuring compliance with corporate governance standards.

As of now, the Group says it has made progress in several areas, with a Validly Constituted Board Guidance and Corporate Governance Guidance fulfilled following recent appointments to its board.

Lam Hung Tuan has been appointed as an executive director, while Tou Kin Chuen, John Lo Wai Tung, and Chan Suet Ngan have joined as independent non-executive directors. Additionally, the Audit, Remuneration, and Nomination Committees have been reconstituted.

The company is also preparing for an extraordinary general meeting (EGM) where these newly appointed directors will seek re-election.

This re-election, if approved by independent shareholders, will serve as a testament to their integrity and independence, as required by the Integrity Guidance.

LET Group has submitted various proposals to the Stock Exchange aimed at meeting the Integrity Guidance requirements. Further announcements will be made as these proposals are reviewed.

“The Group remains committed to ensuring compliance and demonstrating suitability for continued listing as it navigates the challenges posed by market conditions and regulatory expectations”, chairman Andrew Lo points out in the dispatch.

Russia-Ukraine conflict continue to impact Tigre de Cristal

Tigre de Cristal Resort, Summit Ascent

The company also provided some operational updates, stating that the Tigre de Cristal operational environment remains challenging due to the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

The Tigre de Cristal hotel and casino operations in Vladivostok, Russia, continue to face significant challenges due to the escalating Russia-Ukraine conflict and associated sanctions, operator LET Group Holdings Limited says in a recent dispatch

The group reported stability in its day-to-day operations, with ongoing construction and development of the Main Hotel Casino in the Philippines progressing as planned.

The company is expecting to record a loss amounting to approximately HK$215.6 million ($27.71 million) for 2024, compared to a profit of HK$58.7 million ($7.5 million) for 2023.

The expected loss was attributed to increased expenses and the dissolution of a joint venture, since in December of 2024, the group dissolved Gold Yield Enterprises, which was engaged in the Hoiana integrated resort in Vietnam.

In a strategic move to enhance cash flow, the Group is actively seeking to divest its non-core property development interests in Niseko and Miyako Island, Japan, although no buyers have been secured as of yet.

NOVOMATIC secures Gaming-Related Vendor License in the UAE

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The GCGRA has granted NOVOMATIC a Gaming Related Vendor License – Tier 1, enabling the company to expand its presence with a comprehensive portfolio of state-of-the-art land-based gaming solutions.

In October last year, Aristocrat announced that it had become the first international slot and online technology company to be granted a Gaming-Related Vendor license, enabling it to conduct business in the United Arab Emirates.

With a strong focus on innovative solutions, compliance, and strategic partnerships, Europe’s leading gaming technology group is now excited to expand its presence throughout the Middle East.

Stefan Krenn, Member of the Executive Board of NOVOMATIC AG Group, emphasized: “Receiving this license as one of the first gaming technology groups worldwide is a significant milestone for NOVOMATIC. This honor reflects our unwavering commitment to offering the most innovative products that fulfill the highest standards of responsible gaming. As we enter this exciting opportunity in the United Arab Emirates market, we successfully continue our international expansion strategy.” 

“As a leading global player in the gaming industry, NOVOMATIC is excited to bring its cutting-edge product portfolio to this dynamic and rapidly growing market. Our latest gaming solutions are designed to deliver exceptional performance to land-based gaming facilities across the United Arab Emirates, ensuring that international players can enjoy their preferred games with the same high standards and quality they expect from other jurisdictions worldwide,” stated Thomas Schmalzer, VP of Global Sales and Product Management of NOVOMATIC AG. 

GCGRA, UAE

Established in September 2023, the GCGRA serves as the UAE’s federal executive agency responsible for regulating and overseeing commercial gaming within the UAE, crafting and implementing a comprehensive regulatory framework and guidelines to ensure integrity, transparency, and responsible business practices across the industry. NOVOMATIC’s licensing approval under this robust framework emphasizes its proactive approach to compliance and its vision for establishing long-term partnerships built on trust and excellence.

Recognized for its technological excellence and commitment to regulatory compliance, NOVOMATIC aims to establish itself as a reliable partner for licensed operators in the UAE.

In February this year, Wynn Resorts—making its first major regional investment as a gaming-based company—announced it had completed financing for Wynn Al Marjan Island by securing a $2.4 billion construction facility from a global syndicate of lenders.

The group indicated that it is still expecting the 1,542-room property to open in 2027, being the first integrated resort in the UAE, located 50 minutes from Dubai International Airport.

The project is expected to cost a total of $5.1 billion, with expectations by some analysts that it could transform Ras Al Khaimah to the fourth major gaming market worldwide.

Wynn Resorts is developing the project in partnership with Marjan and RAK Hospitality Holding, while Wynn Design and Development is overseeing all facets of the project’s design and construction.

Red Tiger & FashionTV Gaming partner to launch Trillionaire Megaways

Red Tiger, a prominent division of Evolution Group, has teamed up once more with FashionTV Gaming Group to unveil their latest luxury slot creation: Trillionaire Megaways.

Inspired by the global FashionTV anthem “I Want to Be a Trillionaire”, this release builds on the success of the original Trillionaire slot launched in 2021. With a refined visual aesthetic and enhanced gameplay, Trillionaire Megaways represents a natural next step in the evolution of FashionTV’s branded slot portfolio.

This latest collaboration brings together FashionTV Gaming Group’s creative direction and Red Tiger’s proven development expertise to deliver an experience rooted in elegance, entertainment, and technical excellence.

Trillionaire Megaways features expanding Glamour Girl Wilds with multipliers, Price Tags for instant cash wins, and Gift Boxes unlocking Mega Jackpots up to 10,000x your bet. In Free Spins, the Hold and Respin Bonus plays out on a 6×3 or 6×4 grid with only Price Tags, Glamour Girls, and the Trillionaire symbol which doubles all visible cash values. Glamour Girls stay locked, collecting wins, while each new symbol resets your spins for bigger rewards.

Every spin brings to life the elite style and global appeal of FashionTV – the world’s leader in fashion, luxury and lifestyle broadcasting, with billions of viewers and over 26 years of international reach FashionTV brings its unmistakable signature style to the iGaming world.

As the exclusive licensor of FashionTV for online gaming, FashionTV Gaming Group has become the leading force in iGaming brand licensing. Its growing portfolio of luxury-branded games, developed in collaboration with top industry partners, continues to resonate with VIP players, high rollers, and audiences with a taste for fashion-forward, lifestyle-driven experiences.

SOFTSWISS & Rubens Barrichello partner with Sparco for SiGMA Americas 

SOFTSWISS and Rubens Barrichello are launching an exclusive collaboration with the iconic motorsport brand Sparco. The limited-edition collection was revealed at the SiGMA Americas Summit in São Paulo-Brazil.

Founded in 1977, Sparco aimed to bring more safety and fashion to motorsport. Over the decades, the brand has become synonymous with high-quality racing gear, reflecting its commitment to technology, innovation, and style. Today, Sparco is a globally recognised leader in motorsport apparel and equipment, trusted by professional drivers and racing enthusiasts. 

Inspired by Rubens Barrichello’s remarkable racing career, the new Sparco casual-style collection brings together the worlds of motorsport and technology. It is a reminder that real success, whether on a race circuit or in the office, starts with daring to push beyond the limits.

Rubens Barrichello, Non-Executive Director in Latin America at SOFTSWISS, commented: “Sparco was with me at every turn. It’s not just a logo – it’s a symbol of reliability proven by speed. I’m proud to be working with the brand that supported me throughout my career – now in a new format”. 

One standout feature of the collection is the number 111. It is instantly recognisable to Barrichello’s fans, as he celebrated numerous racing victories with it on board. Alongside this numeric design element, every item also features Rubens’ personal autograph.

The Office of Sparco Brazil commented: “In Brazil, motorsport isn’t just a sport – it’s part of our cultural DNA. Having a driver like Rubens Barrichello is a point of national pride. This collaboration is our way of capturing the energy that lives on the racetracks of São Paulo. It’s a story of speed, pride, and a uniquely Brazilian spirit”.

Digitain gets Sportsbook Excellence Award at SiGMA Americas 2025

Digitain, a leading provider of Sportsbook and iGaming solutions, has won in the “Best Interactive Sportsbook Experience 2025” category at the SiGMA Americas Awards.

This prestigious recognition highlights Digitain’s relentless drive for innovation, excellence, and its ability to deliver state-of-the-art Sportsbook solutions to its partners.

The SiGMA Americas Awards took place on April 7 during the BiS SiGMA Americas event in São Paulo, Brazil. The awards celebrate the best and brightest companies, recognizing exceptional achievements, groundbreaking innovations, and significant contributions to the industry.

Iain Hutchison, Digitain’s Chief Revenue Officer, stated: “We are honored to receive this award, which marks our fifth major recognition this year. It’s a powerful validation of our commitment to innovation and the strength of the partnerships we’ve built.”

“At Digitain, we continuously strive to develop forward-thinking Sportsbook solutions that meet the evolving needs of our partners in a highly competitive global market. We remain focused on continuous improvement, ensuring that our partners have access to the best tools and solutions to drive their business forward.”

As Digitain continues its expansion across regulated markets, this award further strengthens its position as a trusted partner for operators seeking a competitive edge in the dynamic field of sports betting.

Daily Asia Gaming eBrief: eGames rising, but PH GGR still land-based dominated

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Good Morning. Nothing beats a simple, old-fashioned casino. But the Philippines is riding the wave from both its land-based operations and its swiftly growing eGames sector. Revenues hit a new record in 2024, topping out at $6.5 billion, a hopeful indication that the best is yet to come. Meanwhile, the world’s gaming hub Macau, could be facing headwinds, as analysts revise down growth expectations for this year. And in the ASEAN Gaming Summit world, top experts take a look at iGaming in the Philippines: past, present and future, while also having a further look at KYC and the importance of compliance.

What you need to know


On the radar


AGB Intelligence

PHILIPPINES

Philippines eGames on the rise, but land-based leads GGR in FY24

If you can touch it, you know its real. So the land-based casino industry will continue to hold its value, in the Philippines and elsewhere. Recent data show that eGames is surging however, with strong revenue spikes seen in 2024, in line with official expectations for the sector. Overall, a healthy growth cycle was seen, and is expected to continue, barring any major upsets.


Trust, But Verify | ASEAN 2025

Trust, But Verify-ASEAN Gaming Summit 2025

The world of KYC was fiercely debated at this year’s ASEAN Gaming Summit, with top experts pointing out exactly why companies need to stay on the cutting edge: both for their bottom line and for their players’ comfort.

The OGs – The Origin Story of iGaming in the Philippines | ASEAN 2025

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iGaming has undergone various iterations in the Philippines, but as it continues to gain popularity a top group of experts looks back at where it’s been, and what can be expected next.


Industry Updates


Corporate Spotlight

UU Wallet: Bridging traditional finance and Web3 flexibility

UU Wallet unveils comprehensive Digital Finance Solutions at ASEAN Gaming Summit 2025

With a strong focus on security and efficiency, UU Wallet stands out with its instant cryptocurrency exchange capabilities and globally accepted prepaid card, making it a preferred choice for those navigating the complexities of digital finance.


INTELLIGENCE | ASEAN | CAREERS