Good Morning
Chinese tourism always seemed like a sure thing, until COVID. Now countries are struggling to get back their visitation numbers, with Cambodia no exception. Expert Ben Lee points out how regulations are following external, and internal, pressure, reshaping the country’s gaming sphere to suit the future. Meanwhile, in sports betting, match fixing throughout Asia continues rampantly, with an analysis by Sportradar saying soccer is the most vulnerable.
What you need to know
- Cambodia faces a freeze on gambling-related licenses, as the country aims to cozy up to China, but regulation could be a positive: Ben Lee.
- A recent report by Sportradar has shed light on match fixing across various continents in 2023, with Asia seeing the highest increase.
On the radar
- Shin Hwa raises funds to revamp Jeju IR via share issuance.
- Paradise Co gaming revenue rose sharply, GKL sales down in February.
- Melco’s EBITDA expected to surpass pre-COVID levels in 2025: S&P.
- Football betting business in Vietnam mandates a bidding process: report.
- Digitain announces its sponsorship of the ASEAN Gaming Summit.
AGB Intelligence
UNDER THE SCOPE
Cambodia aims to appease by getting strict on gaming
Even though it managed to get itself off the FATF’s grey list, Cambodia is still facing hurdles regarding its gaming legislation and oversight. In this week’s Under the Scope, gaming expert Ben Lee notes how the country’s moves to halt new licensing and increase oversight could have a long-term benefit to the sector, with hopes the alterations can drive back Chinese visitation and weed out the bad actors.
Naga 3 requires Capex downsize, strategic investment: Timothy McNally
The scope of NagaCorp’s ongoing Naga 3 complex is largely going to be dictated by the Capex the group is able to funnel towards it. But with a $470 million bond payment coming due in July, the group’s Chairman says it’s strategically resizing the property.
Corporate Spotlight
Basketball player Kai Sotto is the new 1xBet ambassador in Asia
1xBet, a leading global betting company, proudly announces its partnership with rising basketball star Kai Sotto. Hailing from the Philippines, Kai Sotto will serve as the brand ambassador, championing basketball in his homeland and across various Asian nations, extending the 1xBet brand presence across Asia.
Industry Updates
- Push Gaming explores a new side of leprechauns in Shamrock Saints.
- Relax unveils explosive gameplay in latest release Firewins Factory.
Registration open for the ASEAN Gaming Summit 2024
Registrations for the 2024 ASEAN Gaming Summit, the calendar conference of excellence of the gaming industry in the region, are officially open. Scheduled from 19th to 21st March 2024, the Summit is the gateway to the Next-Gen of gaming in Asia.
Asia Gaming Awards 2024 recognizing excellence on March 20th in Manila
The Asia Gaming Awards, hosted by Asia Gaming Brief, is set to once again recognize and celebrate the outstanding achievements in the Asian gaming industry. The Awards ceremony will take place on the evening of Wednesday, 20th March 2024, at the Grand Ballroom of the Shangri-La The Fort, Manila.
MEET THEM AT ASEAN 2024
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