Good Morning. A natural fit. Esports is increasingly integrating regulated gambling partnerships to attract younger audiences, with projected revenues of $4.8 billion this year, while emphasizing strict regulations, innovation, and sustainable strategies to meet evolving audience expectations. In Macau, free services provided to customers accounted for 63 percent of operating expenses among gaming operators last year. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka’s government is aiming to increase its betting and gaming tax to 18 percent, a 3 percent increase, and to double the casino entry fee for locals.
What you need to know
- Esports is moving closer to gambling but “with a seatbelt on”. The sector has seen a downturn, but still provides massive opportunities.
- Free services to clients made up 63% of Macau casinos’ operating costs in 2024, led by hotels and dining perks, DSEC data show.
- Sri Lanka capitalizes off its growing casino industry by boosting its casino levy to 18 percent and doubling the entrance fee for locals.
On the radar
- PH court orders Melco to compensate dismissed City of Dreams Manila staff.
- DigiPlus debuts Brazil operations with GamePlus launch on September 22nd.
- Melco Resorts Finance raises $500M at 6.5%, debt maturity profile extended.
- Macau’s Studio City adding private hospital, opening in October.
AGB Intelligence
ESPORTS
Overcoming hurdles, Esports rises above
Esports is becoming a household name. And with that growth has come growing pains. After undergoing an “Esports winter”, the sector is now poised to maximize its potential, with a more open approach to sponsorship than traditional sports. Gambling companies are honing in on the promise, with stakeholders aiming to maximize to break into the sector.
Corporate Spotlight
90-Day Playbook for Winning Asia’s Gaming Market | GR8 Tech
Every operator can launch, but few can lead. In Asia, leadership is won in the 90 days after go-live, when payments feel effortless, content resonates locally, and every touchpoint builds trust.
Why Asia’s iGaming operators must rethink risk strategy | SEON
Winning Trust, Stopping Fraud. Asia Pacific’s iGaming market is expanding extremely fast, and a new wave of digital-savvy players is pushing demand through the roof. But the rise in adoption has outpaced regulation in many markets, and fraudsters have taken notice.
Industry Updates
- BMM leverages G2E Vegas to launch global compliance & cybersecurity push.
- Games Global expands Hard Rock Bet partnership with ‘9 Nekos of Fortune’.
- Yggdrasil launches Neon West, blending sci-fi and western themes.
INTELLIGENCE | ASEAN | CAREERS
