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Sands China calls for new growth drivers as Macau tourism faces structural shift

Viviana Chan
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Sands China calls for new growth drivers as Macau tourism faces structural shift

Macau gaming operator Sands China has highlighted the need for new growth drivers in the city’s tourism sector amid increasing regional competition and evolving visitor behavior, according to remarks reported by Macau Daily.

Sands China empowers young filmmakers by supporting the International Film Camp 2025
Wilfred Wong, Vice Chairman and Executive Director of Sands China

Wilfred Wong, Vice Chairman and Executive Director of Sands China, said Macau’s gaming-tourism sector—referred to by the government as the integrated tourism and leisure industry—remains the backbone of the local economy but is entering a more complex phase of development.

The executive was speaking at the “2026 Macau Industrial and Commercial Development Seminar” hosted by the Chinese General Chamber of Commerce.

Wong noted that the city is contending with the accelerated legalization of gaming across the region, alongside constraints in land and labor resources. At the same time, shifting consumption patterns are reshaping demand, requiring the industry to adapt. “To promote the sustainable and high-quality development of Macau’s tourism and leisure industry, new momentum must be cultivated through coordinated industry development and innovation,” he said.

Sands China is Macau’s leading gaming operator (although contesting closely with Galaxy), holding around one-quarter of market share in terms of gross gaming revenue (GGR) among the six concessionaires. Its properties are also well known for their non-gaming offerings, including meetings, incentives, conventions, and exhibitions (MICE), retail, and entertainment.

Macau visitor arrivals

Focus on international markets and experiential tourism

According to Macau Daily, Wong emphasized that Macau remains heavily reliant on mainland Chinese visitors, with international tourists accounting for less than 10 percent of total arrivals. He said the city should make better use of its status as both a UNESCO World Heritage destination and a “Creative City of Gastronomy“, tailoring its appeal to different markets. Cultural and historical tourism could be strengthened for Western audiences, while food, shopping, and entertainment offerings could be further developed for Southeast Asian visitors, supported by a stronger lineup of festivals and performances.

The executive also pointed to a broader shift in tourism consumption toward experience-driven and thematic offerings. In this context, sectors such as MICE, entertainment, and sports are emerging as increasingly important sources of growth. Wong said the industry should continue introducing innovative products and internationally recognized intellectual properties to reinforce Macau’s positioning as a global tourism destination.

Closer integration with the Greater Bay Area (GBA) was also highlighted as a key opportunity. Wong suggested that cooperation should evolve beyond simple visitor exchanges toward deeper industrial collaboration, including the development of multi-destination itineraries linking cities such as Zhuhai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen. He added that Hengqin could serve as an extension of Macau’s tourism ecosystem, supporting areas such as large-scale events, healthcare tourism, and cultural experiences, while improved cross-border transport connectivity would further enhance regional mobility.

Wong also underscored the importance of building a more robust talent pipeline to support the sector’s transformation. This includes developing interdisciplinary and internationally oriented training programs, as well as strengthening language capabilities to improve service standards for global visitors.

sands china

Consumption shift and support measures

The seminar also reflected broader concerns about changing market dynamics. Macau’s Secretary for Economy and Finance, Tai Kin Ip, said visitor spending per capita has been declining in recent years, with consumption shifting from “shopping-driven” to “experience-driven” patterns. He noted that this transition is placing higher demands on local businesses to adapt and upgrade their offerings in line with new expectations.

sands china
Macau’s Secretary for Economy and Finance, Tai Kin Ip

To address these changes, the official said the government has rolled out a series of measures aimed at supporting economic diversification and business transformation. These include organizing large-scale events to attract visitors, promoting digital upgrades among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and introducing initiatives to revitalize community-level consumption.

Authorities are also exploring further policies to improve the business environment and encourage new types of commercial activity.

Continent 8 teams with New Dawn Risk to deliver cyber + insurance solutions for iGaming

AGBrief Editorial
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Continent 8 teams with New Dawn Risk to deliver cyber + insurance solutions for iGaming

Continent 8 Technologies has formed a strategic partnership with specialist Lloyd’s broker New Dawn Risk, combining their cybersecurity and insurance expertise to deliver a unified risk‑management solution for the global iGaming sector.

This collaboration will benefit gaming operators from both enhanced security protection and reduced insurance premiums, with underwriters offering discounts based on the security maturity and controls in place.  

“This partnership represents a significant step forward in how we support our clients,” said Elizabeth Grima, Senior Executive Manager, New Dawn Risk. “By combining Continent 8’s trusted cybersecurity services with our tailored insurance solutions, we are offering iGaming companies a truly end-to-end risk management package. It goes beyond traditional broking – it’s about delivering resilience, continuity, and peace of mind in a sector where cyber threats and regulatory pressures are constantly evolving.”  

The new offering will initially launch in the UK and Europe, with plans to expand globally. It combines specialist cybersecurity services with tailored insurance to make protection more accessible to iGaming companies. Services include Managed SOC & MDR, Cyber Threat Intelligence Exchange, DDoS protection, Web Application and API Protection (WAAP), and Multi‑Factor Authentication (MFA) for end users. Businesses adopting the package will benefit from discounted premiums, which increases their access to cost-effective coverage.

“We are excited to partner with New Dawn Risk,” added Patrick Gardner, Chief Security Officer at Continent 8 Technologies. “This collaboration brings together two specialists in their fields to offer a compelling mix of advanced cybersecurity controls and tailored insurance solutions for the iGaming industry. Strong cyber defences not only protect operators and suppliers but also demonstrate sound risk management – an increasingly important factor when it comes to reducing insurance premiums. As the go-to cybersecurity provider to the industry, we’ve been delivering multi-layered protection solutions to high-risk gaming businesses for years, and this partnership builds on that proven foundation.”

R. Franco Digital expands global reach with Novibet partnership

AGBrief Editorial
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R. Franco Digital expands global reach with Novibet partnership

R. Franco Digital has expanded its international footprint through a major partnership with leading GameTech operator Novibet, bringing its portfolio live across regulated markets in Europe and Latin America.

The partnership sees R. Franco Digital’s diverse and high-performing games portfolio integrated into Novibet’s platform, further enhancing the GameTech operator’s premium casino offering and providing its growing international player base with access to high-quality, engaging content. This move further boosts R. Franco Digital’s status as a top-tier supplier in key jurisdictions across two continents.

Among the initial wave of hit titles to be featured on Novibet’s range of sites are Strange Spins, Valentine’s Dates, Aphrodite, Link City, and 40 Super 7 FS. These games have already garnered acclaim for their immersive mechanics and localised appeal, making them a strategic addition to Novibet’s premium and entertainment-led casino experience.

This latest collaboration highlights R. Franco Digital’s continued momentum, as the supplier continues to pursue its roadmap of international expansion by partnering with tier-one operators across established and emerging markets.

Javier Sacristán Franco, International Business Director at R. Franco Digital, said: “Partnering with a leading GameTech operator such as Novibet is a testament to the quality and versatility of our content. Their strong presence in both Europe and Latin America aligns perfectly with our strategic goals. We are confident that our recent hits, such as Link City and Aphrodite, will resonate strongly with Novibet’s audience, delivering the high-quality entertainment experience players expect. We look forward to a long and fruitful relationship as we continue to grow together.”

Fotini Matthaiou, Executive Director of Casino at Novibet, added: “Enhancing our casino offering through strategic content partnerships remains a key priority for Novibet. R. Franco Digital’s portfolio brings engaging, high-quality gameplay experiences that strengthen our proposition, in line with our commitment to delivering premium entertainment and long-term player value across our regulated markets. This partnership marks an important step in expanding our presence across Europe and Latin America, as we continue to grow our content offering with diverse and locally relevant experiences for our international audience.”

Philippine court rejects bid to dismiss bribery case against Macau junket investor Jack Lam

Viviana Chan
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Philippine court rejects bid to dismiss bribery case against Macau junket investor Jack Lam

The Philippines’ anti-graft court has denied a motion by Macau-linked gambling investor Jack Lam to dismiss criminal charges tied to an alleged PHP50 million ($900,000) bribery scheme involving immigration officials, allowing the case to proceed.

According to local media reports citing a resolution issued by the court’s Sixth Division, judges ruled that the charges filed against Lam for violation of Presidential Decree No.46 remain valid, rejecting his argument that the case lacked sufficient factual basis. The court also upheld a hold-departure order against Lam, preventing him from leaving the Philippines.

The case stems from allegations that Lam, through intermediary Wenceslao Sombero Jr., paid PHP50 million ($828K) to former Bureau of Immigration deputy commissioners Al Argosino and Michael Robles in November 2016. The payment was reportedly made in exchange for the release of more than 1,300 Chinese nationals detained for illegal employment at the Fontana Leisure Park and Casino in Pampanga.

Argosino and Robles were previously convicted of plunder and graft and sentenced to lengthy prison terms, with at least PHP30 million ($540,000) returned to the Department of Justice. Lam sought dismissal of his case partly on the grounds that charges against the officials for the same offense had been dropped in 2021 due to double jeopardy concerns. However, the court ruled that this protection does not apply to Lam, as he is not simultaneously charged with or convicted of plunder.

The court further noted that, at this stage, prosecutors are only required to allege the acts constituting the offense, not prove them. It also declined to classify Lam as a fugitive, citing insufficient evidence regarding the timing and circumstances of his departure from the Philippines.

Lam, a veteran investor in Macau’s junket sector, is associated with Hong Kong-listed Jimei International Entertainment Group Ltd., which has operated casino and resort assets, including Fontana. Notably, operations at the Fontana Resort and Country Club were indefinitely suspended by Clark authorities in early 2025, underscoring ongoing regulatory scrutiny surrounding the property.

Citigroup remains bullish on Macau gaming, sees March softness as seasonal

Viviana Chan
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Citigroup remains bullish on Macau gaming, sees March softness as seasonal

The bank noted that recent perceptions of a slowdown may be influenced by recency bias, as its previous survey was conducted during the Chinese New Year period, when activity is typically stronger.

Based on historical data, Citigroup emphasized that March has consistently been an ordinary month for gross gaming revenue (GGR) on a day-to-day basis. The latest data continue to point to solid year-on-year growth across several key metrics, supporting expectations for low-to-mid teens GGR growth in the first quarter of 2026.

Analysts George Choi and Timothy Chau highlighted that the average wager per Premium Mass player rose 17 percent year-on-year to HK$20,689 ($2,643) in March, compared with HK$17,611 ($2,249) in the same period last year. Total wager observed reached HK$11.2 million ($1.43 million), largely flat year-on-year, while the number of Premium Mass players declined 16 percent to 543. The increase in per-player spending offset the lower player count, indicating resilient demand among higher-value customers.

In its ‘whale watch’ observations, Citigroup reported 25 whales during the month, up from 20 in March 2025. The ‘Player of the Month’ was identified at Galaxy Macau’s Horizon Room with wagering of HK$350,000 ($44,700). Additional high-value players were recorded at The Venetian Macao and Galaxy Macau’s Pavilion North, each wagering around HK$300,000 ($38,300).

The bank also noted that the apparent softness compared with the Chinese New Year period is consistent with historical patterns. Average Premium Mass wager per player in March was 30 percent lower than the HK$29,625 ($3,784) recorded during Chinese New Year 2026, broadly in line with declines of 33 percent in 2025 and 30 percent in 2024.

Similarly, the number of whales was 47 percent lower than during the holiday period, compared with declines of 59 percent and 51 percent in the prior two years. Citigroup reiterated that both metrics improved on a year-on-year basis.

Galaxy Entertainment Group, Galaxy Macau

Operator performance showed Galaxy Entertainment Group (GEG) regaining the top position in Premium Mass with a 32 percent market share, despite a decline from 36 percent a year earlier. Sands China ranked second with a 21 percent share, up from 18 percent last year. 

Citigroup added that Sands China may present increasing investment interest following a recent share price pullback, noting that the market may be ‘overly pessimistic’ about the company’s prospects for EBITDA recovery.

Meanwhile, average mass baccarat minimum bets across Macau rose 3 percent year-on-year to HK$2,028 ($259), with Cotai increasing 6 percent to HK$2,192 ($280), while the peninsula saw a 7 percent decline to HK$1,540 ($197).

Other observations included ongoing renovations at MGM Cotai’s high-limit area, which temporarily reduced gaming capacity.

Daily Asia Gaming eBrief: Malta Gaming Authority hack raises significant concerns

AGBrief Editorial
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Daily Asia Gaming eBrief: Malta Gaming Authority hack raises significant concerns
Good morning. ‘Organized crime enablement’. That’s the hefty claim leveled by a German hacker who claims to have breached Malta Gaming Authority’s systems and is threatening to release data she says is damning. The MGA’s response so far has been limited, and the scope of the hack and authorities’ response is unclear, but the penetration of one of the world’s top iGaming licensors is raising concerns regardless. Meanwhile, in Singapore, Marina Bay Sands’ multi-billion-dollar expansion is going ahead under contractor Woh Hup, significantly increasing the operator’s footprint by 2030. And in Macau, tourism boomed in February, as the Chinese New Year holidays boosted visitation to 4.2 million, up by nearly one-third yearly.

What you need to know

On the radar

AGB Intelligence

IGAMING

Malta Gaming Authority breach raises significant concerns, with hacker alleging ‘organized crime enablement’Cambodia appoints new CGMC secretary-general amid fraud crackdown. Macau could break tourism record with 44M tourists in 2026: industry expert. Sun Group, Changi Airports to manage Phu Quoc International Airport. Wynn Macau raises dividend despite profit falling 49% in 2025.

Malta Gaming Authority breach raises concerns

The iGaming industry could be in for a shock, if there is any substance to a threat made by a German hacker about her alleged breach of Malta Gaming Authority’s systems. The MGA has identified a ‘breach within one of its systems’, with the hacker claiming to have shared the data with authorities and media to expose ‘organized crime enablement schemes’. The scope of the data, its content, and what steps authorities will take against the hack will define the potential fallout.

Industry Updates

INTELLIGENCE | ASEAN | CAREERS | EVENTS

Sun Group, Changi Airports sign strategic agreement to manage Phu Quoc International Airport

Kelsey Wilhelm
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Sun Group, Changi Airports sign strategic agreement to manage Phu Quoc International Airport

Vietnam’s Sun Group and Singapore’s Changi Airports International (CAI) have signed a strategic cooperation agreement to manage Phu Quoc International Airport, transforming it into Vietnam’s first ‘airport destination’.

The agreement was signed on March 21st, with CAI serving as a design advisor, operational frameworks developer, systems implementer, and providing management and performance optimization after the airport comes online.

After completion, the airport is expected to have yearly capacity of 24 million passengers, which it hope to eventually expand to 50 million.

Phu Quoc International Airport construction

The airport is also hoped to boost Sun Group’s tourism and aviation network within Phu Quoc. The province is currently home to Corona Resort & Casino – which was granted permanent local gaming permission in November of last year.

The property is one of three which was can allow local gambling. The Grand Ho Tram Resort was also authorized, albeit under a five-year pilot program, while the under-construction Van Don integrated resort – under Sun Group’s wing – will also benefit from the program once open.

Sun Group also operates ‘the first luxury airline in Vietnam’, Sun Air, providing private jet management and air charter services, as well as Sun PhuQuoc Airways, a leisure ‘resort airline’ that commenced operations in November of last year.

sands china

Speaking of the new partnership, CAI CEO Eugene Gan noted that “We are impressed by Sun Group’s vision for developing Phu Quoc as the next upcoming travel destination. Its integrated tourism and entertainment eco-system provides a strong foundation for the long-term development of Phu Quoc International Airport as a key gateway for the island”.

Macau could break tourism record with 44M tourists in 2026: industry expert

Kelsey Wilhelm
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Macau could break tourism record with 44M tourists in 2026: industry expert

Macau could receive up to 44 million tourists this year, far exceeding the 40 million record set in 2025, despite disruptions caused by the conflict in the Middle East.

That’s according to Andy Wu, President of the Macau Tourism Association, in statements to Chinese-media broadcaster TDM.

sands china
Andy Wu, President of the Macau Tourism Association

The statement also comes after Macau reached the 10 million visitor mark 12 days earlier than it had in 2025, prompting Wu to raise his estimate significantly beyond the 41 million tourists that the Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO) is predicting.

According to official statistics, the first two months of this year alone saw visitor arrivals surpass 7.82 million, yearly growth of 15.1 percent, with overnight visitation increasing by 5 percent yearly, amongst a 22 percent rise in same-day visitation.

Gaming operators, tourism companies and the government are all pushing to increase the average length of stay past the 1.0 day registered in the January-February period, hoping for entertainment – with a particular focus on sports and concerts – to drive longer stays and increased spending.

MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions) visitation is also hoped to boost longer tourism stays and diversify source markets. Events such as the International Gastronomy Forum, Macao – which takes place today at Macau Fisherman’s Wharf, are aimed at driving the focus away from the gaming floor and to the table.

Despite the positive view from Wu on Macau’s tourism this year, industry experts are predicting that the ongoing conflict in the Middle East could have an impact on tourism, particularly that beyond Macau’s primary source market: mainland China.

Numerous countries have already implemented fuel surcharges or fuel saving measures, boosting airfares and increasing travel costs and tourism industry costs across the board. Given the uncertainty surrounding the timeline of the conflict, even as fuel prices continue to rise, the ripple effect on Macau’s tourism expectations could be significant.

Wazdan enriches Coins series portfolio with Easter Coins release

AGBrief Editorial
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Wazdan enriches Coins series portfolio with Easter Coins release

The release is designed around the popular Hold the Jackpot bonus round, where respins continue as long as new symbols land on the reels. The structure creates a clear and engaging gameplay feel, as players look to extend the feature and accumulate values across the reelset.

Enhancing bonus play are Sticky to Infinity symbols, which remain locked on the reels once they appear, staying in place until the feature concludes. Alongside this, Cash Infinity™ symbols remain active throughout the feature, helping to build value on the grid and increasing the overall reward potential.

As with other favourites in the Coins series, the feature also includes MINI, MINOR and MAJOR jackpots, while the GRAND jackpot is awarded when the entire grid is filled with symbols in the bonus round.

Combining bright seasonal visuals with dynamic coin-based mechanics, Easter Coins continues Wazdan’s approach of delivering intuitive gameplay structures that balance accessibility with strong engagement.

The release further strengthens Wazdan’s expanding portfolio of feature-rich slots designed to perform across regulated markets, building on the continued success of its established Coins series.

Andrzej Hyla, Chief Commercial Officer at Wazdan, said: “The Coins series continues to resonate strongly with players and operators, so launching Easter Coins is an exciting step as we expand the collection with a seasonal theme. We wanted to provide our partners with something that stood out immediately, combining the proven Hold the Jackpot mechanic with vibrant visuals that build clear excitement on the reels. As we continue to grow across regulated markets, releases like Easter Coins strengthen our portfolio with engaging titles that remain a must-have in every provider’s arsenal.”

Hard Rock Bet player in Michigan wins $223,883 Mega Jackpot

AGBrief Editorial
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Hard Rock Bet player in Michigan wins $223,883 Mega Jackpot

Hard Rock Digital has announced that a Hard Rock Bet player in Michigan won a $223,883.38 Mega Jackpot, one of the largest jackpot payouts on the platform in the state to date.

The winning spin occurred on Triple Gold, a popular IGT slot title originally designed for land-based casinos, while the player contributed just $0.10 per spin to the jackpot pool.

The winner, a Michigan resident who registered on Hard Rock Bet in late February, quickly became an active player, exploring a variety of slot titles from well-known franchises to Hard Rock Bet’s exclusive bespoke games. Within just three weeks of signing up, a $0.10-per-spin jackpot opt-in delivered a life-changing payout.

“This win is a perfect example of what makes Hard Rock Bet Jackpots special, you don’t need to be a high roller to win big,” said Rich Criado, VP-Casino at Hard Rock Bet. “A $0.10 opt-in on a classic slot title turned into nearly a quarter of a million dollars. That’s the kind of moment that defines why we built our Hard Rock Bet Jackpots.”

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