Daily Asia Gaming eBrief: Strong interest in sports betting in Macau, says exec

Good Morning. Put some skin in the game. That’s what executives at M Plus (in Macau) are facilitating, by providing sports broadcasts, noting that some 90 percent of their viewership is also betting on the outcome of the matches they watch. And Hong Kong is keen to horn in on part of that market, looking to start basketball betting, a competitive action that could change Macau’s sports betting landscape. Meanwhile, hopes are high for Golden Week in the gambling hub, bolstered by a strong turnout over Easter.

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What you need to know

• Macau’s M Plus sees 90% of sports broadcast viewers betting, highlighting strong synergy between viewing and wagering in the region.
• May Day hotel rates in Macau down 14% from Chinese New Year, but strong Easter turnout fuels optimism for Golden Week tourism.

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On the radar

• Newport World Resorts: $566M gaming revenue in 2024 amid 6% decline.
• Delta Corp gaming revenue down in 1Q25.
• Macau’s geopolitical risks secondary to economic challenges: CBRE.
• Singapore sees steady visitor arrivals in 1Q25.
• Seven deaths in Indian state linked to online betting in one month.

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AGB Intelligence

SPORTS BETTING

Viewing and wagering intertwined: M Plus VP

While not a major contributor to Macau’s main GGR, sports betting still plays a role in the SAR. And executives at M Plus, an online sports broadcasting platform, are keen to tap this demand and provide viewing options to potential punters. Macau currently offers both football and basketball betting options, with Hong Kong eager to also tap the NBA-facing crowd, something that could cause Macau to reevaluate its stance and potentially open up more wagering avenues.

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Industry Updates

• MGM introduces Barra Mart, bringing energy to Macau’s weekend scene.
• Melco Resorts & MYEIC empower SMEs with strategic marketing solutions.
• IGT’s Wheel of Fortune DiamondRS Premium cabinet rolls into U.S. casinos.

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