Good Morning. It’s hard to compete with the home team. Macau is reaping the benefits of its shared border with China, getting over 50 percent of outbound Chinese visitors, even as regional gaming hubs try to draw the market back. The Philippines is attempting to get back exactly those visitors, launching an e-Visa scheme first targeting China and later India. And in Malaysia, RGB International has refuted any claims that it is linked to political funding in the nation, denying involvement in Malaysian slot clubs. Meanwhile, Australia’s The Star inks a loss of $1.57 billion for its financial year.

What you need to know
- Macau outshines Hong Kong as the favored travel destination for Chinese tourists, thanks to its proximity and affordability.
- RGB International refutes claim that its subsidiary engaged in political funding, denies involvement in Malaysian slot clubs.
- Australia’s The Star sees a $1.57 billion loss in its financial year, despite promising results from its Sydney property.
- Philippines launches e-Visa scheme, targeting Chinese visitors in first round, looking to India for second round as it encourages foreigners to stay.
On the radar
- Vietnamese authorities tighten casino supervision.
- New PH hotel room openings to further worker shortage.
- China removes last Covid-19 entry test requirements.
- Supreme Court faults former PAGCOR leadership for awarding public funds.
- IPI’s exclusive casino license still suspended, arbitration proceedings halted.
- India bans all advertising of online betting ahead of Asia Cup cricket league.
- Ainsworth $8.4mln investment in Argentina to be written off in 1H23 results.
AGB Intelligence
MACAU
Gaming hub shines as preferred destination for Chinese visitors
Macau has topped the rankings as the preferred destination for Chinese visitors, rising over its 10-fold-larger neighbor Hong Kong. The cheaper appeal of a one-day destination, favored by day-tripping Chinese punters, means that it outshines regional gaming hubs including Singapore, South Korea, Malaysia and Vietnam. The tiny SAR saw over 50 percent of all Chinese outbound travel in the first half-year.
Corporate Spotlight
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