Good Morning. It’s never a one-size-fits-all when it comes to casinos. And jurisdictions try their best. That’s the case of Portugal, which may benefit from the integrated resort model championed in Asia that has emerged as a frontrunner and could provide a strong legal framework for negotiating upcoming contracts. Meanwhile, in the Philippines, the e-games market continues to thrive, outpacing the land-based segment again, despite attempts to shut down the sector. However, the possibility for increased taxation still looms, as top officials push for more oversight, amongst the sector’s continued growth in the regulated market.
What you need to know
- Portugal’s new casino concessions tender may not meet international standards without a tourism-focused vision, warns gaming law expert.
- Philippines’ gaming revenue hits $3.8B in 1H25, led by e-games at 53% as PAGCOR emphasizes oversight and reform.
- Finance Secretary reveals that the Philippine government could raise online gambling taxation fees to 40%, citing the need for tighter regulation.
On the radar
- Success Universe cements SJM bond amongst satellite casino transition.
- AGI: Boracay and Cebu IR investments ‘could hit $2 billion’.
- Canadian Pollard Banknote granted UAE gaming-related vendor license.
- Hong Kong visitor drop drags Macau hotel occupancy down 1% in 1H25.
- Kangwon Land profit slumps 62.2% in 2Q25 amid rising operational costs.
AGB Intelligence
LICENSES
Tender in Portugal may not meet international standards
Gaming operations in Asia tend to have tendrils stretching back across continents. Such is the case for Portugal, as Stanley Ho’s legacy continues to live on even amongst the negotiation of new concessions in the European nation. But beyond that, the Asian integrated resort model is proving to hold up the best, with an expert arguing that a non-gaming approach should be key, something the current legal framework may not have accurately taken into account.
Corporate Spotlight
Why Asia’s iGaming operators must rethink risk strategy | SEON
Winning Trust, Stopping Fraud. Asia Pacific’s 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
- IGSA introduces AI Ethics guidelines for the gaming industry.
- Play’n GO expands presence in NA with Caesars Entertainment partnership.
- Yggdrasil expands YGG Masters portfolio with DEGEN Studios.
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