Good morning,
We are pleased to offer another in our anticipated series of infographics, this time focusing on the issue of Macau labor recovery throughout the pandemic period. It’s still unknown whether Macau’s gaming sector is on the path to labor recovery, with conflicting reports over the last month signaling both good and bad news over the medium term. We also cover political movements in the Philippines to tighten visa restrictions on Chinese arrivals, an action that could easily impact the gaming industry. On the brighter side, we examine some of the lessons from the recent AGB webinar surrounding the issue of developing a player-centric approach in igaming. Finally, we take a brief look at what SkyCity announced earlier this morning in terms of its expanding offerings in Adelaide, South Australia.
First, the news
- Call for visa restrictions another potential hurdle to recovery
- SkyCity expanding its offerings in Adelaide
- Macau economy to shrink by 56.8 percent
- Macau hotel occupancy reaches 40% in October
- Kingston Financial reports Macau gaming operations swing to loss
- Success Dragon bitten by competition in the Macau gaming market
- China to restart cruise industry without international participants
- MBS rolls out Mixed Reality capabilities at its expo center
- RGB sees slow recovery, posts narrower Q3 loss
- GKL tourism support fund extended to struggling SMEs
- Wakayama survey on rapid bus service for prospective IR
- HKJC brings in Anthony Ingram to lead marketing strategy
What you need to know
Visa change call another potential recovery hurdle
A Philippine senator is calling for an end to the Visa Upon Arrival scheme for Chinese nationals, which could potentially be a blow for both land-based casinos and the country’s Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs). Senator Risa Hontiveros, who is the Chairperson of the Committee on Women, Children, and Family Relations, put out a statement on Sunday urging colleagues at the Bureau of Immigration to take action, suggesting the scheme was boosting kidnappings of Chinese casino players and POGO workers.
SkyCity expanding its offerings in Adelaide
The SkyCity Entertainment Group announced earlier this morning several positive developments in regard to its facility in Adelaide, South Australia. Firstly, from today the South Australia state government is loosening Covid-19 related restrictions, allowing, for example, up to one thousand customers on the gaming floor, as opposed to the much tougher restriction of only one hundred people allowed to gather at a single venue. Another major attraction opening its doors today is the rooftop Sol Bar and Restaurant, as well as a new Italian restaurant adjoining the Festival Plaza. Finally, on Thursday the firm will be rolling out “The District at SkyCity,” a new entertainment view with a variety of offerings.
Insights
BY THE NUMB3RS
Jury still out on Macau labor recovery
It’s still unknown whether Macau’s gaming sector is on the path to recovery, with conflicting reports over the last month signaling both good and bad news over the medium term. This week’s infographic aims at giving a snapshot of Macau’s gaming labor market over the past 12 months. The lack of visitors to Macau and month-to-month fall in GGR as a result of border restrictions have undoubtedly affected employees in Macau’s gaming industry.
DEEP DIVE
Designing the customer experience
In Asia’s increasingly competitive igaming industry, developing a player-centric approach is becoming increasingly important to ensure acquisition and retention of customers. From the first point of contact, through to the deposit and gameplay experience, operators need to view the customer journey as a whole, panellists on Asia Gaming Brief’s most recent webinar heard. Steven Lau, a brand experience and marketing consultant, said: “Having a UX strategy will help you see the possibilities by making an effort to understand more about the players’ emotions and attitudes.”
Supplier Special
Knowledge trumps content in Asia igaming
In Asia’s complex and diverse i-gaming landscape, having the right content means business success only if one more key ingredient is included – market knowledge. Solid Gaming may have been focusing on Asia for only 3 years but its penetration amongst operators is surely a testament to its local know-how.
AGB Initiatives
