Good Morning. As Hong Kong braces for a surge of Omicron cases, medical experts from the University of Hong Kong have urged authorities to consider a gradual reopening of its borders, starting with business travelers. That being said, the city’s vaccination rate needs to first pick up, they said.
Asia Gaming Brief will be taking a short break over the new year and will be back on Monday 3rd January with your daily eBrief. All the best for the new year!
What you need to know
- Medical experts from the University of Hong Kong, including a top government advisor and microbiology and infectious diseases expert, have urged the city’s government to consider a gradual reopening of its borders to the world once it reaches a 90 percent vaccination rate.
The year ahead
Jay Sayta, Gaming lawyer
Tax and legal clarity to emerge: Independent technology and gaming lawyer Jay Sayta expects the rate of GST on online gaming and casinos to be clarified. Chances are the rate will likely be increased in 2022 causing industry headwinds.
On the radar
- The average occupancy rate of guest rooms in Macau stood at 46.8 percent in November, rising 2 percentage points month-on-month and 2.8 percent year-on-year, according to the latest data from the Macau government.
- Las Vegas strip revenue surpassed analyst expectations in November, with revenues up 45.8 percent compared to November 2019, and up 115.9 percent from November 2020.
What the papers say
- Pragmatic Play makes wide range of CSR contributions in 2021
- Melco’s OSH campaign promotes positive safety culture in the workplace
Supplier Specials
G&D: Accuracy and efficiency in cash handling
Giesecke & Devrient, as a long-term business partner with casinos, is continuing to support customers, helping them to maintain banknote processing and to secure accuracy and efficiency. We are looking forward to a better year in 2022.
WDTS: Perfect Pay Baccarat debuts at RWLV
WDTS achieved significant milestones in 2021 despite the continued uncertainties in gaming. An important achievement was the first North American implementation for WDTS’s Perfect Pay Baccarat platform at Resorts World Las Vegas.
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