Good morning. Macau is adding more reasons to visit, but gaming remains its economic anchor. Researchers say the city’s growing mix of concerts, hotels, conventions, culture and sport is broadening the visitor journey while continuing to feed the integrated resort model. Tourism data for 2024 points in the same direction, as gaming accounted for most of the recovery in value added. Over in the Philippines, DigiPlus faces a more crowded online market as casino-backed rivals expand, with analysts expecting competition to bite first into margins rather than overturn its revenue lead.

What you need to know

Macau’s non-gaming attractions may strengthen casino resorts without creating revenue streams independent of gaming, a study finds.
New casino-backed online platforms could erode DigiPlus’ market share and pressure margins as promotional spending stays high.

On the radar

China adds assault charges against Prince Group founder Chen Zhi.
Chinese visitors account for over one-third of ASEAN+3 arrival growth.
Macau airport passenger traffic rises 7.9% YoY in first-half 2026.
Goa casino rules may face delay until after the 2027 state election.

AGB Intelligence

MACAU

Macau non-gaming growth strengthens casino ecosystem

Macau’s expanding entertainment, hotel, MICE and cultural offerings are broadening the visitor experience, but they remain closely tied to the casino economy, according to an academic study. Official data show gaming captured most of the growth in tourism value during 2024. Researchers said the longer-term test will be whether non-gaming projects can generate independent revenue rather than primarily supporting hotel occupancy, visitor stays and casino performance.

Industry Updates

BMM Testlabs demonstrates global testing leadership at AGE Sydney 2026.
SA Gaming integrates game portfolio with SOFTSWISS Game Aggregator.
SBC and TAP Air Portugal launch travel partnership for Lisbon showcase.

daily ebrief

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. More from AGBrief Editorial →