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Asia Gaming eBrief: Macau resorts’ upgrades may lift non-gaming spend

AGBrief Editorial
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Asia Gaming eBrief: Macau resorts’ upgrades may lift non-gaming spend
Good morning. Macau is still playing the volume hand. CreditSights says new and upcoming premium non-gaming offerings should provide more support to Macau’s casino resorts, but the bigger message is that visitor volume remains the main card. With China’s growth outlook softening, the firm says a sharp increase in per-capita non-gaming spend will be harder to count on. Also in Macau, the government is proposing a tougher AML regime covering virtual assets, company transparency, and new powers for judges to suspend suspicious financial transactions in real time. Meanwhile, in the Philippines, PAGCOR has amended its e-gaming rules, clarifying requirements for affiliates, support service providers, payment channels, and venue changes.

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Cotai Strip, Macau, CreditSights flags Macau resorts’ upgrades as support for spending

CreditSights flags Macau resorts’ upgrades as support for spending

Macau’s casino resorts are adding new premium and non-gaming offerings that could help support spending growth, according to CreditSights. The firm pointed to projects at Wynn Palace, MGM Cotai, MGM Macau, City of Dreams Macau and The Venetian, but said a significant increase in per-capita spending remains difficult. As a result, visitor arrivals are expected to remain the key driver of further non-gaming improvement.

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How Crypto Adoption in Asia is Changing iGaming Payments

Yevhen Krazhan, CSO for GR8 Tech

Yevhen Krazhan, CSO at GR8 Tech, explores how surging crypto adoption across Asia is revolutionizing iGaming payments, stating: “When I look at what’s changing fastest in Asia, it’s payment behavior,” as wallets, stablecoins, and seamless cross-border transfers become deeply ingrained in player habits. The winning operators will be those that offer fast, reliable, and local deposits and withdrawals. To make sense of it, Yevhen breaks Asia into two crypto realities.

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Macau proposes tougher AML regime for gaming and finance sectors

Viviana Chan
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Macau proposes tougher AML regime for gaming and finance sectors

Macau’s government is preparing to overhaul its anti-money laundering framework by introducing tighter controls on virtual assets, strengthening transparency rules for companies and giving judges powers to suspend suspicious financial transactions in real time, according to local media outlet Tribuna de Macau, which had access to the consultation document.

The proposed legislation, now under sectoral consultation, aims to align Macau’s legal framework with international standards set by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF). If approved, it would replace the current anti-money laundering regime, which has been in place since 2006.

According to the consultation document cited by the newspaper, the draft law would introduce legal definitions for virtual assets, including cryptocurrencies, as well as for virtual asset operators. These operators would be required to obtain a valid license before carrying out activities in Macau and could face administrative fines if they operate without authorization.

The proposal would also allow authorities to treat virtual assets as “goods or advantages derived from unlawful acts,” enabling them to be frozen if linked to criminal activity.

The draft law would also broaden the scope of money laundering offenses to cover preparatory acts against state security, general fraud and computer fraud. It would introduce special procedural measures, including mechanisms to monitor bank accounts, gaming accounts, payment accounts and virtual asset accounts. Judges would be allowed to temporarily suspend certain operations to help intercept illegal fund transfers.

The government also plans to create a central register of beneficial ownership, aimed at improving corporate transparency and reducing the risk of legal entities being used for money laundering or illicit financing. The proposal would ban shell banks and anonymous accounts, safes or instruments.

Banks, gaming operators and other covered entities would be subject to stricter preventive obligations, including customer due diligence, reviews of suspicious transactions, internal reporting channels and record-keeping requirements. Documents related to customer due diligence and compliance would have to be retained for at least 15 years.

The draft also includes stronger protections for whistleblowers and new requirements for non-profit organizations to verify the origin and destination of funds to reduce the risk of terrorist financing.

Implementation would be phased, with rules related to the beneficial ownership register and corresponding sanctions taking effect later, allowing time for preparatory work.

CreditSights flags Macau premium offerings as support for non-gaming spending 

Viviana Chan
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CreditSights flags Macau premium offerings as support for non-gaming spending 

CreditSights said a series of new and upcoming non-gaming and premium offerings across Macau’s casino resorts could support further non-gaming spending, though it cautioned that meaningfully raising average spending per visitor remains difficult, leaving visitor volume as the principal driver of growth. 

The assessment appeared in the research firm’s Macau Gaming Monitor report published on May 28th.

The firm pointed to several recently completed or planned developments expected to bolster non-gaming revenue. These include the newly opened Chairman’s Club at Wynn Palace, 60 completed suite conversions and renovated premium gaming areas at MGM Cotai, and planned renovations of 100 suites at MGM Macau. It also cited the phased opening of the luxury REM hotel at City of Dreams Macau from early in the third quarter of 2026 and the progressive reopening of refreshed rooms and suites at The Venetian from the third quarter.

Despite these additions, CreditSights said the path toward a significant increase in average non-gaming spending per capita is challenging, citing slower expected growth in China’s economy. It noted that China lowered its 2026 real gross domestic product growth target to a range of 4.5 percent to 5 percent, from around 5 percent for the 2023 to 2025 period, during the Two Sessions meeting in March.

The firm projects Chinese growth of 4.7 percent for the 2026 fiscal year. As a result, it continues to view visitation volumes as the main driver of further improvement in total non-gaming spending.

The outlook follows a record quarter for non-gaming activity. Total non-gaming spending, reported quarterly, rose 25 percent year-on-year to a record MOP24.4 billion ($3.02 billion) in the first quarter of 2026, equivalent to 144 percent of the first-quarter 2019 figure. The increase was driven by higher non-gaming spending per capita, which rose 10 percent to MOP2,179 ($270), and by stronger visitor arrivals, up 14 percent over the quarter. Non-gaming spending accounted for 37 percent of overall gaming revenue in the period.

Chinese visitors, who made up 75 percent of total arrivals in the quarter, spent an average of MOP2,392 ($296) per capita on non-gaming activities, up 4 percent year-on-year.

Far East Consortium completes Ritz-Carlton Perth stake sale

AGBrief Editorial
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Far East Consortium completes Ritz-Carlton Perth stake sale

Far East Consortium International Limited has completed its previously announced transaction involving The Ritz-Carlton Perth in Australia, according to a filing to the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.

The Hong Kong-listed property and hospitality group said the transaction was completed on May 29th, 2026. The filing follows FEC’s December 8th announcement, in which the company said it had entered into a sale-and-purchase agreement to divest a 50 percent interest in the hotel for AU$100 million ($71.9 million).

The buyer is The Generation Essentials Group, a New York-listed company that forms part of AMTD Group’s broader media, entertainment and hospitality ecosystem. The transaction covers 50 percent of the hotel’s holding entities and corresponding shareholder loans.

Under the earlier agreement, payment was structured through staged installments, including an initial AU$20 million ($14.4 million) already received by FEC, a second AU$40 million ($28.8 million) installment due by late December, and a further AU$40 million ($28.8 million) to be settled through deferred payments in 2026 and 2027.

FEC previously said the deal was in line with its strategy to unlock value from its hotel portfolio, recycle capital and reduce gearing. The company expected to record a gain of approximately AU$32.5 million ($23.4 million) from the sale, with net proceeds intended for general working capital.

The Ritz-Carlton Perth opened in 2019 and is located in the Elizabeth Quay precinct.

Famous Games levels up with QTech Games integration

AGBrief Editorial
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Famous Games levels up with QTech Games integration

Taking another step forward, QTech Games announced its latest partnership with Famous Games, unlocking the studio’s expansive catalog of over 100 titles for its platform customers

Included among those titles in this popular portfolio are recent hits, such as The Stretchables, Big Rig Convoy, Flamin Hot 7’s, and Soccer Star Frenzy. All these games ride on the back of exceptional maths modelling that varies the volatility spectrum, helping to foster some truly engaging gameplay.

Famous Games has spent over a decade establishing itself in Europe, drawing on deep roots in the land-based sector before successfully transitioning its expertise in game mechanics, player behaviour, and audience insights to the digital space. This dual heritage has shaped a globally attuned approach, enabling consistently high-performing content across both land-based and online markets.

Paired with QTech Games’ expansive footprint in emerging territories, especially Africa, Asia, and Latin America, this capability strengthens localisation at scale and further cements QTech’s reputation as a leading one-stop solution for operators worldwide.

As the fastest-growing aggregator over the past few years, QTech’s platform offers the most expansive gaming portfolio around, localised for each region, with native mobile apps, powerful reporting and marketing tools, and 24/7 local-language support.

QTech Games CEO Philip Doftvik said: “We are thrilled to welcome Famous Games to our platform. Their high-quality, diverse titles strengthen our commitment to top-tier digital entertainment. We’re confident their innovative features and regular releases will deliver fresh experiences that strongly connect with new players.”

Gabino Stergides, Director at Famous Games, added: “This deal organically broadens our international footprint, unlocking untapped jurisdictions for growth from Latin America to Africa. Collaborating with QTech represents a fantastic opportunity to strengthen our distribution across emerging territories and introduce our games to top-tier partners.”

RGB International 1Q26 net profit falls 23% as costs outpace revenue growth

Viviana Chan
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RGB International 1Q26 net profit falls 23% as costs outpace revenue growth

Malaysia-based RGB International Bhd reported a 23 percent year-on-year decline in net profit for the first quarter ended March 31st, 2026, as higher sales costs and weaker contribution from its technical support and management division outweighed revenue growth.

The Malaysian gaming equipment supplier posted a profit for the financial period of MYR9.32 million ($2.35 million), down from MYR12.14 million ($3.06 million) a year earlier. Profit attributable to owners of the company fell 27 percent to MYR9.07 million ($2.28 million).

Revenue rose 19 percent to MYR87.38 million ($22.01 million), compared with MYR73.57 million ($18.53 million) in the prior-year period. However, cost of sales increased at a faster pace, rising 33 percent to MYR67.16 million ($16.92 million). As a result, gross profit declined 12 percent to MYR20.21 million ($5.09 million), with gross margin narrowing to about 23 percent from about 31 percent.

RGB International

The group’s sales and marketing division, which includes gaming machine sales, recorded a 39 percent increase in revenue to MYR70.27 million ($17.70 million). Profit before tax for the segment rose 25 percent to MYR8.58 million ($2.16 million), mainly due to a higher number of products sold and changes in product mix.

By contrast, the technical support and management division saw revenue fall 28 percent to MYR16.36 million ($4.12 million), while profit before tax dropped 49 percent to MYR3.64 million ($917,000). RGB attributed the decline primarily to weaker performance at several key outlets and the continued closure of certain technical support and management outlets in Cambodia’s Poipet region since the beginning of June 2025.

Unallocated expenses also increased, mainly due to higher unrealized foreign exchange losses, partly offset by higher realized foreign exchange gains.

On a quarter-on-quarter basis, profit before tax improved 23 percent from MYR8.64 million ($2.17 million) in the fourth quarter of 2025, despite a 20 percent decline in revenue. RGB said the improvement was mainly due to lower operating expenses and the absence of about MYR3.4 million ($856,000) in impairment and expected credit loss provisions recorded in the previous quarter.

RGB also approved a first interim dividend of MYR0.002 ($0.0005) per share for 2026, payable on July 16th, after paying a MYR0.001 ($0.0003) dividend for 2025 on April 16th.

In its outlook, the group said it remained ‘cautiously optimistic’ on prospects for the financial year ending December 31st, 2026. RGB said regional gaming industry performance would be influenced by regulatory developments, macroeconomic conditions, consumer spending patterns and tourism trends in its key markets, including the Philippines, Cambodia and Vietnam.

The company said it would continue to pursue expansion opportunities, operational enhancements and project rollouts, while prioritizing ‘prudent cost management, operational efficiency and disciplined capital deployment.’ Barring unforeseen adverse developments, RGB said it expects to deliver a ‘satisfactory’ performance for the year.

Two-time UCL champions: Paris Saint-Germain confirms its status as the best football dynasty together with 1xBet

AGBrief Editorial
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Two-time UCL champions: Paris Saint-Germain confirms its status as the best football dynasty together with 1xBet

On May 30, Budapest became the capital of world football, hosting one of the biggest sporting events of 2026 – the Champions League final – at the legendary Puskás Aréna. Paris Saint-Germain’s (PSG) victory over Arsenal on penalties definitively cemented the French club’s status as a major force in Europe.

The final whistle triggered an immediate reaction from the global sports audience. Social and international media, and streaming platforms, exploded with discussions of the French giants’ historic achievement. A second consecutive Champions League title – this success made PSG one of the most influential football brands on the planet and marked the birth of a new dynasty.

Under the spotlight of millions: weight of expectation and final triumph

Throughout the season, Luis Enrique’s team was under constant scrutiny from the international sports community. Following last year’s UCL triumph, expectations for PSG reached a fever pitch: every match of the reigning champions became a global news story.

The road to the final in Budapest demonstrated PSG’s title-winning mentality. The Parisians displayed the highest level of skill, befitting their status as the best team in Europe. The 120 minutes of the final were a true spectacle, keeping fans on edge until the very end, and certain moments will surely go down in Champions League history as timeless classics. 

Interest in the final extended beyond the 67,000-seat stadium. Digital platforms recorded enormous audience engagement: PSG’s victory wasn’t just news – it became a global event, uniting sports fans worldwide.

A formula for success: the PSG and 1xBet partnership

Achievements of this magnitude require more than just elite performance on the football pitch. PSG’s triumphant run over several seasons has been actively supported by its official partner, 1xBet. As a leading company in the iGaming market, the brand has worked hand in hand with the club, providing reliable support at key moments.

This partnership demonstrates the perfect combination of ambition and the desire to be the best. While PSG continued to push the boundaries of what’s possible in European stadiums, 1xBet created unique engagement experiences for millions of fans worldwide, bridging the gap between the action on the pitch and fans’ emotions.

An era of new chances

This historic achievement is changing the landscape of sports business and the iGaming sector. Having secured its status as the kings of Europe, the club has cemented its place as one of the most commercially successful brands in sports history.

Victories of this magnitude open up new horizons for sports marketing and the iGaming industry. This is where the 1xPartners affiliate program plays a key role. The platform helps partners achieve high conversion and engagement rates worldwide, offering the best conditions: up to 50% RevShare, a flexible payout scheme, and in-depth analytics of advertising campaigns in international markets.

The victory in Budapest united millions of fans around the French club, and the Champions League triumph once again confirmed that Paris Saint-Germain is one of the most influential football clubs of our time, continuing to set new standards both on and off the pitch. And judging by the scale of this success, a new era for PSG is just beginning!

BETBY crowned Best Esports Supplier at SiGMA Europe Awards 2026

AGBrief Editorial
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BETBY crowned Best Esports Supplier at SiGMA Europe Awards 2026

BETBY’s reputation for driving innovation in esports betting has been recognized once again, with the Tier 1 B2B sportsbook solutions provider being crowned Best Esports Supplier at the SiGMA Europe Awards 2026.

This latest accolade highlights BETBY’s continued investment in its proprietary esports feed, Betby Games, which has become a central pillar of the supplier’s sportsbook offering. Built to deliver fast-paced, high-frequency betting content, Betby Games combines 35+ titles with scalable event coverage, engaging market depth, and strong customisation capabilities to help operators strengthen player engagement across both mature and emerging markets.

The award also reflects the continued evolution of the esports strategy, which has expanded beyond standard content to include localised titles, including eKabaddi and eVaquejada, innovative formats, and technology-driven enhancements designed to support operator differentiation. Through Betby Games, the company continues to provide partners with a flexible esports solution that can be adapted to regional preferences, audience behaviours, and market opportunities.

The win marks BETBY’s fifth industry award in less than six months, following recent recognitions at the SiGMA South America Awards for Best Esports Product, the EGR Europe B2B Awards for Best European Marketing Campaign of the Year, the Global Gaming Awards for Breakthrough Company of the Year, and the European iGaming Awards for Sportsbetting Platform of the Year.

Commenting on the achievement, Leonid Pertsovskiy, Chief Executive Officer at BETBY, said: “Winning Best Esports Supplier at the SiGMA Europe Awards is another proud moment for us and a strong recognition of the work our team continues to deliver. Esports has long been one of our key areas of focus, and this award reinforces the strength of our vision, our technology, and our ability to create products that bring real value to operators.

“To receive five major awards in less than six months is a remarkable milestone, but more importantly, it reflects the consistency of our progress. We are continuing to invest in localisation and product depth, ensuring that BETBY remains at the forefront of sportsbook innovation.”

Offshore betting ads surge in India despite real-money gaming ban

Viviana Chan
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Offshore betting ads surge in India despite real-money gaming ban

Offshore betting advertisements have continued to rise in India despite the country’s ban on online real-money games and their promotion, according to data from the Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI).

ASCI’s latest annual report showed that offshore betting advertisements accounted for 72.14 percent of all advertising violations flagged during FY26, making it the largest category of concern for the watchdog. The increase came after the implementation of the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act (PROGA), which prohibits online real-money games and related promotions.

In the 8 months before PROGA was passed in August 2025, ASCI recorded an average of 594 offshore betting advertisements per month. In the 4 months after the law took effect, the monthly average increased to 795 advertisements.

Overall, ASCI identified and escalated 7,927 offshore betting advertisements during 2025, including 6,933 advertisements monitored between April and December. The figures highlight the continued presence of offshore betting promotions despite the new regulatory framework.

Digital platforms were the main source of violations. ASCI said 97.3 percent of all advertising violations scrutinized during FY26 originated online. According to a local media outlet, sponsored advertisements on social media platforms accounted for a large share of digital violations.

Influencer marketing was also identified as a key area of concern. ASCI reviewed 1,609 influencer advertisements during the year and found that almost 97 percent required modification for violating advertising guidelines. More than half of those violations were linked to restricted categories, including illegal betting promotions.

ASCI chairman Sudhanshu Vats said the digital advertising ecosystem is becoming more complex, with misleading claims, manufactured credibility and influencer-led amplification creating new risks for consumers.

ASCI reviewed 11,581 cases during FY26, up 21 percent from the previous year, while the number of advertisements scrutinized rose 37 percent to 9,841. Violations were also found in sectors including real estate, personal care, food and beverages, healthcare and consumer electronics, but betting remained the largest category.

PAGCOR revises e-gaming rules for affiliates, payment providers

Viviana Chan
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PAGCOR revises e-gaming rules for affiliates, payment providers

The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) has amended its regulatory frameworks for electronic gaming operations, revising requirements for gaming affiliates, support service providers, payment providers and gaming venue operators.

The changes were approved by PAGCOR’s Board of Directors on May 21st, 2026, according to a memorandum dated May 26th. PAGCOR said the amendments are intended to improve its rules for electronic gaming operations, address inconsistencies, provide clarity and avoid confusion among existing regulatory policies.

A key part of the amendments covers BSP-Supervised Financial Institutions, or BSFIs, which include banks, digital banks, non-bank financial institutions and electronic money issuers licensed and supervised by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP).

Under the revised framework, BSFIs accredited as support service providers will follow applicable Anti-Money Laundering Council rules relevant to their business activities. Any non-compliance will be reported by the BSP to PAGCOR’s Anti-Money Laundering Supervision and Enforcement Department and may lead to penalties.

PAGCOR also said any preventive suspension, cancellation or revocation of accreditation involving BSFIs will be coordinated with the BSP.

The amendments also simplify accreditation requirements. References to the Personal Disclosure Statement have been removed, while BSFI payment gateway solution and payment channel providers will need to submit valid and applicable BSP-issued licenses.

Marketing and promotional service providers must submit relevant licenses or certifications from regulatory bodies or professional associations, where applicable.

For BSFI applicants seeking accreditation as support service proviaders, a valid BSP-issued license and proof of compliance with BSP fit-and-proper standards may replace third-party probity eligibility requirements.

PAGCOR also removed the requirement for payment channels to provide a link redirecting prospective players to a gaming system administrator’s online gaming platform registration portal.

Separately, PAGCOR introduced a PHP50,000 ($813) processing fee for applications involving the relocation, expansion or reduction of a gaming venue area within the same building, compound or complex.

The amendments will take effect on June 4th, 2026, 5 days after their publication on PAGCOR’s regulatory website on May 30th.

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