ENGAGING THE INDUSTRY AT ASEAN

AGB is proud to be hosting the second edition of the ASEAN Gaming Summit in Manila, where 300 guests from both the land-based and online gaming fields will gather to engage with more than 80 leading speakers lined up to discuss the state of the industry.

While the 2017 show focused on the convergence of online and land-based gaming, the 2018 event takes a look at disruptive technologies, as well as innovative operational and management strategies.

The Focus section of this edition is dedicated to lifting the veil on some of the discussions you can expect in Manila. While the summit was designed to throw the spotlight on some of the issues and products that are likely to shake up the future of the gaming industry in Asia, we take a deeper look at some of the emerging trends, both for the online and the land-based industries.

In the land-based sector, we discuss how new technologies can be used to help operators maximize their table yields. While in the online sphere we look at how First Cagayan plans a comeback. The master licensor is promising not only to significantly upgrade its infrastructure, but also to focus on fintech and bitcoins, aiming to become an Asian hub for these high-growth industries.

In these pages you’ll find our regular Jurisdiction Updates from across the region. Starting with Macau we bring you the story behind the new property on the market. MGM Cotai’s delayed opening happened without some of the fanfare seen for other debuts, but management has said casino floor traffic has been above expectations and close to matching its sister resort on the Peninsula in terms of mass win per unit per day.

Heading into IndoChina, analysts say central Vietnam’s Hoiana IR-in-development, to be operated by Suncity, has the potential to generate about $15 billion a quarter in VIP rolling volumes and syphon off a chunk of Macau’s highroller market.

Further afield, operators and the community are still waiting for the details of how Japan plans to regulate and tax its casino industry. Leaked proposals have so far suggested a high-tax environment, with restrictions on space, which some warn will lead to lower investment levels.

While Japan delays, South Korea steams ahead, with Incheon attracting its fourth IR. A Chinese property developer has announced plans for $4.5 billion resort on Yeongjong Island, which authorities are touting as a major step towards creating an entertainment hub in the Incheon Free Economic Zone.

In Singapore, operators continue to squeeze out profits from flat revenue. LVS argues that while a success story, the city state is a very large EBITDA producer without topline growth prospects in the near future.

Back to South East Asia, we look at how tax reforms the Philippines may have a sting in the tail. The recently approved first steps in a long-awaited tax-reform program are designed to raise funds to improve infrastructure.

Analysts say they will dampen consumer spending, but are unlikely to hurt the booming gambling industry. However, a second round of measures may contain more sting and operators are watching closely.

Keeping with the Philippines, and the ASEAN Gaming Summit, the 2018 event also features an upgraded meeting space at the conference, allowing companies to showcase their latest products and technologies in a casual environment. This edition’s Special Supplier report brings you the voices of event exhibitors and supporters. They talk about the trends they are seeing in Asia and comment on what products and services they’re prepared to deploy to take advantage of developments.

See you in Manila!

On behalf of Asia Gaming Brief

Rosalind Wade & Luis Pereira

Publishers