Good Morning. Fears about the new Covid-19 variant, Omicron appear to be subsiding, with early evidence showing the variant is more akin to the flu – highly contagious but less deadly. Adding to this positivity, at least in Asia, we note that Asia’s vaccination rates have now surpassed that of the globe. This is being led by high vaccination numbers coming out of China more than a billion in the country now fully vaccinated. Today’s infographic gives an update on the vaccination rates across Asia’s key gaming jurisdictions.
What you need to know
- The Thai government plans a three-month study into the potential of establishing integrated resorts with a casino in the country to help to rebuild its battered tourism economy.
- Wynn Macau is planning to close all of its VIP rooms from Dec. 20th and other operators are reviewing their positions, although no decisions have been taken yet, according to a note from Credit Suisse.
- Macau’s GGR in the first week of December was up 14 percent from the prior week and visitation is holding up well, although the discovery of a Covid case in Guangdong is something to watch: Bernstein.
On the radar
- Grand Korea Leisure (GKL)’s revenue dipped to its lowest this year in Nov.
- International Ent said its chairman offloads 20% stake in the company.
- Summit Ascent loses second non-exec director as Dr U Chio Ieong resigns.
- Macau gaming stocks have regained lost ground, as Omicron fears ease.
- Wynn Resorts says Craig Billings CEO appointment to take effect from Feb. 1st, 2022.
What the papers say
- Regulators want more info from IPI before decision on construction deadline.
- Three Entertainment City IRs are no longer operating Suncity VIP rooms.
- Cambodia reopens borders to 10 Omicron-hit Southern African nations.
AGB Intelligence
DEEP DIVE
Asia’s vaccination rates beat globe
Asia has now surpassed the globe in full-vaccination rates, with 49 percent of Asia’s population now fully vaccinated against Covid-19, compared to only 44 percent globally. Whilst the region lagged initially due to supply issues and vaccine hesitation, the Covid-19 Delta strain, which wreaked havoc across the globe in Q2 and Q3, appeared to have accelerated vaccination rates. However, all is not equal across Asia’s key gaming jurisdictions. Today’s infographic gives the end of 2021 update on vaccination rates across Asia.
Industry Updates
- AGEM Index in November falls on Omicron fears.
- Habanero invites players to end of year party with New Year’s Bash.
MEMBERSHIP | MAGAZINE | ASEAN | CAREERS
