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Alliance Global Group announces cash dividend payable in January 2025

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The Board of Directors of Philippines conglomerate Alliance Global Group, Inc (AGI) has declared a cash dividend of Php0.10 per share on its outstanding common shares. 

The dividend will be payable on January 24th, 2025, to stockholders of record as of December 27th, 2024.

Alliance Global Group is the parent company of Travelers International Hotel Group, the operator of Newport World Resorts.

Earlier this year, Alliance Global Group confirmed plans to expand outside Metro Manila with its first casino in Boracay’s Newcoast township. The project, to be managed by AGI’s subsidiary Boracay Newcoast Resorts, Inc. (BNRI), will feature a boutique-style casino, smaller than the flagship Newport World Resorts in Manila. 

The development is set to involve an investment of $300 million, in line with BNRI’s provisional license from the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR).

This new venture aims to capitalize on Boracay’s vibrant tourism sector, offering a unique gaming experience that complements the island’s natural beauty. 

The project reflects AGI’s strategy to diversify its portfolio, blending entertainment and luxury in one of the Philippines’ most popular tourist destinations.

1xBet reach finals for Global Gaming Awards EMEA 2025

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Global betting giant 1xBet is set to vie for honors at the esteemed Global Gaming Awards EMEA 2025, with nominations in two categories: Online Sports Betting Operator and Affiliate Program of the Year.

The winners will be chosen by a respected jury of top experts from the gaming industry across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. The results will be announced on January 20, 2025, and the awards ceremony will take place at the Fira Barcelona Gran Via exhibition center during ICE 2025, one of the world’s biggest industry events.

“We are very happy to be nominated for the Global Gaming Awards EMEA in two key categories. Reaching the final of such a significant award confirms that our team is moving in the right direction. We aim to provide players with the best sports betting experience and offer partners favorable conditions for long-term cooperation,” said a 1xBet representative.

In 2024, 1xBet already received several important iGaming industry awards. These include the title of Best Sportsbook of the Year at the SiGMA Africa Awards 2024, Affiliate Company of the Year at the International Gaming Awards 2024, and the Best eSports Operator of the Year 2024 in Latin America at the SiGMA Americas Awards 2024.

BETBY elevates eSports experience with expanded outrights and player props portfolio

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BETBY, a premium sportsbook provider, has released a major update to its esports portfolio, introducing an unmatched selection of new outrights and player prop markets.

With these additions, BETBY now offers three times more outright options than the market average and a completely unique range of player-specific betting markets, setting a new standard for player engagement opportunities through esports content.

BETBY’s expanded outright offerings deliver diversity and unmatched depth in the industry. For instance when it comes to Counter-Strike 2 (CS2), bettors can now access markets that go beyond the standard winners and most played maps, with new betting markets such as Tournament Most Valuable Player (MVP), Magnum Sniper Rifle (AWP) Kill Comparisons, and numerous others now available.

In Dota, unique markets like Most Popular Hero (Picks + Bans) and Hero with Highest Kill Death Assist (KDA) provide a more engaging and data-driven betting experience. These markets are updated throughout the entirety of tournaments, ensuring players can place bets during breaks occurring between game days or stages. The update extends beyond Dota and CS2, as BETBY now offers unique outright markets as well for games like Escape from Tarkov: Arena and Standoff 2 – content which is currently not being offered elsewhere in the esports landscape.

The second significant enhancement is the introduction of a much broader esports player props portfolio, which is entirely developed by BETBY’s team of expert traders. This allows players to place bets on individual performances across all S-Tier, A-Tier, B-Tier, and C-Tier tournaments for main esports disciplines, and not only on the occurrence of major events.

These additions further bolster BETBY’s esports portfolio, following a series of major updates that underline the company’s focus on innovation and its dedication to providing engaging content for its partners and their end-users.

Kirill Nekrasov, Head of BETBY Games, commented: “We decided to accelerate the launch of new outrights and player prop markets for esports because we see a gap in the industry. We wanted to develop our own solutions and noticed that even though providers offer classic pre-tournament outrights, none of them provide continuously updated outrights when the events are in progress. Regarding player props, it’s relatively new content as part of our esports feed.”

“If we talk about traditional sports, like soccer or basketball, it’s the standard for the industry. But I foresee that when it comes to esports it will as well be an absolute must-have in the future, with the performance and statistics of teams and players now becoming more widely available.”

“Despite the fact that player props are not a new thing in the esports industry, these markets are offered only throughout top-tier tournaments and only for a limited number of teams. What we did was push this feature not only for top tournaments, but also B-Tier and C-Tier tournaments, whilst at the same time broadening player props coverage to a wider teams coverage.”

BETBY will be showcasing its premium sportsbook solutions and services at the upcoming ICE 2025 in Barcelona. Attendees can learn more by visiting booth 5J18.

Play’n GO partners with Canadian operator PointsBet

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Play’n GO, a top global casino-entertainment provider, has announced the expansion of its Canadian operations through a partnership with leading operator PointsBet in Ontario.

The Swedish-founded gaming giant’s games will now be available to PointsBet players in the Canadian province, meaning classic titles such as Book of Dead, Rich Wilde and the Tome of Madness, and Reactoonz will now be available on the PointsBet platform.

The province of Ontario regulated online casino gaming in 2022, which saw Play’n GO enter the Canadian market for the first time. The company expanded into the province of Quebec earlier this year, and, as of June 2024, is also a proud member of the Canadian Gaming Association.

Magnus Olsson, Chief Commercial Officer at Play’n GO, commented, “Back in 2022, I said that “North America is right at the top of Play’n GO’s priority list, and Ontario is just the first step we plan to take”. This partnership with PointsBet shows we have yet to take our foot off the gas. We’ve proudly watched our games become instant hits in our two and a half years in the Ontarian region, and we have no plans to slow down any time soon.

“It’s exciting to team up with a fellow Canadian Gaming Association member in PointsBet, and we can confidently say that we are working towards the same goal of a safe, regulated industry that is focused on player entertainment. We’re looking forward to working closely together following this milestone announcement.”

Scott Vanderwel, Chief Executive Officer at PointsBet, shared “Play’n GO has built a strong reputation for delivering high-quality game content, and we’re thrilled to bring their titles to our platform. At PointsBet, our focus is on providing a safe and engaging entertainment experience for our players, and it’s clear that Play’n GO aligns with those values. Canadian casino enthusiasts recognize PointsBet as a trusted leader in iGaming, and this collaboration further enhances the exceptional experience we offer.”

Daily Asia Gaming eBrief: Total shutdown of POGOs in the Philippines by year-end

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Good morning. The end is nigh. PAGCOR has announced that all Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) will close by the end of the year due to a crackdown on illegal activities, with a complete shutdown expected by December 15th. Meanwhile, in New Zealand the dog days could be over for greyhounds, as authorities officially announced intentions to ban greyhound racing. In the Greater Bay Area, authorities in the Hengqin special economic zone are improving supervision in preparation for new visa policies that will allow Zhuhai residents more entries in Macau.

What you need to know


On the radar


AGB Intelligence

PHILIPPINES

POGOs, shrinkage accelerates, Philippines

PAGCOR expecting POGOs to completely disappear by Dec 15

The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) has confirmed that all Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) will shut down by the end of this year, following a crackdown on illegal activities linked to these entities. PAGCOR Chairperson Alejandro Tengco announced that the number of operational POGOs has dwindled from 298 to 13 as of November 30, with a complete closure expected by December 15th.


Corporate Spotlight

Introducing Lee ‘SunBhie’ Jeong-jae: The Mastermind behind the Aurora Gaming team

Discovering Lee SunBhie Jeong-jae-esteemed coach of the determined Aurora Gaming Team

Founded just two years ago with the support of title sponsor 1xBet and under the leadership of renowned coach Lee ‘SunBhie’ Jeong-jae, the Aurora Gaming team now competes in multiple disciplines, including Counter-Strike 2, Apex Legends, Mobile Legends, and Warcraft.

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


MEMBERSHIP | INTELLIGENCE | ASEAN | CAREERS

Queensland pubs and clubs GGR rise 11.6% Y-o-Y in November

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Queensland’s gaming industry has shown growth in November 2024, with gross revenues (GGR) in the pubs and clubs market rising by 11.6 percent to AU$315.9 million ($201.5 million) when compared to the same month last year.

Clubs significantly outperformed pubs during this period, effectively regaining a few market share points, with a gross revenue of AU$136.6 million ($87.5 million), marking a 14.2 percent increase from November 2023, while hotels generated AU$179.4 million ($114.0 million), a 9.7 percent increase.

The overall market share for clubs rose to 52.6 percent, compared to 52.5 percent last year, while hotels saw their market share decrease slightly to 47.4 percent.

In terms of operational performance, clubs operated 21,211 machines, achieving an average daily revenue of AU$215 ($137.6) per machine, up from AU$188 ($120.0) last year. Hotels, with 19,111 operational machines, reported an average daily revenue of AU$313 ($200.3), an increase from AU$285 ($182.4) in November 2023.

Despite this year-on-year growth, November’s results indicated a slight decline of 0.3 percent compared to October.

Geoff Wohlsen, co-founder, Wohlsen Consulting
Geoff Wohlsen, co-founder, Wohlsen Consulting

Geoff Wohlsen from Wohlsen Consulting commented on the results, highlighting the resilience of the club sector in reclaiming market share and the impact of strategic scheduling in boosting revenues.

Wohlsen commented that this decline is typical, as November generally sees around a 3 percent decrease due to having one less trading day, but being bolstered by the presence of five Fridays and Saturdays, which positively impacted overall performance.

A notable performance was seen in regions such as Goondiwindi, which reported a 51.8 percent increase in machine gross revenue, and Charters Towers, which saw a 19.3 percent increase, showcasing strong local engagement.

POGO ban bill to institutionalize Executive Order reaches Senate Plenary

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The bill to institutionalize the ban on Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) has moved to the Senate plenary on Monday.

Senator Sherwin Gatchalian introduced Senate Bill 2868, known as the proposed Anti-POGO Act of 2024, which includes the committee report 342 crafted by the Senate ways and means committee. 

Gatchalian explained that the bill aims to permanently end POGO operations in the Philippines and is in line with the Executive Order issued by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. He emphasized that the bill would ensure the prohibition remains in effect beyond the current administration.

Gatchalian highlighted that the proposed law outlines clear provisions to terminate offshore gaming in the country, with the goal of ensuring that no individual or entity can operate or offer offshore gaming within Philippine territory starting January 1st, 2025.

The bill also prohibits and penalizes a range of activities related to POGOs, including the establishment, operation, or conduct of offshore gaming, accepting bets linked to these operations, providing gaming content or services for POGOs, operating a POGO hub or site, and possessing gaming equipment related to offshore gaming. The law further stipulates that all POGO-related licenses will be revoked by December 31st, 2024.

POGO
Risa Hontiveros

In the plenary session, Deputy Minority Leader Risa Hontiveros reiterated the need for a law that would permanently expel and ban POGOs from the Philippines. She emphasized that Senate Bill 2868 would effectively end POGO operations in the country.

Hontiveros criticized POGOs for promising jobs and benefits, but delivering instead harm and security risks. She reaffirmed her longstanding opposition to POGOs, saying that their operations have brought deception and danger to Filipinos and undermined national order. 

The senator also pledged to introduce amendments to the bill to impose harsher penalties on government officials who assist or allow the continuation of POGO operations.

New Zealand to ban greyhound racing

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New Zealand has officially announced its intention to ban greyhound racing, citing an alarming rate of injuries among the dogs involved in the sport.

This decision marks a significant shift in the country’s stance on greyhound racing, which has faced considerable scrutiny and criticism over the years.

According to BBC, Racing Minister Winston Peters stated that the decision to ban the sport is driven by the need to protect the welfare of racing dogs. Despite notable progress within the industry, the percentage of injuries has remained persistently high.

In 2021 alone, 232 racing greyhounds died, and approximately 900 suffered injuries. These figures, highlighted in local media reports, underscore the ongoing concerns surrounding the treatment of these animals.

The government plans to wind down the greyhound racing industry over the next 20 months, providing time for the rehoming of racing dogs and helping individuals in the industry transition to alternative employment. This phased approach aims to minimize disruption and ensure that the welfare of the dogs is prioritized during the transition.

A “monumental win”

The announcement has elicited mixed reactions. Animal rights organizations, such as Safe, have celebrated the decision, calling it a “monumental win for animal rights.” They have long campaigned against greyhound racing, emphasizing the need for better treatment of animals within the industry.

The SPCA, New Zealand’s oldest animal welfare charity, also expressed its excitement, urging other countries that permit greyhound racing to consider similar actions.

Conversely, Greyhound Racing New Zealand, which represents various racing clubs across the country, expressed devastation over the government’s proposal. The association’s chairman, Sean Hannan, voiced concerns about the potential cultural and economic void that the ban could create.

Greyhound racing contributes significantly to New Zealand’s racing industry, accounting for 8.5 percent of the NZ$1.3 billion ($754.3 million) racing sector and supporting over 1,000 full-time jobs.

Macau outdoor performance venue daily rent up to $62,380

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The price list for the Macau outdoor performance venue has been approved by the government and was made public on Tuesday.

According to the dispatch, the fees will be based on the scale of the event, with a maximum charge of MOP500,000 ($62,380) per day. During the trial operation period next year, a 25 percent discount will be applied.

The venue cost MOP 84 million ($10.5 million) to build. Fees for the outdoor performance area are calculated based on the maximum number of attendees per performance, with different rates depending on audience size.

For events with fewer than 30,000 attendees, the fee for the performance day is MOP350,000 ($43,667), and MOP175,000 ($21,834) for rehearsal or setup days. For events with more than 30,000 attendees, the fee for the performance day is MOP500,000 ($62,380), and MOP250,000 ($31,190) for rehearsal or setup days.

The outdoor performance venue, located in Cotai, officially opened last Saturday, with its first concert scheduled for December 28. For residents, concert tickets will be available at a discounted price of just MOP 50 ($6.30).

The government-organized concert will coincide with two other events hosted by gaming operators. One will be a fan meeting with Korean singer and actor Lee Joon Gi at Studio City, while the other will feature Hong Kong pop star MC Cheung Tinfu, who will perform at least four shows over two weekends at The Londoner Arena.

2024 LEE JOON GI ASIA TOUR, Macau
MC Cheung Tin Fu, Macau

The Venetian Arena, after months of refurbishment, has just reopened and hosted its first event, the NBA Legends Celebrity Game, last Saturday.

The head of the Cultural Affairs Bureau, Leong Wai Man, has revealed that some international event organizers have shown interest in the outdoor performance venue. In the future, the government will also open a call for performance proposals, using criteria such as the reputation and international influence of the performers, cultural tourism benefits, and the potential impact on local development to select events for the outdoor performance area.

Meanwhile, Galaxy Entertainment‘s Senior Vice President of Entertainment Services, Jeffrey Jiang, expressed his optimism about developing the city as the “City of Performances.” He indicated that concerts could help boost the local economy and believes Macau is now ready to host larger international concerts featuring superstars.

Isle of Man GSC cancels Metagrow’s B2B license on back of director’s criminal conviction

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The Isle of Man Gambling Supervision Commission (GSC) has revoked the license of Metagrow Solutions Limited.

The cancellation, effective December 6th, 2024, comes amid broader allegations of misconduct involving Metagrow’s stakeholders and a parallel scandal impacting Malaysian software company Rexit Bhd.

Metagrow, licensed under the Isle of Man’s Online Gambling Regulation Act 2001 (OGRA) since March 2023, had its license suspended on November 12th, 2024, before being fully revoked.

Isle of Man Gambling Supervision Commission (GSC)

The GSC cited a critical failure in meeting the integrity standards required for license holders, stating it was “no longer satisfied that Metagrow was under the control of a person of integrity.” This decision aligns with the GSC’s mandate to safeguard the Isle of Man’s reputation as a globally trusted jurisdiction for online gaming operations.

The GSC emphasized its commitment to regulatory excellence, citing section 5(3)(e) of the Gambling Supervision Act 2010, which prioritizes maintaining the island’s standing as a reputable hub for regulated gaming.

Rexit Bhd

The cancellation follows a high-profile legal case in Singapore involving two prominent stakeholders linked to Metagrow. Malaysian nationals Datuk Seow Gim Shen and Kong Chien Hoi were sentenced to 14 weeks in jail on October 24th, 2024, for conspiring with Chinese national Sun Jiao to illegally obtain the personal data of 9,369 individuals. Seow and Kong were major shareholders in Rexit Bhd, a Malaysian SaaS provider, with Seow holding 23.33 percent and Kong indirectly owning 18 percent through Metaco Asset Holdings Sdn Bhd.

This scandal has cast a shadow over Rexit, whose shares slid 4 percent in the wake of the sentencing. The company has seen a total decline of over 16 percent in share value this year, with 1.1 million shares traded immediately after the news broke. The ripple effects of the scandal extend beyond financial markets, highlighting the challenges posed by cross-border data crimes and their implications for corporate governance.

The GSC’s swift action to revoke Metagrow’s license underscores the Isle of Man’s zero-tolerance approach to unethical behavior. By distancing itself from entities linked to questionable activities, the Isle of Man reinforces its standing as a gold standard in gaming regulation. For Metagrow, the license cancellation effectively halts its operations under the Isle of Man’s jurisdiction, significantly impacting its global business prospects.