Good morning. Chinese New Year delivered, and delivered strongly, in Macau with gross gaming revenues for the month topping $1.44 billion, up 82.5 percent annually. The SAR, and the nation’s, move to completely open up again fared well for gaming operators, who are now hoping the push continues beyond the holiday. And in the Philippines, PAGCOR is denouncing the criminal acts of POGOs, after authorities announced a four-fold increase in POGO-related crime last year, while noting it plans to cancel the license of its auditor after finding its bank guarantees were fraudulent.
What you need to know
- Macau records record-breaking GGR in January, seeing first strong figure since the beginning of the pandemic, at $1.44 billion, up 82.5 percent yearly.
- PAGCOR denounces illegal acts of POGOs, as four-fold rise in crime rates in 2022 prompts backlash.
On the radar
- Las Vegas Strip December revenue surprises analysts.
- IBIA records 268 suspicious betting alerts in 2022.
- Chinese online group removing nationals from PH blacklist investigated.
AGB Intelligence
MACAU GGR
Macau January GGR tops $1.44 billion
Macau’s January GGR rose to expectations, topping $1.44 billion, up 82.5 percent annually and cementing the city’s return after nearly three years under the cloud of COVID. The Chinese New Year rally drove the increase, with the entire holiday period falling in the month. Tourism expectations are now high, as operators hope to continue the trend and keep room rates above 70 percent.
Industry Updates
- Win Systems will attend the next ICE edition.
- Clarion confirms host city finalist shortlist for ICE.
- Industry sponsors give unprecedented backing to iGB Affiliate London.
- Spintec and APE renew exclusive distribution agreement for Southeast Asia.
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