Good Morning. The hunt is on. Several satellite casinos in Macau are closing before the December 31st deadline, primarily due to the poaching of key marketing staff by larger competitors, Billy Song, President of the Macau Responsible Gaming Association, tells AGB, leading to operational struggles and prompting a shift of resources towards budget hotel conversions and expansions of main gaming areas. Meanwhile, Macau is preparing to receive around 1.2 million visitors during the upcoming National Day Golden Week, with daily arrivals projected to average 150,000.
What you need to know
- Satellite casinos in Macau close early as major operators lure away marketing teams, leaving satellites unable to retain customers.
- The extended Golden Week holiday is expected to bring 1.2M visitors to Macau, with arrivals averaging 150k daily and hotel rates staying stable.
On the radar
- Vietnam plans a tenfold increase in daily football betting limit to $380.
- IEC loss for FY25 increases despite revenue from Manila Newcoast.
- Macau 2024 tourism rebound boosted agency receipts, continues to rise.
- All is not lost for Asian-facing casino operators hoping for New York.
AGB Intelligence
MACAU

Major gaming operators target satellite casino staff, leading to earlier closures
Several satellite casinos in Macau have begun shutting down operations ahead of a December 31st deadline, primarily due to the loss of key marketing personnel to larger competitors offering better salaries, according to Billy Song, President of the Macau Responsible Gaming Association. Major gaming operators have aggressively recruited entire marketing teams, leading to a significant staff exodus and making it difficult for satellite casinos to attract customers. Some casinos, like Landmark, are attempting to retain staff by enhancing commission schemes, but manyโincluding Grand Dragon and Grandviewโhave already ceased operations.
Corporate Spotlight
90-Day Playbook for Winning Asiaโs Gaming Market | GR8 Tech
Every operator can launch, but few can lead. In Asia, leadership is won in the 90 days after go-live, when payments feel effortless, content resonates locally, and every touchpoint builds trust.
Why Asiaโs iGaming operators must rethink risk strategy | SEON
Winning Trust, Stopping Fraud. Asia Pacificโs 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
- Aristocrat Gaming and Interactive debut next-gen experiences at G2E 2025.
- 1xBetโs impact at SBC 2025 highlighted its leadership in the iGaming arena.
- Wazdan expands retro slot portfolio with Hot Slot: 777 Diamond Crown.
INTELLIGENCE | ASEAN | CAREERS






