Your Daily Asia Gaming eBrief: Asia casinos open for business-mostly

Tuesday 11th of January 2022

Good Morning. Asia’s casinos were open for an average of 272 days out of 365 in the 2021 calendar year as a result of lockdowns and closures caused by the Covid-19 delta strain. Today’s infographic looks at roughly how many days casinos were open in each major jurisdiction.

What you need to know

Macau operators are reporting “good” forward bookings for CNY, however Bernstein notes GGR is down 9 percent from the final 12 days of December. Jefferies, BofA are weary of restrictions' effects.
China's Ministry of Public Security said it handled more than 17,000 illegal cross border gambling cases in 2021 and arrested more than 80,000 people.
Singapore's Minister of State for Trade and Industry told parliament the $9b expansion of the two IRs will be delayed due to Covid - the full extent of the delays is not yet clear.

On the radar

Wynn's Linda Chen confident Macau will generate $12.5b of GGR in 2022.
Jefferies, BofA bearish on CNY receipts, restrictions.
China lottery sales decline 4.6 percent, dragged down by Welfare lottery.
SkyCity Queenstown casino named a location of interest due to Covid case.

What the papers say

Macau to contact trace at restaurants, entertainment venues.
IPI relief in USA Fanter case doesn’t extend to other creditors.
Genting’s Mashpee Wampanoag casino partner revisits Boston.

AGB Intelligence

BY THE NUMB3RS

Asia’s casinos were open for business in 2021, mostly

Despite the impact of the Covid-19 delta strain on Asia’s key gaming jurisdictions, most casinos in Asia managed to stay open and operational for the majority of the 2021 calendar year. Industry observers expect that 2022 will see fewer lockdown mandates and casino property closures than what was seen in 2021, given the decreased severity of the Omicron strain (according to the latest medical research). However, it is expected that international border reopenings in Asia will be delayed.