The Government of the Macau SAR has announced that it collected MOP7.1 billion ($889.7 million) in gaming taxes for the month of January.
According to data provided in the section on the Financial Services Bureau Central Account regarding Budget Execution, the January revenue marks a 2 percent decline compared to the same month last year, when the government recorded MOP7.3 billion ($913.5 million) in gaming taxes.
Gaming revenue last year reached MOP226.8 billion ($28.35 billion), up 23.9 percent from 2023, according to data published by the Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau (DICJ).
Total tax on gaming revenue during the first 11 months of 2024 totaled MOP81 billion ($10.12 billion), a 37.2 percent yearly rise, and 80.64 percent of the total revenue for the government during this period. The tax collection information for December 2024 has not yet been published, despite January’s already being released,
Macau gaming concessionaires are required to pay a special gaming tax of 35 percent of the gross gaming revenue, plus 2 percent of their gross gaming revenue for public funds that promote cultural, scientific, social, economic and educational development, as well as 3 percent for urban development, tourism promotion and social security.
QTech Games, a leading game distributor worldwide, keeps building strong momentum in its premium pipeline, thanks to its latest deal with enterprise solutions provider Upgaming.
Under terms of this new agreement, Upgaming’s mini-games are now available on the QTech Games’ pre-eminent platform, coalescing its huge reach with Upgaming’s own engaging and innovative mini-games to deliver an elevated experience to iGaming operators and their players worldwide.
Upgaming’s mini games provide a unique mix of entertainment and challenge, appealing to players with their engaging gameplay and thrilling experience. The current deal includes over 20 such mini games, with notable highlights like Chicken and Dino, which have become fan favorites, the award-winning Aero, as well as new hits such as SpeedX and Doors.
Chicken and Dino, above all, have gained remarkable traction, especially throughout 2024. Their easy-to-grasp yet compelling gameplay has made these mini games widely accessible, leading to their adoption across more than 600 platforms.
This partnership offers strategic benefits for both companies. For QTech Games, adding Upgaming’s mini games enhances its platform’s content diversity, which has traditionally focused on slot games, live casino games and instant wins.
For Upgaming, this progressive partnership opens the gateway to QTech Games’ extensive scope, increasing exposure and player engagement on a global scale and unlocking untapped jurisdictions from Asia, through Africa and Eastern Europe, and on to Latin America for diversified growth. Thanks to this rapid-fire integration, Upgaming’s mini games are now connecting with new audiences, fostering brand loyalty and broadening the brand’s impact in the competitive iGaming landscape.
Philip Doftvik, CEO at QTech Games, said: “With innovative content like their quick-fire mini games, Upgaming was an obvious value-add to our platform. These games are a perfect fit for players looking for fast and fun action. Together, we will continue to raise the bar and shape a new experience for global players. We can’t wait to track how these games perform across a range of untapped markets which, in many cases, represent new territory for Upgaming.”
George Davlianidze, Commercial Director of Upgaming, stated: “By bringing our mini games to QTech Games’ platform, we’re reaching new players in key emerging markets, like Asia and Africa. Our games, known for their quick engagement and fun appeal, are a perfect addition to QTech’s content line-up. We’re looking forward to seeing the positive impact of this collaboration.”
Lenders have demanded the immediate repayment of a loan used to finance Mohegan’s $1.6 billion INSPIRE integrated resort in Incheon, South Korea.
The notice of loan acceleration was delivered to Mohegan shortly before their quarterly earnings call on Thursday.
Ari Glazer, Mohegan’s Chief Financial Officer, revealed during the call that the agent representing the lenders of MGE Korea Limited, the parent company of INSPIRE, had “accelerated the (holding company) debt.”
He added that the agent and Bain Capital, the primary lender, had “purported to take certain remedies, including the appropriation of shares in MGE Korea Limited.”
Mohegan is currently assessing the legitimacy of these actions and considering its response.
An acceleration clause in the loan agreement allows the lender to demand full repayment if the borrower fails to meet specific contract terms. While Glazer noted that this acceleration does not trigger a cross-default on other Mohegan debts, he acknowledged the need to evaluate the broader financial impact. He reassured investors that this event is unlikely to have a material effect on their North American properties in the first quarter.
Previously, Mohegan disclosed its efforts to refinance the approximately $275 million Bain-backed loan and other obligations related to INSPIRE in its New Year’s Eve annual report, aiming to avoid default.
Meanwhile, as reported by AGB, concerns have been raised about the company’s financial stability due to the slower-than-expected ramp-up of the INSPIRE integrated resort. The underlying issue appears to be high operating expenses tied to non-gaming facilities, such as the 15,000-seat arena, a multi-purpose indoor water park, a large-scale food court, and MICE facilities, as well as underwhelming gaming revenue. These factors may have contributed to a negative cash flow from both the gaming and non-gaming segments at INSPIRE Resort.
Despite these financial challenges, Mohegan officials expressed continued commitment to the INSPIRE project during the earnings call.
INSPIRE Resort generated $63.52 million in net revenue for 4Q24, with a negative adjusted EBITDA of $4.19 million for the quarter—a significant decline from the $10.89 million recorded in the final three months of 2023.
Good morning. Results season is fully underway, with Wynn now in focus. Looking at the group’s Macau operations, Wynn Palace continued to prop up the group’s other property on the peninsula, with strong revenue in 4Q24. Looking at the full year, both properties performed well, despite significant drops in VIP. Looking at M&A, Aristocrat has announced the completion of the $820 million sale of its Plarium business, now restructuring to eliminate Pixel United. And back in Macau, analysts have high hopes that Sands China will resume dividends after a five-year dry spell.
Macau continued to be a cash cow for Wynn Resorts, with its two properties contributing a combined $926 million in the fourth quarter of 2024. This was largely due to the performance of Wynn Palace, which helped offset revenue drops at the group’s peninsula property. For the full year, Macau contributed some $3.68 billion in revenue to the operator, as both properties saw rises in their casino segment.
In 2024, 1xBet achieved significant breakthroughs and successes, solidifying its position in the iGaming industry. The brand secured major partnership deals, received prestigious awards, and showcased its innovations at the world’s leading forums.
Universal Entertainment, the operator of Okada Manila, reported a net loss of JPY15.57 billion ($101.1 million) for the fiscal year ending December 31st, 2024.
This marks a significant decline from the previous fiscal year, when the company posted positive net income of JPY 28.44 billion ($184.7 million).
In addition to the loss, the company saw sharp declines in both net sales and operating profits compared to 2023. Net sales dropped by 29.4 percent yearly, from JPY 179 billion ($1.16 billion) in 2023 to JPY126.33 billion ($820.3 million) in 2024. Operating profits plummeted 90.1 percent, to just JPY3.02 billion ($19.6 million) in 2024.
Universal Entertainment attributes the loss to several factors, particularly the slowdown in the junket business in the Philippines, which adversely affected the overall market conditions for its casino operations.
In its integrated resort business segment, net sales fell by 15.4 percent year-on-year to JPY 81.98 billion ($532 million), and operating profit dropped by 80 percent to JPY2.87 billion ($19 million). Adjusted segment EBITDA also decreased by 34.8 percent, reaching JPY19.56 billion ($127 million) in 2024.
The company notes that Okada Manila’s fiscal year 2024 performance lagged behind the previous year. The number of VIP guests continued to decline due to the slowdown in the junket business, which hurts the overall market conditions for the Philippine casino industry.
While sales in the mass market and gaming machines have steadily increased since pre-pandemic levels, performance in 2024 was lower compared to the post-pandemic surge seen in 2023. However, the hotel and food and beverage sectors maintained strong performance, with high guest numbers and increasing revenue.
Shareholder benefits withheld
In a separate announcement made on Thursday, Universal Entertainment confirmed that it will not implement its Shareholder Benefit Program for the 2024 fiscal year, citing its current financial position.
The program, intended for shareholders registered in the company’s shareholder register as of December 31st, 2024, and holding at least one unit (100 shares) of common stock, will not proceed.
The company added that it will continue to review the possibility of implementing the Shareholder Benefit Program for the fiscal year ending December 31st, 2025, and in future years.
Casino operator Mohegan saw strong results from its INSPIRE resort in South Korea in the final three months of 2024, bringing in $63.52 million in net revenue.
According to the group’s most recent financial results, the property, however, generated negative adjusted EBITDA of $4.19 million during the quarter – a significant reduction from the $10.89 million registered in the final three months of 2023.
During the quarter, hotel occupancy at Mohegan INSPIRE amounted to 71 percent.
Mohegan INSPIRE held a soft opening on November 30th, 2023, while holding its grand opening in March of 2024.
INSPIRE Entertainment Resort, South Korea
For the company overall, net revenues rose by 17.3 percent yearly, to $498.9 million in 4Q24. The group managed to slightly reduce its net loss by 11.4 percent during the quarter, to $85.94 million, while adjusted EBITDA rose by 7.6 percent, to $85.09 million.
Speaking of the results, Mohegan’s Chief Executive Officer Raymond Pineault indicated that “During 2024, Mohegan rolled out a number of important initiatives as part of our strategy to become one of the premier global omnichannel resort operators. Our success in accomplishing these transformational objectives is a credit to our incredible team, and as I look forward to 2025, I’m optimistic about the trends I see emerging within our omnichannel business and from the increased contributions by our non-gaming segments”.
Wynn Resorts’ Macau operations brought in a total of $926.6 million in the fourth quarter of last year, a slight uptick of about 1.7 percent, as revenue improved at the group’s Cotai property Wynn Palace, but fell at its Macau peninsula property.
According to the group’s most recent financials, published by its parent company Wynn Resorts, adjusted property EBITDAR from both properties totaled $292.76 million, down slightly by 1.4 percent year-on-year.
Wynn Macau peninsula
This comes as casino revenues at Wynn Macau fell by 4.4 percent yearly, to $306.5 million during the quarter, in contrast to the 10 percent uptick at Wynn Palace – which rose to $458.81 million.
This drove an overall revenue increase of 7.4 percent at Wynn Palace, while Wynn Macau revenue fell by 5.8 percent yearly.
Adjusted property EBITDAR at the peninsula property dropped by 14 percent yearly – to $108.16 million, as all operating segments saw drops in revenue – including a 17 percent fall in rooms revenue – which totaled just $24.51 million.
In contrast, Wynn Palace recorded a 7.9 percent uptick in adjusted property EBITDAR, but also experienced a slight contraction in rooms revenue of 1.6 percent – to $49.65 million.
VIP turnover for both properties contracted on a yearly basis, down by 22.3 percent at Wynn Macau – to $1.09 billion. At Wynn Palace, figures were better – with VIP turnover at $3.06 billion – a yearly drop of 3.2 percent.
Mass market table drop fell by 2 percent at the Cotai property, to nearly $1.68 billion, in contrast to the Wynn Macau which decreased by just 1 percent, to $1.54 billion.
In contrast, Wynn Macau’s slot machine handle was better than Wynn Palace – at $785.97 million, a yearly increase of 20.5 percent. Wynn Palace’s slot machine handle increased by just 12.8 percent yearly, to $704.36 million.
Both properties benefited from strong hotel room occupancy – at 98.4 percent in Cotai and 99.4 percent on the Macau peninsula.
FY24
For the year, Wynn’s Macau operations brought in $3.68 billion, an 18.77 percent yearly rise. Wynn Palace contributed nearly $2.22 billion in revenue – up by 17.5 percent yearly, while Wynn Macau brought in $1.46 billion – up by 20.7 percent yearly.
Both properties saw yearly rises in casino revenue for FY24 – up by 22 percent in Cotai – to $1.79 billion, and by 26.8 percent on the peninsula, to $1.23 billion.
Adjusted property EBITDAR for Wynn’s Macau properties increased by 23.23 percent yearly in FY24, to $1.17 billion – on the backs of a 30.7 percent increase at Wynn Macau ($338.09 million) and a 19.1 percent rise at Wynn Palace ($615.84 million)
Speaking of the results, Wynn Resorts CEO Craig Billings noted that “We delivered strong quarterly performance in Las Vegas on very tough comparables and drove healthy market share in Macau led by strength in both premium mass and VIP”.
Las Vegas operations
Wynn Resorts’ Las Vegas operations were fairly flat in the fourth quarter – with revenue up by 0.4 percent yearly to $699.54 million, and adjusted property EBITDAR down by 1.2 percent yearly to $267.44 million.
Casino revenues increased by 13.4 percent yearly, to $190.06 million, being outshone by its rooms revenue – which totaled $228.59 million, a 5.9 percent yearly drop.
For the full year, total revenue for the Las Vegas operations was up by 3.7 percent, to $2.57 billion, while adjusted property EBITDAR increased by just 0.1 percent, tp $946.76 million.
Casino revenues decreased by 4.5 percent yearly, to $600 million, while rooms revenue increased by 7.8 percent to $845.66 million.
Group-wide
Overall, group revenue was flat year-on-year in the fourth quarter, topping out at nearly $1.84 billion, however net income fell significantly from $729.2 million in 4Q23 to just $277 million in 4Q24.
Adjusted property EBITDAR was down by $11.3 million, to $630.4 million in 4Q24.
For the full year, operating revenues totaled $7.13 billion, compared to $6.53 billion in 2023. Adjusted property EBITDAR increased by $250 million in 2024, to $2.36 billion.
The group ended 2024 with net income of $501.1 million, down from $730 million in 2023.
Aristocrat Interactive, the online Real Money Gaming (RMG) business division of Aristocrat Leisure, has announced the appointment of industry veteran Nir Hakarmeli as the new Managing Director of its iGaming & Sports division.
This strategic hire underscores Aristocrat Interactive’s commitment to enhancing its digital offerings and expanding its presence in the global online gaming and sports betting markets.
In his new role at Aristocrat Interactive, Nir will lead the iGaming & Sports division, focusing on expanding the company’s portfolio with complementary products and content for both land-based and online operators in major regulated markets. His deep understanding of operator and customer needs, honed over 14 years in various B2C roles, positions him well to drive value for business customers and align offerings with their goals.
Nir expressed his enthusiasm about joining Aristocrat Interactive, stating, “What excites me most about this role is the opportunity to drive growth by delivering a diverse range of innovative offerings to operators worldwide. The chance to contribute to this growth and lead a team with the potential to become a true global leader in the coming years is incredibly motivating.”
Nir Hakarmeli, iGaming & Sports Managing Director at Aristocrat Interactive
Moti Malul, CEO of Aristocrat Interactive said “We are on an exciting journey at Aristocrat Interactive and the addition of Nir to the team showcases our commitment to our operators and partners. With his extensive experience and knowledge, I have no doubt that that we can continue to delight our partners by taking their business not only to new levels, but to new heights.”
Nir brings over a decade of extensive experience in the gaming industry, having held key leadership positions across several prominent organizations. Most recently, he served as the International Managing Director at Evoke, where he played a pivotal role in steering the company’s international operations and growth strategies. Prior to that, Nir was the Gaming Director at William Hill, contributing significantly to the company’s gaming initiatives.
Global betting powerhouse 1xBet has maintained its leading role in the iGaming sector. The brand’s efforts were recently acknowledged by the professional community, as 1xBet was shortlisted for the prestigious SiGMA Eurasia Awards 2025 in the categories of Best Operator, Best Crypto Operator, and Best Sports Operator.
The winners will be decided by an authoritative jury of industry experts and via online voting on the Awards website. The results will be announced on February 23 at a gala ceremony, which will take place at the InterContinental Dubai Festival City Hotel in Dubai, UAE.
“We are glad that our company has reached the finals in three nominations at once. It confirms that 1xBet provides a versatile gaming experience of the highest level. For us, this is high praise and a great motivation to implement innovative technologies and set trends,” said a representative of 1xBet.
1xBet has taken several prestigious international awards over the last year. Previously, the brand received the Mobile Sports Product of the Year statuette in the International Gaming Awards 2025, won the title of the Best Sports Bookmaker of the Year in the SiGMA Africa Awards 2024, and was recognized as the Best Cybersports Operator 2024 in Latin America in the SiGMA Americas Awards 2024.
In the dynamic iGaming industry, online casino operators must juggle business management, compliance, and delivering fresh gaming content simultaneously. How can they manage all these tasks while staying competitive?
This is where iGaming aggregators step in. The B2B solution provider and aggregator Slotegrator explains who aggregators are, what role they play in the gambling industry, and how operators can benefit from such a partnership.
The role of an iGaming aggregator
An iGaming aggregator serves as the bridge between online casino operators and gaming content providers.
Aggregation comes in different forms: turnkey solutions, game integration, and payment systems. Instead of operators putting everything together on their own, an aggregator streamlines the process. They make sure operators have access to an extensive library of games, secure payment solutions, or even the framework to build an online casino from scratch.
Essentially, the role of an aggregator in the iGaming industry is to allow an operator to focus on business development.
Key benefits of working with an aggregator
1. Simplified content acquisition
There are thousands of talented game developers in the iGaming industry, and each of them brings something different to the table. However, for operators, evaluating their credibility and quality can be a time-consuming and resource-intensive task.
Aggregators check providers and evaluate their games, freeing operators from the need to carry out this painstaking task themselves. Partnering with an aggregator can unlock access to a diverse selection of high-quality games, including slots, live dealer games, poker, and more.
With Slotegrator’s APIgrator solution, operators can integrate over 30,000 certified games from more than 180 licensed providers with just one API integration session.
2. Hassle-free contract management
Normally, working with multiple game developers means signing separate agreements with each one. It’s inconvenient and involves large amounts of tedious paperwork—but with an aggregator, it’s different.
A single contract covers everything, leaving operators free to focus on their players and revenue.
3. Seamless technical integration
Aggregators simplify the integration of new content into existing platforms. Through API technology, an aggregator ensures that operators can integrate games, payment solutions, and other services without hitting technical roadblocks.
Slotegrator’s support team guides operators through every step, making sure implementation is smooth and downtime is minimal.
4. Continuous support and updates
In the iGaming industry, technical issues are inevitable. When they happen, quick solutions matter. Aggregators offer round-the-clock support, helping operators resolve problems before they affect players.
The Slotegrator team provides 24/7 assistance and regular content updates, keeping platforms fresh, functional, and engaging.
The strategic advantage of partnering with an aggregator
Working with an aggregator isn’t just about operational efficiency—it’s also about strategy. By offering a wide variety of games and seamless payment options, operators can attract a broader audience and enhance player retention.
As a leading iGaming aggregator, Slotegrator empowers operators with a complete suite of solutions designed to drive success. With cutting-edge technology, a vast network of providers, and hands-on support, Slotegrator remains a trusted partner for online casino businesses worldwide.
For operators looking to streamline operations, maximize player engagement, and scale efficiently, working with an iGaming aggregator is the ideal choice.
