PAGCOR breaks ground on new corporate office building in Pasay City

Philippines

Kelsey Wilhelm

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February 6, 2025

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PAGCOR breaks ground on new corporate office building in Pasay City

The Philippine gaming regulator (PAGCOR) has officially broken ground on its new PHP2.45 billion ($41.74 million) corporate office building in Pasay City.

As previously indicated by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), the financing and construction of the center will be done by the San Miguel Corporation. (SMC).

In December, PAGCOR indicated that it had signed a 25-year lease with SMC for the 15-hectare Bagong Nayong Pilipino property in Pasay City.

PAGCOR and SMC Infrastructure sign lease agreement for Nayong Pilipino property — PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro H. Tengco (left) and SMC Chairman Ramon S. Ang present the artist’s perspective of the new PAGCOR corporate office that will be constructed on a two-hectare area at the Nayong Pilipino Complex in Pasay City.

As part of the deal, SMC allocated two hectares for PAGCOR’s new corporate office building.

In a Thursday press release detailing the groundbreaking, PAGCOR’s Chairman and CEO Alejandro H. Tengco noted that the watchdog has been renting spaces for over four decades, spreading its workforce across multiple locations.

“The Nayong Pilipino complex, once known for its rich attractions, culture and history, had long lain dormant. Today, it is set to be transformed into a vibrant symbol of progress and opportunity for PAGCOR,” stated Tengco.

Upon completion, the center will have a floor area of 40,000 square meters, with an additional 15,000 square meters for ‘comprehensive fit-out’.

“Since PAGCOR will not occupy all 40,000 square meters, we plan to lease some of the commercial spaces to generate rental income,” indicated Tengco, reiterating a previous pledge to gain rental income from the new space. “These rental earnings should be enough to cover the building’s maintenance costs”.

Also present at the ground breaking ceremony was SMC Chairman Ramon Ang, who assured that the project cements its partnership with the gaming regulator.

“While SMC will construct the Corporate Center, we will also use PAGCOR’s Nayong Pilipino property to build infrastructure that will complement airport requirements,” stated Ang.

SMC is set to pay monthly rental fees for the remaining 13 hectares it occupies on the Nayong Pilipino property – for aviation-related projects.

SMC and the Incheon International Airport Corporation are part of consortium that officially took over management and operation of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) last year, committing to spending PHP170 billion ($2.9 billion) to improve the facility and increase passenger traffic to 62 million annually from the current 43 million.

Good morning. Just how far can a phoenix rise from the ashes before gravity catches up? Macau’s roaring return after the pandemic seemed to show no signs of slowing, until Chinese New Year. Lackluster GGR results for January now have analysts concerned about what the rest of the year can deliver. Meanwhile, the NFL has announced that it is going Down Under – holding its first of many regular season games in Melbourne in 2026. And further abroad, DigiPlus says that its new Brazil focus will first dial in on sports betting, to tap an eager market.

What you need to know

Macau’s gross gaming revenue underperforms during Chinese New Year as tourism levels dip, leading to concerns over near-term growth.
The National Football League has announced a multiyear commitment to regular season games in Australia, first in Melbourne in 2026.
After securing its gaming license, DigiPlus says that it is going to first concentrate on sports betting in Brazil.

On the radar

APAC casino veteran new CEO of NZ horse racing regulator.
UAE lottery operator aims to expand to retail outlets.
Philippines visitor arrivals surge 9% in January 2025.
Sing. tourism spending hits all-time high in 2024, optimism for 2025.
PH authorities worried illegal POGOs could be linked to espionage.

AGB Intelligence

MACAU

Low CNY levels draw concerns over near-term growth

January’s Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR) in Macau failed to impress, ringing it at just $2.27 billion despite the bump from part of Chinese New Year. The lukewarm results have analysts questioning exactly how much Macau’s gaming industry can grow throughout the rest of the year. Lower visitation is translating to lower gaming spend and decreased hotel room rates – pushing down both gaming and non-gaming income.

Industry Updates

Wynn Resorts recognized on FORTUNE’s 2025 World’s Admired Companies.
TCSJOHNHUXLEY impresses at ICE Barcelona 2025 with cutting-edge solutions.
PAGCOR inaugurates two community centers in Davao de Oro.

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

Meanwhile, Los Angeles Rams Owner and Chairman E. Stanely Kroenke stated that “This is the next important step for both the Rams and the broader Kroenke Sports & Entertainment family to continue to expand our reach globally, and we are thrilled to work with Commissioner Goodell and the league office to make history and bring the first NFL regular season game to Australia.”

According to the NFL, Australia currently boasts a growing fan base of 6.6 million across the country, while the Rams and the Philadelphia Eagles hold marketing rights in the country as part of the NFL’s Global Markets Program.

“We are delighted to start the year with this prestigious award. Recognizing by the professional community confirms that we significantly contribute to the industry and create solutions that meet the highest standards. Sports betting becomes more popular every day, and 1xBet’s goal is to improve its product to provide customers with the opportunity to stay in the game with maximum comfort at any time and anywhere in the world”, said a representative of 1xBet.

The victory in the International Gaming Awards was another remarkable international achievement of 1xBet over the last year. Previously, the brand was awarded the Best Affiliate Program of the Year in the SiGMA Asia Awards, the title of Best Sportsbook Operator of the Year in the SiGMA Africa Awards 2024, and was recognized as the Best Esport Operator 2024 in Latin America in the SiGMA Americas Awards 2024.

TCSJOHNHUXLEY impresses at ICE Barcelona 2025 with cutting-edge solutions

Europe

AGBrief Editorial

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February 6, 2025

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TCSJOHNHUXLEY impresses at ICE Barcelona 2025 with cutting-edge solutions

TCSJOHNHUXLEY, a global leader in live gaming products and solutions, was delighted with the successful outcome of its participation at the recent ICE Gaming Expo, held from January 20-22 at the Fira Gran Via in Barcelona.

The company showcased a range of innovative products and technologies, captivating the attention of industry professionals and reaffirming its position as a leading force in the live gaming sector.

Supernova Progressive Jackpot by TCSJOHNHUXLEY — Supernova Progressive Jackpot

A key highlight of the event was the launch of the Supernova Progressive Jackpot System on the new Qorex 2 Electronic Gaming Terminals. This groundbreaking feature marks a significant advancement in the gaming industry, offering players the chance to win life-changing jackpots across both live and electronic tables. Qorex 2 itself, featuring enhanced multi-game functionality, customisable side bets, and a strong focus on player experience, proved a major draw, showcasing TCSJOHNHUXLEY’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge electronic gaming solutions.

Further enhancing the digital gaming experience, Roulette Xtra was introduced to the Qorex 2 platform, bringing the thrill of this popular live table game to the digital realm for the first time.

Demonstrating its commitment to innovation across its entire product portfolio, TCSJOHNHUXLEY unveiled Velocity, its latest automated Roulette wheel. Inspired by the success of its predecessor, Velocity sets a new industry standard for speed, enabling casinos to offer more games per hour, maximising table turnover and revenue. Powered by powerful brushless motors, it ensures continuous, reliable operation without the need for noisy air compressors. First showcased at G2E Las Vegas 2024, the Velocity Auto Wheel incorporates the user-friendly Wheelmate console, empowering casinos with effortless maintenance and peak performance.

TCSJOHNHUXLEY impresses at ICE Barcelona 2025 with cutting-edge solutions (3) — Velocity

TCSJOHNHUXLEY also showcased the next generation in chip handling technology with the introduction of Chipper Champ 3. Featuring an updated aesthetic and a space-saving design, the Chipper Champ 3 boasts a groundbreaking innovation with the ability to sort clay chips, a feature unmatched by any other chipper on the market. This revolutionary capability will significantly enhance efficiency and streamline casino operations. Intelligent chip recognition, intuitive software, and real-time performance data translate to faster processing, reduced errors, and enhanced productivity. The Chipper Champ 3 generated significant interest from attendees, demonstrating the strong demand for innovative solutions that enhance operational efficiency and player experience.

The new Blackjack Display captivated players with its real-time data and insights. Seamlessly integrated with TCSJOHNHUXLEY’s acclaimed Ora Luxe Winning Number Display, this innovative solution utilises advanced camera technology for automatic card recognition, eliminating the need for manual entry. By showcasing key game information, including dealer hand history, live dealer odds, and historical stats, this new dynamic Blackjack Display empowers both novice and experienced players to make more informed decisions and enhance their gameplay.

Furthermore, TCSJOHNHUXLEY showcased its unparalleled craftsmanship with a stunning display of custom Roulette Wheel Turrets, demonstrating the company’s ability to create truly unique and captivating gaming experiences.

“We are incredibly pleased with the response we received at ICE Barcelona,” said Tristan Sjöberg, TCSJOHNHUXLEY Executive Chairman. “The show provided a valuable platform to showcase our latest innovations and engage with industry leaders and the feedback we received on our new innovations was particularly encouraging. TCSJOHNHUXLEY looks forward to continuing to push the boundaries of gaming technology and delivering innovative solutions that enhance the player experience and drive success for our valued partners.”

Set across a 3×5 reel grid with 243 ways to win, Thundering Tiger™ sees an array of exotic predators fill the reels, with the classic gameplay significantly boosted with the Upgraded Respins feature, a unique perceived persistence mechanic that adds an extra 3×5 reel grid boosting payout potential.

Players can trigger the Respins feature by landing six or more Lightning Bolt symbols, with lightning strikes activating dynamic reel areas that award instant prizes. Each additional Lightning Bolt within the active area resets the counter to three, increasing the thrill as players aim for big wins.

Colossal Lightning Bolts can also appear during these Respins, splitting into individual symbols to further enhance prizes. This feature is linked to the Thundering series’ Progressive Major and Grand Jackpots, offering added opportunities for players to score huge payouts.

Landing three or more Scatter Ruby symbols unlocks the Free Games feature, awarding 8, 15, or 30 spins depending on the number of scatters. During this round, Colossal 2×2 and 3×3 symbols appear, to further increase winnings. Players can also retrigger the Free Games round as they travel through the jungle in search of big wins.

Designed to captivate players, Thundering Tiger™ blends its immersive jungle theme with an exclusive soundtrack and vivid nighttime visuals, appealing to a broad audience of players.

Thundering Tiger™ is a Light & Wonder title available exclusively for online players at Draft Kings in New Jersey, Michigan, and Ontario.

Michael Maokhamphiou, Studio Director at Lightning Box, said: “Thundering Tiger™ delivers a dynamic mix of gripping gameplay and visually stunning mechanics. The combination of Upgraded Respins, retriggerable Free Games, and Progressive Jackpots ensures this title will resonate with players seeking large wins and unforgettable adventures.”

Rob Procter, VP of Game Development at Light & Wonder, added: “Lightning Box has once again delivered an exceptional slot that stands out with its innovative features and captivating design. Thundering Tiger™ is a testament to the team’s creativity and expertise, and we are excited to bring this thrilling jungle journey to players worldwide.”

Games Global & Fortune Factory Studios merge premier brands in Gold Blitz King Millions

Elsewhere

AGBrief Editorial

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February 5, 2025

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Games Global & Fortune Factory Studios merge premier brands in Gold Blitz King Millions

Games Global’s exclusive partner, Fortune Factory Studios, has launched Gold Blitz™ King Millions™, the latest addition to its popular Gold Blitz™ series, featuring the innovative two-tiered King Millions™ progressive jackpot system.

The King Millions™ network supplements the game’s three existing in-game jackpots and can be triggered randomly on any spin where a symbol carries a diamond icon. In markets where regulation allows, there is also a King Millions™ Bonus Buy for 50x the stake, awarding a spin of the wheel and a shot at instant cash prizes up to 500x, as well as the Major and Grand progressive jackpots.

The familiar Gold Blitz™ mechanic is on show once more, with Blitz icons on reels one and six collecting all cash and jackpot prizes that land simultaneously, boosting base game win potential.

Landing between three and six scatters awards the bonus choice, where players can choose between Gold Blitz™ spins and Free Spins. Gold Blitz™ spins guarantee at least one Blitz collect symbol will land every spin, while Free Spins feature large stacks of high-paying dollar icons, frequent retriggers, and wild multipliers up to 5x.

Games Global’s King Millions™ jackpot system is expected to award top payouts in excess of €30 million, making it the provider’s largest network to date. The global King Millions™ jackpot has already been triggered in 2025, awarding close to €11 million to a player during a period of content exclusivity, highlighting its potential.

The release of Gold Blitz™ King Millions™ reaffirms Fortune Factory Studios’ commitment to curating successful game brands, while also showcasing Games Global’s drive to deliver high-engagement products that push industry boundaries.

Alexander Monsma, Team Manager, Game Sales at Games Global, said: “The Gold Blitz™ brand continues to resonate with a global audience, and we strive for each iteration to be bigger and better than the last. By integrating the King Millions™ jackpot network, we have added multi-million payout potential to our biggest brand, bringing Gold Blitz™ to a new segment of players that can win potentially exceptional prizes.”

Andy Booth, Chief Product Officer at Games Global, added: “Gold Blitz™ and King Millions™ are two of the most popular and highest-performing products in Games Global’s content portfolio, with this latest release elevating both brands further. We hope the title will strike a chord with existing fans of the series, while also appealing to new players searching for the exhilaration provided by the King Millions™ jackpot payout potential.”

In partnership with Korn Ferry, FORTUNE compiles the World’s Most Admired Companies list by surveying top industry executives, directors, and analysts. Companies are evaluated across nine criteria, including investment value, quality of management and products, social responsibility, and ability to attract talent. Only companies ranking in the top half of their industry are included in the list.

According to the Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO), Macau received 1.31 million visitors during the eight-day CNY holiday (January 28th–February 4th), a 3.5 percent average daily decline year-on-year. Mainland Chinese tourists accounted for 1 million of these arrivals, down 3.2 percent from the previous year, while Hong Kong visitors totaled 231,000, reflecting a sharper 8.9 percent decline.

Lukewarm Macau visitation dampens Chinese New Year GGR performance: CLSA

Despite the overall drop, Macau saw its peak visitor day on January 31st (the third day of the CNY holiday), with 219,000 arrivals—up 9.1 percent year-on-year. February 1st also recorded strong numbers, with 218,000 visitors, an 11.7 percent increase.

However, the first three days of the holiday (January 28th–30th) saw significant year-on-year declines, ranging from 19.3 percent to 34.9 percent. In contrast, the latter five days (January 31st–February 4th) recorded year-on-year visitor growth of 3.8 percent to 11.7 percent.

CLSA analysts noted that the weaker visitation translated into lackluster gaming performance.

‘Macau’s January gross gaming revenue (GGR) of MOP18.3 billion was underwhelming, aligning with lukewarm visitation levels averaging 150,662 visitors per day from January 29 to 31,’ stated the analysts. They also pointed to a bottleneck in GGR growth, with daily gaming revenue fluctuating between MOP573 million ($71.8 million) and MOP637 million ($79.8 million) on non-Golden Week months.

The softer gaming performance was further underscored by hotel pricing trends. According to a pre-CNY survey by Morgan Stanley, the average daily rate (ADR) for most Macau hotels was expected to be 15–40 percent lower than CNY 2024 and 10–30 percent below October’s Golden Week levels.

The survey, which compiled ADR and occupancy data from 28 Macau hotels, focused on the CNY period from January 28th to February 4th (public holiday days only). Data collected 14 days before the holiday period showed that the standard room ADR for Macau’s hotels during CNY 2025 stood at HK$3,911 ($503).

Despite the softer start to the year, CLSA maintains its forecast of 4 percent GGR growth in 2025, reaching $29.3 billion—though this remains 2 percent below broader market consensus.

Analysts argue that substantial gaming revenue acceleration is unlikely until consumer confidence in China improves, which they anticipate will occur in 2026 as property prices stabilize.

Meanwhile, Tanco also revealed that the company is exploring the possibility of partnering with a local entity in Brazil to navigate the market more effectively. While the executive expressed that funding is not a major concern for DigiPlus, it is seeking a strategic partner to support its expansion.

The company’s subsidiary, DigiPlus Brazil Interactive Ltda., recently obtained a gaming license from the Brazilian Ministry of Finance’s Secretariat of Awards and Bets. This license authorizes DigiPlus to operate land-based and online sports betting, electronic games, live game studios, and other fixed-odds betting activities.

According to Celeste M. Jovenir, Vice-President for Investor Relations, DigiPlus has engaged a local Brazilian investment bank to help identify potential partners. While no partner has been selected yet, the search is ongoing. Since last year, the company has also assembled a team of 10 people in Brazil to help secure the necessary licenses for operation.

DigiPlus has allocated PHP660 million ($11.4 million) to cover initial costs, including license fees, capitalization, financial reserves, and other operational expenses for the first three months of its operations in Brazil.

The company will use its ArenaPlus platform for online sports betting in the country. DigiPlus sees Brazil’s large population and rapidly growing gaming market as key factors positioning the country as one of the most promising in Latin America for gaming industry growth.

PAGCOR breaks ground on new corporate office building in Pasay City

The Philippine gaming regulator (PAGCOR) has officially broken ground on its new PHP2.45 billion ($41.74 million) corporate office building in Pasay City.

Table of Contents

Daily Asia Gaming eBrief: Macau’s CNY lackluster results prompt concern for FY25

What you need to know

On the radar

AGB Intelligence

MACAU

Low CNY levels draw concerns over near-term growth

Industry Updates

Corporate Spotlight

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

Table of Contents

NFL announces multiyear commitment to regular season games in Australia

The National Football League (NFL) is heading to Australia. According to a company release, the NFL has announced a multiyear commitment for regular season games to take place in Melbourne, starting in 2026.

Table of Contents

1xBet secures prestigious award at International Gaming Awards 2025

Global betting company 1xBet has proved its status as one of the flagships of the iGaming by winning the International Gaming Awards in the Mobile Sports Product of the Year nomination.

TCSJOHNHUXLEY impresses at ICE Barcelona 2025 with cutting-edge solutions

TCSJOHNHUXLEY, a global leader in live gaming products and solutions, was delighted with the successful outcome of its participation at the recent ICE Gaming Expo, held from January 20-22 at the Fira Gran Via in Barcelona.

Table of Contents

Lightning Box releases latest hit, Thundering Tiger, from the Thundering series

Light & Wonder has announced the launch of Thundering Tiger™, the fifth installment in the Thundering franchise by specialist slot provider Lightning Box, inviting players into the heart of the jungle with roaring jackpots and immersive features.

Games Global & Fortune Factory Studios merge premier brands in Gold Blitz King Millions

Games Global’s exclusive partner, Fortune Factory Studios, has launched Gold Blitz™ King Millions™, the latest addition to its popular Gold Blitz™ series, featuring the innovative two-tiered King Millions™ progressive jackpot system.

Table of Contents

Wynn Resorts recognized on FORTUNE’s 2025 list of World’s Most Admired Companies

Wynn Resorts has once again been recognized on FORTUNE Magazine’s World’s Most Admired Companies list for 2025, reaffirming its position as the highest-ranked gaming resort company.

Table of Contents

Lukewarm Macau visitation dampens Chinese New Year GGR performance: CLSA

Macau’s gaming sector saw softer-than-expected performance during the Chinese New Year (CNY) holiday, with January’s gross gaming revenue (GGR) reaching MOP18.3 billion ($2.27 billion)—6 percent below consensus.

Table of Contents

DigiPlus plans Brazilian debut in gaming with sports betting

Digital entertainment company DigiPlus Interactive Corp. revealed that it will begin its Brazilian gaming operations with sports betting, with activities expected to launch by the end of the year.

Table of Contents

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