Good morning. The tide is still rising, just more slowly. Macau’s 2026 growth story keeps moving, but CLSA sees fewer surprises ahead, trimming its gaming revenue forecast to $31.9 billion and warning that capex will bite harder. World Cup distractions and a softer VIP hold could also muddy the near term. Another CLSA note suggested that China’s new outbound investment rules could affect Macau gaming stocks more than GGR. Meanwhile, in New York, Wynn Resorts CEO Craig Billings joined US business leaders for talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on trade and market access.
What you need to know
- CLSA trims its Macau gaming forecast, citing slower second-half momentum, World Cup risks, and elevated capex.
- New China outbound investment rules may pressure Macau gaming stocks, but CLSA sees limited direct risk to GGR.
- Wynn Resorts CEO Craig Billings joined US business leaders in New York for talks with China’s Wang Yi on trade and market access.
On the radar
- Cambodia tourist arrivals plunge 45.6% in first four months of 2026.
- Okada Manila launches Japanese-focused guest initiatives.
- China, Sri Lanka pledge closer cooperation on gambling and fraud cases.
- Ainsworth chair and company secretary resign over payment reports.
AGB Intelligence
MACAU
CLSA cuts Macau gaming targets on softer outlook
CLSA has trimmed its Macau gaming outlook for 2026, citing slower revenue growth, tougher comparisons and fewer positive surprises after a stronger-than-expected first quarter. The brokerage also expects rising capex, major property upgrades and softer VIP hold to weigh on operators’ free cash flow, while World Cup-related disruption could add further pressure to near-term gaming activity.
Industry Updates
- FairGambling rolls out crypto casino insights platform.
- Yaspa wins AI Solutions & Safer Gambling awards at EGR B2B 2026.
- Bettormetrics debuts first World Cup Trading Performance benchmark.
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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