Home Blog Page 490

Play’n GO reveals the stunning Crystal Hall slot game

AGBrief Editorial
-
0
Play’n GO reveals the stunning Crystal Hall slot game

Play’n GO is inviting players to the amazing world of Crystal Hall, the latest addition to its ever-growing portfolio of innovative slot games.  

This title combines engaging mechanics with the sleek, timeless aesthetic of titles like Big Win 777 – delivering a gaming experience that is as captivating as it is rewarding.

Crystal Hall transports players to a lavish hall adorned with sparkling gems and mystical symbols. At the heart of this shimmering sanctuary lies a grand slot machine, adorned with dynamic symbols.

The gameplay in Crystal Hall blends classic elements with modern innovations. The Poker Chip symbol can be triggered when the Crystal symbol lands on reel three, introduces random Neon Frames to the reels, transforming them into high-paying symbols to boost player rewards.

Meanwhile, the Fortune Roll Feature comes alive when three Scatters land on reels two through four offer players Instant Prizes ranging from x5 to an impressive x200 their total bet.

Free Spins take the excitement to the next level. Players start with eight Free Spins when three Scatters appear, with the potential to retrigger additional spins throughout the feature. During Free Spins, the reels expand by one row, and Neon Frames that land become Sticky, staying in place until the feature ends.

As a final flourish – all Neon Frames transform into a high-paying symbol, creating thrilling moments of anticipation and massive win potential.

Games Ambassador at Play’n GO, Magnus Wallentin, said: “Crystal Hall represents the perfect fusion of classic slot gameplay and modern design. By combining popular slot mechanics with glittering jewel-themed aesthetics, we’ve created a game that has a broad appeal. We’re confident that players will love exploring the mysteries of Crystal Hall and chasing its glittering rewards.”

With its luxurious aesthetic, innovative features, and engaging gameplay, Crystal Hall is set to dazzle both seasoned slot fans and newcomers. Step into the legend and spin for your chance at glory.

Smart gaming tables increase strain on workers, Macau lawmaker warns

Viviana Chan
-
0
Leong-Sun-Iok
Macau lawmaker Leong Sun Iok

The issue was highlighted by Macau lawmaker Leong Sun Iok, who expressed concern over the physical toll the new systems are imposing on frontline workers.

In a written inquiry, Leong Sun Iok pointed out that “some gaming operators have reported that the newly installed equipment is causing hand injuries among employees, who are required to complete operations within seconds. The prolonged repetitive movements exerting force can lead to musculoskeletal disorders, joint pain, and other occupational diseases, particularly tendonitis and other work-related musculoskeletal injuries, which restrict patients’ mobility and affect their daily lives.”

The inquiry also cited the Labor Affairs Bureau’s data, noting that, in the first nine months of 2024, there were 1,143 reported workplace injuries in the entertainment and gaming sectors, accounting for nearly 30 percent of all workplace accidents in the city. 

This problem is not new. In July of last year, nearly 1,000 gaming table supervisors reported similar complaints regarding the increased demands of managing smart tables. At the time, José Pereira Coutinho, another Macau lawmaker, raised the issue in a written inquiry, urging government intervention.

Smart Tables, Smart gaming tables, Casino Industry, Angel Group, Angel Playing Cards, APAC

Need for occupational health standards

In light of these ongoing concerns, Leong Sun Iok has called for the introduction of strict occupational safety and health standards for gaming companies, particularly as new technologies like smart gaming tables are introduced. He has urged the Labor Affairs Bureau to monitor the impact of these new systems and ensure they meet safety standards designed to protect workers.

“Given that gaming companies are adopting new electronic equipment intending to reduce employee stress, it is important that these systems are evaluated to ensure they meet occupational health and safety standards,” said Leong Sun Iok. He has also proposed that the government require gaming companies to conduct comprehensive risk assessments of new equipment and submit related reports for government review before implementation.

The lawmaker’s proposal calls for collaboration between the Labor Affairs Bureau, gaming operators, and employees to create and implement strategies to reduce physical strain. These measures could include providing ergonomic work equipment, offering training to help employees adapt to new technology, and establishing mechanisms for workers to voice concerns and suggestions regarding workplace safety.

Sands China may resume dividends next week after five-year hiatus: JP Morgan 

Viviana Chan
-
0
Sands China may resume dividends next week after five-year hiatus: JP Morgan 

Sands China is set to resume dividend payments for the first time in five years, with the company’s Board of Directors scheduled to meet next Friday, February 21st, to consider recommending a dividend for fiscal year 2024.

According to JP Morgan’s latest investment memo, the timing of this potential dividend payout is earlier than initially expected. ‘The timing of the potential dividend resumption… is earlier than our current model,’ the memo states.

Previously, JP Morgan had projected that the first dividend for fiscal year 2025 would be paid in the second quarter of 2025. The earlier-than-anticipated move is seen as a ‘mildly positive’ development by analysts DS Kim, Mufan Shi, and Selina Li, though expectations remain cautious.

JP Morgan’s forecast for the initial dividend payout is modest. The bank expects Sands China to declare a dividend of HK$0.25 ($0.032) per half-year, or HK$0.50 ($0.064) annually for the calendar year 2025.

‘This would imply a 3 percent yield at current levels,’ the memo notes. While this is certainly an improvement over no dividend payments, analysts caution that the payout is unlikely to have a major impact on Sands China’s stock price in the short term. ‘It’s better than nothing, but likely won’t move the needle too much,’ the memo concludes.

On the horizon, JP Morgan analysts remain optimistic that Sands China will be able to increase its dividend payouts as the company continues to reduce its debt. ‘We continue to believe the size of the dividend can ramp up each year as it continues to de-lever,’ the memo explains.

The company could eventually return to pre-COVID dividend levels of HK$1.99 ($0.26) per share annually, a figure that would imply a yield of approximately 12.5 percent at current share prices.

According to the latest financial results, Sands China posted net revenues of $1.76 billion for 4Q24, representing a 5 percent decline year-on-year.

Ongoing upgrades primarily drove this decrease at The Londoner Macao and the Venetian Arena throughout the quarter. Compared to the third quarter of 2024, revenues were also slightly lower.

Sands China’s 4Q24 net income fell 17.7 percent year-on-year to $237 million. Additionally, adjusted EBITDA for its Macau operations decreased by 12.7 percent to $571 million, impacted by a low hold on rolling play.

Aristocrat completes sale of Plarium mobile gaming business to MTG

Nelson Moura
-
0
Aristocrat completes sale of Plarium mobile gaming business to MTG

Aristocrat Leisure Limited has officially completed the $820 million sale of Plarium Global Limited to Modern Times Group (MTG).

The transaction, which was first announced in November 2024, follows a strategic review of Aristocrat’s casual and mid-core gaming assets that commenced in May of last year.

The transaction included a fixed consideration of $620 million, with the potential for an additional $200 million based on the achievement of financial targets between 2025 and 2028.

At the time, Aristocrat’s subsidiary, Pixel United Holdings Limited, entered into a binding agreement with MTG, a leading international mobile-first gaming group known for its popular game franchises.

The fixed payment of $620 million consists of $600 million payable upon completion of the deal, with a deferred $20 million payment due in April 2026.

Trevor Croker, Aristocrat
Trevor Croker, CEO at Aristocrat

The proceeds from the sale will be utilized in alignment with Aristocrat’s long-term growth strategy and established capital management framework. An update regarding capital management is scheduled to be provided at the company’s Annual General Meeting in February.

“With the completion of the strategic review of our casual and mid-core gaming assets, Aristocrat is well placed to accelerate our refreshed growth strategy. We are deepening management focus and targeting investment behind our core strengths in regulated gaming and gaming-themed content, unlocking new and adjacent opportunities across global markets”, Trevor Croker, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Aristocrat, remarked in the announcement.

Croker added that the review outcomes reflect Aristocrat’s commitment to driving shareholder value through clear strategic choices and growth initiatives.

Aristocrat also highlighted that the transaction is projected to yield a gain in fiscal 2025. Furthermore, following a comprehensive evaluation of options to maximize shareholder value, Aristocrat has decided to restructure its Big Fish Games operations.

Moving forward, Big Fish will concentrate solely on the efficient operation of its existing titles, halting new game development and significantly reducing investment in its portfolio.

With the strategic review concluded, Aristocrat will also retire the Pixel United reporting segment along with its remaining corporate team structure. Effective from the Group’s first-half results reporting for the six months ending March 31st 2025, the Product Madness segment will replace Pixel United, encompassing results from both Product Madness and Big Fish.

aristocrat
Superna Kalle, Chief Strategy Officer at Aristocrat

Plarium will be classified as a discontinued operation, with its results excluded from the calculation of Net Profit after Tax and Before Amortization of Acquired Intangibles (NPATA).

As part of these organizational changes, Superna Kalle, Aristocrat’s Chief Strategy Officer, will assume executive leadership of Product Madness, in addition to her existing responsibilities in Strategy, Corporate Development, and critical enterprise capabilities such as Transformation and Data.

Solid CNY market share by MGM China: Jefferies

Nelson Moura
-
0
Solid CNY market share by MGM China: Jefferies

MGM Resorts, the parent company of MGM China, announced its fourth-quarter results for 2024, revealing that both adjusted EBITDA and sales for its Macau operations were broadly in line with Jefferies estimates and consensus.

For the fourth quarter, MGM China reported an adjusted EBITDA of HK$2.1 billion ($269.6 million), reflecting a 3 percent year-on-year decline but a 7 percent increase quarter-on-quarter. Additionally, net revenue rose by 3 percent year-on-year and 10 percent quarter-on-quarter, reaching HK$7.9 billion ($1 billion).

MGM’s post-results call highlighted robust visitation during CNY, with traffic increasing by 18 percent compared to the previous year, while gaming volumes also showed improvement, surpassing those recorded during the last CNY.

Macau CNY Golden week 2025, MGM China
Chinese New Year visitation in Macau 2025

According to the brokerage, MGM’s management noted a strong performance following the Chinese New Year (CNY), with solid traffic at both Macau properties and a commitment to maintaining market share.

‘The management observed a notable trend of more players arriving after CNY, contributing to strong performance in the second week of the holiday, comparable to the first week’, the brokerage noted.

‘MGM’s management reiterated its long-term goal of sustaining a mid-teen market share, with a particular focus on the premium mass segment.’

Angel Group completes rollout of mass baccarat Smart Table Systems at Sands China properties

Kelsey Wilhelm
-
0
Angel Group completes rollout of mass baccarat Smart Table Systems at Sands China properties

Angel Group has announced that it has successfully completed the implementation of its Smart Table Systems on all baccarat tables operated in the mass market areas of Sands China properties.

According to a company release, this totals over 1,110 tables. This brings the group’s total of baccarat tables across Macau, Singapore, the Philippines and Australia up to approximately 2,000.

Aside from its Smart Table Systems for Baccarat, the group is also continuing to expand its “Hybrid” solution for other table games including Blackjack, Sic Bo and Roulette.

Aside from its focus on Smart Tables, Angel is also increasing its manufacturing capabilities in Macau, building a new factory in the Coloane Concordia Industrial Park nearby the Cotai Strip. The $130 million development is Angel Group’s third factory site in Asia, following Singapore and Japan. It’s scheduled to be fully operational by the end of 2026, bringing some 22,000 square meters of floor area into the group’s manufacturing portfolio.

Macau again ranked World’s Five-Star hotel capital by Forbes Travel Guide

Kelsey Wilhelm
-
0
Macau again ranked World’s Five-Star hotel capital by Forbes Travel Guide

Macau has again been crowned the world’s Five-Star hotel capital by Forbes Travel Guide, marking the third consecutive time the territory has won the distinction.

The SAR saw a total of 24 top-ranking hotels, with the new additions of Studio City’s Epic Tower and Raffles at Galaxy Macau.

Raffles Hotel, Galaxy Entertainment, Macau
Raffles, Galaxy Macau
Studio City, Melco Resorts, Macau
Epic Tower, Studio City

Macau was well ahead of the next competitor, London, which saw 20 five-star ranked hotels in 2025.

Aside from the hotel category, Macau also ranked top in the restaurant category, with 25 five-star ranked venues. Top honors went to Aurora at Altira, Chef Tam’s Seasons at Wynn Palace, Don Alfonso 1890 at Palazzo Versace, The Huaiyang Garden at The Londoner, Mesa at The Karl Lagerfeld, Yamazato at Hotel Okura and Zuicho at Grand Lisboa Palace.

Macau also had a total of 18 five-star ranked operations in the Spa category, with two new additions: The Spa at Epic Tower (Studio City) and The Spa at Palazzo Versace (Grand Lisboa Palace).

Kelsey Allison, former Global COO at Aruze Gaming, announces departure from role

Kelsey Wilhelm
-
0
Kelsey Allison, former Global COO at Aruze Gaming, announces departure from role

Aruze Gaming Global’s former Global Chief Operating Officer Kelcey Allison has announced his departure from the company.

Kelsey Allison, former Global COO at Aruze Gaming, announces departure from role

In a social media post on LinkedIn, Allison noted that he would be “taking a short, well-deserved break to recharge and reflect before diving into my next adventure”.

Allison was appointed to the Global Chief Operating Officer role in September of 2023, during the company’s transition into AG2.

He most recently served as a Senior Vice President of Corporate Initiatives from November of last year until this February.

Allison had previously served as the Chief Executive Officer of Aruze Gaming, until 2016, after which he held positions with Ainsworth Game Technology and Paradise Entertainment, before rejoining Aruze in 2022.

Speaking of his departure, Allison noted that “Rebuilding AG2 was the most formidable endeavor of my professional journey, and a task that had never been done in our industry before. Together, we not only took on that challenge but succeeded in ways that exceeded so many expectations.”

AG2 has been making waves in the Asian market, having been granted license approvals in Macau and the Philippines in mid-2024, with further expansion to Malaysia, Cambodia and Vietnam via new offices and distributorships.

Daily Asia Gaming eBrief: MGM China sees strong 4Q24 results

AGBrief Editorial
-
0
Daily Asia Gaming eBrief: MGM China sees strong 4Q24 results
Good morning. It was a good year for MGM China, as Macau continued to accelerate its way out of the post-pandemic slump. Revenues topped $1 billion, despite a slight slowdown in Cotai and major drops in VIP spend. Looking ahead, the company is optimistic for continued growth in 2025. Meanwhile, in Thailand news, China’s president has expressed concern over the nation’s casino aspirations, asking for more information and warning of potential social problems they could create.

What you need to know

ASEAN Gaming Summit 2025

On the radar

AGB Intelligence

MACAU

MGM China,Macau

MGM China delivers strong year, boosted by 4Q24 results

MGM China saw strong revenue results in 2024, boosted by a 3 percent uptick in the fourth quarter, year-on-year. The company brought in some $1.01 billion in revenue during the quarter, despite a minor drop from its Cotai property, mitigated by improved results on the peninsula. However, VIP and mass table games drop were down. Executives are confident for 2025, based on the record contributions seen last year.

Industry Updates

Corporate Spotlight

1xBet’s 2024 Milestones: key achievements & heights of success

1xBet 2024 Milestones Key achievements and new heights of success

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.

MEMBERSHIP | INTELLIGENCE | ASEAN | CAREERS

MGM China 4Q24 results cement record year, confident going into 2025

Kelsey Wilhelm
-
0
MGM China 4Q24 results cement record year, confident going into 2025

MGM China has announced a 3.16 percent yearly increase in its total revenue for the fourth quarter of 2024, totaling nearly HK$7.92 billion ($1.01 billion).

According to results published by its parent company, MGM Resorts, on Thursday, revenue from its Cotai property fell by about 1 percent year-on-year, to nearly $4.58 billion ($587.81 million).

However, revenue from the Macau peninsula property rose by 9.44 percent yearly, to HK$3.34 billion ($428.87 million).

MGM Grand Macau, MGM China
MGM Macau peninsula

Adjusted EBITDA for the peninsular property also increased on a yearly basis, up by 10.42 percent in MGM Macau – to HK$910.64 million ($116.9 million). However, MGM Cotai saw a drop of nearly 11 percent – to HK$1.21 billion ($156.06 million).

Overall casino revenue for MGM China rose by some 4 percent yearly, hitting $855 million, despite a drop in main floor table games drop of 5 percent – to $3.58 billion.

Both of the group’s Macau properties saw falls in main floor table games drop during the quarter, topping out at HK$13.8 billion at MGM Macau and HK$14.04 billion at MGM Cotai.

VIP table games turnover similarly saw yearly falls. MGM Cotai suffered a significant drop of 16.16 percent to HK$23.45 billion. MGM China VIP table games turnover was down by a staggering 39 percent yearly, to just HK$5.53 billion.

MGM China, Cotai-Macau
MGM Cotai

The slot machine handle for both properties saw slight increases in the fourth quarter.

Net revenue for the group totaled nearly $1.02 billion in the quarter, up by nearly 3.7 percent year-on-year.

Speaking of the results MGM Resorts International CEO Bill Hornbuckle noted that “MGM Resorts is proud to report the best full-year consolidated net revenues in the history of the Company, driven by record performance from MGM China.

“We’re also encouraged by the strong demand we’re seeing in the business so far in 2025, which positions us well for continued growth,” indicated the executive.

Looking at the full-year results, MGM China saw net revenues increase by 28 percent yearly, to $4 billion, with segment adjusted EBITDAR rising by a quarter, to $1.1 billion.

1...489490491...1,814Page 490 of 1,814