Good morning. Macau is further strengthening its oversight of gaming, and increasing penalties for offenses, as the new Law on Illegal Gambling Activities came into effect today. Check out what’s changed and what questions still remain. In UAE news, Wynn Al Marjan Island is on course to open in the first quarter of 2027, as the race to the emirates heats up. And in the Philippines, human trafficking charges have been filed against former Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque Jr. due to alleged links to a POGO operation.
What you need to know
- Macau’s new Law on Illegal Gambling Activities comes into effect today. Top law firm MdME outlines what’s changed.
- Wynn Al Marjan Island project is confirmed for a 1Q27 opening, remaining on track with no signs of delays, according to RAK Hospitality.
- The POGO net continues to widen, with human trafficking charges filed against former Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque Jr.
On the radar
- Kangwon Land 3Q24 net profit up 24.3% YoY, to $66.5M.
- Aristocrat confirms Gaming Related Vendor License for the UAE.
- NUSTAR to launch new “ultra-luxury” hotel by December: reports.
- Newport World Resorts appoints John Lucas as new Chief Hospitality Officer.
- Moody’s assigns a stable outlook for Genting, citing performance stability.
- Another illegal POGO raid nets over 100 foreigners operating out of resort.
- Philippines’ SEC prioritizes reforms to secure exit from FATF grey list.
AGB Intelligence
MACAU
New Law on Illegal Gambling Activities now in effect
Macau’s much-debated new Law on Illegal Gambling Activities officially came into effect today. Top law firm MdME examines exactly what changes the new law brings about and what questions still need to be clarified. In particular focus was shutting down online gaming, side betting, and illegal money exchanges. But the law also covers lotteries and mutual betting, while expanding investigative powers for authorities and expanding liability for associated entities.
Corporate Spotlight
1xBet: Capitalize on Asian teams’ World Cup qualifier struggles
Asia is the most populated continent on the planet and Football is the No. 1 sport in most countries. The World Cup qualifying matches are traditionally watched by billions of fans in the region, but FIFA has decided to reward Asia with a significant representation at the tournament only now.
Altenar brings premium sportsbook solution to Asia
Altenar, a leading sportsbook provider is bringing its global expertise to Asia, looking to expand its operations. Since 2011, Altenar has powered hundreds of online sports betting sites worldwide and is a major B2B provider in Europe and Latin America licensed markets.
Industry Updates
- MGM and DSAL launch comprehensive Hengqin-Macau training initiative.
- Kiron Interactive achieves ISO27001 certification for data security.
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