Good morning. The plot thickens. People Inc.’s proposed MGM takeover has cracked open a bigger question: what happens to MGM China and Osaka if Barry Diller’s group takes control? Analysts say both assets could come under review, with Seaport pointing to MGM China and the Osaka project as potential divestment candidates, while CBRE sees the bid as likely to move forward, possibly at a higher price. Meanwhile, International Entertainment closed its second $102 million tranche of DigiPlus convertible notes, a deal that could eventually hand DigiPlus a 53.89 percent stake. And in South Korea, Paradise Co.’s casino sales jumped 21.2 percent in May to $65.2 million.
What you need to know
- MGM China could become central to People Inc.’s takeover strategy, with analysts pointing to possible divestment or market consolidation.
- International Entertainment completed its second HK$800M notes issue to DigiPlus, which could hold 53.89 percent after full conversion.
- Paradise Co’s May casino sales rose 21.2 percent year-on-year to $65.2 million, supported mainly by higher table game revenue.
On the radar
- PAGCOR expands responsible gaming focus amid softer market conditions.
- VGCCC says influencer gambling posts may breach state advertising laws.
- CLSA sees Macau GGR growth moderating after a solid May finish.
- Delta Corp reads a ‘favorable outcome’ into Supreme Court GST ruling.
- HK youth targeted by illegal gambling syndicates ahead of the World Cup.
AGB Intelligence
MGM China
People’s bid raises MGM China and Japan divestment questions
Media group People Incorporated, led by Barry Diller, has launched an $18 billion bid to take MGM Resorts International private, offering $48.30 per share for the stock it does not already own and seeking control of the company. People said the offer reflects its view that MGM’s assets and digital growth prospects remain undervalued. MGM said its board would review the bid but cautioned there was no assurance it would lead to an agreement.
Industry Updates
- Tech Race Summit taps ex-Google exec Andrey Doronichev as keynote.
- Zitro Digital expands Brazilian footprint with Brazino777 partnership.
- Everi rolls out Vi mobile gaming solution at Prairie Band Casino & Resort.
Corporate Spotlight
How Crypto Adoption in Asia is Changing iGaming Payments
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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