Good morning. Turning around a casino business is rarely a one-spin proposition. Universal Entertainment is targeting a return to profitability for Okada Manila in the second half, after first-half adjusted EBITDA plunged 62.5 percent amid weak VIP play, fiercer competition, and macroeconomic pressures. Its plan leans on online gaming, MICE promotions, cost controls and a broader premium-mass push. In Macau, non-gaming spending per visitor rose 5.6 percent in the second quarter, extending the recovery that began early this year. Meanwhile, former POGO-linked operators are reportedly finding a new base in Sri Lanka, with Colombo’s Port City drawing scrutiny.
What you need to know
- Universal Entertainment targets a 2H26 profit at Okada Manila after IR EBITDA fell 62.5% amid VIP weakness and stronger competition.
- Macau’s per-capita non-gaming visitor spending rose 5.6% YoY in 2Q26, while total expenditure increased 9.8% to $2.49 billion.
- Former POGO-linked online gaming operators are reportedly shifting to Sri Lanka, with Colombo Port City emerging as a new base.
On the radar
- Okada Manila to launch Disney-themed offerings in 4Q26.
- Tabcorp to acquire wagering technology provider BetMakers for $200M.
- Myanmar arrests 156, mostly Chinese, in Kengtung online gambling raid.
AGB Intelligence
PHILIPPINES
UEC aims for 2H26 IR profit after EBITDA falls 62.5%
Okada Manila’s weaker performance drove a 62.5 percent decline in adjusted segment EBITDA at Universal Entertainment Corp’s (UEC) integrated resort business to $17.4 million in the first half. VIP win fell 40 percent, while mass-table and gaming-machine win also declined. Universal Entertainment is now targeting an operating profit for the segment in the second half by expanding online gaming, attracting more premium-mass customers and strengthening marketing across Japan and other Asian markets.
Industry Updates
- Sands China reinforces CSR with 13th Annual MSO Healthy Athletes event.
- Zitro reports resounding success at recent Paraguay Experience showcase.
- PAGCOR shares regulatory best practices with Malawi gaming officials.
Written by
AGBrief Editorial
The AGBrief Editorial Team is a group of contributors living around the world that are connected to Asia Gaming Brief. They are active members in pursuing the sources of our news, making them reliable and accurate for our readers.
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