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Aristocrat completes sale of Plarium mobile gaming business to MTG

Nelson Moura
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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.

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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.

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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.

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

Kelsey Wilhelm
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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.

BMM Innovation Group celebrates record-breaking financial performance in 2024

AGBrief Editorial
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BMM Innovation Group celebrates record-breaking financial performance in 2024

BMM Innovation Group (BIG), the technology giant focused on product compliance testing, training, and cybersecurity solutions for the global gaming industry, has announced record-breaking financial results for the fiscal year 2024.

This milestone underscores the Company’s growth and commitment to innovation and service excellence.

In 2024, the BIG Group celebrated its eighth straight year of record growth, with a significant year-over-year revenue increase. The results were driven by strong demand for BMM Testlabs’ compliance testing services, the expansion of its global footprint, and growth in the Company’s BIG Cyber services and RG24seven Virtual Training business.

BMM Innovation Group reports record-breaking financial performance in 2024

A year of growth and investment

As part of its growth strategy, BIG expanded its global employee base by 22 percent year over year, adding new talent to support service delivery operations. The new team members, including mathematicians, testers, engineers, project managers, and quality assurance experts, will support the Company’s mission of transforming gambling industry performance.

Driving innovation in gaming gompliance

Through its BMM Testlabs business, BIG continues to lead in product testing and compliance by embracing emerging technologies such as AI and advanced automation. These innovations enable the Company to provide cutting-edge services that ensure the integrity, fairness, quality, and security of gaming products worldwide.

Storm added, “2024 was pivotal for BIG as we leveraged technology to set new industry standards. We look forward to growing in new markets like Brazil, UAE, Thailand, Nigeria, and Ghana, to name a few, and are now positioned to complete with GLI in all gaming markets for the first time in 23 years.”

Looking Ahead: A focus on cybersecurity and responsible gaming training

BIG is positioned to continue growth in 2025 and beyond. BMM Testlabs will expand its global presence, enhance its technological capabilities, and strengthen partnerships with regulators, manufacturers, and operators worldwide.

For BIG Cyber services, BMM will fortify operators and suppliers with a robust suite of managed cybersecurity solutions. Through RG24seven Virtual Training, the Company will continue growing its learner base and adding new expert-led content on responsible gaming, anti-money laundering, and other important topics.

Thailand’s casino ambitions depend on regulatory details: Experts

Nelson Moura
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Thailand’s casino ambitions depend on regulatory details: Experts

Experts warn that Thailand’s success in its entertainment complex endeavor hinges on transparent and effective regulations to attract major international players like Las Vegas Sands and MGM Resorts, Reuters reported.

Thailand is setting its sights on becoming a global gaming hub by establishing a robust casino industry that could generate billions in revenue and significantly boost tourism.

In January, the Thai cabinet approved a draft law to legalize casinos within “entertainment complexes,” aiming to revitalize the economy amidst projections of less than 2.9 percent GDP growth.

Fredric Gushin, Spectrum Gaming Group

In comments to Reuters, Fredric Gushin of Spectrum Gaming Group emphasized the importance of a transparent process that protects investments and encourages competition.

The proposed legislation includes the establishment of a new regulatory commission to oversee gaming operations, with potential gross gaming revenue estimated at $9.1 billion, which could surpass Singapore’s gaming sector.

Thailand’s cabinet approved the draft “Entertainment Complex Business Act” earlier this month, marking a significant step toward legalized land-based casinos.

The casino bill has already been submitted for discussion in the Council of State and the House of Representatives, and will later be submitted to Parliament this year. It is anticipated to be enacted in early 2026, according to Julapun Amornvivat, Deputy Minister of Finance. The country’s first casino is expected to open as early as 2029.

Retired Colonel Phantat Sangchot, a secretary general of the Royal Turf Club of Thailand, told Reuters the horse racing club is interested and ready to put in a bid, with plans to invest up to $10 billion for resorts that include casinos and horse-racing venues across three cities.

Meanwhile, Pasu Liptapanlop, a director of Proud Group, which owns two InterContinental hotels in Thailand, told Reuters the group was also keen to partner with international gaming companies.

Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has publicly supported the push to legalize online gambling in mid-January, which he said could generate up to THB100 billion ($2.89 billion) in annual government revenue.

Despite Thailand’s appeal as a tourist destination—seeing 35.55 million foreign visitors in 2024—public support for the casino initiative remains limited. A recent poll indicated that nearly 60 percent of respondents oppose the plan, reflecting concerns about gambling addiction and its potential impact on household debt.

Political opposition is also emerging, particularly from the pro-military Palang Pracharat party, which fears the social consequences of expanded gambling.

However, the size of Thailand’s population presents a significant opportunity for investors. Estimates suggest that about half of Thais aged 20 and older could be potential casino patrons, far exceeding the number of Singapore citizens who visited their casinos in 2023.

Paradise Co. total casino sales jump 7.8% Y-on-Y in 4Q24

Nelson Moura
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Paradise Co. total casino sales jump 7.8% Y-on-Y in 4Q24

Paradise Co., a leading operator of foreigner-only casinos in South Korea, achieved total casino cumulative sales volume of KRW265.8 billion ($180 million) in the last quarter of 2024, a slight decrease of 0.9 percent compared to the previous quarter, but a 9.9 percent yearly jump.

The company operates several prominent casinos, including Walkerhill, Jeju, Incheon Paradise City, and Busan Casino. Paradise Co. now plans to enhance its appeal to international guests by developing a luxury hotel in Seoul and upgrading its VIP gaming areas.

Overall, Pacific Co, reported a total of KRW1.07 trillion ($737.1 million) in sales for the full year of 2024, marking a 10.2 percent increase from 2023.

Operating income for Q4 2024 was KRW19.5 billion ($13.1 million), a significant decline of 46.3 percent from the preceding quarter’s KRW36.2 billion ($24.1 million). Year-on-year, however, operating income rose by 32.1 percent from a loss of KRW14.7 billion ($9.8 million) in Q4 2023.

The company reported a net income from continuing operations before income tax of KRW16.5 billion ($11 million) for Q4, a decrease of 20.7 percent from Q324, but a turnaround from a loss of KRW14.7 billion ($9.8 million) in the same quarter of last year.

Paradise Co. achieved a net income of KRW30.1 billion ($20.1 million) in Q4 2024, a 53.1 percent increase from KRW19.7 billion ($13.2 million) in the previous quarter, and a turnaround from a loss of KRW102 million ($68,000) in Q4 2023.

The net income attributable to shareholders of the parent company was KRW21.4 billion ($14.3 million) for 4Q24, skyrocketing by 117.6 percent from KRW9.8 billion ($6.7 million) in Q3 and reversing a loss of KRW9.1 billion ($6.1 million) from the same quarter last year.

In addition to its financial performance, Paradise Co. announced its decision on year-end dividends. The company will distribute cash dividends of KRW150 ($0.10) per share, resulting in a total dividend payout of approximately KRW12.9 billion ($8.6 million).

The market price-dividend ratio is 1.5 percent. The record date for dividends is set for December 31st, 2024, with the scheduled payout date on April 25th, 2025. A shareholders’ meeting is planned for March 28th to discuss these matters.

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