SPORTS FOR ALL

One of the biggest news events of the year in the gaming world was the US Supreme Court’s decision to allow legal sports betting across the country.

We review the momentous changes likely to happen in the U.S. as a result of the PAPSA ruling and what opportunities may open up for global sports betting companies, many of which already have a significant head start on U.S. competitors given their longer history in legal markets, such as Europe.

We ask in particular, what kind of opportunities may emerge, either for Asian providers to offer their services, or for companies seeking to target the Asian market in the U.S. Global Market Advisors Managing Director of Sports Betting & Technology, John English, likens this change in regulation to the California Gold Rush of 1849, when thousands of 49’rs raced to California to seek their fortunes.

On the other side of the coin, major Asian-based foreign investors are joining the queue to capture part of a potentially lucrative market, with jurisdictions such as Vietnam, embarking on major sports betting reforms.

Also, we look at how Asian sports books are adding more content in response to demand from local gamers, with betting on smaller, local sports, now growing at a faster pace than punting on the European big leagues.

In these pages you’ll also find the most relevant updates across the Asia region:

In Macau, alongside a rebound in gross gaming revenue, the city is enjoying a boom in retail sales, with operators seeking to drive further growth through innovative concepts, such as pop-up shops and retail cafes.

Across to Indochina, foreign direct investment continues to flood into Cambodia, led by Mainland China, though some areas of the country are beginning to push back against rising Chinese dominance.

Meanwhile, neighbouring Vietnam is reportedly considering revisions to its casino decree as part of plans to slash the red tape seen as hindering the development of a large range of industries.

On the online sphere, growth in online gambling in the Philippines is driving a real estate boom in Manila, which is now spilling over to the island of Cebu, as operators seek more space and cheaper prices. India’s online gaming sector has seen a spate of acquisitions in recent months as operators position themselves for strong projected growth, despite the ongoing regulatory uncertainties.

Down under, we report on how Star Entertainment Group and its Asian partners are carrying out one of the largest investment and refurbishment programs in Australia’s integrated resort market, amidst projections for surging inbound tourism.

We dedicate the edition’s Supplier Special Report to Global Gaming Expo (G2E), arguably the world’s largest gaming trade show, returning to Sands Expo in Las Vegas on October 8-11, 2018, showcasing the latest tech in the gaming industry. Throughout our Special Report we lift the veil into what you can expect to see in the show floor.

Asia Gaming Brief will be attending to cover all the latest industry developments and innovations. Reach out to g2e@agbrief.com to book a meeting.

See you in Vegas!

On behalf of Asia Gaming Brief

Rosalind Wade & Luis Pereira

Publishers