Macau’s visitor arrivals in October 2024 reached almost 3.14 million, showing a strong recovery, nearly reaching pre-pandemic levels.
According to the latest data from the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC), Macauโs visitor numbers in October rose by 13.7 percent year-on-year to 3,135,358, recovering to 97.7 percent of the same month’s 2019 figure. This also marked a significant 24 percent month-on-month increase.
Mainland China remained the dominant source of visitors, with arrivals from there growing by 16.1 percent year-on-year to 2.3 million. Of these, around 1.1 million traveled under the Individual Visit Scheme, an increase of 6.8 percent compared to October 2023.
Visitor Arrivals OCT 2024
International visitor arrivals experienced significant growth, rising 31.2 percent year-on-year to 212,284, reaching 98.8 percent of the figure recorded in October 2019. Southeast Asian markets performed strongly, with visitor numbers from the Philippines increasing by 30.3 percent to 38,924, Malaysia growing by 47.1 percent to 15,926, and Indonesia edging up by 0.3 percent to 13,625. However, Thailand saw a decline, with arrivals dropping 14.5 percent to 12,036.
In the South Asian market, visitors from India rose by 29 percent to 8,148. Northeast Asia also contributed to the overall growth, as arrivals from South Korea surged by 83.5 percent to 47,069, while Japan recorded a 23.5 percent increase to 9,594. From the long-haul markets, visitor numbers from the United States grew by 20.8 percent to 13,022.
Visitor Arrivals YOY 2024
In the first ten months of 2024, the total number of visitors reached over 29 million, a 28.1 percent year-on-year increase, recovering to 87 percent of the pre-pandemic levels seen in the same period of 2019.
International visitors for this period surged by 85 percent, totaling 1.9 million, which is 73.1 percent of the number recorded during the first ten months of 2019.
Visitor Arrivals 2024 vs. 2019
Earlier this week, Macau’s Chief Executive Ho Iat Seng projected that the city is on track to welcome 34 million visitors by the end of 2024.
The return of UFC events to Macau demonstrates the cityโs focus on becoming a sport event center in Asia, says Kevin Kelley, Chief Operating Officer of Galaxy Entertainment Group.
Kelley made the comments on Thursday at a press conference for the โUFC: Fight Nightโ mixed martial arts event, which will be held on November 23rd at the Galaxy Arena, emphasizing the number of entertainment and sports events organized by GEG and Macau in 2024.
โThe return of UFC Fight Night showcases our commitment to promoting the integrated development of sports and tourism in Macau, while attracting enthusiasts and visitors from around the worldโ, the Galaxy Macau COO noted.
This event marks the UFCโs fourth outing in Macau since 2012 โ albeit the first since 2014 -and the seventh overall in Greater China, and will be carried out in front of a sold-out crowd at the new Galaxy Arena, airing during a special local prime time for audiences across Asia.
The main bout includes a clash between former UFC bantamweight champion and No.3 ranked contender Petr Yan and former UFC flyweight champion and No.5 ranked bantamweight Deiveson Figueiredo.
In the co-main event, former UFC womenโs strawweight title challenger and No.2 ranked Yan Xiaonan will reignite her championship quest against No.10 ranked Tabatha Ricci.
During the press conference Kelley acknowledged the role of Macau’s tourism sports development strategy in enhancing the cityโs reputation as a sports destination, with sporting events one of the main avenues chosen by authorities to diversify the cityโs economy away from gaming.
Under its new 10-year gaming license, GEG has committed non-gaming investment of over MOP33 billion ($4.1 billion) to further diversify Macauโs tourism attraction, with its new Galaxy Arena โ which opened on December, 2023 โ hosting entertainment and sport events basically every weekend, including the ITTF Menโs and Womenโs World Cup Macao 2024 and The Womenโs Volleyball Nations League 2024 Macao.
โRecent months have seen us host numerous world-class events in entertainment and sports,โ Kelley stated. โBut our partnership with the UFC, the premier organization in mixed martial arts, truly raises the bar. We are incredibly proud and excited to welcome UFC Fight Night back to Macau at the Galaxy Arena.โ
Kelly also extended his best wishes to all participants, particularly the four fighters present at the press conference. โYou are all remarkable athletes, and I have great respect for your dedication, rigorous training, and strength of character to compete at the highest international level. Your fans and all spectators, including myself, are looking forward to an incredible show.โ
Analysts at Jefferies noted in a Thursday release that ‘UFC is expected to attract high level ADT players’. ADT refers to average daily theoretical player loss.
Macau gaming operator Melco Resorts & Entertainment, dedicated to fostering cultural and sporting industries by hosting world-class events, is co-hosting Macauโs inaugural MotoSurf World Championship from November 22 to 24 at the iconic Hac Sa beach, in collaboration with the Macau MotoSurf Association (MMSA).
The prestigious international event is co-presented by Union Internationale Motonautique (UIM) and Wuling Technology Ltd. Over 120 elite racers from 22 countries and regions, including the Czech Republic, China, Korea and Macau, will compete and showcase incredible speed and skill. At this qualifying event in Macao, the womenโs category champion will be the first official qualifier for the 2025 Chengdu World Games.
A launch ceremony in celebration of the anticipated event was hosted at City of Dreams. Official guests included:
Ms. Ao Ieong U, Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture;
Mr. Wan Sucheng, Director of the Department of Publicity and Culture of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Macau SAR;
Ms. Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes, Director of Macao Government Tourism Office;
Ms. Lei Si Leng, Acting Vice President of the Sports Bureau;
Ms. Tong Iok Peng, Deputy Director of the Marine and Water Bureau;
Mr. Clarence Chung, Board Director of Melco Resorts & Entertainment;
Mr. Martin Janฤรกlek, Director of MotoSurf World Championship;
Mr. Frederico Jorge Silva, Commissioner of the UIM;
Ms. Irene Nga Ieng Ho, Chairman of the Macau Motosurf Association;
Mr. Eurico de Jesus and Mr. Ho Wai Kun, members of the Macau Sports Council.
MotoSurf is one of the fastest-growing and safest water sports in the world. The โ2024 UIM Macao Grand Prix MotoSurf World Championship Finaleโ is set to offer an exciting new water racing experience for local audiences in Macau and the Greater Bay Area, with over 120 elite racers from 22 countries and regions, including the Czech Republic, China, Korea, and Macau, competing and showcasing incredible speed and skill.
Clarence Chung, Board Director of Melco Resorts
Mr. Clarence Chung, Board Director of Melco, said, โMelco continues to be dedicated to promoting Macauโs cultural and sports industries, hence we are honored to be bringing the esteemed MotoSurf World Championship to the city for the first time. We will continue to support the SAR governmentโs economic diversification initiatives, including contributing through the launch of world-class sports events to bring into play the cross-border integration linkage effect of โTourism + Sportsโ, and thereby furthering Macauโs development as a recognized global โCity of Sportsโ.”
Irene Nga Ieng Ho, Chairman of the Macau Motosurf Association
Ms. Irene Nga Ieng Ho, Chairman of the Macau Motosurf Association, said, โAs a thrilling and new addition to Macauโs sports calendar, the MotoSurf World Championship Finale highlights the exciting possibilities of motosurfing and Macauโs capability to host premier water sports events. We are proud to bring this dynamic sport to Macau, aiming to boost awareness of our city as a unique destination for water sports on the international stage. Through events like this, we hope to showcase Macauโs vibrant blend of culture, tourism, and high-level sports, strengthening our reputation as a world-class โCity of Sports.โโ
Martin Janฤรกlek, Director of MotoSurf World Championship
Mr. Martin Janฤรกlek, Director of MotoSurf World Championship, said, โWe cannot wait to hit the waters of Macau for the first time in MotoSurf history. It truly feels great that Motosurf will join other major motorsports like the FIA TCR World Tour in the city of James Bond. The UIM Macau GP will also deliver the first ever World Games qualified athlete for MotoSurf which will be an exceptional moment for the whole sport.โ
Officially recognized by UIM in 2019, MotoSurf has become a global sensation since its emergence in 2012. UIM, founded in 1922, is the worldโs governing body for powerboating activities and is recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). MotoSurf boards are self-powered by compact two-stroke internal combustion engines or electric motors, making them more environmentally friendly and requiring less external equipment compared to traditional surfing.
MotoSurf will represent the UIM for the first time at the 12th edition of The World Games in Chengdu, People’s Republic of China, in August 2025. This marks Powerboatingโs debut in The World Games and highlights MotoSurfโs rapid growth since its official integration into the UIM in 2019.
At this qualifying event in Macao, the womenโs category champion will be the first official qualifier for the 2025 Chengdu World Games, further boosting MotoSurfโs presence and impact on the international sports stage.
QTech Games, a prominent game distributor in emerging markets, has strengthened its premium pipeline by partnering with dynamic slots provider, Rogue.
Integrating content from one of the industryโs most exciting casino game developers, which dares its partners and their players to โdeviate from the standardโ in an increasingly homogenized slots space, bolsters QTech Gamesโ burgeoning platform with yet more creative muscle. In short, QTech Games is now taking the broadest range of online games to market across emerging territories, with established names sitting alongside the industryโs most exciting up-and-coming providers.
Rogue adds its head-turning style of disruptive slots to one of the planetโs most comprehensive vertical igaming spreads, with titles that includeย OverDrive,ย Happily Ever After,ย and breakout slot variantย stacKing Kong, alongside the recently releasedย Rainbow Fallsย andย Fever Las Vegas. Every game employs unique mechanics such asย Turbo Reelsโข,ย Happy Returnsโขย andย Blockchainโขย to go through the gears of varied volatility appetites.
Rogueโs gaming suite has also been optimized for mobile, a cornerstone of QTechโs RNG model, which is founded on its fully owned and customized technical platform, affording game providers and operators the fastest integration available. Through this leading platform, which has sealed its definitive status as a global gaming one-stop shop, clients enjoy the best performance and customer support available, localized to every region across both developing and more mature markets.
The agreement naturally extends Rogueโs international footprint, unlocking untapped jurisdictions from Asia, through Africa and Eastern Europe, and on to Latin America for diversified growth.
Philip Doftvik, QTech Gamesโ CEO, said:ย “In recent history, Rogue has been rolling out some of the sectorโs most captivating content, and weโre thrilled to be able to offer new players access to their game-changing slots. They have created game mechanics that afford players a novel user experience that they donโt get elsewhere, so itโs no surprise these innovative games are standing out in a sea of routine re-skins and replicated ideas. Rogue will continue to go from strength to strength with a raft of original and high-octane content that pushes the boundaries in an often copycat space.”
John Parsonage, CEO and Co-Founder of Rogue
John Parsonage, CEO and Co-Founder of Rogue added:ย “Founded in 2020, weโre still an embryonic business thatโs witnessed exceptional growth in our first four years of existence, simply through making quality games that stand out, and then getting the quality distribution to realize their potential across assorted markets.”
“QTech Games immediately delivered the goods in the latter department, thanks to the seamless ease with which their API allows various operators to quickly get our games live on their sites and the dexterity with which their game lobby distills our portfolio according to different regional tastes. This deal marks a huge opportunity for us to increase the reach of our games via QTech Gamesโ vast distributional scope, furnishing new operators and players with titles that dare to be different and disrupt the norm.”
BC.Game, a prominent online gaming operator and Leicester City Football Club’s 2024/25 shirt sponsor, has issued a statement addressing recent allegations of financial misconduct and regulatory non-compliance.
Leicester City FC, King Power stadium
These claims, which have been widely circulated in media reports, include the Court of Curaรงao’s declaration of bankruptcy for Blockdance B.V. and Small House B.V., two entities operating under the BC.Game brand. Allegations also include unpaid obligations, licensing violations, and player fund losses totaling over $2 million.
In its statement, BC.Game firmly denied these accusations, stating that they lack substantive evidence. The company asserted that its internal investigations revealed inconsistencies in the claims, many of which it argues are based on unverified or misleading information. BC.Game emphasized that the operational and financial stability of its platform remains intact and that the legal proceedings pertain only to specific entities involved in administrative processes in Curaรงao.
The company also addressed reports of player fund losses during a transition of operational control between Blockdance B.V. and Small House B.V., stating that these claims are under active legal scrutiny. BC.Game maintained that it has consistently adhered to industry standards and regulatory requirements, reiterating its commitment to transparency and fairness.
The operator expressed particular concern over the conduct of the claimants’ legal representative, accusing them of employing coercive tactics aimed at securing an unfair settlement. BC.Game indicated that it is pursuing all available legal avenues to appeal the courtโs rulings and demonstrate compliance.
In the wake of the controversy, BC.Game reassured its users and stakeholders that its global operations are unaffected. The company underscored its dedication to delivering a secure and enjoyable gaming experience while continuing to process valid compensation claims. BC.Game also highlighted its plans to provide updates on the legal proceedings and its efforts to enhance platform trust and reliability.
While the allegations have garnered significant attention, BC.Game remains confident in its ability to resolve disputes and defend its reputation. The operator expressed gratitude for the continued support of its community and reiterated its focus on maintaining the integrity of its operations as it navigates this challenging period.
Since the story broke, AGBrief has also learned that the operator is obtaining an interactive gaming license from the island nation of Vanuatu, a move that will likely signal its departure from Curaรงao for good.
DigiPlus Interactive Corp. (DigiPlus) has announced significant progress in securing a federal license to operate in Brazilโs newly regulated iGaming sector, one of the fastest-growing markets in Latin America.
In a filing with the Philippine Stock Exchange on Thursday, the company disclosed that its subsidiary, DigiPlus Brazil Interactive Ltda., has successfully passed the qualification stage under the Ministry of Financeโs Secretariat of Awards and Bets (SPA). This milestone places DigiPlus in the final stages of the licensing process, setting the stage for operations to begin in 2025.
Following this achievement, DigiPlus now has 30 days to meet the remaining regulatory requirements, including platform certification and license fee payments. Upon completion of these steps, SPA will release its final list of approved operators authorized to launch services on January 1st, 2025.
If approved, DigiPlus will be able to offer online sports betting and other iGaming services in Brazil. With a population exceeding 200 million and a growing interest in sports betting, the country represents a lucrative market for expansion.
โWe are committed to bringing DigiPlusโ expertise in responsible and innovative gaming to Brazil,โ said Eusebio Tanco, Chairman of DigiPlus Interactive Corp. โAs we navigate the final steps of the licensing process, we remain confident in our ability to align with Brazilโs regulatory requirements and introduce world-class gaming experiences to this dynamic market. This underscores our dedication to expanding into new regions while maintaining our focus on the Philippines as our core market.โ
The company highlighted that this move aligns with its strategy to diversify into international markets with robust regulatory frameworks. Brazilโs newly implemented iGaming laws, designed to foster a fair and transparent gaming environment, offer DigiPlus a promising opportunity to bring its expertise to an evolving sector.
The Star Entertainment has announced the successful execution of long-form documentation for a new debt facility totaling AU$200 million ($129.2 million).
The new facility consists of two tranches, each valued at AU$100 million ($65.1 million). The company is currently collaborating with its lenders to meet the conditions precedent necessary for drawing down the first tranche, which will be available until December 20th, 2024.
Additionally, The Star has confirmed that its lenders have granted a covenant waiver that will apply to the upcoming quarterly testing date on December 31st, 2024. This waiver provides the company with added flexibility as it navigates its financial commitments.
The Australian gaming operator fell to negative EBITDA in its first financial quarter, ending September 30th, amongst a โchallenging operating environment and the continued implementation of mandatory carded play and cash limitsโ.
Treasure Brisbane Casino
During the quarter, the operator managed to increase its available cash to AU$149 million ($98 million) โ up from AU$130 million ($85.5 million) on August 31st, boosted by net proceeds of AU$60.4 million ($39.72 million) from the sale of the Treasury Brisbane Casino building, which it received on September 27th.
The new debt facility had long been hoped for by the company, helping it secure an additional lifeline following a prolonged period of financial uncertainty.
Fast Track, a disruptive technology company recognized as the CRM leader in the iGaming industry, has announced that it has been certified by Great Place to Workยฎ as one of the best employers in the technology sector for the third consecutive year.
This prestigious recognition reflects the positive feedback from employees about their experience of working at Fast Track, culminating in an impressive Trust Indexโข of 88%. Fast Track has earned this certification for three consecutive years for its European offices, beginning with its Malta office in 2022, then adding Sweden in 2023, and now Spain in 2024.
Fast Trackโs score is above the benchmark for Great Place to Workยฎ organizations in the IT Software and Solutions space, showing dedication to building a world-class work environment across offices. This achievement reflects the leadership teamโs commitment to a positive, thriving culture as the company continues its high-growth journey.
โWe are committed to staying a world-class employer, and this certification reaffirms our efforts to attract and retain the best talent. Our focus on listening to employee feedback and having an inclusive and supportive environment enables our team to thrive, ultimately benefiting our partners and the company as a whole. The work is never over, and weโre dedicated to using our teamโs feedback to keep making Fast Track a place where people can genuinely envision a truly rewarding career, โ says Jenny Arnell, Chief People Officer of Fast Track.
“Being a Great Place to Work for the third year in a row reflects how much Fast Track values its people and culture. I’ve had the pleasure of working closely with their Leadership Team, and their focus on fairness, transparency, and developing leaders from within truly sets them apart. Fast Trackโs commitment to its people makes them a standout in the tech industry,”ย commentsย Linda Lรถfman, Senior Consultant, Great Place to Workยฎ.
Fast Track employees, with a 100% survey participation rate, appreciated the company’s sense of camaraderie, with a welcoming community and a fun, supportive atmosphere. Employees also valued fair treatment across sexual orientation, race, age, and gender, with equitable opportunities, appreciation, and pay. Management was seen as impartial, with decisions and promotions based on merit.
Simon Lidzeฬn, CEO, Fast Track
โFast Track is a people-centric business, and our employees are the engine of everything we do. I am honored by this recognition, which highlights our commitment to attracting and keeping top talent. One of our strategic pillars is to grow our leaders from within, and we are achieving this by empowering our team and fostering an amazing organizational culture,โย remarksย Simon Lidzรฉn, Co-Founder and CEO of Fast Track.
Research by Great Place to Work indicates that job seekers are significantly more likely to find great managers at certified workplaces. Professionals in these environments are also more likely to feel excited about coming to work and perceive fair compensation and promotional opportunities, enhancing their overall satisfaction and life quality.
Good morning.ย If you gamble like a king, you should also sleep like one. Macauโs operatorsโ efforts to lure and keep premium players has caused a shift in its hospitality focus – moving towards more luxurious accommodations to keep players happy, and on the gaming floor. And this appears to be working, with GGR in the worldโs gaming mecca topping $1.26 billion in the first 17 days of the month, overcoming weather and large-scale events. Looking to Singapore, Marina Bay Sands is going all out on its $8 billion IR2 expansion, expecting an EBITDA increase of some 40 percent once operational.
Macauโs gaming landscape continues to evolve, with the death of the VIP sector and the rise of mass prompting a transformation of gaming floors but also of hospitality offerings. And one thing operators will never turn away is a premium player. But this has also prompted a need for more high-end hotel rooms and suites to cater to their lavish tastes and urge them to stay and play for longer. This play has also been accelerated by new smart tables, which allow for more money wagered in less time.
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, 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.
The crackdown on Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) in the Philippines continues, but a troubling new development is complicating matters.
Local and national authorities in the Philippines are now facing an โalarming trendโ of guerrilla scam operations taking over the void left by POGOs. These illicit activities, harder to detect and regulate, are raising new challenges for law enforcement and regulatory bodies.
Interior Secretary Juanito Victor Remulla recently urged local government units (LGUs) to intensify inspections of businesses even after issuing occupancy permits. He warned that illegal POGOs are disguising their operations as legitimate establishments, such as resorts and restaurants, to evade detection ahead of the government-mandated deadline to cease operations (December 31st).
Citing a recent incident in Lapu-Lapu City, where a POGO hub posing as a hotel and restaurant was raided, Remulla emphasized the need for vigilance. โIt is really up to the mayors to ensure that what the establishments claim to be is what they truly are,โ he stressed. For unauthorized scam hubs operating without permits, the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) are tasked with enforcement.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ordered the outright ban of POGOs during his State of the Nation Address in July, mandating PAGCOR to wind down all operations by the end of the year. However, Senator Risa Hontiveros has highlighted a disturbing shift: scam operations are now replacing POGOs.
Speaking during Senate budget debates, Hontiveros noted that these new schemes no longer use POGOs as a regulatory shield, making them more difficult to identify. She specifically asked the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) how its Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) plans to address the issue.
The CICC, according to Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, has already apprehended 11 scam hubs linked to both legal and illegal operations. He credited the center’s cooperation with the PNP and NBI, alongside the use of advanced technology and public hotlines, for these successes. Still, the DICT has opted to keep its detection methods confidential, requesting an executive session to delve into its strategies.
Despite these efforts, the emergence of guerrilla scam hubs underscores the challenges of enforcing the POGO ban. Hontiveros has expressed concern that these operations could escalate if left unchecked, potentially leading to greater harm to consumers and local communities.
As the December deadline looms, both local and national authorities are doubling down on efforts to shut down illegal gambling and related scams. The crackdown is part of a broader push to restore public trust and eliminate the social and economic harms associated with POGOs and their successors.
For LGUs, the directive is clear: increased inspections and stricter compliance checks. Meanwhile, national agencies like the CICC, PNP, and NBI are leveraging technology to root out these elusive operations. With President Marcosโ administration maintaining a firm stance on the POGO ban, the hope is that these coordinated efforts will prevent the rise of new illicit schemes and ensure a safer digital landscape for Filipinos.
