The conference kicks off on August 27th at the Sapporo Convention Center, with speeches from Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges, Asia Racing Federation (ARF) Chairman, and Masayoshi Yoshida, President & CEO of the Japan Racing Association (JRA).
The conference kicks off on August 27th at the Sapporo Convention Center, with speeches from Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges, Asia Racing Federation (ARF) Chairman, and Masayoshi Yoshida, President & CEO of the Japan Racing Association (JRA).
“The 40th ARC in Sapporo marks a pivotal moment for the international racing community. It’s not only a celebration of our shared achievements but also an opportunity to chart the course for future growth and sustainability,” emphasized Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges, Chairman of the ARF.
The ARF is a regional federation comprising 28 national racing authorities and racing-related organizations from across Asia, Oceania, Africa and the Middle East.
In 2023, total horse racing wagering amounts reached JPY4.35 trillion ($27.3 billion), marking the third consecutive year that this sector has surpassed the JPY4 trillion ($25.1 billion) threshold.
Attendance at JRA racecourses also witnessed a significant 66 percent increase, with 4.6 million enthusiasts flocking to the tracks.
“This year, JRA celebrates its 70th anniversary, with the Japanese horse racing industry undoubtedly continuing to make great strides forward. However, as we cast our eyes on the global racing industry, we are confronted with the difficult reality of decline and near extinction across some jurisdictions,” the Vice-Chairman of the ARC Organising Committee, Masayuki Goto, says in the conference website.
Goto also noted the thematic focus of the conference was integral to guiding discussions and initiatives aimed at strengthening international partnerships and advancing the sport’s global footprint.
Masayoshi Yoshida, President and CEO of the JRA, highlighted that, presently, approximately 98 percent of Japan’s world-class thoroughbreds are born in Hokkaido, where Sapporo is located, making it a hub for “breeding excellence”.
Senior administrators and influential figures from prominent organizations including the Japan Racing Association, National Association of Racing in Japan, Mitsubishi Research Institute, Inc., Shadai Farm, Northern Farm, and Big Red Farm will offer their insights across various sessions of the Business Program.
On August 28th, JRA star jockeys Yutaka Take and Christophe Lemaire will discuss critical issues such as participant safety and the importance of international competition. The next day, panelists Kenichiro Mishima of Mishima Stud and Yoshito Yahagi, a distinguished JRA Trainer, will address pivotal challenges facing Japanese racing and breeding.
On August 30th, Masayuki Goto, ARF Vice-Chairman and former President & CEO of the JRA, will deliver keynote speeches focusing on future opportunities and challenges for the global racing industry.
The conference will conclude on September 1st with an optional Regional Tour, offering participants a a chance to visit stud farms that have significantly contributed to the global success of Japanese racehorses.
Highlights include visits to Shadai Stallion Station, known for champions like Kitasan Black and Equinox, Northern Farm, and the unique Northern Horse Park.
According to Geoff Wohlsen, from Wohlsen Consulting, compared to May revenue saw a 2.8 percent decrease.
Pubs saw a 7.9 percent increase in gross revenue year-on-year, while clubs experienced an 8 percent increase. However, compared to May 2024, pubs’ revenue fell by 3.4 percent and clubs’ revenue fell by 2 percent. Despite this, club market share increased slightly.
Traditionally, June sees a moderate increase in gaming revenue compared to May, typically ranging from 2 percent to 4 percent, attributed to the end of the financial year. This year, the four weekends in June further contributed to the positive results.
Overall, Queensland’s total gaming machine gross revenue for June 2024 was AU$284.8 million ($192.4 million).
Average daily revenue per machine rose from AU$219 ($148) to AU$237 ($160), an 8.2 percent increase. Clubs held a 43.3 percent market share, while hotels’ market share was 56.7 percent.
May offered 31 trading days compared with June’s 30. However, June benefited from 14 major trading days (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday) compared with 13 major trading days in May, contributing to the positive results.
Good Morning. Despite the rise of the Philippines, Macau will continue to dominate the world gaming scene, due to its unique characteristics and the revamp of its gaming floors. Smart table tech is aiding in this shift, even as player demographics also change. Veteran Graeme Croft shows the lay of the land. In Thailand, a newly proposed entertainment complex in Bangkok – Khlong Toei – could rival the likes of Singapore’s Marina Bay Sands, if it’s given the green light. Meanwhile, Wynn Macau is losing market share to Galaxy, according to Deutsche Bank analysts, curbing expectations for the 2Q24 results.
Gaming veteran Graeme Croft says that Macau will continue to be the number one gaming market, even as the Philippines rises and Singapore continues to perform well. The introduction of smart tables, with MGM leading the way, adds huge value, due to data processing, while operators continually have to reorganize the gaming floors to fit the changing demographics and desires.
Online gaming fraud is on the rise in the iGaming industry. In Q1 2022, there was an 85% increase in fake account registrations compared to Q4 2021. While players are undoubtedly affected by gaming fraud, iGaming platforms also suffer due to damaged reputations, huge financial losses, and legal consequences.
1xBet operates in several dozen countries in Asia, and the number of partners in this region is growing steadily, which indicates the effectiveness of the 1xPartners affiliate program. The brand offers favorable conditions and a modern set of tools for making money on the Internet.
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Bangkok’s waterfront might be poised for a dramatic transformation reminiscent of Singapore’s iconic Marina Bay. The Thai Transport Ministry and the Port Authority of Thailand are exploring the feasibility of relocating Bangkok Port’s operations to the deep-sea port at Laem Chabang in Chonburi Province.
The move would pave the way for a multi-billion-dollar urban redevelopment of the Khlong Toei Port, which represents the only large contiguous land bank remaining in the heart of the capital.
A pet project of Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt, the Khlong Toei Port Development Plan aims to rejuvenate 376 hectares along the Chao Phraya River into a vibrant new precinct. The master plan envisions redeveloping the port into a dynamic mix of commercial and residential spaces, automated port facilities, warehousing, a passenger cruise terminal, and public amenities such as sports complexes and green spaces.
Drafted in 2019 during the Prayut government, the plan to gentrify the Khlong Toei Port area actually dates back a decade earlier. In addition to its immense commercial value, the Bangkok Metropolitan Authority (BMA) asserted that relocating the port would greatly alleviate pollution and congestion, reducing the number of freight vehicles by over a million trips annually.
Governor Chadchart pointed to successful global examples, such as London’s relocation of piers to make way for public parks and housing, which have revitalized spaces along the banks of the River Thames.
Despite considerable investor enthusiasm, the project’s scale and complexity repeatedly obstructed its start. It was only in February that Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin quashed optimism about the project in a meeting at City Hall with Chadchart.
However, in an abrupt about-turn two months later, Srettha gave the go-ahead for the formation of a multi-agency and ministerial committee led by the Transport Ministry and the Port Authority to study and execute the redevelopment plan.
The Prime Minister’s change of heart coincided with local media reports on the government’s plans to accelerate its casino legalization and speculation about the locations of five to eight proposed integrated resorts.
Rumors suggested that the first of these entertainment complexes would be developed in Rayong Province near Pattaya, with other potential locations being the tourist hotspots of Phuket and Chiang Mai. Two resorts were mentioned for Bangkok, including Khlong Toei Port as a proposed site.
The committee is expected to finalize and present its findings by the end of the year. The inclusion of a multibillion-dollar world-class integrated resort in the revised master plan appears poised to finally propel the Khlong Toei project forward.
According to Deputy Transport Minister Manaporn Charoensri, who chairs the committee, the redevelopment project may be structured as a public-private partnership (PPP) for infrastructure development. This structure would involve an international holding company and a dedicated fund to support the project, with a target completion date set for 2039 for the new precinct.
This revitalized vision for Khlong Toei Port bears resemblance to the successful transformation of Singapore’s Marina Bay downtown district, where 360 hectares of reclaimed land adjacent to the Central Business District evolved into a vibrant hub of finance, commerce, and entertainment, centered around the iconic Marina Bay Sands integrated resort.
An entertainment complex in Khlong Toei could attract substantial investment, more than likely surpassing the $3 billion minimum recommended for such tourism developments in a parliamentary report. With major casino operators already showing keen interest, the scale of investment might even approach the $10 billion initially projected for a Yokohama integrated resort, which ultimately did not materialize.
However, even with an entertainment complex, executing the master plan will still face significant hurdles. The Khlong Toei Port area hosts Bangkok’s oldest and largest inner-city slum, with over 13,000 squatter households occupying state land in the Jed Sip Rai district. The proposal to relocate this community to modern high-rise quarters, as part of the master plan’s “Smart Community” concept, is a sensitive issue.
Many residents, who have lived there for generations, understandably resist the upheaval. Gentrification raises concerns about higher living costs and the potential loss of longstanding communities. Additionally, there are pockets of private landowners who remain reluctant to sell their land and facilitate the redevelopment.
Improving connectivity is another crucial aspect of the Khlong Toei redevelopment. Despite its proximity to Suvarnabhumi Airport, which offers a significant advantage over the more congested Pathum Wan tourist areas, the current highway and public transportation links are inadequate to handle the anticipated increase in traffic in Bangkok’s notorious gridlock. Comprehensive infrastructure planning is essential to manage this expected surge and ensure seamless access to the new precinct.
To navigate these challenges, Bangkok can glean valuable lessons from Singapore’s Marina Bay project. The development of Marina Bay was a meticulously planned, multi-phase initiative that considered various facets of urban living that successfully balanced commercial aspirations with public amenities, prioritizing green spaces and community needs alongside economic interests.
A successful implementation of the Khlong Toei development will mark another chapter in Bangkok’s ongoing revival of life and community along the Chao Phraya River, its lifeblood for centuries. This winding waterway has always been central to the city’s identity. The project will follow successful initiatives like Asiatique Riverfront, a vibrant night market and entertainment complex on the Thonburi side that serves as a testament to the power of public-private partnerships.
The facelift of Tha Tian Pier on Rattanakosin Island demonstrated how heritage conservation can be prioritized alongside modernization. Iconsiam, a sprawling retail and entertainment complex boasting a dazzling array of international brands and world-class restaurants, has become the main riverfront destination for tourists and residents alike. It houses cultural institutions and incorporates stunning riverfront promenades, public parks, and open-air plazas where visitors can not only shop and dine but also relax, take in breathtaking views, and experience the vibrant energy of the Chao Phraya.
The Khlong Toei redevelopment promises to be the most ambitious riverside project yet, with the potential to create a truly vibrant integrated district. It is imperative that the government does not rush the development process solely to capitalize on its investment allure, particularly that of the entertainment complex.
“Careful planning and phased implementation are essential to mitigate the risk of gentrification and ensure that the project benefits all stakeholders, including the existing local community.”
Daniel Cheng
U-Tapao Airport in Rayong appears to be the frontrunner for the first operational Thai entertainment complex. However, the Thai government might prioritize awarding the Bangkok licenses first, despite their later development schedule. This approach would be consistent with Singapore, where licenses were auctioned sequentially from the most to the least attractive, ensuring that each one attracts a strong pool of bidders to maximize competition and value.
Read related: CNA – Will Thailand’s ‘integrated entertainment complexes’ become the new industry leader in Asia?
Daniel Cheng was a senior executive in gaming and hospitality development with Genting and Seminole Hard Rock. He is the author of “Japan Casino Uprising” and “How I built an Integrated Resort.”
According to a stock exchange filing on Thursday, responding to a newspaper article, the group notes that ‘as of today, there are no executed agreements between PHR or its subsidiaries involving the Emerald Bay Project.’
The statement comes after a July 2nd notice that the group’s projected sale of the property to Okada Manila operator Tiger Resort, Leisure and Entertainment (TRLEI) had fallen through.
The Thursday filing clarifies that PH Resorts and its subsidiaries ‘have been in various discussions with different investors who are interested in providing avenues for the completion of the Emerald Bay Project’.
The group furthers that it ‘has the opportunity to engage with other parties who have expressed interest in the Emerald Bay Project’.
Speaking to AGB previously, PAGCOR Chairman Alejandro H. Tengo called Emerald Bay a ‘failed’ project, despite noting its advantages due to its location.
Additionally, the agreement provides Sportradar access to certain advanced tracking. This enriched data will enhance Sportradar’s cutting-edge AI products and services, enabling Sportradar to deliver innovative technology solutions to its clients.
The agreement covers all UEFA Club and National team competitions. These include the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Super Cup, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Conference League, UEFA Women’s Champions League, UEFA Women’s EURO 2025, the European Qualifiers to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the European Qualifiers to UEFA EURO 2028, the UEFA Nations League, the 2025 & 2027 UEFA European Under-21 Championships, and UEFA international friendly matches.
In total, Sportradar can now offer more than 900 high-profile matches each season, marking a nearly 33% increase from the previous cycle as a result of the new formats which will be introduced for UEFA Club Competitions at the start of the 2024-25 season.
UEFA and Sportradar will also extend their long-standing integrity partnership of 15 years.
Hamster Mania, a fun and user-friendly turbo game, offers players a straightforward and engaging gaming experience. The objective is to secure the highest possible winnings by tapping on the hamster character within a circular frame, earning odds with each tap. Unlike traditional turbo games, players place bets directly on the hamster, with winnings displayed instantly. The game features multiple difficulty levels, affecting both risk and potential rewards.
Hayk Sargsyan, Chief Executive Officer of Galaxsys, expressed his enthusiasm about the launch of Hamster Mania. He commented, “We are always innovating and collaborating, and this time, we’ve teamed up with PIN-UP Partners to bring a unique offering to the industry. Our teams have worked closely together to ensure seamless integration and make this collaboration truly exceptional.”
The PIN-UP Partners team is also very excited about the upcoming launch of Hamster Mania. They commented, “At PIN-UP Partners we always strive to offer our affiliates and partners the best and most exciting developments in the industry to take their revenues and profits to the next level. We deliver outstanding results and foster stronger partnerships through innovation, transparency and expertise. By supporting and partnering with companies like GALAXSYS, we stay at the forefront of the industry with unique games and the best offers for our affiliates.”
In its latest update before the release of 2Q24 results, analysts note that while Macau’s gross gaming revenue (GGR) outperformed forecasts for 2Q24, Wynn Macau experienced a modest market share loss. This was ‘largely attributed to Galaxy following the openings of Andaz and Raffles Towers and a promotional push from the operator, which weighed on results.’
Andaz and Raffles, located in the integrated resorts of Galaxy Entertainment, were launched last year, adding hundreds of hotel keys to the operator.
As a result, the brokerage trimmed Wynn Macau’s property-level forecasts to account for a lower-than-previously-expected market share in the period. Wynn Macau’s market share for 2Q24 is expected to be in the range of 13-13.5 percent, down from 14 percent in 1Q24 and roughly in line with the year-over-year period.
The updated property EBITDA forecast of $295 million compares to the prior forecast of $310 million, also representing an 8 percent decrease from the 1Q24 hold-adjusted result.
In explanation, the investment bank notes that the decline is primarily due to three factors: a roughly $110 million sequential contraction in Macau’s market GGR, an expected 50-100 basis points slip in market share, and slightly higher non-gaming tax-related operating expenses.
Analysts from Deutsche Bank also mention that Wynn’s management noted a 30 percent increase in Macau’s mass drop in April compared to April 2019, with hotel occupancy during the period at 99 percent. Meanwhile, the Golden Week mass drop was up 30 percent compared to the same period in 2019. In this context, the brokerage believes that ‘the mass drop trends held reasonably firm over the balance of 2Q24.’
Additionally, non-gaming tax-related operating expenses in the period are estimated to be up 2 percent quarter-over-quarter, relative to the 3 percent sequential growth in 1Q24.
It is also worth recalling that, as part of its concession proposal to the Macau SAR government, Wynn committed to investing $2.2 billion over 10 years in a mix of capital and operational expenditures.
Deutsche Bank notes that Wynn expects to spend $350 to $500 million in total over the 2024/2025 period related to the concession requirement.
Asia Gaming Brief (AGB) is a news, market intelligence, events, and networking company focused on Asia Pacific’s rapidly expanding gaming industry.
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