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The Star’s HK-listed Queen’s Wharf partners in town to discuss financial lifeline: report

Kelsey Wilhelm
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The Star’s HK-listed Queen’s Wharf partners in town to discuss financial lifeline: report

The Hong Kong-listed partners of embattled Australian gaming group The Star are in Queensland to discuss the future of their joint venture in Queen’s Wharf Brisbane, as the company struggles to secure a financial lifeline.

According to the Australian Financial Review, representatives of Chow Tai Fook and Far East Consortium – each 25 percent partners in Queen’s Wharf, are visiting to review the property and discuss some AU$1.6 billion ($1 billion) in debt linked to it.

On Monday, The Star disclosed that there was ‘material uncertainty as to the group’s ability to continue as a going concern’.

The group indicated that it was pursuing various avenues to improve its liquidity but that ‘there is no certainty’ these would materialize.

These avenues include a request for tax rebates from both the Queensland and New South Wales governments, a scramble to try and raise AU$150 million ($94 million) in subordinated debt to unlock an AU$100 million ($62.75 million) tranche from a loan, and safe harbor provisions to protect directors in case of insolvency negotiations.

The Star’s CEO Steve McCann has assured that he is exploring how to reduce the company’s debt, after the company held just AU$78 million ($48.94 million) in available cash as of December 31st.

One such avenue could be the further sale of shares by The Star, and possibly a large stake being taken in Queen’s Wharf by both Chow Tai Fook and Far East Consortium.

More money will be needed for the project anyway, as debt needs to be refinanced later this year.

But the expanding budget for the project, which has swelled to AU$3.6 billion ($2.26 billion), could cause the investors to balk at putting more money in.

SJM Resorts announces salary increase effective from April 2025

Viviana Chan
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SJM Resorts announces salary increase effective from April 2025

Macau gaming operator SJM Resorts has announced a salary increase for its employees, effective April 1st, 2025. 

According to a Monday announcement, the increment will benefit approximately 99 percent of the workforce. Eligible employees earning a monthly salary of MOP16,000 ($1,995) or below will receive a salary increase of MOP600 ($75), while those earning above MOP16,000 ($1,995) will see a 2.5 percent salary increment. 

Daisy Ho, Managing Director of SJM, stated: “SJM progressed steadily throughout 2024. We deeply appreciate the dedication and hard work of our team members and are pleased to announce a salary increase for all eligible employees.”

SJM was the third gaming operator in Macau to announce a pay raise for 2025, following similar announcements from Sands China and Galaxy Entertainment. Melco on Monday also announced a salary increase for employees.

According to an investment bank, comparable salary increases are expected to be implemented by all six gaming operators in Macau.

Phoenix Link™ by Aristocrat Gaming makes its international launch at Casino Café de Paris

AGBrief Editorial
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Phoenix Link™ by Aristocrat Gaming makes its international launch at Casino Café de Paris

For the European premiere, the partners took to the sky with a captivating 500-drone show, starring graphics from the game, telling the story of Phoenix Link and its yin and yang relationship with Dragon Link™ over the waters of Monte-Carlo.

Phoenix Link on the Neptune cabinet by Aristocrat Gaming

“We were delighted to be the European launch partner for Phoenix Link and knew that we had to premiere the game in a memorable way,” said Julien Paulerena, Games Marketing Director at Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer. “We know when partnering with Aristocrat Gaming, they are not only going to supply the best quality product but also unique ways to excite our players and create an unforgettable experience.”
 
“We are thrilled at the response Phoenix Link has already received across the U.S., and we’re pleased to now bring it internationally in such a short time,” said Emily Schmitt, VP and head of International Marketing for Aristocrat Gaming.

“In partnership with SBM we were able to bring our visions to life and stage a grand debut with all of the flair and excitement a game of this caliber deserves. This launch reinforces our commitment to driving player demand in and around Europe, and finding innovative ways to market our latest products. We look forward to continuing Phoenix Link’s flight across the region.”
 
As the next evolution of the international hit game Dragon Link, Phoenix Link features player-favorite mechanics from top games with all-new themes, features and bonuses. Players will enjoy the game’s additional denominations, configurations, and jackpots on each of the launch game theme titles. Gameplay features include Hold & Spin, Free Games with multiplier wilds or twin spin reels, Phoenix Mystery trigger, and more new bonus twists. For the EMEA region, Phoenix Link is available on the Neptune™ Single and MarsX™ Portrait cabinets.

NOVOMATIC signs agreement to acquire French Vikings Casinos Group

AGBrief Editorial
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NOVOMATIC signs agreement to acquire French Vikings Casinos Group

NOVOMATIC, a producer and operator and of one of the largest gaming technology groups in the world, signed an agreement to acquire the French casino group Vikings Casinos SAS, subject to certain conditions such as regulatory approvals. 

NOVOMATIC signs agreement to acquire French Vikings Casinos Group

With this strategic move, NOVOMATIC continues its international growth strategy in the French market and significantly expands its portfolio in one of the largest gaming regions in Europe. The Vikings Casinos Group, based in Falaise, is one of the leading French casino chains, operating more than 10 live gaming casinos throughout France, including on the Côte d’Azur. 

“With the acquisition of Vikings Casinos, NOVOMATIC is consistently pursuing our international growth strategy and strengthening our position as a leading provider in the European gaming market. With this step, we have successfully laid the foundation for further sustainable growth in France”, said Stefan Krenn, Executive Board Member of NOVOMATIC AG. 

“The acquisition by NOVOMATIC opens up new opportunities for growth and further development. We are confident that the integration into such an experienced and successful company as NOVOMATIC will help us to further strengthen our position on the French market. This change will enable us to work even more efficiently and benefit from the resources and expertise of the new owner” emphasized Luc Le Borgne, CEO of Vikings Casinos SAS.

Play’n GO unveils landmark collaboration with Spinnin’ Records

AGBrief Editorial
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Play’n GO unveils landmark collaboration with Spinnin’ Records

Play’n GO, the world’s leading casino entertainment provider, has announced a unique partnership with world-renowned music label Spinnin’ Records. 

The partnership will see the legendary games studio produce two bespoke games on behalf of the label, the first of which, Into the Beat, will release in March of this year, and is yet another landmark in Play’n GO’s expansion into the world of entertainment.  

Play’n GO Music launched in 2023, and in the intervening months has become a globally recognized brand, collaborating with artists from around the world. Play’n GO Music also earned acclaim for its collaboration with MoneyGram Haas F1 Team in 2024, which saw the division produce playlists in conjunction with Ayao Komatsu, Nico Hulkenberg, and Kevin Magnussen, as well as producing a track for the motorsport team with Canadian EDM artist Humansion.   

This collaboration with Spinnin’ Records further reinforces Play’n GO’s position at the forefront of music-themed entertainment, delivering innovative experiences that blend the worlds of gaming and music as never before.  

Ebba Arnred, Co-Founder and Chief Marketing Officer at Play’n GO, commented “We’re very excited to team up with the world’s leading dance label and community, Spinnin’ Records. Both of our businesses share a commitment to the highest quality entertainment, and this partnership is a perfect fit for our business. We are constantly looking for ways to innovate and to deliver unique experiences, and we’re confident that this industry-first partnership will push the boundaries of what is possible in iGaming. We’re looking forward to the release of both games in collaboration with Spinnin’ Records, and to delivering best-in-class entertainment together.” 

Million Games & YUGO Workshop unveil thrilling new slot: Thorfinn’s Journey

AGBrief Editorial
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Million Games & YUGO Workshop unveil thrilling new slot: Thorfinn’s Journey

Million Games, in partnership with YUGO Workshop, is thrilled to announce the launch of Thorfinn’s Journey, an exciting new slot game inspired by the daring exploits of Viking explorers.

This 5-reel, 3-row slot takes players on a captivating voyage into the Viking Age, where legends like Thorfinn, Leif, and Gudrid navigate icy waters in search of glory and riches. Featuring stunning visuals, a gripping storyline, and innovative gameplay, Thorfinn’s Journey is set to become liked by experienced as well as new players.

Players will experience:

  • Voyage of Discovery Free Spins: Triggered by three or more Scatter symbols, this feature introduces expanding Mystery Symbols and respins for enhanced winning potential.
  • Mystery Respin Feature: Every Mystery Symbol expansion activates respins, with the chance to fill the entire screen for huge rewards.
  • Bonus Buy: Players can opt to jump straight into the action with the Bonus Buy feature, activating Free Spins instantly.

With a 96.16% RTP, medium volatility, and a maximum payout of x2350, Thorfinn’s Journey offers a well-rounded gaming experience designed to captivate players of all skill levels.

Thorfinn’s Journey is the latest release under the Million Stars partner program, showcasing the creativity and innovation of YUGO Workshop in association of Million Games.

Thorfinn’s Journey is now available.

Pragmatic Play partners with Flutter as exclusive tables provider for UK & Ireland

AGBrief Editorial
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Pragmatic Play partners with Flutter as exclusive tables provider for UK & Ireland

Pragmatic Play, a leading content supplier to the iGaming industry, has entered into a landmark agreement with Flutter to become the exclusive provider of dedicated live casino tables for its UK and Irish-facing brands. 

The strategic partnership will see Pragmatic Play supply dedicated live content alongside its comprehensive range of live casino products to Paddy Power, Betfair, Sky Vegas, and other industry giants in the Flutter portfolio.  

In addition to popular table games, thrilling game shows, and dedicated tables, Pragmatic Play will deliver its cutting-edge Smart Studio solution, allowing the diverse array of Flutter brands to customise the appearance of network titles to match their branding. 

Pragmatic Play will also enrich Flutter’s offering with bespoke games tailored to key audiences, building on the operator’s own extensive IP to produce unique content. 

Irina Cornides, Chief Operating Officer at Pragmatic Play, said: “Pragmatic Play shares with Flutter a commitment to delivering unique and exceptional player experiences, so we are thrilled to become the exclusive supplier of dedicated live casino tables for its popular gaming brands in the UK & Ireland, which includes household names such as Betfair, Paddy Power, and Sky Vegas.” 

Roisin Hogan, Commercial Director at Flutter, added: “Pragmatic Play’s Smart Studio solution aligns perfectly with our strategic focus on delivering great customer experiences through new innovation. We are excited to agree a deal that will see us collaborate even closer to bring fun new live products and experiences to our players in the UK and Ireland.” 

ASEAN nations pledge joint efforts to fight transnational crime and online scams

Nelson Moura
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ASEAN nations pledge joint efforts to fight transnational crime and online scams

Members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) vowed to join efforts to combat transnational crime and the rising threat of online scams.

On January 19th, 2025, the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Retreat (AMM Retreat) was convened in Langkawi, Malaysia, marking the first significant meeting under Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship for 2025.

During the meeting, foreign ministers from ASEAN’s 10 member states engaged in in-depth discussions regarding priorities for 2025, following up on the 44th and 45th ASEAN Summits and Related Summits.

According to a statement issued after the retreat’s end, a significant portion of the discussions centered on combating transnational crime.

The ministers reaffirmed their collective resolve to tackle issues such as people smuggling, trafficking in persons, drug trafficking, cybercrime, money laundering, and the rising threat of online scams.

The inaugural meeting of the ASEAN Senior Officials’ Meeting on Transnational Crime (SOMTC) Working Group on People Smuggling was welcomed, along with a proposal to establish a Working Group on Money Laundering, both aimed at enhancing regional capacity and coordination to improve security.

The retreat also underscored the necessity of intensifying regional cooperation to effectively combat cyber threats.

Last Thursday, during Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s meeting with diplomatic envoys from 10 ASEAN countries in Beijing, Wang said China stands ready to work with ASEAN countries to crack down on cross-border online gambling and telecom fraud.

Recently, several cases of online gambling and telecom fraud along the Thailand-Myanmar border have made international headlines, with the top Chinese official considering such activities have threatened and harmed the vital interests of citizens of China and other countries.

Crime syndicates in SEZs, especially the notorious Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone – where Laos, Myanmar and Thailand meet at the Mekong and Ruak rivers, have reportedly been involved in illegal activities like narcotics, wildlife smuggling and cyber scam operations.

According to the State of Southeast Asia 2024 Survey Report, the rise of global scam operations is the third-most concerning geopolitical trend for regional respondents

‘As ASEAN continues its digital transformation, the establishment of the ASEAN Regional Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT) in Singapore, with Malaysia serving as the first regional coordinator,’ the meeting statement highlighted.

Backed by $10 million committed by Singapore over the next decade, the ASEAN Regional CERT aims to develop partnerships with industry and academia, conduct cyber exercises, and exchange information to remain updated on cyber threats.

The ministers reaffirmed their commitment to advancing CERT-related information sharing and capacity building to enable quick exchanges of information among member states and collaborative efforts to address common threats.

PH House to form special committee targeting vloggers funded by illegal POGOs

Viviana Chan
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PH House to form special committee targeting vloggers funded by illegal POGOs

The Philippines House of Representatives will establish a special committee to investigate vloggers allegedly funded by illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) to spread disinformation against the Quad Committee, according to Surigao del Norte Representative Robert Ace Barbers.

The Quad Committee in the Philippines is a legislative body formed by the House of Representatives to conduct comprehensive investigations into various issues, particularly focusing on the connections between POGOs, illegal drug activities, and extrajudicial killings (EJKs) linked to the previous administration’s anti-drug campaign.

Barbers, who leads the Quad Committee, stated that banned POGOs still operating in the Philippines are suspected of financially supporting these vloggers. He emphasized the need for a regulatory framework to ensure that vloggers do not misuse their influence.

The accusation was reported by the Manila Standard. Barbers claimed that the disinformation campaign was orchestrated by well-funded groups with the aim of discrediting him and other members of the Quad Committee. He speculated that illegal POGO operators and drug lords, who are impacted by the committee’s investigations, may be behind these efforts.

However, Barbers did not provide specific details regarding the alleged “fake news.”

Barbers noted that a Tri-Committee will be formed to conduct the investigation and draft legislation aimed at preventing vloggers and influencers from disseminating misinformation. While criticisms are welcome and protected under the Constitution, he stressed that they must remain grounded in matters related to official duties and responsibilities.

In November, Barbers requested the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to identify and take action against unnamed vloggers accused of maligning and spreading falsehoods about the Quad Committee. He described the disinformation campaign as a deliberate effort to create chaos, confusion, and fear, while undermining the integrity of public service.

Barbers also submitted a formal letter to NBI Director Jaime Santiago, highlighting the organized nature of the disinformation campaign. He requested assistance in identifying the individuals or groups responsible for producing and posting misleading vlogs, as well as securing digital evidence such as metadata, upload details, and activity logs.

Macau hotel rates to drop 15-40% YoY during CNY, visitor numbers to grow

Viviana Chan
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Macau hotel rates to drop 15-40% YoY during CNY, visitor numbers to grow

The Morgan Stanley Chinese New Year (CNY) 2025 hotel survey indicates that the average daily rate (ADR) for most hotels in Macau is expected to be 15-40 percent lower than in CNY 2024 and 10-30 percent below the October Golden Week in 2024.

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

Among the hotels with the largest price reductions are The Venetian Macau (down 60 percent), Grand Lisboa Palace (down 54 percent), Sands Macao, and Versace Macau (both down 38 percent).

Conversely, some hotels have seen price increases. The Andaz Hotel at Galaxy Macau, the W Hotel at Melco’s Studio City, and The Parisian Macao have reported price hikes ranging from 6 to 15 percent.

The overall drop in room rates may reflect a number of factors, including ongoing market challenges and softer demand compared to previous peak periods. However, projections suggest that visitation numbers could be stronger this year compared to 2024.

In their latest investment memo, analysts Praveen K. Choudhary and Gareth Leung note that, despite the lower ADR, occupancy rates remain relatively stable. The average occupancy rate for the surveyed hotels is 71 percent, which is largely flat compared to CNY 2024 but up by 15 percentage points compared to the October Golden Week in 2024.

Visitor number to grow 

A notable increase in visitation has been observed from Zhuhai residents. Following the introduction of the “One Trip Per Week” visa on January 1st, visitation from this group has risen by 26 percent year-on-year in the first half of January. Zhuhai accounted for approximately 10-12 percent of total Chinese visitation in both 2023 and 2019.

It is also worth noting that, on January 18th, Macau set a new single-day record with 803,000 border crossings, a 6.6 percent increase from the previous peak in August. This figure includes 169,000 tourists, 77.6 percent of whom were mainland Chinese residents.

Additionally, the Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO) has raised its visitor number projections for 2025 to between 38 million and 39 million, indicating that Macau’s visitation could approach pre-COVID levels.

Higher minimum wagers at Macau casinos contribute to heightened levels of debt

January GGR

Morgan Stanley notes that Macau’s gross gaming revenue (GGR) in January is expected to grow by 1 percent year-on-year, reaching MOP628 million ($78.2 million) per day, while February GGR is anticipated to increase by 7 percent year-on-year to MOP709 million ($88.3 million). Combined, the GGR for January and February is forecast to average MOP667 million ($83.1 million) per day, or 78 percent of the levels seen in 2019.

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