Weekend Conversation Corner – February, 13

Welcome to the most recent installment of our Focus Gaming News Weekend Conversation Corner, where we provide a brief analysis of the week’s top headlines that have captured global interest. As we break down the flurry of events into a concise summary, we will highlight the key stories that have molded the narrative, impacted policies, and sparked conversations. Join us as we filter through the noise and offer a condensed overview of the week’s significant developments, keeping you informed on what truly counts in today’s ever-changing world.

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

Wynn Macau posts 4.4% revenue growth in Q4

Wynn Macau reported a quarterly revenue of US$967.7m, with a 4.4% increase year-on-year. Wynn Palace contributed US$596.4m in revenue, while Wynn Macau generated US$371.3m. Despite a modest improvement in total operating revenue for Wynn Resorts, net income declined to US$100m. CEO Craig Billings highlighted strength in business and global development initiatives, with progress on the Wynn Al Marjan Island project. In Las Vegas, healthy EBITDA was achieved, while Macau saw increases in VIP turnover and mass table drop. The company remains optimistic about future developments, including the planned opening of Wynn Al Marjan Island in the first quarter of 2027.

Fitch Ratings maintains Macau AA rating

Fitch Ratings has maintained Macau’s long-term foreign and local currency issuer default rating at “AA” with a “stable” outlook due to strong fiscal and external positions. The agency predicts a 4% GDP growth in 2026, lower than 4.7% in 2025, with gross gaming revenue expected to reach 89% of 2019 levels. Fitch anticipates a slowdown in gaming tourism growth but expects it to remain robust in 2026, supported by visa-entry policies, cultural offerings, and non-gaming investments. Ratings in the “AA” category signify a very strong fiscal position for meeting financial commitments and resilience to foreseeable events.

Philippine regulator considers ban on gambling advertising

PAGCOR is considering a complete ban on TV and radio ads in the Philippines to tighten controls on gambling advertising. The regulator is reviewing extending the ban to all broadcast hours to protect minors from exposure to gambling. Additionally, PAGCOR is strengthening KYC requirements to prevent users from accessing platforms without completing identity verification. Players must now provide their full name, contact details, a valid ID, and a real-time selfie before making a deposit. This move aims to prevent the use of borrowed or fake identities. Despite having 32 million registered online gaming accounts, active players number closer to 10 million due to users maintaining multiple accounts. This stricter regulation is seen as a measure of consumer protection, digital safety, and financial system protection.

Macau sees 14.5 per cent rise in gaming tax collections for January

In January 2026, Macau’s gaming tax receipts reached MOP8.23bn, up 14.5% year-on-year, driven by strong casino performance with GGR hitting MOP22.63bn. The total public fiscal revenue for January was MOP9.63bn, with the gaming sector contributing 85%. Government spending was MOP4.67bn, resulting in a fiscal surplus of MOP4.96bn, a 29% increase from the previous year. The government’s gambling tax target for 2026 is MOP92.53bn, with the January result reaching 8.9% of that goal. The Financial Services Bureau attributes the improved fiscal balance to higher gaming revenue and disciplined spending.

PAGCOR to restart 5% revenue remittance to Sports Commission after court ruling

The Supreme Court of the Philippines has ruled in favor of the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), requiring the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) to resume remitting 5% of its gross gaming revenue. This decision follows a long-standing dispute over funding, with PAGCOR previously only remitting 2.1375%. The PSC anticipates an annual contribution of around PHP5.3bn, which will be used to enhance national training facilities and support athletes. Additionally, PAGCOR is mandated to settle under-remitted funds dating back to 1993, totaling approximately PHP37bn to be paid over a 10-year period. The PSC chairman, Patrick Gregorio, expressed optimism that these funds will help realize the country’s sports and tourism aspirations.

Macau’s pre-CNY GGR slows but combined Jan-Feb still shows solid growth, Citi says

Analysts from Citigroup have noted a slowdown in Macau’s casino gross gaming revenue ahead of Chinese New Year, with a daily run-rate of MOP625m, down from January. VIP volumes and mass GGR are also declining. Despite this, Citi maintains its February GGR forecast of MOP20.5bn, a 4% year-on-year growth. The Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau reported a 24% increase in GGR in January. Macao Government Tourism Office expects 1.4-1.5 million tourists during the Chinese New Year holiday, surpassing last year’s numbers. The city is preparing for a busy holiday period with increased entertainment budget.

Welcome to the most recent installment of our Focus Gaming News Weekend Conversation Corner, where we provide a brief analysis of the week’s top headlines that have captured global interest. As we break down the flurry of events into a concise summary, we will highlight the key stories that have molded the narrative, impacted policies,…