Daily Asia Gaming eBrief: Wynn Al Marjan Island financing complete with new $2.4B loan

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AGBrief Editorial

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February 7, 2025

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Daily Asia Gaming eBrief: Wynn Al Marjan Island financing complete with new $2.4B loan

Good morning. When a loan is dubbed the ‘largest hospitality financing transaction’ in the UAE, you know it’s big. But nothing less was to be expected from Wynn Resorts, who now says its financing is comple te to finish Wynn Al Marjan Island and open it in 2027, after nailing down $2.4 billion from a group of lenders. Meanwhile, in Macau, expectations are still high for FY25 GGR, despite a slow CNY. Analysts at Seaport say that if China can improve its economy and boost consumer sentiment, Macau can stand to further benefit. However, experts are pointing out that the lackluster CNY results could be the result of a pivot away from its main market, urging operators to refocus on its mainland China clientele.

What you need to know

Wynn Resorts completes financing for Wynn Al Marjan Island by securing $2.4 billion loan, largest in UAE hospitality history.
Seaport maintains Macau FY25 GGR growth estimates, with potential upside if Chinese economy and consumer sentiment improve.
Macau should refocus on its core tourism base, after Chinese New Year results fail to meet expectations, say experts.

On the radar

PAGCOR breaks ground on new corporate office building in Pasay City.
Three arrested in illegal gambling live-stream at Macau VIP rooms.
AGEM Index grew by 4.2% m-o-m in January, up nearly 40% yearly.
Leaders of China and Thailand pledge to strengthen cybercrime prevention.
Entain Australia disbanding Ladbrokes Racing Club, citing costs.
Kangwon Land debuts pilot foreigner-only casino zone: report.
Two pose as PAOCC agents to solicit bribes from POGO family members.
Macau’s GGR unlikely to return to pre-COVID levels: Ponte 16 boss.

AGB Intelligence

UAE

Wynn secures $2.4B loan to complete Wynn Al Marjan Island

Dubbed by the company as ‘the largest hospitality financing transaction in the history of the United Arab Emirates’, Wynn Resorts has secured the financing necessary to complete its Wynn Al Marjan Island project. Still slated to open in 2027, the new $2.4 billion loan to a subsidiary of the group’s joint venture paves the way for the UAE’s first integrated resort.

Industry Updates

Altenar strengthens its Brazilian presence with new office in São Paulo.
Slotegrator discloses top gamification trends for 2025 in gambling.
ZITRO debuts CONCEPT and new games at PlayCity Casinos Mérida.

Corporate Spotlight

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

1xBet 2024 Milestones Key achievements and new heights of success

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The company further indicates that Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank PJSC and Deutsche Bank AGB acted as Joint Coordinators of the financing, while First Abu Dhabi Bank PJSC, Emirate NBD Capital Limited and The National Bank of Ras Al Khaimah acted as Initial Mandated Lead Arrangers, Bookrunners and Underwriters. Sumimoto Mitsui Banking Corporation DIFC Branch, Dubai acted as Lead Arrangers, while First Abu Dhabi Bank PJSC acts as Agent and Security Agent for the lenders.

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

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

Currently the construction team is completing one floor per week, with aims for a topping off in December of this year. Some 64 percent of the structural concrete has been completed up to the 34^th floor of the main resort tower, with the resort tower growing 140 feet in the past 100 days, according to Wynn.

Some 1,226 guest rooms in the tower structure have been completed, or 80 percent of the total, while more than 20 percent of the exterior façade window glazing has been completed. Fit out is underway for 1,121 rooms, while in the low-rise segment of the building, concrete and steel structures are a combined 70 percent complete.

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 — _{Hotel arrival at Wynn Al Marjan Island}

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

PlayCity Mérida, a renowned Mexican casino, is upgrading its entertainment options by adding Zitro‘s highly successful CONCEPT cabinet line. Alongside this, players can indulge in new games such as Legendary Sword, Fairyland Quest, Triple Charm Journey, and Lucky Vault, catering to various player preferences.

In Legendary Sword, players embark on an epic adventure in a medieval world, where the Magic Sword paves the way to achieve Honor and Glory. The game is played on a large 6×5 reel set, enhanced by different combinations of features such as “Honor,” which multiplies prizes; “Glory,” which grants additional spins; and the “Magic Sword,” which doubles all the prizes in its column.

For its part, Fairyland Quest transports players to an enchanted forest full of surprises. The Magic Mushrooms give access to a different bonus each, while the enchanted Fairy gives you a special bonus that doubles the playing area, offering a magical and different experience.

Triple Charm Journey surprises with features such as “Rise,” which increases winnings with each spin until the end of the bonus; “Collect,” which accumulates the values of Link symbols; and “Enigma,” which multiplies its value and that of some Link symbols on the screen.

ZITRO invites players to unlock hidden treasures in Lucky Vault (2)

Finally, Lucky Vault challenges players to open 3 colorful vaults, which grant additional rewards in both the base and free games. In Free Games, the “Multiplier” feature grants Wild Multipliers and the “Bank” feature, the Mega, Super, Minor, or Mini jackpots, by collecting the matching symbols. The player can unlock their corresponding Jackpot values with 4 identical Minor/Mini symbols or 5 identical Mega/Super symbols.

José Fernando López, product manager of PlayCity Casino, commented: “The CONCEPT cabinets have had an outstanding performance, and it is to be expected when you combine new games with superior graphic quality, a unique design, and innovative game mechanics. Having a product like this has helped us position PlayCity as a preferred destination for entertainment in Mérida.”

For his part, Johnny Viveiros Ortiz, founder of Zitro, affirmed: “It is a pleasure to see how our CONCEPT cabinet line and games continue to gain ground in Mexico. We are confident that these additions will continue to provide memorable experiences to players at PlayCity Mérida and throughout the country.”

According to a Thursday note, Senior Analyst Vitaly Umansky mentioned the increased tariff regime in the US, which could cause ‘China policymakers to more forcefully look at expanding consumption and improving domestic consumer confidence’. This will largely hinge on fiscal stimulus and regulatory easing measures, with a central focus of ‘shoring up the real estate market’.

If the measures are effective, this ‘could lead to stronger base mass recovery (with continued premium growth) in the latter part of 2025’.

Umansky notes that gaming stock valuations ‘remain largely depressed, setting up a continued strong risk/reward positioning’.

Regarding estimates for February, the senior analyst indicates ‘slightly better’ expected results compared to January, depending on how strong the rest of the month is post-CNY. The estimate is based on average daily GGR of MOP609 million (3 percent above January’s ADR) ‘which should be achievable’.

February GGR is estimated to reach MOP18.5 billion ($2.3 billion), up by 0.1 percent yearly and 1.3 percent month-to-month. ‘If our estimate winds up being correct, the combined Jan/Feb period would be -2.8 percent year-on-year’.

Top picks for the analyst are Las Vegas Sands, Sands China and Galaxy, ‘as the companies should have catalysts in 2025 with share gains in Macau (and continued Singapore strength for LVS)’.

Meanwhile, Melco Resorts and MGM ‘have the highest potential upside if valuations normalize, despite negative investor sentiment for both stocks. Seaport maintains a ‘sell’ suggestion for SJM due to ‘difficult balance sheet issues in the coming two years and lack of ability to material take market share in Macau’.

Ma explained that, while the VIP sector once accounted for half of Macau’s gaming revenue, it now makes up just 20 percent of its pre-COVID contribution. However, he highlighted that mass-market revenue has increased by more than 10 percent compared to the pre-pandemic period. To further boost overall gaming revenue, Ma believes the focus should be on increasing foot traffic, particularly within the mass-market segment.

According to statements to Hong Kong media, looking ahead to 2025, Ma predicts modest single-digit revenue growth, citing near-full hotel occupancy as a key factor. His outlook aligns with projections from other investment banks. Despite ongoing economic recovery, Ma views a modest growth rate as a positive outcome, with hotel room rates remaining steady compared to last year.

A key strategy for growth, according to Ma, is increasing visitor numbers. He is optimistic that recent visa policy changes—allowing Hengqin residents to travel to Macau multiple times with a single visa and Zhuhai residents to visit weekly—will help drive higher foot traffic.

During the Chinese New Year period, for example, Macau saw a notable increase in visitors compared to non-holiday periods. Meanwhile, Hengqin has gained popularity among mainland Chinese travelers, which could lead to a higher number of overnight visitors there.

In this context, there are concerns that the new visa policy, which allows visitors to travel more freely between Macau and Hengqin, could impact hotel occupancy rates in Macau.

However, the Ponte 16 boss says he is not concerned, as he believes expanding the market will bring long-term benefits and does not foresee any significant impact on consumption. He also mentioned that the company has no plans to expand its footprint in Hengqin.

Lukewarm Macau visitation dampens Chinese New Year GGR performance: CLSA

Tourism diversification

In the same comments to the Hong Kong press, Ma emphasized the need for diversification in Macau’s tourism offerings. He argued that Macau should move beyond traditional souvenir items, such as food products, and collaborate with local artists and designers to develop new, creative products that reflect the city’s unique culture.

As for tourism diversification, Ma noted the growing presence of concerts and events in the city. While Hong Kong’s upcoming Kai Tak Sports Park will provide a large venue for performances, Ma does not view it as a direct competitor. He sees the tourism offerings of both cities as complementary rather than competitive.

“In the past, travel between Hong Kong and Macau often formed part of a single itinerary for many visitors from Southeast Asia, Japan, Korea, and mainland China. I believe that the development of our shared industries is not a matter of competition, but an opportunity to think creatively about which events suit each location,” he concluded.

Wazdan’s 20 Coins™ sparkles in Grand Gold Edition

Elsewhere

AGBrief Editorial

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February 6, 2025

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Wazdan’s 20 Coins™ sparkles in Grand Gold Edition

Wazdan, a leading gain-focused developer, has released the latest edition of its 20 Coins™ slot with the luxurious Grand Gold Edition.

Building on the success of the popular original, 20 Coins™ Grand Gold Edition delivers an elevated gaming experience with exciting upgrades, including a boosted Grand Jackpot of 2000x the bet and a suite of enhanced features designed to captivate players worldwide.

The upgraded new iteration introduces improved Cash Infinity™ and Chance Level™ mechanics to amplify engagement for rewarding gameplay.

The new title supports the return of the signature Hold the Jackpot™ bonus round, now accompanied by the innovative Sticky to Infinity™ feature, proven to drive player retention and extend the game’s duration.

The much-anticipated slot embodies Wazdan’s player-centric philosophy, offering tailored experiences through cutting-edge mechanics that deliver measurable results.

With the addition of 20 Coins™ Grand Gold Edition, Wazdan redefines its games offering while supporting operators in achieving high-quality performance.

Andrzej Hyla, Chief Commercial Officer at Wazdan, said: “20 Coins™ Grand Gold Edition is a bold evolution of one of our most beloved titles. By integrating powerful features like the boosted Grand Jackpot, Sticky to Infinity™, and the upgraded Chance Level™, we have created even more reasons for players to engage with the Coins™ series. Our mission is to create games that resonate with audiences while delivering tangible value to our partners, and 20 Coins™ Grand Gold Edition is a perfect example of that.”

More than just a trend, gamification is a powerful tool for player engagement. In 2025, operators are advancing gamification with innovative strategies that entertain and cultivate enduring loyalty. Slotegrator, a leading B2B software provider, explores the emerging trends defining the gamification landscape in the gambling sector.

In a broad sense, gamification refers to the use of game design elements, mechanics, and principles in non-game contexts to motivate and engage users. Countless companies employ gamification to build customer loyalty.

In gambling, gamification usually takes the form of leaderboards, tournaments, and bonus systems. These are all well-established means of attracting and retaining players, but in 2025, we should see even more tactics gaining popularity.

By implementing deeper layers of gamification, operators can turn gambling into a more immersive experience, fostering stronger connections with their audiences and making players stay for longer.

Gamification classics

If it’s not broken, don’t fix it. The same goes for the classic gamification solutions for the gambling industry. Here are the most commonly used forms of gamification in the iGaming industry:

Points and rewards systems: Online casinos commonly implement points systems where players earn points for placing bets or winning games. These points can be redeemed for bonuses, free spins, or other rewards.
Leaderboards and tournaments: Often used to foster competition among players. Poker and blackjack apps often feature leaderboards where players compete for high scores or exclusive prizes. Tournaments also create opportunities for players to showcase their skills and win rewards.
Daily challenges and missions: Platforms offer daily challenges that encourage players to complete specific tasks in exchange for additional points or prizes.
Loyalty programs: Players are rewarded based on their activity levels. For instance, a player might achieve “Gold” status after reaching a certain number of bets, which grants them access to exclusive bonuses or promotions.

These have all proven to work incredibly well. But adding a twist to these well-known solutions can greatly enhance the overall user experience and retention of an iGaming platform. Here’s how:

Elevate personalization

By combining the demand for personalization and the rise of AI, gamification can reach an entirely new level.

AI is capable of collecting and analyzing massive amounts of data. By using insights from these vast reserves of information, AI can tailor recommendations to player’s behavior and preferences. This means that difficulty levels, rewards, and game scenarios can be modified on the fly to maintain engagement and excitement.

This level of personalization is expected to become a standard practice in the industry, making gaming platforms more dynamic and engaging.

Explore the new gamification hub

The rise of Telegram casinos has opened new doors for gamification in gambling.

With its fast, mobile-friendly nature and interactive bot integrations, Slotegrator’s Telegram Casino serves as a perfect platform for operators to introduce loyalty programs, in-chat mini-games, and real-time progress tracking.

Players can receive rewards instantly, participate in exclusive gambling challenges, and even compete in invite-only tournaments, creating a community-driven gaming atmosphere. Such mobile-friendly solutions can also help attract and retain younger audiences.

Create a unique bonus system

Traditionally, iGaming bonuses mostly come in the forms of free spins or deposit matches. Now, though, brands are redefining their bonus systems and taking them to the next level.

Bonuses are no longer limited to free spins or deposit matches. The gamification of rewards in gambling now extends to real-world incentives, such as exclusive merchandise collaborations, travel opportunities, and access to luxury events.

Some gambling platforms are also partnering with retailers and entertainment venues to offer vouchers for dining, shopping, and experiences. When players make deposits, they can receive vouchers to spend in select stores or entertainment hubs, making the gambling experience even more rewarding. This approach allows operators to build a deeper connection with players and provide tangible benefits beyond the digital world.

Gamification in gambling has moved beyond individual achievements, becoming a powerful driver of social interaction and community engagement.

Rewarding user-generated content can ignite players’ desire to engage with the community, making them feel valued and involved. Features like live chats, multiplayer games, and group betting create interactive environments where players connect, collaborate, and compete.

Many casinos use referral programs to encourage players to get friends to sign up for their platform. With tiered rewards, social challenges, and in-game perks for both referrers and new players, these can also be a good contribution to building a community inside your platform.

Gamified social experiences, including team competitions and shared betting pools, reinforce collaboration and collective wins, strengthening the emotional connection to gaming. Additionally, social recognition systems, such as badges and shareable achievements, empower players to showcase their skills and milestones, further boosting community involvement.

By transforming gambling into a socially immersive experience, these gamification strategies help operators attract and retain a more diverse and engaged audience.

Final thoughts

The gamification trends of 2025 are all about breaking boundaries. Thanks to Telegram casino integration, AI-driven personalization, and unique bonus systems, operators can stay ahead of the curve and keep giving players new reasons to come back, time and again.

For more insights on gamification and iGaming solutions, get in touch with Slotegrator today.

Altenar strengthens its Brazilian presence with new office in São Paulo

Elsewhere

AGBrief Editorial

-

February 6, 2025

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Altenar strengthens its Brazilian presence with new office in São Paulo

Altenar, a leading sports betting and iGaming software provider, has expanded its support for operators in Brazil with the opening of a new São Paulo office.

Registering an entity in the country highlights Altenar’s understanding of the importance of Brazil’s regulated market for its clients and reflects the company’s continuous global strategy of wanting to be as close as possible to key markets.

Altenar opened an office in Uruguay last year to provide improved support for clients in LatAm and the Brazil entity will bring numerous benefits, including faster onboarding for new customers and invoicing in the local currency.

Frederico Caputi, Sales Manager at Altenar, said: “Opening the São Paulo office is a strategic step for Altenar as it allows us to better serve our partners and streamline operations within Brazil’s thriving market. This local presence not only enhances our customer support capabilities but also significantly boosts our responsiveness to market needs and regulatory changes.

“It is an exciting development that aligns perfectly with our commitment to growth and excellence in Latin America.”

Invading Vegas Revenge on Mars reimagines the chaos of its predecessor, introducing a Martian twist to Sin City’s neon chaos in the form of the alien’s very own version of Vegas on Mars. From Space Cowboys to walking Wilds, the game is packed with out-of-this-world features, making it a must-play for fans of quirky, story-driven slots.

Players can expect a five-reel, 20-payline slot filled with thematic symbols and an immersive soundtrack. And while the stakes are high, the thrills are even higher, with the potential to win up to 2,500x your bet.

Key to the game’s unique appeal is its Walking Wilds, activated when full symbol stacks appear on reels one and two, or four and five, without a winning payline. These wilds traverse the reels, leaving Mystery Symbols in their wake, transforming spins into nail-biting experiences as multipliers of up to x10 stack the rewards.

Twelve Free Spins await players who land three Space Car Scatters, and these can be retriggered for up to 120 spins – a feature perfectly suited for players chasing high volatility and big wins. The interplay between Mystery Symbols and Walking Wilds ensures that every spin builds suspense, with multipliers combining for explosive payouts.

Fans of Invading Vegas will love this intergalactic evolution, which takes the cheeky charm of the original and amplifies it with Martian visuals and dynamic gameplay. With stacked high-paying symbols and colourful animations, Invading Vegas Revenge on Mars is a feast for the senses .

Head of Game Retention at Play’n GO, George Olekszy, said: “Invading Vegas Revenge on Mars is the ultimate mash-up of chaos and charm. Players will love the Walking Wild feature and the adrenaline-fuelled re-spins that bring big-win potential. It’s Play’n GO doing what we do best – innovating to entertain.”

Play’n GO continues to raise the bar in creative slot design, delivering an intergalactic adventure that’s sure to delight fans of the original and newcomers alike. Strap in and join the invasion – Mars has never been this much fun!

What you need to know

On the radar

UAE

Industry Updates

Corporate Spotlight

Table of Contents

The AGEM Index saw a healthy rebound in January, rising by 4.2 percent from the prior month. Particularly, however, the Index saw healthy growth of 39.5 percent compared to January 2024.

Table of Contents

Wynn Resorts has announced that it has completed the financing for Wynn Al Marjan Island, obtaining a $2.4 billion construction facility with a global syndicate of lenders.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Despite the slow Chinese New Year period, Seaport Research Partners maintains its prediction for Macau 2025 gross gaming revenue (GGR) growth at ‘nearly 7 percent […] with upside surprise possible on a turnaround in the Chinese economy and consumer sentiment’.

Table of Contents

Hoffman Ma Ho Man, deputy chairman of Success Universe Group, which operates the Ponte 16 casino in Macau, has stated that it is “unrealistic” to expect the region’s casino gross gaming revenue (GGR) to return to pre-pandemic levels.

Tourism diversification

Wazdan, a leading gain-focused developer, has released the latest edition of its 20 Coins™ slot with the luxurious Grand Gold Edition.

Table of Contents

Gamification classics

Elevate personalization

Explore the new gamification hub

Create a unique bonus system

Take social experiences seriously

Final thoughts

Altenar, a leading sports betting and iGaming software provider, has expanded its support for operators in Brazil with the opening of a new São Paulo office.

Table of Contents

Play’n GO introduces Invading Vegas: Revenge on Mars, the much-anticipated follow-up to Invading Vegas. This cosmic slot promises adrenaline-pumping entertainment as Earth’s iconic city collides with Martian chaos.

Table of Contents

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