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Slotegrator experts reveal the top 5 new markets for 2025, highlighting key opportunities for operators to focus on for growth in the coming year. Expanding to a new market for 2025 is an exciting opportunity for operators. Slotegrator’s top 5 new markets include established powerhouses Brazil and Canada, both undergoing significant changes, as well as emerging markets Turkey, Kazakhstan, and Morocco, which offer untapped potential. Brazil What’s bigger than Brazil? The correct answer, in 2025, is “nothing.”  The country’s widely anticipated regulated market launched on 1 January. So far, 14 companies are fully licensed to offer online betting. There are another 52 companies holding provisional licenses who will be able to do the same once they correct a few issues. The Latin Giant has attracted plenty of attention since sports betting was legalized in 2018. Attempts to introduce full regulations lingered in parliament for the next five years until finally gaining steam and being passed last year.  Latin America’s newest regulated market has a lot going for it. Connectivity, a crucial question for online casino and sportsbook operators, is no issue for Brazil’s population of over 200 million, as over 84% of the populace has internet access, and there are an estimated 99 mobile cellular subscriptions per 100 people.  Moving on from the technical side, there’s the fact that Brazilian football fans are famously passionate, and more than willing to put their money where their heart is. That means we can expect the regulated market to generate some jaw-dropping revenues, and the same will probably be true in the black market, which will likely persist to some degree.  “There’s no ignoring the fact that Brazil is a massive opportunity,” says Slotegrator Head of Marketing Svetlana Kirichenko. “A huge population with a love of betting, especially sports betting, and a recently regulated market — it’s the perfect recipe for iGaming success.” Canada What’s new about Canada in 2025? In short, Alberta is following Ontario’s lead.  Traditionally, Canadian players have had two main options — government monopolies or offshore gray-market sites. It’s long been tacitly condoned for players to visit offshore sites. However, that led to millions of Canadian dollars being piped across the border to foreign operators.  A big change came in 2022. In April of that year, the province of Ontario launched private online sports betting and casino gaming, and the market has been growing strongly ever since; players in Ontario wagered CA $18.7 billion in Q2 2024, the most since the launch of the private market.  Likely inspired by Ontario’s success, Alberta has announced plans to follow suit. At the Canadian Gaming Summit 2024, Albertan Minister of Service and Red Tape Reduction Dale Nally announced that the province was already working on launching a “free and open market” which would be based on the Ontario model.  Given Canadians’ propensity to gamble (it’s been estimated that 6 in 10 Canadians participate in some form of gambling) and the country’s high level of economic development, Alberta should draw plenty of attention in 2025; while it’s not certain exactly when the free market will be launched, brands will be getting ready to dive in the second it does.  William Sarto, PR & Marketing Specialist at CasinoRIX, notes: “The year 2024 was very dynamic, and the iGaming industry demonstrated significant growth. From our side, I would also like to highlight the stable growth and development of the Canadian market. The province of Ontario has shown consistent growth quarter by quarter, with new brands obtaining local licenses almost every month. Among these were Tooniebet, TatinPlay, CasinoTime, and others. Additionally, more and more service companies are entering Ontario, including slot providers, platforms, and others, signaling substantial potential in the coming years.” Read related article: Slotegrator expands in Europe and Africa with Octopus Global

Former PM Thaksin Shinawatra discussed plans to regulate online gambling in Thailand, aiming to boost tax revenue and control access with innovative measures. Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra revealed that the government was exploring ways to regulate access to online gambling and generate tax revenue from it. "Online gambling involves 2 to 4 million Thai users, with total savings of 300 billion baht and annual gains and losses reaching around 500 billion baht," Thaksin stated in a speech.  He added, "If we can impose a 20% tax, we could collect over 100 billion baht per year." Despite most forms of gambling being illegal in Thailand, the practice remains widespread. Thaksin and his allied governments have repeatedly advocated for legalizing gambling to boost employment, tourism, and state revenue, emphasizing the vast amounts of money currently lost to unregulated markets. Thaksin also mentioned plans for an identification system to manage online gambling access. This system would prevent underage participation and enable monitoring of gambling addiction. "We could implement something like a passport to regulate who can participate," he said, though he provided no further details. In addition, Thaksin urged Thailand’s financial institutions to embrace cryptocurrency. He highlighted the pro-crypto stance of incoming U.S. President Donald Trump, particularly his appointment of crypto deregulation advocate Paul Atkins to lead the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. He suggested that Thailand’s Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) adopt a more digital-friendly approach, such as allowing the trade of stablecoins—cryptocurrencies backed by assets. The Thai government, Thaksin noted, is already considering permitting cryptocurrency as a payment method, with Phuket being eyed as a potential pilot site. "There’s no risk involved—it’s just another currency in the global system," Thaksin said. Read related article: Government To Choose Location of Thailand’s Casinos

Will Lunar New Year bring a much-needed boost to Macau's gaming industry? Despite a December decline, forecasts point to a strong January and continued recovery in 2025. Macau's gaming industry is anticipating a strong rebound in January, fueled by the Lunar New Year holiday, despite a slight dip in gross gaming revenue (GGR) in December, according to a recent report by Seaport Research Partners. Seaport predicts January's GGR will jump by 6.6 percent year-on-year and a substantial 13.3 percent month-on-month. This anticipated surge is attributed to the influx of tourists expected during the Lunar New Year celebrations, a traditionally lucrative period for Macau's casinos. December's GGR, totaling approximately MOP18.2 billion (US$2.27 billion), painted a different picture. While representing about 80 percent of the comparable 2019 level, it reflected a 2 percent year-over-year decrease and a 1.3 percent month-over-month decline. This performance fell short of Seaport's initial projection of a 5 percent year-on-year increase. Analyst Vitaly Umansky attributed December's softer performance to two key factors in a Monday report: a sluggish first three weeks and the three-day visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping to Macau. While this may be the case, Umansky noted a significant improvement in the final ten days of the month, with the return of higher-spending customers. Looking ahead to the first quarter of 2025, Seaport forecasts a 4.2 percent increase year-on-year and a 4 percent rise compared to the previous quarter. This projected growth, while positive, is more modest than the 6.1 percent year-on-year growth seen in the fourth quarter of 2024. Umansky explained that this is due to "more difficult" year-on-year comparisons, as the first quarter of 2024 benefited from higher VIP volumes and hold rates. The report also provided insights into market segment performance. The mass market demonstrated robust growth last year, reaching approximately 112 percent of 2019 levels. However, the recovery within the mass market was uneven. The base mass segment lagged, achieving only around 80 percent of 2019 levels, while the premium mass segment significantly outperformed, surging to 48 percent above pre-pandemic levels. In summary, while December presented a minor setback, the Macau gaming industry is optimistic about a strong January performance driven by the Lunar New Year. The differing recovery rates within the mass market highlight evolving consumer behavior and preferences, with the premium mass segment leading the charge. The projected growth for the first quarter of 2025, though moderate, indicates continued recovery and stabilization within the market. Read related article:   The 13 Hotel Gets License for Another Year - Report

Collections from Cambodia’s gaming tax revenue reached $63.1 million, an 85 percent jump from 2023, according to government data. Cambodia's efforts to regulate and tax its gaming industry appear to be paying off after it saw a significant surge in tax revenue from casinos and “other games of chance” in 2024.  Collections from this sector reached $63.1 million, an 85 percent jump from 2023, according to data from the  Commercial Gambling Management Commission of Cambodia (CGMC), released on January 8 and reported in English by Xinhua. The CGMC expressed satisfaction with the sector's performance, stating, "Based on the figures, we can assess that the overall tax revenue from the commercial gambling sector was quite good last year." Cambodia has a long-standing association with casinos, primarily aimed at attracting foreign tourists. Historically, these establishments have been concentrated along border areas and in the coastal province of Preah Sihanouk, with only one casino operating in the capital, Phnom Penh. Casinos in Cambodia, however, have a mixed reputation in its society. While casinos have contributed to the economy, it also faced challenges related to regulation and oversight.  The recent increase in tax revenue suggests that efforts to improve management and compliance are yielding positive results. Around 195 casinos in Cambodia have operating licenses. However the CGMC noted that some of these licenses are no longer active: 15 have expired, one has been revoked, and another has been suspended. Similarly, for games of chance beyond traditional casinos, 21 operators hold licenses, but one has been canceled, and three others are currently suspended.  Gambling in Cambodia is also restricted to foreign nationals. This policy aims to mitigate potential social issues associated with gambling within the local population while maximizing the economic benefits from tourism.  Read related article:   Cambodia Plans to Expand its Integrated Resorts Market

SBC Awards Americas 2025 will honor top operators, affiliates, and suppliers across 34 categories on May 14 at SBC Summit Americas in Fort Lauderdale. SBC has revealed the shortlist for SBC Awards Americas 2025 , taking place this May during the highly anticipated SBC Summit Americas . A hallmark of SBC events, the awards ceremony will spotlight the achievements of standout performers across North and Latin America. The evening will include 34 unique award categories, recognizing the accomplishments of industry leaders, operators, affiliates, and suppliers across key sectors such as payments, game development, and software/platform provision. The SBC Awards Americas ceremony will take place on Wednesday, May 14, the first core day of SBC Summit Americas, at Pier Sixty-Six in Fort Lauderdale. Among the top-nominated companies of the evening are Sportradar, with eight nominations; Rush Street Interactive, with seven; and Kaizen Gaming , in the running for five awards. Marking the first ceremony dedicated to honouring excellence across both North and Latin America, the debut Pan-American edition attracted a record number of submissions—posing a significant challenge for the panel of independent judges. This year’s event will also introduce two new categories: ‘ Live Betting & Gaming Product’ and the ‘Game of the Year – Americas ’. In the operator categories, Hard Rock Bet is nominated in three of the seven, including a bid to retain its title for ‘ Marketing Campaign & Sponsorship of the Year’. FanDuel also earned four nominations and will look to defend its titles for ‘Casino Operator of the Year – North America’ and ‘ Sportsbook Operator of the Year – North America’.  Shining a spotlight on LATAM-focused operators, notable names such as Betsson Group , Codere Online , EstrelaBet , and Megapari have all been shortlisted across multiple operator awards, proving their regional success and influence. In the affiliate categories, Better Collective will go head-to-head with fellow nominees Livesport , MediaTroopers , and WagerWire in a bid to retain the titles of ‘ Sports Affiliate of the Year – North America’ and ‘ Sports Affiliate of the Year – Latin America’ . Meanwhile, Acquire.bet , Apuesta Legal Group , BetPass , Catena Media , Gambling.com Group , and Sorte na Bet are all in contention for the coveted ‘ Casino Affiliate of the Year’ award. The prestigious ‘ Employer of the Year’ category will see competition from 16 notable brands, including Alea , BetMGM , Blazesoft , Digitain , Light & Wonder , ProntoPaga , and RubyPlay . In addition, Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) will be hoping to once again secure the ‘ Socially Responsible Initiative of the Year’ award. In the payment and compliance categories, Nuvei and OKTO aim to defend their respective ‘ Payment Solution of the Year’ titles, while IDnow will compete against BMM Testlabs , GLI , Mindway AI , and OneComply Solutions for the ‘ Compliance Solution of the Year ’ award.  It could be a significant evening for the likes of Betting Hero and Optimove, who are both shortlisted in four supplier categories, whilst Pragmatic Play and White Hat Gaming will be battling to retain the title of ‘ Platform Provider of the Year’ .  Making its debut at the ceremony, the ‘ Game of the Year – Americas’ award will feature competition from 18 standout brands, including ELA Games , Endorphina , Evoplay , Evolution , IGT PlayDigital , Pascal Gaming , Playtech , and PopOK Gaming . In an effort to highlight emerging talent shaping the industry, the evening will also feature three Rising Star awards: ‘ Rising Star in Casino’ , ‘ Rising Star in Sports Betting’ , and ‘ Rising Star of the Year’ . The complete list of shortlisted companies is available on the SBC Awards Americas website. Please note that a separate ticket is required for attending the ceremony. Table and ticket options can be found here . Read related article: Affiliate Leaders Summit: Key Tools and Trends at SBC Americas

Macau's LT Game and Sweden's Tangiamo join forces to distribute gaming products across Asia (including Macau and the Philippines) and Europe. Macau-based gaming company Paradise Entertainment (operating under the LT Game brand) has teamed up with Swedish gaming tech firm Tangiamo  to sell each other's products in different parts of the world, including Europe and the Philippines.  Paradise Entertainment will bring Tangiamo’s innovative offerings, such as the MultiPLAY products and iADR systems, to the Philippine gaming market, alongside other key Asian markets. Meanwhile, Tangiamo will bring LT Game's electronic gaming machines such as Mori Dice and Dragon Tiger Baccarat to Europe. In a statement, Tangiamo chief executive officer Chris Steele said they were "excited" to partner with LT Game which it described as a "recognized leader in the Asian gaming industry."  The press statement highligted the Philippines as a target for the expansion. The Philippines is home to some 51 land-based casinos, of which 38 are operated by the state-sanctioned Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation. Macau, the gaming capital of the world, is also a prime target for the distribution agreement.  Steele said LT Game's "expansive game library and strong market presence" will be important for both companies.  This reciprocal distribution agreement positions both companies for stronger global presence, with the Philippines specifically identified as a key market for Tangiamo's technology through Paradise Entertainment's distribution network.  Tangiamo, traditionally focused on developing electronic table games and dice shaker technology, has recently expanded its capabilities into the iGaming sector just last 2024. This acquisition brings with it key technologies including a Player Account Management system and a remote gaming server, enabling Tangiamo to develop and release its own online casino games. This new direction also includes a small portfolio for developing slot games and streaming services. Read related article: Experts Forecast Surge In Macau Gaming Revenue For January

Macau Gaming Revenue for January is projected to rise, with analysts forecasting a 6% year-on-year surge in gross gaming revenue (GGR) for 2025. Macau Gaming Revenue for January is expected to see a 6% year-on-year increase in 2025, driven by improved economic sentiment in China, relaxed visa policies, and a return to traditional money movement methods, according to Seaport Research Partners. “We currently forecast first-quarter GGR at plus 4.2 percent year-on-year, plus 4.0 percent quarter-on-quarter. The first-quarter 4.2-percent year-on-year increase is weaker than the plus 6.1 percent year-on-year in fourth-quarter 2024, as year-on-year comparisons are becoming more difficult,” said analyst Vitaly Umansky in the memo issued January 6.  While the first quarter of 2025 is expected to show more modest growth of 4.2% due to challenging year-on-year comparisons, Seaport remains optimistic about the industry's overall trajectory.  Seaport believes continued Chinese stimulus measures, including increased government spending and regulatory easing, will boost economic activity and consumer confidence in 2025. “Our view on China economic strengthening and corresponding improvement in consumer and business sentiment could lead to stronger base mass recovery – with continued premium growth – in 2025, which leads to our estimate of 2025 GGR growth of 8 percent,” Umansky shared.  Furthermore, recent visa policy changes, such as faster processing times and expanded Individual Visit Scheme (IVS) coverage, are expected to facilitate increased mainland Chinese visitation to Macau. The crackdown on illegal money exchange activities is also anticipated to shift money movement back towards established channels like Union Pay pawn shops, supporting liquidity within the Macau gaming sector. Seaport maintains a positive outlook on Macau gaming stocks, viewing their current valuations as attractive investment opportunities. Read related article: Citigroup Projects Strong Start for Macau’s Gaming Recovery in 2025

The Philippines welcomed 5.6 million tourists in 2024. While this may be the case, the government missed its target of 7.7 million for the year.  The Philippines fell short of its goal of attracting 7.7 million tourists in 2024, welcoming only 5.6 million visitors, according to government data. The Department of Tourism acknowledges that they missed the target due to headwinds beyond their control, such as economic, environmental, and geopolitical forces. They also faced budgetary constraints and visa liberalization delays. The suspension of the electronic visa system by the Department of Foreign Affairs negatively impacted the projected arrivals from China. “These figures highlight the pivotal role of tourism in generating livelihoods and uplifting communities nationwide and certainly show the impact of Philippine tourism in terms of job generation. The Department of Tourism remains steadfast in its mission to generate quality employment opportunities for Filipinos across the country,” Tourism Secretary Cristina Garcia Frasco said as reported by the Daily Tribune.  While the industry fell short in 2024, there are still positive signs of recovery. South Korea remained the top source of tourists for the Philippines, followed by the United States and Japan. Despite these challenges, the DOT remains optimistic about the future of Philippine tourism. They are focusing on attracting tourists who will stay longer, visit more frequently, and spend more money while in the Philippines. The DOT is also working to improve visa policies and increase tourism revenue. The  Philippines did surpass its target in 2023. According to the DOT, the country welcomed over 5.45 million international visitors in 2023, exceeding its target of 4.8 million. Read related article: Robinsons to Invest P10B for Cebu, Pangasinan, Manila Hotels

The Cagayan Economic Zone Authority (CEZA) insists it's exempt from the POGO ban, arguing its iGaming operations are distinct from PAGCOR-regulated POGOs.  The Cagayan Economic Zone Authority (CEZA) argues it should be exempt from the nationwide ban on Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs), claiming its operations differ significantly. CEZA licenses iGaming and interactive gaming support service providers, who are foreign companies operating outside the Philippines and prohibited from soliciting bets domestically. In a message to the Inquirer, however, Solicitor General Guevarra believes all POGO operations must shut down, regardless of licensing body (PAGCOR or CEZA). Since CEZA is under the executive branch, Guevarra argues they must follow the President's POGO ban order. While acknowledging the POGO ban's impact on CEZA’s iGaming sector, CEZA Administrator Katrina Ponce Enrile emphasizes their distinct framework compared to PAGCOR-regulated POGOs. “To this end, I want to categorically state that there are no POGOs in the Cagayan Special Economic Zone and Freeport. There never was, and there never will be. POGOs are the exclusive creation of the past administration of PAGCOR,” Enrile shared.   The Department of Justice will "examine the facts" regarding CEZA’s inclusion in the ban's scope under President Marcos' Executive Order No. 74. Solicitor General Menardo Guevarra, however, believes CEZA, under the executive department, must comply with the President's order. Enrile highlights CEZA's clean record, pointing out that its licensees have not been linked to crimes such as kidnapping, human trafficking, torture, scams, or murder.  "For over two decades, CEZA has effectively regulated and licensed iGaming and interactive gaming support service providers without encountering these issues," she noted. She also drew a clear distinction between CEZA's operations and POGOs, particularly in how they manage their workforce. Unlike POGOs, CEZA maintains control over physical entry and workforce management, ensuring a Filipino-majority workforce. According to Enrile, CEZA enforces strict guidelines on issuing work visas and controls access to the Cagayan Special Economic Zone and Freeport, maintaining a healthy balance between local and foreign employees.  "All interactive gaming support service providers are encouraged to prioritize hiring local talent," she stated, adding that the workforce typically consists of 70 percent Filipinos and 30 percent expatriates. "Unlike POGOs, our interactive gaming support service providers do not accept bets—they are purely service providers," Enrile emphasized. "We also prohibit sublicensing and operate strictly under our charter and implementing rules and regulations, setting us apart from POGOs." Despite CEZA charter and independent licensing power, a Malacañang memorandum instructed them to adhere to the POGO ban. The Senate awaits a final decision as CEZA argues its licensees operate outside the Philippines. Read related article: Cagayan Town Faces Loss of 2,000 Jobs as POGO Ban Hits Hard

The Philippine coworking market is expected to grow as International Working Group Plc (IWG) announces 17 new hybrid workspaces by 2025.  Multinational office space provider International Working Group Plc (IWG) is poised to expand its coworking spaces in the Philippines this 2025, driven by opportunities arising from the nationwide ban on Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs). In a recent interview with BusinessWorld, IWG Country Manager for the Philippines Lars Wittig highlighted that the ban could encourage property developers to repurpose vacated POGO spaces for various office needs, including coworking spaces.  “The developers, landlords are right now affected by the POGOs being discontinued in the Philippines. So, there is a higher degree of urgency to reinvent your buildings so that you can attract more or different types of workspace requirements," said Wittig. “If you had a lot of POGOs who were willing to pay premium for conventional space, you might postpone the investment into flexible workspace. But with the POGOs also gone, and with a higher vacancy rate, the landlords are now eager to make that development to the next level.”  According to Wittig, POGO operators had previously paid a premium for conventional office spaces, which often delayed landlords from investing in flexible workspace solutions. With the gaming operators gone, landlords are now eager to innovate and adapt their properties to meet evolving market demands. The higher vacancy rates are prompting landlords to bring their properties to the next level. This shift in the market is evident in the increase in vacated office spaces. Leechiu Property Consultants reported that vacated spaces surged 65% this year, reaching 690,000 square meters compared to 418,000 square meters in the previous year. This sharp rise is largely attributed to the POGO ban. READ: Total POGO Ban in the Philippines Takes Effect To capitalize on these opportunities, IWG plans to add 17 new hybrid working spaces to its existing 33 locations in the Philippines by 2025. The company is also forging partnerships with local developers to strengthen its nationwide presence. Wittig points out that the demand for flexible workspaces continues to grow, emphasizing the unpredictability of workspace requirements for companies. “Even the biggest, most traditional employers cannot predict what their workspace requirements are five years from now, even three years, or even one year from now. So, they make it permanent to go flexible… because that gives them the agility to be able to expand or the opposite.” Hybrid workspaces are increasingly seen as a solution for improving employee productivity. By reducing the need for long commutes, these spaces help companies retain talent. Wittig noted that employers also appreciate the financial benefits of coworking arrangements.  “With us, there’s no need to invest in conventional office spaces for five or ten years, which often require significant capital investments,” he explained. “Our model provides immediate workspace solutions with zero upfront costs.” Wittig also pointed to the potential growth in coworking spaces fueled by foreign direct investments. “The fact that we are getting closer to a free trade agreement with the EU is a big driver for foreign investors to come here,” he said. Such developments could increase occupancy in hybrid workspaces as international companies enter the market. IWG, one of the world’s largest providers of coworking spaces, operates renowned brands such as Regus, Spaces, and HQ. The company boasts nearly 10 million customers across 4,000 locations in more than 120 countries. Its clientele includes both startups and Fortune 500 companies. In the Philippines, IWG charges between P6,000 and P8,000 per employee per month for coworking space, though the cost varies based on specific workspace needs. On average, Philippine companies lease coworking spaces for at least ten months, with some extending their contracts for up to three to five years. Creating a coworking space is a significant investment, with the benchmark cost estimated at $1 million (P58 million). This includes essential amenities such as Wi-Fi, meeting rooms, office supplies, and coffee makers. Despite the upfront costs, IWG aims to maintain a minimum occupancy rate of 85% for its coworking spaces in the Philippines this year. The shift in the Philippine office space landscape comes at a pivotal moment. With the departure of POGOs, landlords and developers are reevaluating their strategies to maximize property utilization.  Read related article: PAOCC Tracks 100 Unlicensed POGOs Post-Ban

Macau gaming recovery is off to a strong start in 2025, with Citigroup projecting January 2025 GGR at MOP19 billion ($2.38 billion), 76% of January 2019 levels. Macau gaming recovery is showing strong promise as the industry enters 2025. Citigroup forecasts January 2025 GGR to reach MOP19 billion ($2.38 billion), or MOP613 million ($76.7 million) per day, representing 76% of January 2019 levels. This reflects Macau's steady recovery from the pandemic’s economic impact. In a recent investment memo analyzing the December 2024 GGR data, Citigroup analyst George Choi provided a positive growth outlook for the early months of 2025. The combined GGR for January and February is expected to rise by 6 percent year-over-year. This projection accounts for the later timing of the Chinese New Year Golden Week, which will take place from January 28th to February 4th this year. The timing adjustment effectively neutralizes any potential distortions caused by the Chinese New Year’s impact on travel and gaming patterns. January’s GGR forecast also considers the traditionally slower travel period leading up to the Spring Festival. According to Citigroup, this timing quirk is reflected in an anticipated 2 percent year-over-year decline for January. Despite this temporary dip, the broader picture remains positive, with resilience evident in the projected combined January-February GGR of MOP40 billion ($5.01 billion).  “We estimate a 6 percent year-over-year growth for January and February 2025 combined, which aligns with Macau’s ongoing recovery trajectory,” stated the investment memo which was cited by AGBrief. December 2024 GGR Performance Macau’s GGR for December 2024 reached MOP18.2 billion ($2.28 billion), averaging MOP587 million ($73.5 million) daily—about 80 percent of December 2019 levels. Although slightly below the consensus forecast of MOP18.9 billion, the city’s gaming sector demonstrated resilience with a strong finish to the month. The daily run rate improved to MOP603 million ($75.5 million) during the final 16 days of December, a 4 percent increase compared to the MOP579 million ($72.5 million) recorded earlier in the month. This late-December boost coincided with Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit to Macau from December 20th to 22nd for the 25th anniversary of the Handover. While the high-profile visit initially disrupted gaming activities, the market quickly rebounded after his departure. Citigroup noted, “Macau had a strong finish in late December,” underscoring the city’s ability to maintain positive momentum despite temporary interruptions. For the entirety of 2024, Macau’s GGR totaled MOP226.8 billion ($28.39 billion), reflecting a 78 percent recovery compared to the pre-pandemic figure of MOP292.5 billion recorded in 2019. While not yet fully back to its peak, the gaming industry’s performance highlights substantial progress in its recovery journey. Tourism Trends and Holiday Boosts Macau’s tourism sector also showed encouraging signs of recovery during the Christmas season. Between December 20th and 26th, the city welcomed 728,000 visitors. December 25th alone saw a daily high of 112,025 visitors, an 8 percent increase year-over-year. While Christmas is not a public holiday in mainland China, the festive season still managed to draw significant tourist interest. Hotel occupancy during this period stood at an impressive 90.8 percent, reflecting strong demand from travelers. The synergy between tourism and gaming has been a cornerstone of Macau’s economic success. The city’s ability to attract visitors, even during traditionally quieter periods, is a testament to its enduring appeal as a global entertainment hub. As the Chinese New Year approaches, the late January Golden Week is expected to further bolster visitation and gaming revenue. Positive Outlook for 2025 Looking ahead, the outlook for Macau’s gaming industry remains optimistic. The projected GGR growth for early 2025 reflects the city’s resilience and adaptability in navigating timing challenges and evolving market conditions. While external factors such as geopolitical developments and changes in mainland China’s travel policies could influence performance, Macau’s recovery trajectory appears firmly on track. The combined January-February GGR forecast of MOP40 billion ($5.01 billion) is a strong indicator of the industry’s momentum. With continued investment in infrastructure, marketing, and diversified entertainment offerings, Macau is well-positioned to sustain its recovery and reclaim its status as the world’s premier gaming destination. Read related article: Macau Forecasts $29.7 Billion in Gaming Revenue for 2025

Discover what the Total POGO Ban in the Philippines means for the gaming industry, as the country moves to shut down offshore operators and address related challenges. On January 1st, 2025, the Philippines officially entered a new era with the implementation of the total ban on Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs). This move by the Marcos Jr. administration follows a period of decline in the industry, with the number of licensed POGOs dropping from a peak of around 300 to a mere 17 by December 2024. The POGO ban–ordered by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. during his State of the Nation Address in July 2024–was implemented to address the rising number of crimes linked to offshore gaming operations.  Authorities have reported incidents of human trafficking, money laundering, and financial scams tied to POGOs. The ban's impact will be felt across various sectors. Here's a breakdown of what to expect: Economic Impact While the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) downplays the economic impact, with estimates suggesting only a 0.25% dip in GDP, the closure will result in job losses.  Thousands of Filipinos previously employed in POGO-related businesses, from security guards to cleaners, will need to find new opportunities. The government has assured it will implement "revenue-enhancing measures" to compensate for lost income. Crackdown on Illegal Operations With licensed POGOs out of the picture, authorities will likely shift their focus towards cracking down on illegal operations. The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) anticipates a rise in "guerrilla POGOs" – smaller, unregulated operations. The Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Operations Center (PAOCC) has already warned of this possibility and is prepared to address it. News outlets like the Philippine Daily Inquirer reported on intensified efforts to seize assets of previously operating POGOs suspected of illegal activity. Additionally, the government is expected to conduct a "purge" of birth records, potentially uncovering fraudulent registrations used by POGOs in the past. “At this time we have no definite figures on the aggregate value of these assets. The first order of the day is to take possession of and control over them,” Solicitor General Menardo Guevarra said in a statement quoted by the Philippine Daily Inquirer.  Following the full ban on POGOs in the Philippines at the end of 2024, the Office of the Solicitor General (OSG) will begin a comprehensive inventory of their assets, according to government newswire Philippine News Agency.  This includes canceling fraudulently obtained birth certificates of foreign nationals and forfeiting illegally acquired properties, which may include significant real estate holdings. While the total value of these assets is currently unknown, the OSG's initial focus is on securing and controlling them. Investigations have revealed instances of Chinese nationals using fake birth certificates to obtain Filipino citizenship, allowing them to establish corporations and acquire properties for illicit activities like drug trafficking.  The government aims to expedite the process of seizing these assets , acknowledging the current legal process is slow. Both the Senate and House are considering legislation to authorize the immediate forfeiture of all POGO assets to the government, including buildings, equipment, and proceeds from illegal operations. The success of the ban hinges on the government's ability to effectively crack down on illegal operations and provide alternative job opportunities for those affected. While the economic impact is predicted to be minimal, the social benefits could be significant, paving the way for a more regulated and transparent gaming industry in the Philippines. Read related article:   Manhunt to be Launched For Overstaying Foreign POGO Workers