Success Universe, investor in Macau’s Ponte 16, has announced that it is expecting a decrease in consolidated profit for FY24 of between 40 percent and 50 percent.
According to a company filing with the Hong Kong Stock Exchange on Thursday, this would potentially halve the 2023 consolidated profit of HK$169 million ($21.75 million).
This comes despite a disposal of HK$31 million ($4 million) in overseas listed equity securities during the year.
The group notes that the decrease in consolidated profit can be mainly attributable to fair value loss on the group’s investment properties and a write-down of the group’s stock of properties.
It also relates to a substantial impairment loss relating to the group’s leasehold land and building, as well as a drop in the share of the profit of the associates related to Ponte 16.
The executive highlighted the significant drop in VIP revenues compared to 2019, while hoping for an increase in mass.
Ma pushed for more visitor traffic and diversification of Macau’s tourism offerings at the time, and multi-destination travel for visitors.
During the first half of 2024, the company reported a loss from operations of HK$79.6 million ($10.34 million), a dramatic reversal from the HK$94 million ($12.21 million) profit recorded in the first half of 2023.
Interestingly, the company sold off some $8.3 million (excluding transaction costs) in Tesla shares in December of 2024, a timely move considering the current drop in the company’s share price.
Philippine authorities are working hard to stay off the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list after the country celebrated its redesignated last month.
According to The Manila Times, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Eli Remolona Jr. stated that advances in digital technology have escalated financial security risks, prompting regulators to intensify efforts to combat money laundering and illicit transactions.
Remolona explained that the situation is essentially an arms race, with regulators needing to keep pace with evolving challenges. He added that a risk assessment is currently underway to ensure the Philippines does not return to the global dirty money watch list.
The country’s removal from the FATF grey list of countries under heightened monitoring was partly due to a ban on Philippine online gaming operators (POGOs), a sector linked to financial crimes. Remolona noted that while the POGO ban wasn’t explicitly required by the FATF, it played a significant role in securing the country’s exit from the grey list.
The regulator also mentioned the 2021 Bangladesh central bank heist, in which hackers funneled $81 million in stolen funds to accounts in the Philippines. This incident drew unwanted attention to the country and led the FATF to demand a high-level commitment from the government to address the issue. The banning of POGOs was seen as a clear demonstration of that commitment.
However, Remolona emphasized that the fight against dirty money is far from over. He pointed out that in the past, the Philippines had been on and off the list, but this time, the country is determined to stay off the grey list.
As part of ongoing efforts, Remolona outlined the need for a national risk assessment to identify potential money laundering and terrorism financing risks across the economy. The next FATF evaluation for the Philippines is scheduled for 2027.
New guidelines aim to curb gambling-linked risks
The commitment of financial authorities is not just reflected in words but also in their proactive efforts to implement a new regulatory framework aimed at curbing money laundering risks and ensuring compliance with global standards.
In a recent development, the central bank of the Philippines introduced draft guidelines for digital marketplace activities, prohibiting banks and electronic money issuers (EMIs) from offering products linked to gambling, such as online casinos and online betting. The proposed rules would allow banks and EMIs to operate digital marketplaces that offer both their own products and third-party services, but would explicitly ban gambling-related offerings.
In response, the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) expressed concern that these regulations could impact the country’s thriving electronic gaming sector. PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro H. Tengco voiced surprise over the proposal, stating that the BSP did not consult with PAGCOR before releasing the draft guidelines. He warned that the new rules could have adverse effects on the online gaming industry.
An estimated 3.37 million people in Japan have engaged in gambling at online casinos, with a staggering JPY1.24 trillion ($8.4 billion) wagered annually.
A report from The Asahi Shimbun highlights information from the National Police Agency’s (NPA) first survey dedicated to the issue, released on March 13th.
The survey revealed that 75.2 percent of respondents who used free online casino sites on their smartphones eventually transitioned to paid versions, where they gambled with real money. Alarmingly, 59.6 percent of online casino users acknowledged having an addiction to gambling.
While most online casino sites operate in jurisdictions where gambling is legal, placing bets from Japan constitutes a gambling offense. An NPA official commented that “the survey highlights the prevalence of illegal gambling, and the situation is extremely serious.”
The NPA commissioned a private company to conduct the survey due to increasing concerns about online casinos. Between July of last year and January of this year, approximately 27,000 individuals in Japan, aged 15 to 79, participated in the study. The analysis included responses from 500 individuals with online casino experience and 6,500 without.
The findings indicated that 3.5 percent of all respondents had previously used or were currently using online casino sites, which translates to about 3.37 million people based on national population estimates. The average annual betting amount per user was reported to be around JPY630,000 ($4,224).
By considering usage rates across various age groups, the survey estimates the total annual gambling amount at approximately JPY1.24 trillion ($8.4 billion). Additionally, the survey uncovered that 43.5 percent of participants were unaware that online casinos are illegal in Japan.
Among those with online casino experience, 46.2 percent had borrowed money from family, friends, or consumer finance companies to support their gambling habits.
The NPA has also raised alarms about celebrity endorsements or promotions that portray online casinos as being “safe”, urging stakeholders to discontinue such activities, as they may be perceived as facilitating illegal gambling.
The Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO) has announced plans to relaunch a scheme offering discounted bus and ferry fares for foreign travelers arriving at Hong Kong International Airport and heading to Macau.
This move is part of a broader initiative aimed at attracting more international visitors, with a particular focus on long-haul markets in Europe, India, and the Middle East.
The details of the scheme have yet to be released.
From January to August 2024, MGTO partnered with Macau HK Airport Direct to provide complimentary bus tickets for eligible travelers arriving at the airport. Additionally, from February to July 2024, MGTO worked with TurboJET and Cotai Water Jet to offer free one-way ferry tickets.
Macau is projected to welcome approximately 38 to 39 million visitors this year, close to the pre-pandemic figures seen in 2019. Last year, the SAR recorded 2,423,093 international visitors, marking a 66 percent increase compared to the previous year. MGTO has set a target to attract 3 million foreign visitors this year.
According to MGTO Director Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes, the office is expanding its efforts to draw tourists from Europe, the United States, and India. This is in addition to its core markets, which include mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and key foreign markets in Southeast Asia and Northeast Asia.
A recent report by CBRE Institutional Research highlights the increasing debt levels among gaming suppliers, revealing a mixed picture of financial stability across the sector.
CBRE released a comprehensive analysis of the debt levels and financial health of global gaming suppliers. The report indicates significant variation in outstanding debts and market performance among major players in the industry.
The data details mixed performance among gaming suppliers’ fixed-income instruments. Aristocrat Technologies Inc. and DraftKings Inc., for example, show relatively stable price performance, with minimal fluctuations over the past month.
In contrast, Entain Holdings Gibraltar Ltd. and Everi Holdings Inc. exhibit slight declines in their five-day and one-month price performance, indicating potential market volatility.
According to the report, Aristocrat Technologies Inc. holds $500 million in debt, reflecting relatively stable performance and a yield to convention of 6.19 percent, with a current price of $100.50. DraftKings Inc. carries $600 million in debt, showcasing similar stability with a yield to convention of 6.44 percent and a current price of $99.25.
Meanwhile, Entain Holdings Gibraltar Ltd. holds the largest debt at $1.26 billion, experiencing some price declines, yet achieving a yield to convention of 6.69 percent and trading at $100.56. Everi Holdings Inc. has $579 million in debt, showing comparable market fluctuations, with a yield to convention of 6.66 percent at a price of $100.13.
Evoke PLC stands out with a significantly higher yield to convention at 10.69 percent, reflecting a higher risk premium demanded by investors. The company’s former price of $96.88 suggests a discount in the market, possibly due to perceived higher risk or lower credit quality.
Overall, gaming suppliers demonstrate varying degrees of stability and risk, with yield to convention rates ranging from 6.19 percent to 10.69 percent.
FBM Emotion, a premier PAGCOR-accredited iGaming operator, has chosen Affili.ph, the Philippines’ most trusted iGaming agency, to enhance its player acquisition and retention strategies. Through Affili.ph’s expertise, FBM Emotion gains access to tailored marketing solutions designed to drive traffic, engagement, and long-term success in the competitive Philippine iGaming market.
As the Philippine iGaming industry experiences rapid expansion, this collaboration combines Affili.ph’s expertise in performance marketing with FBM Emotion’s cutting-edge gaming portfolio to create a trusted, high-quality, and fully compliant gaming environment for both players and licensed operators.
FBM Emotion and Affili.Ph’s Vision for Growth and Innovation
“At Affili.ph, we are committed to connecting players with reputable gaming platforms while helping operators thrive in a competitive and regulated environment,” said Chris Johnson, Managing Partner of Affili.ph. “This partnership with FBM Emotion is a key milestone in our mission to transform online gaming in the Philippines, reinforcing our focus on innovation, security, and high-quality entertainment.” FBM Emotion, a leading name in online casino gaming, e-bingo, and digital entertainment, brings a diverse portfolio of premium gaming experiences. Through its partnership with Affili.ph, these offerings will now reach a broader audience, connecting with more players, affiliates, and industry partners than ever before.
Affili.Ph is driving growth for PIGO operators like FBM Emotion offering tailored marketing and acquisition strategies that boost player engagement and revenue while upholding the highest standards of security and responsible gaming. This collaboration strengthens the presence of PAGCOR-accredited iGaming operators and enhances player acquisition, engagement, and retention through innovative gaming solutions and data-driven marketing strategies.
As the Philippine iGaming market continues its rapid growth, this strategic alliance provides trusted online casino platforms with the resources, compliance expertise, and operational support needed to scale efficiently while delivering superior gaming experiences nationwide.
Affili.ph empowers PAGCOR-accredited iGaming operators with end-to-end consulting and strategy services designed to enhance platform performance and compliance. Through Consulting & Strategy, Affili.ph conducts comprehensive audits to refine key aspects of web and mobile applications—including game variety, registration processes, payment methods, and customer service. This ensures an optimized user experience that maximizes player engagement and lifetime value.
Additionally, Vendor Connect Services strengthen product offerings by linking operators with top-tier payment providers, accredited game developers, and industry-leading service partners. To safeguard operations, Fraud Prevention Services provide robust KYC verification, mobile number validation, social media authentication, and income verification—minimizing risks and preventing financial losses.
Affili.ph’s expertise in performance marketing, industry partnerships, and targeted advertising helps operators attract high-value players while maximizing brand exposure. With a deep understanding of the local iGaming landscape, Affili.ph simplifies the complexities of acquisition and retention—allowing operators to scale efficiently while ensuring regulatory compliance. By leveraging cost-effective, high-impact strategies, Affili.ph ensures maximum exposure, traffic, and revenue for iGaming brands.
CasinoCompare.ph: The #1 Affiliate Platform for PIGO Operators
Table of Contents
Through CasinoCompare.ph, the leading local casino affiliate platform, Affili.ph connects PIGO operators with high-value players, ensuring maximum exposure, credibility, and conversions.
This proprietary affiliate site acts as a trusted bridge between players and licensed operators, enhancing acquisition and retention rates.
By leveraging CasinoCompare.ph’s industry-leading network, Affili.ph delivers high-quality traffic that boosts engagement and brand recognition for PIGO operators. This transparency-driven approach ensures that players connect with reputable, PAGCOR-accredited platforms, further strengthening the credibility of licensed operators in the market.
Shaping the Future of Philippine iGaming: Safe and Innovative
As the iGaming industry in the Philippines continues to expand, Affili.ph remains dedicated to fostering a safe, innovative, and responsible gaming environment. By providing compliance-focused marketing solutions, Affili.ph helps operators scale efficiently while adhering to strict regulatory requirements.
FBM Emotion is leveraging Affili.ph’s expertise to expand its player base, demonstrating how a data-driven approach to acquisition and retention can drive sustainable growth. A key aspect of Affili.ph’s service is its commitment to safety and regulatory compliance, ensuring that all gaming activities adhere to the highest industry standards.
This approach not only strengthens the presence of PAGCOR-accredited iGaming operators but also promotes responsible gaming, fraud prevention, and adherence to Philippine regulations. By combining cutting-edge technology, data-driven marketing strategies, and a client-focused approach, Affili.ph is setting new benchmarks for trust, innovation, and sustainable growth in the Philippine iGaming market.
Good morning. Profit over everything. Macau’s satellite casinos had a good run, but as their transition period draws to a close, only the most profitable are going to survive, as operators gauge exactly where they need their tables allocated. Still, details are sparse on what the new normal for the operations will be once the transition is over. Meanwhile, analysts at Maybank have upgraded their outlook on Genting, encouraged by insider share purchases, but wary of potential downsides. And in Manila, the Asia Gaming Awards are almost here, with the shortlist of nominees released. Check it out and make sure to vote on the industry’s top movers and shakers!
The age of Macau’s satellite casinos is coming to an end, with the transition period running out at the end of this year. Given the circumstances after the change, experts indicate that only the most profitable of the operations are likely to continue, as operators may wish to shift their tables elsewhere. But discussions over the management of the properties are lagging, despite the new government being nearly three months in office.
Aristocrat has announced that its Chief Technology Officer Andy Hendrickson has resigned and ‘accepted a role at a competitor’.
According to a Wednesday release by the company, Aristocrat has now ‘put in place interim leadership arrangements to ensure continuity while a rigorous internal and external search for a successor is completed’.
Hendrickson has served as CTO of Aristocrat, based out of Las Vegas, since June of 2021.
He had previously served as Head of Technology for DreamWorks Animation, CTO of Walt Disney Animation Studios and CTO of gaming group Activision.
He is also a Member at Large of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
Hendrickson’s contractual obligations with Aristocrat include a six-month notice period.
Speaking of the CTO’s departure, Aristocrat’s CEO Trevor Croker noted “We thank Andy for his contribution to our business over the last four years and look forward to announcing his successor in due course”.
U Io Hung, president of the Macau Professional Association of Gaming Promoters, has stated that not all 11 satellite casinos are expected to remain operational after the transition period, which is set to conclude at the end of this year.
U Io Hung, president of the Macau Professional Association of Gaming Promoters
In an interview with AGB, U explained that satellite casinos with strong profitability, such as Landmark and Fortuna, have a better chance of remaining in the market. In contrast, casinos with weaker financial performance may face closure, as gaming concessionaires might choose to reclaim the gaming tables and relocate them to their own properties.
Despite the new government being in place for nearly three months, authorities have yet to discuss the future of satellite casinos. With less than 10 months remaining in the transition period, U Io Hung described the negotiation between gaming concessionaires and satellite casino operators as a “commercial decision.” The details of these deals remain largely unknown to the public until they are finalized.
U also pointed out that the outcomes of these negotiations will likely be performance-driven, as concessionaires are unlikely to invest additional resources into maintaining underperforming satellite casinos.
Currently, there are 11 satellite casinos operating under the new 10-year gaming concessions, which began in January 2023. Nine of these casinos are licensed under SJM Holdings, one under Galaxy Entertainment Group, and another under Melco Resorts & Entertainment.
U’s views were echoed by CLSA in a recent investment memo. The memo noted that the continuation of these casinos will depend more on their performance rather than any legal requirements.
Under current law, satellite casinos may continue to operate after 2025 if their operators transition into management companies.
A key change will be in the remuneration system: casino managers will be allowed to collect only a “management fee” without any revenue-sharing agreements with concessionaires. Once a satellite casino closes, it will not be allowed to reopen.
The 2022 amendments to the gaming law clarify that satellite casinos can remain in business post-2025 as long as they are operated by casino managers. These casinos are exempt from the requirement to be located on concessionaire-owned properties, making acquisitions of such premises by concessionaires unlikely.
CLSA also noted that while the specifics of the “management fee” remain unclear, it is likely to be tied to the satellite casinos’ performance in 2025, with potential adjustments for inflation. This approach could offer a balanced solution for both concessionaires and casino managers.
Employee placement
Macau has about 10,000 employees working in its 11 satellite casinos. Earlier this month, the Federation of Trade Unions (FAOM) mentioned that it had received inquiries from satellite casino employees regarding the future of their jobs. While no formal requests for assistance have been made, the Federation noted that, based on previous experience, gaming companies are likely to absorb and reallocate employees involved in gaming operations. For non-gaming staff, the Federation will assist in finding alternative employment.
According to local media, Choi Kam Fu, Director of the Federation’s Rights Committee, explained that whether satellite casinos continue to operate or shut down, licensed companies would likely provide better solutions for retaining employees.
He emphasized the need for effective job transition measures for non-licensed employees, ensuring their legal rights and proper termination procedures are followed.
The Human Resources Association also expressed concern about the lack of consensus between gaming companies and satellite casino operators regarding employee placement.
The association urged the government to take a more active role in addressing these issues.
Choi Chin Man, President of the Human Resources Association, suggested that the government could facilitate meetings between both parties and ensure timely communication regarding employee rights, especially if satellite casinos close.
He also noted that the closure of satellite casinos would likely impact surrounding small and medium-sized businesses, further reinforcing the need for government assistance in employee transitions.
MGM Resorts has announced the appointment of Dame Donna Langley, Chairman of NBCUniversal Entertainment & Studios, to its Board of Directors.
Langley becomes the 13th member of the board of MGM Resorts.
Langley has been recognized as one of TIME Magazine’s ‘100 Most Influential People” in 2024 and by Fortune Magazine as one of its “100 Most Powerful Women in Business”.
Dame Donna Langley
She was awarded a ‘Dame Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (DBE)’ title by the late Queen of England in 2020.
The executive brings with her a wealth of experience across entertainment programming and marketing – spanning Peacock, Bravo and NBC, for both primetime and late night entertainment.
She spearheads global creative strategy, business operations, production, acquisitions and distribution for the group’s portfolio of Film and Television Studios.
MGM Resorts CEO Bill Hornbuckle noted that “We welcome Donna to our board and look forward to leveraging her deep and valuable experience in the entertainment space as we continue developing and producing our own proprietary sports and entertainment content for our guests”.
Speaking of her appointment, Langley noted that “MGM Resorts is the global leader across gaming, hospitality and live entertainment […] Joining their board as they continue to ideate and innovate on best-in-class experiences for multi-generational audiences is an exciting challenge I’m delighted to take on with my fellow board members and the incredible management team”.
