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PAGCOR secures ISO 9001:2015 recertification, strengthening Quality Governance Standards

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PAGCOR secures ISO 9001:2015 recertification, strengthening Quality Governance Standards

The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) reaffirmed its commitment to quality governance standards after successfully maintaining its ISO 9001:2015 certification.

The certification, granted by DQS Certification Philippines, Inc. (DQS), came after a series of rigorous surveillance and scope extension audits conducted from December 16 to 20, 2024.

The recognition was formalized during an awarding ceremony today, April 24, at PAGCOR’s Corporate Office in Pasay City, affirming PAGCOR’s adherence to international quality management standards.

The surveillance audit covered eight existing sites including PAGCOR’s Main Corporate Office and several Casino Filipino branches in Tagaytay, Angeles, Citystate, Cebu, Ilocos Norte, Olongapo, and Bacolod. 

PAGCOR, Casino Filipino
Casino Filipino

The certification scope was also extended to ten additional sites including Casino Filipino Grand Regal, Malabon Grand, Binondo, Manila Grand Opera, Greenery, Midas, Kartini, Oriental Pearl, Networld, and Tropicana in Las Piñas.

PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro H. Tengco emphasized that maintaining the ISO 9001:2015 certification is an important testament to the agency’s dedication to excellence and public service.

“Maintaining our ISO 9001:2015 certification is certainly no small feat,” he said. “This is the result of the collective effort of the entire PAGCOR family, and it reflects our team’s discipline, teamwork and commitment to quality service for the benefit of the government and the Filipino people.” 

In its audit report, DQS lauded PAGCOR’s top management for consistently supporting quality improvements and effectively managing risk, highlighting the agency’s strong operational controls, cross-divisional collaboration and focus on employee engagement and customer satisfaction.

Among other noteworthy initiatives cited by the third party audit team were innovations in cash transaction handling at gaming tables, the use of customer feedback systems and e-learning compliance training especially in anti-money laundering.

It also noted the agency’s deployment of modern technologies like the “Card Canister Randomizer” and digital record-keeping systems.

The ISO 9001:2015 certification, which applies to PAGCOR’s multi-site operations, remains valid until March 21, 2026.

StarDream Cruises to call Thailand its home port nation

Kelsey Wilhelm
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StarDream Cruises to call Thailand its home port nation

StarDream Cruises has decided to call Thailand its home port nation, as the country is one of the top destinations for foreign tourists in Asia.

StarDream indicates that the choice is based on local and inbound demand, with expectations for continued growth in mid-tier and upper-tier segments.

StarDream Cruises previously operated under Genting Hong Kong (before its bankruptcy).

The Asian cruise line operator has three cruise ships in total.

Star Voyager – with a capacity of 2,000 passengers – was previously operated by P&O Cruises Australia (owned by the Carnival Corporation). The ship is focused on Thailand and routes in Southeast Asia, with expectations to have up to 50 percent local patrons, with the rest drawn from areas where StarDream has a presence, China, Hong Kong, South Korea, Japan and India.

The group also operates the 2,800-passenger capacity Star Navigator, which previously operated under Dream Cruises as Explorer Dream and as Resorts World One for Resorts World Cruises. The vessel primarily serves Taiwan and Japan.

In addition, the group operates the 4,500-passenger Genting Dream, which mostly serves Malaysia and Singapore.

Thai authorities are keen on encouraging the cruise industry, given the higher average spending of passengers.

In 2024, Thailand welcomed nearly 380,000 cruise passengers on 162 trips. Some 21.8 percent of the cruises came from Singapore, while those from the UK amounted to 14.6 percent of the total, and those from Malaysia reached 11.7 percent.

G2E Asia to feature Francis Lui and Ed Bowers as keynote speakers

Kelsey Wilhelm
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G2E Asia to feature Francis Lui and Ed Bowers as keynote speakers

The Global Gaming Expo Asia (G2E Asia) organizers have announced that Galaxy Entertainment Group Chairman Francis Lui and MGM Resorts International President of Global Development Ed Bowers will be the keynote speakers at the upcoming event.

Held from May 7th to 9th, the G2E Asia Conference is held alongside the Asian IR Summit at the Venetian Macau.

Other guest speakers at the conference include Brian Wyman – Executive VP of The Innovation Group, Fredric E. Gushin –  Managing Director and CEO of Spectrum Gaming Group, Jerry Chan – SVP of Electronic Gaming & Special Project at Okada Manila and Praveen Choudhary – Managing Director of Morgan Stanley Asia, among others.

In total, both events bring together over 100 speakers.

The Asian IR Summit is set to welcome speakers including Inspire Entertainment Resorts’ COO Wade Howk, Melco’s SVP and Studio City General Manager Kevin Benning, Galaxy’s SVP of Marking and Events Services Jeremy Walker, UFC’s SVP and Head of Asia Pacific Kevin Chang and other influential figures.

BetConstruct announces Harmony Meetup 7 featuring Fasttoken & Ortak x B.F.T.H. Arena Awards 2025

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BetConstruct announces Harmony Meetup 7 featuring Fasttoken & Ortak x B.F.T.H. Arena Awards 2025

BetConstruct, a leading betting and gaming software provider, has announced that the Harmony Meetup 7, featuring Fasttoken and Ortak x B.F.T.H. Arena Awards 2025, will take place from July 8–11 in Yerevan, Armenia.

The event will present the concept of FTN’s 7 dimensions as a driving force shaping the future of the digital domain.

Alongside the classic categories of the Ortak x B.F.T.H. Arena Awards, the team will also introduce new ones that reflect the direction adopted by the company.

Ortak Categories:

  • Best Ortak Estate Collection
  • Best Ortak Casino NFT Collection
  • Best Ortak White-label Unique Collection – Sponsored by VBET – 10 000 FTN prize pool
  • Best Ortak Snowball Collection – Sponsored by PopOK Gaming – 10 000 FTN prize pool
  • Best Ortak Partner
  • Best Ortak Performer 
  • Most Traded NFT Collection
  • Best Start-up NFT Collection
  • Most Innovative Business of the Year 

FTN Categories:

  • FTN Innovation of the Year – Sponsored by Fastex – 10 000 FTN prize pool
  • FTN Casino Supplier of the Year – Sponsored by CreedRoomz – 10 000 FTN prize pool
  • FTN Casino Operator of the Year
  • FTN Platform Provider of the Year – Sponsored by BetConstruct – 10 000 FTN prize pool
  • FTN Game of the Year – Sponsored by Pascal Gaming – 10 000 FTN prize pool
  • Best FTN Game Design
  • Best FTN Game Soundtrack
  • Rising Star in FTN Casino

YoDoor Categories:

  • Best YoDoor Space Developer Company – Sponsored by YoDoor – 10 000 FTN prize pool
  • Best YoDoor Casino Space

Participation Rules for All Partners

Rules for Operator Partners

To qualify for participation as Operator Partner, applicants must meet at least one of the following criteria:

  • Have an average monthly invoice of 25,000 FTN; 
  • Hold a minimum of two Ortak Snowball Collections;
  • Perform at least one self-initiated campaign utilizing either NFTs or FTN. 
Rules for Provider Partners

To qualify for participation as Provider Partner, applicants must have executed two or more FTN-based campaigns in collaboration with Operators.

Also, at least one of the following criteria must be met: 

  • An average of 50% of invoices paid via FTN; 
  • The release of a Yo or FTN-related game;
  • The issuance of one or more Ortak Multi-Platform Collections.

Within the framework of the Harmony meetup feat. Fasttoken and Ortak x B.F.T.H. Arena Awards 2025, The Last Battle Universe will release a new Universe level for the partners who choose to pay their employee salaries in FTN.

Dates and Deadlines

The application submission will open on May 15th with a final deadline of May 21st, 2025. All the participants should have completed their applications by the set deadline.

Become a Sponsor

Take part in this landmark event by sponsoring a category!

Industry leaders such as BetConstruct, VBet, PopOK Gaming, Pascal Gaming, CreedRoomz, Fastex, and YoSpace are already confirmed sponsors for various categories of the Ortak x B.F.T.H. Arena Awards.

Each has confirmed a 10,000 FTN prize fund for the winner of the category they are sponsoring, which will be allocated towards the winner’s promotion and business growth.

Join Harmony Meetup 7 feat. Fasttoken and Ortak x B.F.T.H. Arena Awards 2025, and discover the 7 dimensions of FTN this July.

Manny Pacquiao: From Boxing Royalty to Basketball Tycoon

AGBrief Editorial
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Manny Pacquiao: From Boxing Royalty to Basketball Tycoon

Manny Pacquiao, an eight-division world champion, remains a legend in the boxing world, with fans still reminiscing about his signature left overhand punch and electrifying speed. Inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame, Pacquiao is now channeling his winning mentality into a new arena—basketball.

As the founder of the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL), he is driving the league’s rapid rise in popularity.

The beginning of great deeds

Manny Pacquiao’s champion spirit was forged in the streets of Bukidnon province. The future boxing star grew up in poverty, but these harsh conditions forced Manny to work tirelessly in pursuit of a better life. The boy was far too spirited and restless to fulfill his mother’s dream of becoming a priest.

The path to the professional ring wasn’t open to our hero right away. At 13, Pacquiao dropped out of school and essentially began his adult life. He sold water and bread to help his family make ends meet. In his spare time, Pac Man trained in boxing, honing the skills he had learned from street fights. From a young age, Pacquiao knew how to stand up for himself and protect his friends.

Manny’s mother probably believed that her son would calm down with age and find another hobby. However, boxing turned out to be much more than just a teenage obsession with proving himself — for Pacquiao, it was a genuine passion that shaped his life’s path.

First successes

Two dollars per fight — that was Manny Pacquiao’s first fee. However, even that small amount was sufficient to purchase 25 kilograms of rice. The future champion was allowed to give up selling goods — it became clear that the boy had a gift that needed to be nurtured. Manny moved to Manila and started training at a sports club. Soon, national fame followed: Pacquiao became a participant in a local boxing TV show and won over the public with his steel will and unbelievable motivation. Beating in his chest was the heart of a true champion.

From amateur to ‘hell of a fighter’

After the TV show, Manny Pacquiao began his amateur boxing career. Thanks to his success in regional tournaments, Pac Man made it into the Philippine national team. By 1995, he had fought 60 amateur bouts and won 56 of them. It became clear that this incredibly tough and lightning-fast boxer was destined to show his unique talent in the professional arena.

Manny Pacquiao, Philippines

At the next level, Manny revealed his true potential even faster. His track record includes numerous championship belts, the recognition of professionals and journalists, and the status of a national hero in the Philippines. Paradoxically, Pac Man lost the most legendary fight of his career. On May 2, 2015, Floyd Mayweather, undefeated at the time, won by decision against Manny Pacquiao.

The Filipino tried to dictate the pace of the fight, but the American responded effectively with counterattacks. Who knows how the bout would have ended if Manny hadn’t fought with an injured shoulder? Mayweather is known for his narcissism, but even he was impressed by Pacquiao’s skill. “He’s a hell of a fighter,” Floyd said after facing off in the ring.

Never forgot his roots

Manny Pacquiao has always remembered where he came from. “My biggest fight is not in boxing, it is against poverty,” our hero claimed. He constantly strove to help his fellow compatriots and never locked himself away in a champion’s bubble, ignoring the struggles of ordinary people. Pacquiao held various positions during his political career and accepted his loss in the presidential elections with dignity. “I may leave politics, but I will never give up the chance to serve you. Thank you, my fellow countrypeople,” said Pac Man at the time.

How the MPBL was created

In 2017, Manny Pacquiao stepped into an entirely new role. Years spent in boxing and politics gave him a deep understanding of what it takes to build successful business projects. However, our hero chose to channel his administrative talent not into boxing but into basketball. He founded the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League — a project designed to provide talented athletes with the opportunity to become professional players.

MPBL’s popularity skyrocketed, with the number of participating teams tripling in just two seasons. Pacquiao’s project was soon recognized as the fastest-growing basketball league in the world! It was not long before the league took another significant step forward: in 2021, the MPBL officially transitioned to a professional level. Pacquiao continued nurturing his brainchild, launching tournaments for women and youth. Manny’s managerial contribution to professional sports in his homeland didn’t stop at basketball — Pac Man also created volleyball leagues.

A major factor in the league’s rise was its partnership with the global betting company 1xBet. Thanks to this strategic collaboration, millions of fans worldwide discovered the MPBL. The league’s uniqueness lies in its ability to bring the most devoted supporters closer to their idols, keeping them connected constantly.

1xBet shares the MPBL values and is committed to continuing its contribution to the development of basketball in the Philippines. The brand has been active in the region for many years and understands how to bring a promising league closer to its fans. Social media campaigns and engaging promotions have helped supporters feel like more than just spectators—they’ve become full participants in the big game!

The 1xBet logo appeared on team uniforms and courts during broadcasts. The brand also expanded its role by organizing spectacular shows to accompany MPBL matches. This collaboration with 1xBet helped the league attract star players, including Bobby Ray Parks Jr., the first Filipino to play in the NBA Summer League.

Philippine basketball is on the rise

The growth of the MPBL has not only brought basketball closer to becoming the national sport of the Philippines but has also led to noticeable progress for Filipino teams in the international arena.

The Philippine men’s team reached the final stage of the FIBA Asia Cup and came just one step away from qualifying for the 2024 Olympics, narrowly losing to Brazil in the playoff final. Meanwhile, the women’s national 3×3 basketball team achieved its best result ever at the Asia Cup — finishing in 4th place.

The growing popularity of basketball in the Philippines, along with the sport’s considerable development potential in the country, is undeniable. That’s why 1xBet encourages its partners to use basketball content within the 1xPartners affiliate program actively. Basketball attracts fans like a magnet, which can help draw in new players and increase your commission earnings!

Teamwork, a chance to succeed for everyone, support, and player development — these principles are at the heart of both the MPBL, created by Manny Pacquiao, and the 1xPartners program.

Do you want to become a part of the sports industry and earn big commissions? If so, the 1xPartners affiliate program is created precisely for you!

Macau receives 1,230 STRs in 1Q25, gaming sector reports down 20.8%

Viviana Chan
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Macau receives 1,230 STRs in 1Q25, gaming sector reports down 20.8%

Macau’s Financial Intelligence Office announced that it received 1,230 suspicious transaction reports (STRs) in the first quarter of this year, representing a 15.8 percent decrease year-on-year. 

Reports from gaming operators fell by 20.8 percent, which was the primary factor in the overall decline.

macau

By industry breakdown, the gaming operators submitted the largest proportion of reports at 891 (72.8 percent), while the financial sector filed 242 reports (19.7 percent). The remaining 8 percent came from other institutions.

The total number of STRs received by the Financial Intelligence Office in 2024 was 5,245, an increase of 13.7 percent from 4,614 in 2023. Gaming operators submitted 3,837 STRs in 2024, representing an increase of approximately 11.8 percent.

Construction of $10B MGM Osaka begins

Viviana Chan
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Construction of $10B MGM Osaka begins

The construction of the integrated resort (IR) MGM Osaka kicked off on Thursday, April 24th, in Osaka, at a location adjacent to the 2025 World Expo venue.

“This would be Japan’s first IR. We’d like to bring economic growth to Osaka and Japan,” Osaka Governor Hirofumi Yoshimura stated during the groundbreaking ceremony hosted by the project’s operator, Osaka IR KK, according to Kyodo News.

The construction has commenced despite concerns about noise potentially affecting the World Expo, which runs from April 13th to October 13th, 2025. In July last year, the association managing the expo and business organizations requested postponement of construction work during the international event due to concerns about noise disruption and visual impact on the surroundings.

To address these concerns, the Osaka prefectural government and the resort operator have announced measures to minimize impact by reducing construction activities on days with high visitor numbers. They also plan to delay operations involving heavy machinery until after the expo concludes on October 13th.

After Japan legalized casinos in 2018 to boost tourism and regional economies, the resort complex became the country’s first IR to be granted a gaming license in April 2023.

MGM Resorts, Osaka, Japan

This landmark development is a joint venture between MGM Resorts International and Japanese financial powerhouse Orix Corporation, with each holding approximately 40-42.5 percent of the stake. The remaining shares are distributed among local companies including Panasonic and West Japan Railway.

The total investment is projected at up to JPY1.6 trillion ($10 billion), positioning it among the world’s most expensive integrated resorts. According to planning documents, the facility will feature 2,500 hotel rooms, a shopping mall, a 3,500-seat theater, spa and fitness center, convention facilities, and diverse dining and entertainment options. Japanese law limits the gaming floor to 3 percent of the total indoor space. The project has already secured a $3.4 billion loan as part of its financing.

The MGM Osaka IR is expected to become a major tourism destination, aiming to attract millions of visitors annually and compete with established Asian gaming hubs such as Macau and Singapore.

Las Vegas Sands results drop in 1Q25, group positive on Macau and Singapore investments

Nelson Moura
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Las Vegas Sands results drop in 1Q25, group positive on Macau and Singapore investments

Las Vegas Sands reported a drop in results for the first quarter of 2025, but highlighted its confidence in its ongoing investments in both Macau and Singapore. 

The company reported a consolidated net revenue of $2.86 billion, reflecting a 3.4 percent decrease from $2.96 billion in the same quarter last year. Net income also saw a decline, reaching $408 million, down 30 percent from $583 million in the first quarter of 2024.

The consolidated adjusted property EBITDA for the first quarter was $1.14 billion, a reduction of 5.8 percent from $1.21 billion in the prior year.

In Macau, the adjusted property EBITDA stood at $535 million, impacted by a low hold on rolling play, which negatively affected earnings by $10 million.

Meanwhile, Marina Bay Sands in Singapore demonstrated resilience, contributing an adjusted property EBITDA of $605 million.

Despite the results Robert G. Goldstein, Chairman and CEO of Las Vegas Sands, expressed optimism about the company’s prospects in both markets.

“We continued to execute our strategic objectives during the quarter. We remain enthusiastic about our opportunities to deliver industry-leading growth in both Macau and Singapore as we execute our capital investment programs,” he stated.

Goldstein acknowledged the softer market growth in Macau but reaffirmed the company’s commitment to enhancing its tourism appeal. “Our decades-long commitment to investments that support Macau’s development as a world center of business and leisure tourism positions us well for future growth.”

In Singapore, he highlighted the strong performance of Marina Bay Sands, noting that new suite products and elevated service offerings are set to drive additional growth as travel and tourism spending in Asia expands.

In a bid to return excess capital to shareholders, LVS repurchased $450 million of its common stock during the quarter. The Board of Directors also increased the stock repurchase authorization to $2 billion, underscoring confidence in the company’s financial strength and future prospects.

The company continued to invest in its operations, with capital expenditures amounting to $379 million during the quarter, including $197 million dedicated to construction, development, and maintenance activities in Macau.

Macau and Singapore

Marina Bay Sands, Las Vegas Sands(1)
Marina Bay Sands

In the first quarter of 2025, Sands China reported total net revenues of $1.7 billion, reflecting a 5.7 percent decline from $1.80 billion in the same period last year.

The company’s net income also fell to $202 million, down from $297 million in the first quarter of 2024, a 32 percent decline. Adjusted property EBITDA stood at $535 million, compared to $610 million in the previous year, indicating a need for continued focus on operational efficiency and market positioning.

Robert G. Goldstein emphasized the company’s long-term commitment to enhancing Macau’s appeal as a premier business and leisure tourism destination.

“While market growth has softened in the current environment, our decades-long investment strategy positions us well for future growth,” Goldstein stated. He expressed enthusiasm about the opportunities ahead, particularly as Sands China implements its capital investment plans in both Macau and Singapore.

The financial report also highlighted a decrease in interest expenses for Sands China, which totaled $174 million for the first quarter of 2025, down from $182 million in the same quarter of the previous year.

The weighted average borrowing cost was slightly lower at 4.9 percent, compared to 5.0 percent in the first quarter of 2024.

Sands China continued to invest in its operations, with capital expenditures reaching $379 million during the quarter. This included $197 million dedicated to construction, development, and maintenance activities in Macau, underscoring the company’s commitment to enhancing its facilities and services.

As for Marina Bay Sands, the Singapore property recently completed a substantial $1.75 billion capital investment program, enhancing its offerings significantly. The resort now features 1,844 keys, including 775 suites.

Net revenue for Marina Bay Sands remained steady at around $1.2 billion for the first quarter, with improvements in service offerings and the introduction of new suite products contributing to this stability.

Revenue from rooms grew by 2.4 percent year-on-year to $129 million, while hotel occupancy increased by 0.6 percentage points to 95.6 percent in the latest quarter. 

The average daily room rate rose significantly to $925, up from $713 in the same period last year, resulting in a revenue per available room of $884 compared with $677 a year earlier.

BMM Testlabs gets official approval to test gaming products in the UAE

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BMM Testlabs gets official approval to test gaming products in the UAE

BMM Testlabs, the gaming test lab known for its compliance and certification expertise, has officially received approval to evaluate gaming products for the UAE’s licensed lottery – The UAE Lottery, and its commercial gaming program.

This approval comes from the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (“GCGRA”), which holds exclusive jurisdiction to regulate, license, and supervise all commercial gaming activities and facilities, including lottery, internet gaming, sports wagering, and land-based gaming facilities. BMM’s certification falls under the ‘Independent Testing Laboratories’ category.

BMM Testlabs’ Chief Executive Officer Martin Storm said, “We are excited and deeply honored that the GCGRA has entrusted BMM Testlabs with the responsibility of testing products for their new lottery, land-based, and digital gaming program, knowing that we’ll do so with the highest levels of impartiality, technical expertise, transparency, efficiency, and, most of all, integrity.”

BMM Testlabs brings 44 years of global leadership in product compliance across regulated markets and is trusted by games, systems, and lottery manufacturers, suppliers, developers, and regulators worldwide.

In addition to product compliance testing, BMM Testlabs’ BIG Cyber provides end-to-end cybersecurity protection solutions, including penetration testing, vulnerability assessments, PCI:DSS evaluations, and managed security services. Through RG24seven Virtual Training, BMM also offers compliance-grade virtual training on responsible gaming, anti-money laundering, and other important topics – presented by industry experts and available in multiple languages.

BMM Testlabs is another giant that has secured its place in the promising UAE gaming market, following recent announcements from Aristocrat Gaming and Novomatic—both of which obtained a Gaming Related Vendor License from the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA).

The UAE gaming market is projected to generate gross gaming revenue (GGR) ranging from $5 to $8 billion, according to Wynn Resorts CEO Craig Billings.

The UAE issued Wynn its first commercial gaming operator’s license, allowing the company to develop the Wynn Al Marjan Island casino resort in Ras Al Khaimah, which aims to cater to the local market.

Wynn Al Marjan Island, Hotel entrance project render, Wynn Resorts
Hotel arrival at Wynn Al Marjan Island
Wynn Al Marjan Island, view from the pool, project render, Wynn Resorts
View from the pool at Wynn Al Marjan Island
Wynn Al Marjan Island Tower, project render, Wynn Resorts
Wynn Al Marjan Island Tower
Source: Wynn Resorts

The project will cover approximately five million square feet, featuring 1,500 hotel rooms, over 25 dining options, a substantial gaming floor, and a unique production show being created from scratch.


Daily Asia Gaming eBrief: Macau gaming facing tighter oversight, diversification pushed

AGBrief Editorial
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Daily Asia Gaming eBrief: Macau gaming facing tighter oversight, diversification pushed
Good Morning. Make it and they will come. At least that appears to be the hope for Macau’s diversification efforts, which the government has again placed on the shoulders of its gaming operators. Macau’s Secretary for Economy and Finance outlined his expectations from the Big 6, assuming their non-gaming investments will both increase and prove successful. Meanwhile, Macau’s GGR predictions for this month have been revised, boosted by the results from Easter.

What you need to know

On the radar

AGB Intelligence

MACAU

Macau gaming, satellite casinos regulatory update, Macau GGR

Macau’s gaming sector under stricter scrutiny amid push for diversification

Macau’s economy is stable, but it’s facing mounting pressure, as consumption patterns change and force the city to adapt. For gaming operators, from the government point of view, this means doubling down on diversification investments, even as the operators try to improve their margins amidst a slowdown in gaming revenues. International headwinds are also starting to be felt, prompting further concerns about how successful the non-gaming investments can be.

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