MOVING OFF THE SIDELINES

Most of the brick and mortar industry around Asia is still in shutdown, or at best operating at marginal levels, but major sporting events are slowly ramping up across the globe.

We dedicate this September edition of Asia Gaming Brief Jurisdiction Updates to that sports betting world.

The question to keep in mind: Is it time to rethink the industry or is it business as usual? In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has pretty much decimated land-based casino and betting shops worldwide, is there light at the end of the very long tunnel?

We look at how punters have been flooding the sports betting zone. Kung Volleyball, ping pong and Tajikistan football leagues were among the exotic sports that saw wagering action during the pandemic shutdowns, though now regular sports operators are noting a big swing back to old favourites.

Deep diving into India, while sports betting remains illegal, betting on online fantasy sports (OFS) has been the biggest growth area of the country’s online skill-based gaming industry - this while awaiting IPL’s return...

In these pages you’ll find the most relevant updates across the 22 jurisdictions across Asia.

Starting off with Macau, travel restrictions are gradually being lifted from China, although analysts are not expecting a v-shaped recovery and warn it may be some time before visitation can get back to normal levels. Until then the focus remains on cost cuts and recovery timing.

Meanwhile, operators in the Philippines say they are moving ahead with their capital expansion projects, expressing optimism in the future of the market. Case in point, PH Resorts, which is developing the Emerald Bay Resort on Mactan island, says the property is scheduled to open in late 2021.

On the online front, PAGCOR has taken the unusual step of claiming that - Malaysia - a strictly Muslim country where gaming is highly restricted, is trying to woo online gaming companies. The official memo to the President’s office follows recent departures of several online gaming firms from the Philippines due to the rising cost of doing business in the country.

Crossing the Pacific, the new PM of Japan, replacing Shinzo Abe, has promised he will push ahead with the development of IRs in the country, saying they are indispensable for the country’s tourism development.

Across the straits, the Covid-19 pandemic may be triggering South Korea to rethink its foreigner-only casino policy, as the country’s casinos struggle with a lack of tourism revenue.

Down under, analysts feel that Australia’s gaming venues may have to wait as long as two years for gaming revenue, demand, and turnover to return to “normal levels.”

In turn, SkyCity continues to show its mettle as it strives through adversities, though the company has also registered strong growth in its online business launched just last year.

The final section of this September edition is dedicated to the SBC Barcelona Digital Summit for which Asia Gaming Brief was selected to be the Premier Media Partner. T

he landmark event for the sports betting industry aggregated more than 10,000 delegates from around the world over the four-day digital conference and exhibition.

Over the next few pages, you’ll read from some of SBC Barcelona Digital Summit’s key digital exhibitors and their plans in the sports betting industry over the next year.

Happy readings, Stay safe, stay healthy.

On behalf of Asia Gaming Brief

Rosalind Wade & Luis Pereira

Publishers