Good Morning. Thailand is making a significant stride towards gaming legalization. AGB got a look at the Thai parliamentary casino committee gaming draft bill, which includes proposals such as a 17 percent gaming tax proposal, and estimates Thais will constitute three-quarters of the spending at potentially 5 to 8 entertainment complexes to be built in the Southeast Asian kingdom. Meanwhile, the 6th ASEAN Gaming Summit, Asia’s premier gaming event, will kick off on Tuesday, March 19th, with speakers, exhibitors and participants already flooding into the Philippine capital to meet at the Shangri-La The Fort. The Summit will start with a special State of the Industry address by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) Chairman and CEO, Alejandro H. Tengco, immediately followed by a Keynote Address by the President and Chief Operating Officer of Bloomberry Resorts Corp, Thomas Arasi.
What you need to know
- Thai parliamentary casino committee presents a draft bill with a 17 percent casino tax proposal and suggestions for the country’s future gaming sector.
- ASEAN Gaming Summit kicks off tomorrow.
- IEC reported approximately HK$42.2 million ($5.3 million) in losses in the second half of last year, almost doubling its losses for the previous year.
On the radar
- Refurbished border to Macau reopens, capable of passing 350k daily.
- Nagasaki no longer pursuing the IR project: report.
- Vietnam urges Macau to ease visa regulations.
- Brunei bans claw machines for fear of gambling elements.
AGB Intelligence
THAILAND
Thailand advances gaming legalization draft bill
Thailand’s move towards legalizing casinos advances with a draft bill completed by a parliamentary committee. The bill aims to establish a framework for integrated entertainment complexes featuring casinos, likely to pass through endorsement on the parliamentary floor and Cabinet approval due to alignment with Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s economic goals. Analysis by Daniel Cheng suggests Thais will heavily contribute to spending at potential entertainment complexes, and a proposed 17 percent casino tax, comparable to Singapore’s, could significantly attract investor interest in the private sector.
Corporate Spotlight
Sumsub takes the lead in gaming fraud protection at
ASEAN Gaming Summit 2024
Sumsub, a full-cycle verification platform, proudly announces its sponsorship of ASEAN Gaming Summit 2024, affirming its commitment to helping gaming companies combat fraud amidst the escalating threat of illicit activities in the region. Sumsub will take centre stage with an insightful panel discussion on How can PAGCOR use AI for Responsible Gaming/AML compliance.
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
- Jade Group launches Jade Fantasy Cricket in Sri Lanka.
- Oddin.gg teams Up with Torrero.
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 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.
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