Good Morning. Steady as she goes. Macau’s economy is holding firm against global turbulence, supported by both local policies and regional tailwinds. The city’s financial regulator, AMCM, sees continued recovery ahead despite recent softness in visitor spending. Meanwhile, equity analysts are growing more upbeat. Seaport Research has raised its 2025 GGR outlook, citing strong second-quarter results and signs of a second-half rebound. But it’s a different story in Malaysia, where police are calling for urgent reforms to outdated gambling laws that have failed to keep pace with the rise of online betting and digital crime.
What you need to know
- Macau’s economy remains resilient in 2025, backed by China’s growth and local support measures, despite weaker service exports and tourism spending.
- Seaport upgrades Macau GGR growth to 7% in 2025, citing strong Q2 results and momentum into 2H25 despite macroeconomic headwinds.
- Malaysian police aim to overhaul 1953 gambling laws to combat online syndicates that utilize influencers, AI, and cryptocurrency to evade detection.
On the radar
- Industry data shows 50K jobs at stake in PH online gambling ban debate.
- Light & Wonder granted a gaming-related vendor license in the UAE.
- Resorts World New York City unveils ambitious $5.5B IR plan.
- Facebook cracks down on 20 gambling influencers in Philippines.
- MIXI challenges Betr with firm all-cash PointsBet offer.
- ‘Urban Food District’ leads Crown Perth’s biggest upgrade in a decade.
AGB Intelligence
MACAU
Macau’s economy stands strong despite worldwide woes
Macau’s economy shows continued resilience against global difficulties, per the AMCM’s review. Support from mainland China’s economic growth and local government programs are anticipated to strengthen domestic demand through 2025. However, visitor expenditure slowed and gaming revenue growth moderated in the first quarter of 2025.
Corporate Spotlight
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
- SEGA SAMMY CREATION rolls out ‘Prosperity Peaks’ on Macau casino floors.
- 1xBet breaks down LCP Season Finals 2025: who’s headed to Worlds?
- Kambi Group signs sportsbook partnership to power RedCap’s BetPro.
Written by
AGBrief Editorial
The AGBrief Editorial Team is a group of contributors living around the world that are connected to Asia Gaming Brief. They are active members in pursuing the sources of our news, making them reliable and accurate for our readers.
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