Good morning. Takeharu Yamanaka’s victory over Hachiro Okonogi and Fumiko Hayashi may be the worst-case scenario for those hoping for an integrated resort in the city. It’s a particular blow to Melco and Genting, who were seen as the top runners for the bid.
Our Intelligence Article today is an expansion of discussions with Julian Hoskins about the impact that Crown’s royal commissions in Australia will have on the wider gaming industry. Julian discusses how the inquiry will impact loyalty programs and junket play.
What you need to know
- Hardline anti-IR candidate Takeharu Yamanaka has won the Yokohama mayoral race, dealing a blow to the city’s casino hopes and for Japan’s PM Yoshihide Suga.
- Steve McCann is going to be moving from Sydney to Melbourne to take over as CEO of Crown Melbourne after Xavier Walsh stepped down from the role.
- New Zealand is struggling to control its recent outbreak, with possible lockdown extensions to be announced Monday.
- Philippines GGR saw a 30.4 percent sequential decline in 2Q21, caused by a fall in revenue across PAGCOR casinos, casinos in Entertainment City, Fiesta, Bingo, and Electronic Games.
On the radar
- Grand Korea Leisure has appointed Kim Young-san as new CEO.
- Australian authorities struggle to contain backlash over new lockdowns.
- Macau wants more local gaming employees as the workforce fell in 2Q21.
- Macau is relaxing border entry requirements for some Chinese regions.
- Aristocrat has added three new studios to its Digital arm.
- PH Resorts is bullish about tourism recovery after raising P600 million.
What the papers say
- eGaming firms in Saipan are asking government to amend local laws
- South Korea extends social distancing restrictions for two weeks
AGB Intelligence
DEEP DIVE
More changes to Aus gaming from Crown inquiries: Hoskins
Gaming product manufacturers may be required to make changes to the products that they offer in Australia as a result of recent royal commissions into Crown Resorts. This was just one of many changes expected for the wider Australian gaming industry as a result of the inquiries in NSW, Victoria, and Western Australia, which saw the company “dragged through the mud” for its responsible gaming, anti-money laundering, corporate culture, and staff training failures.
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