Weekend Conversation Corner – January, 30

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

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

PAGCOR revenue down 5% in 2025

The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) reported a revenue of PHP111.7bn (US$1.80bn) for 2025, a 5% decrease from the previous year. The decline was attributed to lower earnings from land-based casinos and the ban on offshore gaming operators. Revenue from gaming operations totaled PHP95.15bn (US$1.53bn), with a significant portion coming from electronic and online gaming activities. PAGCOR Chairman Alejandro H. Tengco highlighted the shift towards digital gaming platforms and emphasized the need for regulatory updates to ensure player protection. Despite the challenges, PAGCOR reported a net income increase and continued contributions to nation-building initiatives. The organization allocated funds to various beneficiaries, including the National Treasury, Philippine Sports Commission, and socio-civic programs. Overall, PAGCOR’s 2025 revenues supported a range of important causes and entities.

6 Australian wagering providers breached gambling self-exclusion rules, ACMA finds

The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) found that six licensed wagering providers, including Tabcorp and LightningBet, breached national self-exclusion rules in 2024. These companies failed to prevent self-excluded customers from accessing their services or receiving marketing, despite being registered on the BetStop list. Tabcorp was fined AU$112,680 and must improve customer verification processes. Other operators, such as Betfocus and TempleBet, will undergo audits and implement recommendations. BetChamps received a warning, while action for Picklebet is pending. ACMA member Carolyn Lidgerwood emphasized the importance of following self-exclusion rules to protect individuals from gambling harm. The regulator warned of potential stronger enforcement measures for future non-compliance, including Federal Court action for civil penalties.

Malaysia considers tougher laws against illegal online gambling

Federal authorities in Malaysia are considering stricter laws to combat illegal online gambling and the rise of digital betting platforms. The Royal Malaysia Police has proposed a review of existing legislation, prompting collaboration between various ministries and agencies to study possible amendments. This includes revisiting the Common Gaming Houses Act 1953 and potentially incorporating online gambling offenses into the Cyber Crime Bill. The issue was raised in Parliament, highlighting concerns about the spread of online gambling in rural areas like Sarawak. Enforcement efforts in Sarawak have led to numerous arrests and the seizure of funds, with authorities also taking steps to block gambling-related websites. The government is taking steps to address the challenges posed by online gambling and cybercrime in Malaysia.

Macau January GGR outperforming pre-pandemic seasonal trends, says UBS

Macau’s gross gaming revenue (GGR) is exceeding pre-pandemic seasonal trends, with a 21% year-on-year increase and a 6% month-on-month rise. UBS estimates an average daily GGR of MOP712m as of January 26, surpassing historical patterns. Mass-market GGR also saw a 6-8% increase. Analysts at JP Morgan predict a 15-20% year-on-year growth in January GGR, leading to a 13% growth in the first two months of 2026. However, JP Morgan lowered its full-year 2026 adjusted EBITDA forecast for Macau to MOP71.9bn, citing concerns about profit margins. Despite this, UBS maintains Galaxy Entertainment and Wynn Macau as top picks in the sector. The Lunar New Year period is expected to see strong demand, with 27 out of 32 hotels already sold out.

Macau visitors for 2025 up 14.7% year-on-year

In 2025, Macau saw a significant increase in visitor arrivals, reaching 40,069,360, a 14.7% rise from the previous year. The number of same-day visitors and overnight visitors also increased, with a higher proportion of same-day visitors affecting the average length of stay. Mainland Chinese visitors accounted for a large portion of arrivals, with significant growth in those traveling under different schemes. Visitors from the Greater Bay Area and other regions also contributed to the overall increase. International visitors saw a 13.7% rise, with notable increases from Southeast Asian, South Asian, and Northeast Asian markets. Visitor arrivals by land increased significantly, while arrivals by sea and air saw slight decreases. In December 2025, visitor arrivals continued to rise, with both same-day and overnight visitors increasing.

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