Asia Gaming Briefings – February 2022 Edition


Reports of Macau junket death exaggerated!

The Macau gaming industry has been on a rollercoaster ride that doesn’t seem to end. After the disastrous announcement by the Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau (DICJ) in September last year, which wiped a quarter off the market value of shares in the Macau operators, the government has been endeavouring to repaint the canvas in broad, bold strokes to brighten up the picture.

So much so that after the announcement of the new gaming law draft earlier this month the industry took a collective sigh
of relief. It was short lived.

In the focus section of the February edition of AGBriefings magazine, we bring you insights from the experts on the implications of the gaming law draft and its impact on the re-tendering of the gaming concessions – potentially, some time this year.



In Focus: Macau junkets on life support and satellites in the balance


Reshaping Macau’s regulatory landscape

Events in Macau have been moving at a breathtaking speed since the government first published its outline for changes to the gaming law in September.

Employment concerns may save junkets, satellites

Junkets have survived in Macau’s amended gaming bill and satellite casinos are likely to continue to be a part of the landscape due to the government’s concern about local employment, says Alidad Tash.

Junkets operators: One activity, two legal systems

Junkets in Macau aren’t dead yet, but they are on life support, argues Carlos Simões, a partner with law firm DSL, who takes us through some of the momentous events of recent months and asks where next?

Macau bidders need to pay close attention to government vision

With the concession expiry deadline looming the Macau government is pushing ahead with its plans for a public re-tender for the coveted licenses. Glenn McCartney MBE, writes that the attention will soon be focused on the request for proposal process and ensuring the pitches are in line with the government’s clearly stated objectives.

Satellite casino abolition to harm the local economy

Jay Chun, chairman of Paradise Entertainment, has warned that a clause in Macau’s proposed gaming law will have a negative impact on the local economy and small businesses. 

JURISDICTIONS UPDATES


Macau stocks poised for bounce

Investors are taking a second look at Macau stocks after a near 60 percent plunge in 2021, with the publication of the gaming law...

Okada Manila 4Q21 points to strong recovery when restrictions ease

It was another tough year for the Philippines in 2021, which suffered among the most lengthy casino closures in Asia, although 4Q21 figures from...

NagaCorp says union membership played no part in downsizing decisions

NagaCorp’s NagaWorld in Phnom Penh has defended its relationship with unionized workers after the treatment of striking employees by local authorities raised concerns amongst human rights organizations and the U.S.

Results highlight second year of pain for foreigner-only casinos

South Korea’s foreigner-only casinos suffered another year of pain in 2021 with no meaningful reprieve in sight, triggering authorities on the island of Jeju to search for a lifeline for the industry.

Delta sees bright future as pent-up demand drives record growth

Delta Corp, India’s largest gaming group, sees a bright future as Covid restrictions ease after pent-up demand drives its latest quarterly results to record levels.

Regulation, staff issues to create 2022 headaches

Australia’s gaming industry moves into 2022 facing multiple headwinds, with rising Covid cases, staff shortages and another expected round of regulatory scrutiny.

IPI battles on in Saipan despite mounting legal woes, zero revenue

Saipan’s efforts to resurrect its casino industry and rid itself of the incumbent operator have hit another hurdle, with the regulator saying that stripping Imperial Pacific International of its license would be unconstitutional.

Foreign investment, new regulation, positives for Vietnam casino industry

The potential for new regulation, coupled with favourable foreign investment trends, are creating a strong base for Vietnam’s casino industry.

LAST WORD


Legal changes broadly positive, but no cause for celebration

Steve Vickers & Associates, a corporate intelligence and risk mitigation firm with deep roots in Asia, is warning against irrational exuberance in the wake of the publication of Macau’s new gaming law.

SUPPLIER SPECIAL REPORT


2022 still ripe for the return of global gaming shows

Whilst the latest Covid-19 strain has forced certain large-scale gaming events further down the calendar, the industry remains optimistic for the return of some of our most-missed global gaming shows, including Clarion’s ICE Totally Gaming, not to mention our very own ASEAN Gaming Summit 2022.

Asia Gaming Briefings – December 2021 Edition

In what has now become an Asia Gaming Brief tradition, the Focus Section of our December magazine takes a look at the year in review and asks for forecasts on how the year ahead may evolve. In the following articles, you will find those predictions from a selection of leading figures in Asia’s gaming industry.