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Digital entertainment company DigiPlus Interactive Corp. has doubled its user base in 2024, reaching 40 million registered users by the end of the year, according to Chairman Eusebio Tanco.
Tanco remains optimistic about further expansion, especially now that the company has been granted a federal gaming license in Brazil, enabling it to operate land-based and online sports betting, electronic games, live game studios, and other fixed-odds betting activities.
The Chairman noted that while growth will continue, it may not occur at the same rapid pace as seen so far.
DigiPlus registered a net income of PHP5.2 billion ($90.8 million) for the first half of 2024, a 377 percent increase from PHP1.1 billion ($19.2 million) in the same period the previous year.
Revenues surged 263 percent to PHP32.5 billion ($567.7 million), while EBITDA reached PHP5.5 billion ($96.1 million), a 336 percent increase from the previous year.
It is also worthy to note that he Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (PAGCOR), the country’s gaming regulator, has recently reduced the fee paid by electronic games (e-Games) operators to 30 percent of gross gaming revenue (GGR), a move that may further boost the company’s financial performance.
Stricter regulations on deposits and increased limitations on gaming promoters’ activities in the last four years reflect a shared vision between China’s and Macau’s governments to turn the city into a tourist destination increasingly reliant on mass-market revenues rather than the VIP junket-driven segment, a study by University of Macau researchers argues.
However, the study sent to AGB argues that achieving this objective requires a balanced approach to joint liability for concessionaires, one that encourages meaningful oversight of junket activities while avoiding excessive liability for actions beyond their control.
Gaming revenue generated by mass market baccarat reached MOP137.9 billion ($17.2 billion) last year, surpassing the levels recorded in the pre-pandemic full year of 2019, according to data from the Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau (DICJ).
In contrast, VIP baccarat gaming revenue totaled MOP54.7 billion ($6.8 billion), accounting for 40 percent of 2019 levels and making up 24 percent of the total GGR figure for 2024.
A recent study by João Ilhão Moreira and Yudi Zhou, professors at the Faculty of Law at the University of Macau, examines the changing liability landscape within Macau’s gaming industry since 2021, particularly focusing on the joint liability of casinos in deposit disputes involving junket operators.
Junkets serve as intermediaries that attract high-rolling VIP players and have historically provided complex financial services, including the deposit of cash and chips. However, high-profile cases of embezzlement and insolvency, such as the incidents involving Suncity and Dore, have raised important questions about civil liability for lost deposits.
The study highlights recent court rulings from Macau, particularly those by the Court of Final Appeal, and discusses the legislative reforms that have emerged in response to these challenges.
Macau’s legal framework now imposes joint liability on casino concessionaires for the actions of junket operators, marking a significant shift aimed at enhancing accountability, with the introduction of Macau’s Gaming Law (Law No. 16/2022) representing a critical moment in the regulation of this sector.
This law prohibits junkets from independently offering deposit services and establishes a clear framework for joint liability for casinos unless they can demonstrate diligent oversight. The law also criminalizes unlawful deposit-taking, enforcing stricter regulatory measures to combat financial misconduct.
Seismic changes
According to Moreira and Zhou, the legislative changes have led to a reduction in the autonomy of junkets, as they can no longer independently provide deposit services, with this limitation increasing their dependency on casinos for managing patron funds.
Moreover, the updated law clarifies that casinos are jointly liable for administrative fines and civil liabilities arising from junket activities conducted within their premises, unless they can prove proper oversight.
‘This underscores the need for robust monitoring mechanisms and places a significant compliance burden on concessionaires to mitigate risks’, the research highlights.
Recent guidance has also clarified the conditions under which deposits made to junkets qualify as activities conducted in a casino, helping to resolve numerous disputes related to these transactions.
‘This clarification reduces ambiguity surrounding concessionaire liability and incentivizes greater oversight of junket activities. The reforms aim to alleviate the financial risks for concessionaires associated with ongoing disputes regarding deposits not returned by gaming promoters’ the research details.
The evolving regulatory landscape has significant implications for both casinos and junket operators.
The new regulations aim to enhance transparency and accountability, aligning Macau’s gaming industry with broader governmental goals to transition toward a more mass-market tourism model.
As Macau seeks to transform its gaming sector, the findings from Moreira and Zhou emphasize the need for a carefully calibrated approach to joint liability.
By encouraging casinos to exercise meaningful oversight of junket operations without overburdening them with liability for actions beyond their control, the region aims to create a safer and more transparent gaming environment.
‘Ultimately, the stricter regulations on deposits within Macau’s gaming industry, coupled with increased limitations on gaming promoters’ activities, reflect a shared vision between China’s and Macau’s governments for a transformed gaming sector’, the researchers added.
‘These efforts aim to align Macau’s gaming industry with the broader goal of becoming a tourist destination increasingly reliant on mass-market revenues rather than the VIP junket-driven segment.’
ICE’s radical shift from London to Barcelona has proven to be a success, and while event attendees had to navigate a new experience, the industry showed up in spades. A particular focus on regulation didn’t manage to dampen the spirit of industry innovation that underpins the framework of gaming acceleration. And representation from standout online gaming jurisdictions helped cement the land-based and online crossover that now epitomizes industry needs.
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.
The 2025 edition of the ICE gaming conference marked a significant moment in the history of the event, being the first time it was held outside of London.
Relocating to the Fira Gran Via in Barcelona, ICE opened its doors to an estimated 55,000 attendees from 170 countries, defending its position as not only one of the longest running but also biggest gambling industry events. Spread across 120,000 square meters, the conference hosted nearly 1,000 exhibitors from the world of land-based and online gambling, as well as regulators and auxiliary suppliers, refracting the global reach and influence of the industry.
The move from London to Barcelona was met with both anticipation and scrutiny. The larger venue offered new opportunities for expansion, with features such as the rebranded World Gaming Forum (formerly ICE VOX), an exclusive VIP lounge, and a dedicated networking garden. Visitors also benefited from tools like ICE AI, a WhatsApp-based bot designed to enhance the attendee experience by providing detailed information about the event’s offerings.
However, despite these advancements, there was a notable lack of groundbreaking innovation showcased on the floor. Instead, the event highlighted the industry’s ongoing shift toward a more corporate and regulated environment, emphasizing compliance, sustainability, and player protection.
Regulators from jurisdictions including the Isle of Man, Curaçao, Malta, Kahnawake, Tobique, Anjouan and the Philippines were present, underscoring the event’s importance as a meeting point for global regulatory bodies.
The rebranded Sustainable Gambling Zone, sponsored by major operators like Flutter Entertainment, featured 26 safer gambling organizations and distributed EUR65,000 ($67,000) in donations to charities such as Gordon Moody, Fejar, and FES. This initiative reinforced the industry’s commitment to sustainability and player protection, aligning with the broader regulatory focus observed throughout the event.
The decision to host ICE in Barcelona was not without controversy. Catalonia’s health department and the city’s Ombudsman expressed concerns about the potential normalization of addictive behaviors, calling into question the appropriateness of hosting such a high-profile gaming event. The Ombudsman’s criticism highlighted what was perceived as a contradiction between governmental efforts to combat gambling addiction and the hosting of a global gaming showcase. These voices added a critical dimension to the otherwise celebratory tone of the conference.
Despite these concerns, most industry professionals welcomed the move to Barcelona, even if many likely spent the first day trying to find their bearings in the vast halls of the new location. Duncan Garvie from gambling charity BetBlocker described the new venue as offering fantastic opportunities for networking and heightening awareness of responsible gambling, while Harmen Brenninkmeijer from global sales and advisory firm NYCE noted how he and his team recorded the busiest ICE conference ever, a fact he also attributed partially to the new location.
Clarion Gaming, the event’s organizer, reported that both ICE and iGB Affiliate were sold out, with a waiting list already in place for 2026. The economic impact of the event on Barcelona was estimated at EUR300 million ($312.7 million), positioning ICE among the city’s most significant trade fairs alongside events like the Mobile World Congress.
A notable theme throughout the conference was the industry’s pivot toward regulation and corporate responsibility. The World Regulatory Briefing and new Esports & Games Conference highlighted the increasing importance of compliance and governance. While some attendees lamented the absence of groundbreaking technological advancements, others viewed the focus on regulation as a necessary step toward a more sustainable and professional industry.
The relocation of ICE to Barcelona also marked a shift in the event’s cultural and logistical dynamics. The expansive layout of Fira Gran Via allowed for a more streamlined experience, with features like the Skywalk providing easy access to various zones. However, the new location also brought challenges, particularly for those accustomed to the event’s long-standing presence in London. Long taxi waiting times and confusing ingress procedures were noted by some.
Portuguese football legend Luís Figo at ICE Barcelona
In its inaugural year in Barcelona, ICE successfully brought together a diverse array of stakeholders, from regulators and operators to technology providers and safer gambling advocates. While the event’s transition was not without its challenges, it underscored the gaming industry’s resilience and adaptability. As ICE continues to evolve, it remains a vital platform for collaboration, innovation, and dialogue in a rapidly changing global landscape.
Vietnam authorities have crushed the nation’s largest money laundering ring that brought in $1.2 billion from foreign countries.
According to reports, the members of the cash washing ring included bank employees and utilized sophisticated methods – such as forging ID cards and bank seals to set up businesses.
This included over 600 corporate bank accounts linked to nearly 190 businesses.
The money was sourced from fraud or online gambling activities, with total transactions nearing $1.2 billion.
Authorities so far have arrested five people, including one bank employee.
The arrests were carried out in the tourism-centric city of Da Nang.
This marks the largest ever money laundering case exposed in the city, and in the nation.
Canadian authorities suspect that online gaming platforms are being utilized to launder money from fentanyl production and distribution.
According to new reports, the Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Center of Canada says that funds deposited and withdrawn from online casinos are being used to blanket money earned from the opioid and fentanyl trade.
In particular focus are payment processers based in Canada, Malta and the UK.
The release comes after an investigation by Fintrac, police and spy agencies and the police.
Authorities target China and ‘other Asian countries’, according to CP24, indicating the use of the dark web and virtual currencies for the alleged spread of synthetic opioids.
Authorities claim money transfers are pushed through online casinos, despite being relabeled as legitimate e-transfers in order to legitimize the action.
Wire transfers to these jurisdictions were often routed through intermediary jurisdictions like Singapore, South Korea and Hong Kong to avoid detection,” notes the regulatory body, as highlighted by the publication.
Authorities point to primary distribution hubs such as Vancouver, with the illicit cargo then moved through Calgary, Edmonton and Saskatchewan.
Macau’s results for luck-adjusted EBITDA in 4Q24 are expected to rise by approximately 2 percent quarter-to-quarter, despite higher operational expenses associated with events and promotional activities impacting margins, according to investment bank UBS.
Analysts Angus Chan, Perry Yeung, Ryan Lau, and Robin M. Farley noted that Macau’s Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau (DICJ) reported total gross gaming revenue (GGR) of approximately MOP57.4 billion ($7.2 billion) for the quarter, averaging MOP624 million ($77.7 million) per day. This reflects a 6 percent year-on-year increase and a 3 percent sequential growth.
Breaking down the performance by segments, UBS forecasts a 3 percent growth in mass-market GGR and a 5 percent increase in VIP GGR compared to the previous quarter. Despite these gains, UBS notes in its investment memo that its sector EBITDA estimates for 4Q24 are 2 percent lower than consensus projections, with SJM, Galaxy, and Sands driving the shortfall.
In terms of market share, UBS anticipates that Galaxy Entertainment and MGM will gain mass-market share at the expense of Sands and SJM. The report attributes this shift to an increased frequency of events hosted by Galaxy and MGM during the quarter. MGM is expected to post the fastest sequential growth among operators, while SJM is projected to lag behind its peers.
Chinese New Year
Looking ahead to the upcoming Chinese New Year (CNY), UBS highlights several key factors for investors to monitor as companies report their 4Q24 results. These include commentary on CNY trends and the competitive environment in Macau’s gaming sector.
‘A solid CNY performance, proof of event effectiveness, and a moderating competitive environment could be positive catalysts for the sector,’ UBS stated.
While the sector continues to show signs of recovery, UBS emphasizes the importance of gauging the sustainability of demand and margins through operator updates on event-related activities and competition dynamics.
The casino management systems market is experiencing significant growth, projected to expand from $8.72 billion in 2024 to $9.98 billion in 2025, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 14.4 percent, a recent report by Research and Markets estimates.
This surge can be attributed to increasing demand for operational efficiency, regulatory compliance, and the burgeoning gaming industry.
Looking ahead, the report predicts the market is expected to reach $18.28 billion by 2029, with a robust CAGR of 16.4 percent. Factors driving this expansion include digital transformation and global market expansion, despite being weighed down by heightened security concerns.
Several major trends are anticipated to influence the casino management systems market in the coming years. These include the personalization of customer experiences, the integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning, mobile optimization, blockchain technology, and the adoption of cloud-based solutions.
A notable driver of growth is the increasing legalization of gaming activities and the rise in the number of gaming establishments, which encompass casinos, hotels, and resorts offering licensed gaming and betting activities.
The gaming sector is undergoing a significant transformation. According to the Academy of Animated Art (AAA), there are currently 1.17 billion gamers worldwide, a figure projected to soar to 3.07 billion by 2023.
Gaming revenues have reached $176.06 billion, with consumers spending $60.4 billion in 2021.
Impact of the Gaming Industry
The developing gaming industry is expected to be a significant catalyst for the growth of casino management systems. This sector specializes in various aspects of video game development, marketing, distribution, and monetization.
Systems that manage casinos and gaming facilities are essential for effective operations and monitoring.
In the UK, the gaming landscape has seen a 63 percent increase in gamers since the COVID lockdown, with video game sales surpassing $5 billion for the first time. Projections indicate that by 2025, revenue could reach $7.6 billion.
This growth underscores the importance of casino management systems in adapting to the evolving gaming environment.
Leading companies in the casino management systems market are focusing on innovative solutions designed to enhance operational efficiency and improve customer experiences.
The report mentioned, for instance, that in March 2022, Hub88 introduced a new casino management and business intelligence app that allows real-time tracking of performance metrics through a user-friendly interface, available on both iOS and Android platforms. This app utilizes advanced analytics to facilitate data-driven decision-making.
In May 2022, Galaxy Gaming Inc. launched the Triton Casino Systems, an innovative management tool that enhances its Bonus Jackpot System. This solution allows casino operators to create various progressive setups while providing in-depth reporting and analytics.
The market is also witnessing strategic acquisitions aimed at strengthening positions within the iGaming industry. In June 2024, Gaming Innovation Group (GiG) acquired Casinomeister for $3.6 million, enhancing its operational capabilities and market presence.
The Macau International Airport (MIA) announced that it is gearing up to accommodate the surge in travel demand during the Chinese New Year (CNY) holiday.
The reservation rate for passenger tickets has already exceeded 90 percent, reflecting travelers’ eagerness to embark on their holiday journeys.
To address the increasing demand, Macau International Airport Company Limited (CAM) has partnered with airlines to optimize flight schedules. As part of this initiative, 58 additional regular and charter flights have been arranged. These flights will connect Macau to key destinations, including mainland China, Taiwan, Vietnam, Japan, Korea, and Malaysia.
In addition to expanding flight options, the airport is adapting to evolving tourism trends in Southeast Asia. CAM plans to coordinate with airlines to ensure that flight arrangements align with the latest developments in the regional tourism market.
Earlier this week, Macau authorities projected that the city may record between 5.04 million and 5.36 million cross-border movements during the upcoming CNY period (January 28th to February 4th), with an average of 630,000 to 670,000 people entering and exiting daily.
This represents approximately 3 percent year-on-year growth compared to the previous year. Meanwhile, for the entire year of 2025, the Macau government has forecast a recovery to between 38 million and 39 million visitor movements, approaching pre-COVID levels.
