Good Morning. Macau’s fourth quarter started with muted performance in October due to an outbreak of Covid-19 in Macau, but was able to improve later in the month and in November and December, with visitation reaching back to around 30,000 visitors per day. This week’s infographic shows analyst’s GGR and EBITDA expectations for the fourth quarter of 2021. Looking into 2022, it is not fully known what the impact Macau’s junket closures, and the new Omicron strain will have on the market.
What you need to know
- Clarion Gaming said ICE London and iGB Affiliate London have been postponed due to the rapid spread of the Omicron variant in the U.K. and Europe.
- The Star Entertainment Group is expected to emerge with a renewed bid for Crown Resorts in February 2022, despite retreating from the bidding war in July.
- Macau gross gambling revenue was down 3 percent in the third week of December from the prior week, despite rising visitation to the city, according to Bernstein Research.
- NSW Crime Commission has announced it is launching a dedicated inquiry into pokie machine money laundering allegations in the state.
- Macau’s Secretary for Economy and Finance has confirmed that the SAR will continue to permit the operation of junkets as long as they “fulfil all legal requirements.”
The year ahead
Earle Hall, CEO AXES.ai
Futurist Earle Hall predicts the robotization of the large scale chains and a corporate culture clash when dealing with the revamped WFO policies. On the flipside, blockchain finds its purpose.
On the radar
- A Thai parliamentary committee that will discuss whether to legalize casinos in the country is beginning to take shape.
- Macau’s Economy Secretary has warned that the trajectory of economic recovery remains uncertain in 2022.
- Wynn Macau plans to convert its VIP rooms for mass-market uses.
- NagaCorp says ops have continued as normal despite an illegal strike.
- NagaWorld workers proceed with strike after arbitration attempt fails
- The credit rating of Guangzhou R&F Properties has been downgraded.
- Vickers has warned of “significant staff defections” over the coming months
What the papers say
- The Fanter Corp sale of IPI assets has been pushed back to end of Jan
- Japan to extend foreigner entry curb beyond year end
AGB Intelligence
BY THE NUMB3RS
Macau analysts forecast 4Q21 GGR and EBITDA
Macau’s 4Q21 GGR and EBITDA are not expected to vary significantly from the previous quarter, with the rise in mass gaming revenues offset by the closure of junket rooms from December. In this week’s infographic, we compile the forecasts from Macau gaming analysts including J.P. Morgan, Bernstein, Deutsche Bank, Fitch Ratings, and Morgan Stanley about what they expect Macau GGR and property EBITDA to reach by the end of the fourth quarter of 2021.
Industry Updates
- Melco Resorts mobilizes volunteer team to visit 550 elderly people
- Sportradar enter exclusive partnership with International Hockey Federation
Supplier Specials
Jade: Passing GLI evaluation with flying colors
Jade passed the Gaming Laboratories International evaluation with flying colors and received its GLI-33 certification for both verticals, SportsBet and Sabong. Following the accreditation, Jade will become more aggressive with its Sabong offering, introducing a shift in the betting market with exotic jackpots.
Paradise Entertainment: MGS success and N. A. debut
Although 2021 continues to be a challenging and turbulent year, with the evolution of Covid-19 and the recent emergence of the Omicron variant, Paradise Entertainment is pleased to showcase some of our finest achievements of the year, including our North American slot debut.
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