WHAT'S NEXT FOR ASIAN GAMING?

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 pages, you will find those predictions from a selection of leading figures in Asia’s gaming industry.

We also focus on some key themes that have emerged throughout the year and look at how they may impact the industry moving forward. As the region starts to reopen to international tourism, the industry is likely to be facing a giant China-shaped hole in its visitation numbers and spending.

Looking back at last year’s predictions, few were super bullish about a quick snap back in Asia, although no one anticipated the devastating impacts of the new variants either. Going forward there is a cautious sense of optimism that things will be better, but uncertainty dominates.

A key trend across the 2022 predictions is the continuation of the wave of mergers and acquisitions we have seen in 2021. Globally, the convergence between online and land-based is expected to continue, although analysts are beginning to raise red flags about lofty valuations.

In this December edition of AGBriefings magazine we also bring the most relevant updates across the Asia jurisdictions. Starting off with Macau, the arrest of Suncity’s Alvin Chau hit the markets like a bombshell and everything changed. Despite the upheavals in Macau over the past few months - first the gaming law amendments, then the junket crackdown - most still predict that the same six concessionaires will still be on the scene following the new bidding process.

In the Philippines, the industry has posted significant GGR improvement and is on track for opening two new resorts next year - The Hann in Clark and NUSTAR in Cebu. Suntrust says Alvin’s Chau arrest has no impact on the Westside project in Entertainment city.

Meanwhile, Australia’s gambling industry is heading into the New Year with no signs of an end to regulatory upheavals as pubs and clubs come under the money laundering spotlight. The NSW investigator said that as much as A$1 billion ($714,000) may have been laundered through the country’s casinos, pubs and clubs.

Across to Malaysia, Genting’s crown jewel in the $2.4 billion revamp of its Gentings Highlands Resort is making its debut this month, with analysts expecting the attraction to deliver a significant boost to visitation. The country is considering opening its borders to international travellers on January 1 next year in a bid to accelerate the country’s economic recovery.

Over to India, the AIGF is urging state governments to work with the skill-based online industry to develop a regulatory framework that will benefit all stakeholders. The Special Supplier Report rounds up this year’s final edition. We’ve invited the leading manufacturers, suppliers and service providers, to highlight some of their proudest achievements of the year and, in turn, share a preview of what they might expect in the year to come.

It’s been another challenging year but this industry has shown its resilience and ability to adapt.

Looking ahead, the Team at AGB is excited to be planning for the ASEAN Gaming Summit in Manila in March next year and as always remains committed to bringing you relevant content in engaging formats.

Here’s to a better 2022! Merry Christmas and Happy New year!

On behalf of Asia Gaming Brief

Rosalind Wade & Luis Pereira

CO-FOUNDERS