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DigiPlus clarifies: no plan to buy CasinoPlus

Viviana Chan
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DigiPlus clarifies: no plan to buy CasinoPlus

DigiPlus Interactive Corp. clarified that there are ‘no definitive plans at this time’ to acquire CasinoPlus, according to a statement released to the Philippine Stock Exchange on Monday.

CasinoPlus, an online gaming provider regulated by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (PAGCOR), holds a gaming license for its integrated resort (IR), the Hotel Stotsenberg and Casino in Clark, which is currently under renovation.

DigiPlus, formerly known as Leisure & Resorts World Corp., was previously linked to a casino resort proposal on Boracay Island until October 2023. The company has since rebranded as a holding firm with investments in the gaming and leisure sectors, such as digital bingo and a digital sportsbook platform.

In light of recent regulatory changes, licensed land-based casinos and integrated resorts are permitted to offer online gambling to registered members within the Philippines. However, these online games must be linked to physical gaming machines or tables at brick-and-mortar casinos, differentiating them from conventional server-based online gaming.

The clarification from DigiPlus came after Bilyonaryo.com reported that the company was preparing to acquire CasinoPlus. The report speculated that if the deal were to proceed, the combined monthly revenue of the two entities could reach PHP10 billion ($170.4 million). It also noted that discussions between DigiPlus and CasinoPlus had been “smooth” due to overlapping investors.

In its statement, DigiPlus emphasized: ‘Acquisitions have always been part of the company’s strategic expansion plan. However, there are no definitive plans at this time.’

DigiPlus Interactive

Robust performance

As per its third-quarter earnings report dated November 11th, DigiPlus posted a net income of PHP8.75 billion ($149 million) for the first nine months of 2024, reflecting a surge of 314 percent year-on-year. Revenues increased 223 percent to PHP51.56 billion from PHP15.98 billion in the previous year, while EBITDA rose 271 percent to PHP9.34 billion from PHP2.52 billion.

DigiPlus also holds a majority stake in First Cagayan Leisure and Resort Corp., which oversees the licensing and regulation of interactive gaming businesses under the Cagayan Economic Zone Authority (CEZA). CEZA has been issuing interactive gaming licenses since 2001.

Pronet Gaming strengthens the leadership team with Alex Karaoulis

AGBrief Editorial
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Pronet Gaming strengthens the leadership team with Alex Karaoulis

Pronet Gaming, the renowned platform provider of comprehensive turnkey solutions, has appointed Alexandros Karaoulis as its new Commercial & Product Strategy Lead.

With over 14 years of experience in the iGaming industry, Karaoulis brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise that will be instrumental in driving the company’s strategic initiatives forward.

Throughout his iGaming career, Karaoulis has held various senior roles with B2B sportsbook and casino providers, as well as with B2C operators. His extensive background in marketing and sales within the iGaming sector positions him as a true industry expert, ensuring that Pronet Gaming remains at the forefront of innovation in a rapidly evolving market.

“I am thrilled to join Pronet Gaming and excited to fulfill my role in developing and executing sales strategies to drive the company’s revenue growth in key markets”, shares Karaoulis.

Pronet Gaming debuts in Asia at the 2024 ASEAN Gaming Summit

With a track record in commercial strategies and driving product excellence, Karaoulis’ appointment is invaluable as Pronet Gaming now seeks to expand its footprint to Asia. His vision and deep understanding of the iGaming landscape equip him to navigate the unique challenges and opportunities that the dynamic region presents.

“I want Pronet Gaming to lead the iGaming revolution by providing innovative, culturally tailored solutions that cater to the diverse and rapidly growing demands of the region. Through strategic partnerships, cutting-edge technology, and a deep understanding of local markets, we aim to empower operators to offer world-class gaming experiences that engage players and drive sustainable growth.”

According to Karaoulis, Pronet Gaming is poised to make a splash in Asia by leveraging its advanced technology, flexible platform solutions, and deep market expertise while adapting to the unique characteristics of the region.

“The key differentiation point of Pronet Gaming is that we have B2C experience, which greatly aids in understanding the needs of operators and helping them to improve and execute their strategy according to the market”, said Karaoulis. “I have worked in B2C roles for more than seven years in my iGaming Career and managed campaigns across various channels, optimized conversion funnels, and learned to use data to improve player acquisition and retention.”

Karaoulis acknowledges that the marketing skills he has acquired from B2C experience are valuable in every B2B environment. As he dives into his new role at Pronet Gaming, Karaoulis aims to guide his operator clients on how to better market their own sites, including providing them with advice on effective acquisition strategies, content marketing, and campaign structures that appeal to iGaming audiences.

“I also focus heavily on engagement strategies, loyalty programs, bonuses, and personalized offers to keep players active and returning. In my new B2B role, I will advise clients on best practices for player engagement, helping them adopt effective loyalty programs, personalized marketing, and retention tactics that drive player lifetime value to improve the end-player experience for our clients’ sites,” concludes Karaoulis.

Pragmatic Play unveils festive cheer with Big Bass Xmas Xtreme

AGBrief Editorial
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Pragmatic Play unveils festive cheer with Big Bass Xmas Xtreme

Pragmatic Play, a leading content supplier to the iGaming industry, has launched Big Bass Xmas Xtreme, the latest festive addition to its popular Big Bass series.  

Set in the icy Antarctic wilderness, this holiday-themed slot features penguins, fishing gear, and the iconic fisherman ready for a seasonal adventure. 

The bonus game is triggered by landing three or more scatters. Before the feature begins, players can unwrap Christmas gifts to reveal modifiers such as extra free spins and guaranteed money symbols.  

Each fisherman that lands collects all money symbols on the reels, awarding cash values of up to 1,000x. Every fourth fisherman awards ten extra free spins and a bigger win multiplier – starting at 2x in level two and reaching a whopping 50x in level eight. If a fisherman lands without a money symbol on the screen, or vice versa, a random feature can activate to award a win. 

Offering a captivating holiday theme and wins of up to 10,000x, Big Bass Xmas Xtreme is an exciting addition to Pragmatic Play’s award-winning slots portfolio. 

Irina Cornides, Chief Operating Officer at Pragmatic Play, said: “Big Bass Xmas Xtreme gives Pragmatic Play’s popular game series a seasonal twist with up to eight bonus game levels and a 10,000x max win.” 

Sharp rise in Suspicious Transaction Reports in Nepal linked to cyber fraud

Kelsey Wilhelm
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Sharp rise in Suspicious Transaction Reports in Nepal linked to cyber fraud

Authorities in Nepal have indicated a sharp rise in the number of Suspicious Transaction Reports (STRs) by banks in the country, largely linked to cyber-enabled frauds sometimes committed to cover gambling debts.

In the Strategic Analysis Report, 2024 on Cyber Enabled Fraud by the Financial Intelligence Unit of the Nepal Rastra Bank, findings indicated that the majority of individuals involved in committing cyber-enabled frauds (CEFs) were aged 19 to 30.

The group notes that ‘fraudsters commonly use multiple accounts opened in different Banks and Financial Institutions (BFIs) and Payment Service Providers (PSPs) under the same individual to collect illicit funds’.

The group notes that the majority of the CEF-related STRs are ‘victim reports and inquiries from law enforcement and investigative agencies’.

According to data compiled in the report, fraud was registered as one of the top 10 most registered crimes in fiscal 2022-2023, at 1,105 cases. Banking offenses were the highest most registered crimes, at 12,135.

During the period, the country’s Cyber Bureau – a special unit of the Nepal Police – received 9,013 complaints, a sharp rise from 4,638 in the previous fiscal year.

Of these, some 1,945 were related to IT fraud. These included phishing and a ‘lottery scam including alluring fraudulent offers of work from home and online shopping’.

Regarding amounts frozen by authorities linked to frauds conducted between 2017 and 2022, a total of $826,000 was frozen, while $160,000 was seized. Regarding bank offenses this figure rises to $741,000.

But while 29 fraud-related cases were registered at the Supreme Court of Nepal in fiscal 2022/2023, only one case resulted in a conviction, while two cases resulted in acquittals. In total, of some 495 fraud-related cases presented before the High Courts, only 153 resulted in convictions, while 163 ended in acquittals.

Looking at CEF, in fiscal 2022/23 some seven cases were prosecuted, involving 10 defendants. Only one case resulted in a conviction, while partial claims were sustained in three cases and one was resolved through mutual compromise.

One of the key transaction patterns identified in the report is ‘abnormal transaction activity in bank accounts and wallets including transaction with persons suspected of online gambling and illegal virtual assets transactions’.

Macau premium mass shines in November with growth and innovation boost: Citigroup

Viviana Chan
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Macau premium mass shines in November with growth and innovation boost: Citigroup

November 2024 has proven to be a standout month for the premium mass gaming segment in Macau, with robust growth in both the number of players and total wagers placed, according to Citigroup’s latest table survey.

Despite expectations of a slower period, the survey reveals a surge in activity, fueled by higher-quality players and innovative strategies implemented by casino operators.

The premium mass sector continues to shine, showing no signs of slowing down, with total wagers rising 29 percent year-on-year (YoY) to HK$12.2 million ($1.6 million). The number of premium mass players also grew by 21 percent YoY, underscoring the appeal of Macau’s gaming offerings.

Citigroup points to improved player quality as a key factor in this growth, with the average wager per player rising by 7 percent YoY to HK$23,706 ($3,046). This increase reflects a stronger concentration of high-value players, including more ‘whales’ (high rollers) than ever before.

A ‘whale’ is defined as a player whose bet size ranges from HK$100,000 to HK$500,000 ($12,800 to $64,000) per hand or more.

The number of whale players saw a rise to 21, compared to 18 in November 2023, with an average wager per whale increasing by 73 percent YoY to HK$268,381 ($34,477). This indicates not only a growing interest in premium mass offerings but also a shift toward larger, more lucrative wagers, contributing to an overall increase in gaming revenue.

Premium Mass, baccarat

Smart tables and creative side bets

Macau casino operators are continuing to evolve and adapt their offerings to cater to the premium mass market’s growing demands. One major trend observed in the survey is the accelerated deployment of smart gaming tables, which aim to increase game velocity and improve the overall player experience. 

According to analysts George Choi and Timothy Chau, major venues such as Galaxy Macau’s Horizon, Studio City, Venetian Macao, Wynn Palace’s Diamond Club, Wynn Encore, and Plaza have fully integrated smart tables across all mass baccarat areas, ensuring faster game play and a streamlined gaming experience. This technological upgrade not only enhances the pace of gaming but also boosts operational efficiency, driving further growth in GGR.

Another innovation gaining traction in the premium mass sector is the introduction of new side bets. At The Venetian Macao, the launch of “Side Bet Expert Tables,” which focus on side bets like Lucky 6s and Lucky 7s, is attracting more players to place additional wagers. The innovative table layout, which prominently features side bets alongside traditional bets, combined with player screens displaying historical trends, encourages more frequent side betting, further driving up hold rates and, ultimately, GGR. 

Macau Casino

Sands China’s strategy of making side bets a focal point reminds investors and operators alike that GGR growth is not solely dependent on the number of players or the size of their wallets—it also depends on the creative ways in which casinos enhance the betting experience.

Melco’s success in the premium mass segment is also noteworthy. The operator has secured the top spot in Citigroup’s survey, with a commanding 31 percent share of total wagers. The introduction of the “Emperor” tier in its loyalty program has yielded positive results, attracting high-rolling players, as evidenced by the record-breaking wager of HK$2.2 million ($280,000) from the Player of the Month at Studio City’s Signature Club. With new premium offerings and a strategic focus on rewarding top players, Melco continues to strengthen its position in the competitive premium mass market.

7777 gaming partners with Europebet to enter the Georgian market

AGBrief Editorial
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7777 gaming partners with Europebet to enter the Georgian market

7777 gaming, a top online casino game provider, is excited to announce its entry into the Georgian market through a strategic partnership with Europebet, a leading online gambling operator in the region and part of the Betsson Group since 2015.

7777 gaming presents an expansive collection of more than 100 online casino games, each meticulously certified to comply with Georgia’s latest legal standards. With a focus on innovation and quality, 7777 gaming provides unique and engaging casino experiences that cater to the preferences of the new generation of players.

The direct integration of 7777 gaming’s content into Europebet’s platform demonstrates a commitment to offering players a premium gaming experience with a wide range of high-quality titles. Through this integration, players at Europebet in Georgia can enjoy 7777 gaming’s engaging and diverse games portfolio, such as Cash 100, Barbarian, Candy Anyways, Sea of Treasures, Diamonds of Majesty, and Thracian Treasures.

Elena Shaterova, Chief Commercial Officer at 7777 gaming, stated: “We take pride in our relentless dedication to adhering to the latest legislative requirements in Georgia’s online gambling sector. Recognizing the immense potential of this lucrative market, we eagerly join forces with Europebet, a renowned brand synonymous with thrilling gameplay, innovation, and creativity.”

Mindia Tsiklauri, Slots Product Manager at Europebet said: “Our partnership with 7777 gaming introduces a new dimension of entertainment for our players. Their extensive and distinctive game selection adds valuable diversity to our platform, a sought-after quality in our vibrant and competitive market. Continuously seeking innovative avenues to captivate our audience, we view 7777 gaming as an invaluable ally in our ongoing mission.”

Former PH presidential spokesperson yet to file counter-affidavit for human trafficking complaint

Kelsey Wilhelm
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Former PH presidential spokesperson yet to file counter-affidavit for human trafficking complaint

Former Philippine presidential spokesperson Harry Roque has yet to submit his challenge to the human trafficking charges filed against him linked to POGO operation Lucky South 99.

According to reports, Roque has yet to file a counter-affidavit with the Department of Justice (DOJ) prosecutors handling his case.

Charges were filed against Roque and two others for their alleged involvement in the POGO operation in Porac, Pampanga. Roque joins over 50 others involved in the human trafficking complaint.

He is believed to have been the lawyer for the POGO operation, a claim he denies.

Roque had at first expressed willingness to participate in the DOJ’s preliminary investigation but has since failed to appear or send representatives to aid in the investigation.

The charges against Roque were filed in late October by the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) and the Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG).

They claim that Roque had “active participation in the furtherance of the illegal activity” of the POGO” and that Roque had met with Lucky South 99 representatives and had follow-ups with a PAGCOR official regarding the renewal of the POGO’s license.

If Roque fails to participate in the investigation, “the complaint will be resolved on the basis […] the evidence annexed to the complaint,” according to Department of Justice Prosecutor Eugene Yusi, quoted by various news outlets.

While the prosecutor assured that Roque has been notified of the investigation and the complaint, Roque claims he has not yet received a copy of it and that he had not received any summons from the Department of Justice.

Macau gaming services exports increase 28.4% YoY in 9-month period: Statistics

Viviana Chan
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Macau gaming services exports increase 28.4% YoY in 9-month period: Statistics

According to the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC), Macau’s economy saw significant growth in service exports, bolstered by a surge in visitor arrivals during the peak summer months. 

In the first three quarters of 2024, exports of services increased by 11.4 percent year-on-year in real terms, with exports of gaming services surging by 28.4 percent. However, exports of other tourism-related services declined by 6.1 percent due to a high comparison base from last year, although they still recorded nearly 15 percent growth compared to the same period in 2019. 

In terms of merchandise trade, exports and imports of goods fell by 15.1 percent and 8.3 percent, respectively, year-on-year.

Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew by 11.5 percent year-on-year in real terms, reaching MOP301.0 billion ($37.4 billion) for the first three quarters of 2024. The overall economic output recovered to 86.3 percent of its level in the same period of 2019, with GDP surpassing the MOP300 billion mark for the first time since then. Growth was driven by the strong increase in exports of services and a 2.7 percent rise in domestic demand, which includes private consumption, government spending, and investment.

Macau visitor arrivals YOY 2024
Macau visitor arrivals YOY 2024

In the third quarter of 2024, GDP rose by 4.7 percent year-on-year in real terms, reaching 87.3 percent of the corresponding quarter of 2019. Exports of services and domestic demand posted year-on-year gains of 1.3 percent and 4.6 percent, respectively. The implicit deflator of GDP, which measures overall price changes, increased by 1.5 percent to reach 106.7.

Private consumption showed solid growth, spurred by rising household incomes amid a positive economic environment and improving job market conditions. Over the first three quarters, private consumption expenditure rose by 5.8 percent year-on-year, with household spending domestically and abroad growing by 4.8 percent and 13.6 percent, respectively. 

In contrast, government consumption expenditure dropped by 10.1 percent following the discontinuation of the livelihood subsidy scheme. Net purchases of goods and services decreased by 21.9 percent, while employee compensation remained relatively stable.

Daily Asia Gaming eBrief: Sands China leads Macau’s market share

AGBrief Editorial
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Daily Asia Gaming eBrief: Sands China leads Macau’s market share
Good morning. Slicing the market share pie. In the third quarter of 2024, Sands China maintained the largest market share in Macau’s gaming sector at 24.5 percent, while SJM Holdings reported the only increase in market share, rising from 12.7 percent to 14.1 percent due to gains in both mass and VIP gaming segments, data compiled by Deutsche Bank shows. Meanwhile, Thailand’s Secretary-General to Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has indicated that the country’s IR bill is expected to pass through both chambers of parliament in 2025. Meanwhile, Resorts World Sentosa (RWS) has initiated a $5 billion transformation that will completely revamp its waterfront by 2030.

What you need to know

On the radar

AGB Intelligence

MACAU

Sands China,Macau

Sands China maintains Macau’s market dominance

In the third quarter of 2024, Sands China maintained the largest market share in Macau’s gaming sector at 24.5 percent, while SJM Holdings was the only operator to report a sequential increase in market share rising from 12.7 percent to 14.1 percent. SJM made gains in both mass and VIP gaming segments, with analysts believing the ramping up of business at Grand Lisboa Palace helped the firm’s third-quarter performance.

Corporate Spotlight

1xBet: Capitalize on Asian teams’ World Cup qualifier struggles

Profit from the challenges faced by top Asian teams in World Cup qualifiers

Asia is the most populated continent on the planet and Football is the No. 1 sport in most countries. The World Cup qualifying matches are traditionally watched by billions of fans in the region, but FIFA has decided to reward Asia with a significant representation at the tournament only now.

Altenar brings premium sportsbook solution to Asia

Altenar brings premium sportsbook solution to Asia

Altenar, a leading sportsbook provider is bringing its global expertise to Asia, looking to expand its operations. Since 2011, Altenar has powered hundreds of online sports betting sites worldwide and is a major B2B provider in Europe and Latin America licensed markets.

Industry Updates

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Resorts World Sentosa $5B revamp set to open in 2030

Nelson Moura
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Resorts World Sentosa $5B revamp set to open in 2030

Resorts World Sentosa (RWS) has initiated a transformative S$6.8 billion ($5 billion) waterfront expansion, which is set to open by 2030.

The ambitious project will introduce two new luxury hotels, providing an additional 700 rooms to complement RWS’s existing six hotels, and is strategically designed to enhance its appeal amid increasing competition and a slowdown in gaming revenue.

Resorts World Sentosa, Genting Singapore, Genting Berhad
Resorts World Sentosa, Genting Singapore
Resorts World Sentosa expansion

This expansion will also feature a waterfront promenade, a four-storey retail, entertainment, and dining podium spanning 228,658 square feet, and an 88-meter-high experiential mountain trail that promises stunning views of Sentosa, the Greater Southern Waterfront, and Singapore’s Central Business District.

The groundbreaking ceremony, held on November 15th, marked a significant step in RWS’s, efforts to refresh its offerings and attract more visitors.

RWS Chief Executive Tan Hee Teck emphasized that this development is unprecedented in Singapore and will position RWS as a must-visit destination in the global tourism landscape.

The project aims to expand the current Genting Singapore property by about 50 percent, adding more than 164,000 square meters of new gross floor area.

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