Good Morning. Build it, across the border, and they will come. Such is the story of Hengqin, whose recovery is outpacing its neighboring gambling hub Macau. A massive theme park and a continual ramp-up of new hotel rooms and MICE facilities on the non-gaming island (and surrounding Zhuhai) are bringing visitors to within a stone’s throw of Cotai. And in Australia, the problem gambling mitigation continues, with Crown Resorts launching PlaySafe – encompassing everything from game design to online player self-exclusion.
What you need to know
- An expert says that even though Macau’s tourism recovery was encouraging in 1H23, it still needs momentum to catch up with neighboring Hengqin.
- Crown Resorts officially rolls out its new responsible gaming program, entitled PlaySafe, with online self-exclusion and player curbs.
On the radar
- MGM Resorts appoints Daniel Yang as Chief Customer & Innovation Officer.
- AMCM: Visitor spending on gaming increased by 100 percent in 1Q23.
- Flight links delay Macau recovery, operators setting up new promotion bureaus.
- China to severely crack down on telecom/online gambling with Myanmar.
- Crystal Cruises to purchase four new vessels, with “ambitious growth plans”.
- SJM’s hotel occupancy jumps to 90 percent during summer.
AGB Intelligence
HENGQIN
Macau lagging non-gaming neighbor in recovery: expert
Macau is facing competition not just from other regional gaming jurisdictions but even from its non-gaming neighbor Hengqin, with tourism recovery to the island and the ever-expanding city of Zhuhai outpacing Asia’s top gaming center. According to an expert, the Chimelong theme park is largely driving this recovery, with over 5.5 million visitors in the first half-year. However, the build-up of MICE infrastructure and hotel rooms is only likely to help the SAR, as gaming operators set up shop to create cross-border synergy.
Industry Updates
- SJM launches “Virtually Versailles” Immersive Exhibition in GLP.
- Play’n GO serve up sweetness with Sweet Alchemy 100.
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