Good morning. The esports industry whilst benefiting from immense growth over the last few years, has had on-going fierce battle with match-fixing – which is considered now the most serious issue facing the industry. We hear from Purbrick & Associates today about the state of match-fixing in esports today and what is being done about it.

What you need to know

U.S. casino stocks fall as the Macau government proposes more oversight of gaming companies as part of its consultation paper released yesterday for public review.
Macau has released its consultation paper on the gaming industry, saying it proposes revising the number of concessions and abandoning the current system of sub-concessions.
PublicInvest Research said it has left its forecasts and recommendations for Genting Bhd unchanged despite it losing its chance to be part of an IR project in Yokohama.

On the radar

The Star Sydney’s regular casino review to be carried out by Bergin Inquiry SC Adam Bell.
China cross-border currency crackdown continues with 10 fined for gambling-related trades.
Manila to move to an eased alert level from Sept. 16, but casinos to remain closed.

What the papers say

Cambodian authorities seek source of weapons seized in a raid on a Sihanoukville casino hotel.
Malaysia’s number forecasting shops planning on reopening on Wednesday.

AGB Intelligence

DEEP DIVE

Your Daily Asia Gaming eBrief: U.S. Macau casino stocks fall on proposed extra oversight

Is cheating killing esports?

Recent cases of cheating in competitive esports have highlighted the growing problem of corruption in the sport, usually linked to illegal betting. Match-fixing is now the most serious issue facing the esports industry. Although the highest level of competitive esports tends to have integrity and not experience match-fixing, it has been an ongoing issue since the early years of the eSports industry. Three North American CS:GO players were banned in August 2021, with 34 more involved in the investigation which also involves the FBI. “Most pertinent to the complications faced and the length of this investigation is ESIC’s observation of compelling evidence that suggests that organised crime groups and foreign betting syndicates were involved in fraudulent activities,” the integrity body said.

Asia rocketing ahead with vaccinations Delta strain has proven that despite strict lockdowns and border closures, it’s near impossible for countries to completely eliminate outbreaks.
Which casinos are open? A surge in vaccinations across Asia is starting to bring back confidence, allowing governments to begin easing restrictions in certain areas
Hengqin plan seeks to force diversification The cooperation master plan at present it’s long on vision and short on detail as to how the goals will be achieved.