LONDON KICK OFF

Freezing temperatures will not be enough to deter what is arguably the largest yearly gathering of the global gaming industry in London in early February.

Known for encompassing both online and landbased spheres, ICE 2020 will kick off the industry’s event calendar with an even larger, broader scope of products and services on the exhibition floor: from augmented reality to artificial intelligence, to esports, and everything that’s new in the gaming industry.

In line with that spirit we dedicate the focus of this Asia Gaming Brief edition to the iGaming industry. From a marketing perspective, we look at how influencer marketing is fast becoming an essential component of the online marketing toolbox, with as many as 65 percent of marketers having increased their influencer marketing budgets in 2019.

Another way iGaming is being felt is in the land-based world through technology. We bring you the story of how Melco Resorts & Entertainment is increasingly bullish on the disruptive impact of blockchain technology on the casino floor, with projects already live and more in the pipeline.

On a regulatory framework, we go through Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte’s claims to have China’s backing for its handling of its online gaming industry, potentially providing some clarity to the market after a year of uncertainty.

In these pages you will also find the most relevant updates across 22 Asian Jurisdictions.

In Macau we look at how the operators have stepped up their corporate social responsibility (CSE) efforts in recent years, in particular when it comes to China cultural cooperation, which may help their case when it comes to concession renewal.

On the issue of IR development in Japan, the Shinzo Abe government has acted like a political bulldozer, assuming that the opposition parties and the majority opinion of the Japanese people could be swept aside by overwhelming force. While the approach has taken them a long way forward, the costs seem to be mounting and the limits may be in sight.

Across to IndoChina where Vietnam’s gambling industry stayed largely out of the headlines in 2019, though projects have been inching their way forward, with the country’s largest resort to date scheduled to open in the first half of this year.

Meanwhile, neighboring Cambodia’s online gaming ban, which came into effect as of January 1st, has triggered mass layoffs and the shutdown of numerous casinos, and is not expected to be lifted due to pressure from the Chinese government.

Down under, Australia’s gaming industry faces an uncertain 2020, as the catastrophic bushfires deter foreign visitation and hit already softening domestic demand.

Our Special Supplier Report in the latter section of the magazine lifts the veil on what one can expect at ICE Totally Gaming. It would seem we’re in for a treat this year, as organizers partnered with SPARK, a leading AR, CGI, and VR agency to create a ‘revolutionary’ AR treasure hunt to entertain visitors. We’ll be able to take part in the AR experience by using our smartphone to interact with futuristic content as well as engage with an AI floorplan.

Asia Gaming Brief will again participate and exhibit as in these past years (did we mention we turned seven in January!). The AGB team will be happy to fill you in on what we have in store across the region, namely at the 4th edition of the ASEAN Gaming Summit, held yearly in March in Manila, our Mekong Summit, and other social events and projects in the pipeline.

Stop by our booth or drop us a line at ice@agbrief.com to set up a meeting.

Pack warm and see you in London!

On behalf of Asia Gaming Brief Rosalind Wade & Luis Pereira

Publishers