Weekend Conversation Corner – January, 16

Welcome to the most recent edition of our Focus Gaming News Weekend Conversation Corner, where we provide a brief overview of the week’s top headlines that have captured global attention. As we condense the flurry of events into a clear and focused summary, we will discuss the key stories that have influenced policies, shaped the narrative, and sparked conversations. Join us as we filter through the noise and present a concise summary of the week’s important developments, keeping you informed about what truly matters in today’s rapidly changing world.

Stay informed, stay inspired, and keep gaming on. Wishing you a fantastic weekend ahead!

Macau VIP baccarat revenue up 45% in Q4

The article reports that Macau’s VIP baccarat revenue reached MOP20.31bn (US$2.5bn) in the fourth quarter of the year, showing a 20.3% increase quarter-on-quarter and a 45% increase year-on-year. VIP baccarat accounted for 30.7% of all gaming revenue during this period. Additionally, mass-market revenue, including slot machines, was MOP45.75bn (US$5.72bn), with non-VIP baccarat play revenue at MOP36.25bn (US$4.53bn). Slot machines revenue increased by 5.5% quarter-to-quarter. In 2025, VIP baccarat contributed 27.5% of Macau’s total revenue, while mass-market play generated 72.5%. Mass baccarat revenue was more than double that of the VIP segment. Slot machines also made a significant contribution to the overall revenue.

Philippine Supreme Court orders PAGCOR and PCSO to release long-delayed sports funding

The Philippine Supreme Court has issued a final ruling directing PAGCOR and PCSO to fulfill their statutory obligations to fund the Philippine Sports Commission, settling a decade-long legal dispute. PAGCOR must remit 5% of its gross income from 1993 onwards, while PCSO must remit 30% of net proceeds from specific draws. The Court rejected arguments for deductions and exemptions, emphasizing the mandatory nature of the funding. Any arrears can be settled over a ten-year period, potentially releasing up to PHP25bn to the PSC. The ruling highlights the importance of supporting athlete development and international competition, stating that state gaming agencies must comply with remittance rules regardless of financial concerns.

Google tightens India gambling ad rules as regulatory pressure mounts on unregulated online betting

Google to Ban Rummy and Daily Fantasy Sports Advertising in India
Google will prohibit advertising for rummy and daily fantasy sports in India starting January 21, in line with the country’s new online gambling regulations. This move aims to address concerns about unregulated betting ecosystems, including skin-based gambling targeting minors. The updated policy aligns with India’s Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act (PROGA) 2025, requiring all gambling-related promotions to comply with local laws, hold valid licenses, and avoid advertising to minors. The ban extends to gambling-style games using virtual currencies or digital items with real-world value. The crackdown on unregulated online gambling models, such as skin-based gambling, highlights the need for stricter regulations to protect vulnerable users. The decision has already impacted the gaming market, forcing operators to adjust their offerings and marketing strategies.

Okada Manila sees significant revenue decline in Q4 2025

In November 2025, Universal Entertainment revised its 2025 forecast downward from JPY800m. Okada Manila, a Philippines-based casino resort, reported a gross gaming revenue of PHP5.93bn in Q4 2025, an 88.5% decrease from the previous year. VIP revenue fell by 78.9%, while mass-market table revenue dropped by 10.8%. Non-gaming revenue also declined by 5.3% year-on-year. Overall, the property’s total GGR for 2025 was PHP27.81bn, down 20.1%, with adjusted segmental EBITDA decreasing by 44%. The decline was attributed to VIP struggles at Okada Manila and slower amusement machine sales. Universal Entertainment had anticipated this decline, leading to the revision of its profit forecast.

Macau gaming sector sees fewer suspicious transactions reports in 2025

Summary:
In 2025, Macau’s gaming operators filed 3,603 Suspicious Transaction Reports (STRs), a slight decrease from the previous year. Overall, the total number of STRs reported dropped by 6.1% to 4,925, primarily due to fewer reports from the gaming sector. Financial institutions flagged the second-highest number of STRs at 1,008. The GIF transferred only 118 of the total STRs to the Public Prosecutions Office, without specifying if they were gaming-related. This data indicates a trend of decreased reporting of suspicious transactions in Macau, with the gaming sector being a significant contributor to the overall numbers.

Welcome to the most recent edition of our Focus Gaming News Weekend Conversation Corner, where we provide a brief overview of the week’s top headlines that have captured global attention….