Weekend Conversation Corner – December, 05

Welcome to the newest edition of our Focus Gaming News Weekend Conversation Corner, where we provide a brief overview of the week’s top headlines. We will discuss the key stories that have captured global attention, shaping the narrative, influencing policies, and sparking conversations. Join us as we sift through the information overload to bring you a concise summary of the week’s most important developments, keeping you informed in today’s fast-paced world.

Stay informed, stay inspired, and keep gaming on. Have a fantastic weekend!

Study finds Australian credit card ban has little impact on online sports betting activity

Summary:
A study by the e61 Institute in Australia revealed that the 2024 credit card ban on online gambling resulted in only a slight decrease in online sports betting activity. Before the ban, only 2% of credit card accounts were used for online gambling, with most preferring debit or transaction accounts. The ban led to a $50 decrease in average gambling spend per fortnight, a 15% reduction in the likelihood of gambling, and one-third of affected users stopped betting altogether within six weeks. The main reason cited for this was the inconvenience of switching to alternative payment methods. However, the overall impact was deemed relatively small, with no significant improvement in financial well-being observed among those affected.

Wynn Al Marjan to generate up to 89% of revenue from gaming

Wynn Resorts presented a short-stay visitation model for their upcoming casino resort, Wynn Al Marjan, in the United Arab Emirates. The company anticipates that a significant portion of revenue, between 70 to 89 percent, will come from gaming activities. The resort is expected to generate annual gross gaming revenue of US$1bn to US$1.7bn, targeting high-frequency, short-stay gamblers. Despite the focus on gaming, the property is being built as a luxury resort with various amenities. Construction progress is well underway, with a planned opening in early 2027. Financial projections indicate a substantial EBITDAM and net revenue once operational. Additionally, plans for a second casino-resort project on a neighboring plot have been confirmed. The development has also led to increased land prices and attracted other luxury brands to the area.

AGEM Index slipped 2% in November

In November, the AGEM Index in Asia decreased by 2% from October, but still remained 15.4% higher than a year ago. Most gaming suppliers saw declines, with six out of ten companies in the AGEM Index experiencing share price drops. The largest decline was seen in Aristocrat, followed by Konami. However, Light & Wonder stood out with a 36.3% increase. In the wider financial markets, the Dow Jones and S&P 500 saw slight gains, while the NASDAQ slipped. Despite the overall decline in the gaming industry, the AGEM Index remains significantly higher compared to the previous year.

Shaun McCamley: “Sri Lanka is moving from ‘negotiated’ to monitored compliance, and that’s a healthy shift long-term”

The article discusses Sri Lanka’s new Gambling Regulatory Authority Act, which aims to modernize and consolidate the country’s gambling regulations. Shaun McCamley, founder of Euro Pacific Asia Consulting Ltd, highlights the objectives of the reform, including modernizing laws, improving tax collection, and regulating the previously grey market. The Act will bring significant changes for both land-based and online operators, with stricter licensing, compliance, and fiscal measures. The GRA will need to focus on technology, data surveillance, and partnerships to effectively regulate online gambling. Challenges include capacity and scope creep, as well as political and institutional pressures. If implemented successfully, the reform could attract foreign investment, enhance integrated resorts, and develop the online channel, ultimately transforming Sri Lanka’s gambling industry for the better.

Macau’s November GGR rises 14.4% year-on-year

The Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau reported a 14.4% year-on-year increase in Macau’s gross gaming revenue in November, reaching MOP21.09bn. This growth was driven by demand following Golden Week, although it was down from the previous month’s record. Citigroup suggested that the National Games athletes occupying hotel rooms may have impacted gaming revenue in November. Macau’s revenue for the first eleven months of 2025 has risen by 8.6% compared to last year, reaching MOP226.52bn. With one month left in the year, the 2025 GGR is close to meeting the government’s full-year projection of MOP228bn.

Genting Malaysia’s net profit falls 79% year-on-year in Q3

Genting Malaysia Bhd released its third-quarter financial results, showing a 22.1% increase in revenue to MYR3.36bn. However, net profit dropped by 79.0% to MYR119.7m. The company’s adjusted EBITDA also decreased by 35.8% to MYR838.1m, mainly due to lower foreign exchange gains. Malaysian operations contributed 59.4% of revenue, with Resorts World Genting driving growth in the gaming segment. The company is set to launch the Eufloria ecotourism attraction and complete the revamp of the golf course at Resorts World Awana. It plans to leverage the Visit Malaysia 2026 campaign to attract more visitors to its casino complex. Additionally, Genting Bhd now owns 63.4% of Genting Malaysia Bhd shares, following a proposed US$1.59bn deal to delist the subsidiary from Bursa Malaysia.

Welcome to the newest edition of our Focus Gaming News Weekend Conversation Corner, where we provide a brief overview of the week’s top headlines. We will discuss the key stories…