Your Daily Asia Gaming eBrief: Betting on Indian fantasy

Friday 18th of March 2022

Good Morning. India’s online skill-based market continues to attract international interest, with most analysts predicting rapid growth. In this week’s Face-to-Face interview, Hussain Naqi, founder of Inside The Pocket and WonderWins, tells us how he has pivoted out of a successful career in the NFL to launch a Daily Fantasy Sports offering in India in partnership with ESPN’s Cricinfo.

What you need to know

DFNN, a technology company that offers online gaming in the Philippines, said 4Q21 revenue rose 15%, boosted by its interactive businesses.
Macau has tightened its requirements for visitors from Zhuhai, while Shenzhen bordering Hong Kong is eyeing an “orderly” return to work after lockdowns.
A senior manager for Star Entertainment has admitted misleading one of Australia’s biggest banks over the use of China Union Pay within the group’s casinos.
Macau legislator Chan Chak Mo has supported the proposal that grants the CE discretionary powers to revoke gaming concessions should they breach national security, administrative sanctions, or other contractual obligations.
Rodrigo Duterte has justified the continuation of e-sabong (online cockfighting) operations, despite calls from senators to suspend it as a result of 34 missing persons connected to the sport.

On the radar

Belle Corp. revenue from CoD Manila doubles in 2021.
Court rejects Imperial Pacific’s appeal over license suspension.
Macau Feb. visitor arrivals down 5.6% from Jan. despite CNY.
Lotte Tour hiring another 200 staff as business picks up.

What the papers say

Local opposition growing in all three cities planning Japan IR bid.
MGM Resorts/Orix no plans to exercise Osaka IR escape clause.
Junket sub-agents must now have Macau ID.
Covid-test requirement for Zhuhai reduced to 24 hours.

AGB Intelligence

FACE-TO-FACE

WonderWins teams with ESPN Cricinfo to explore India DFS growth [video]

Inside The Pocket and WonderWins this week launched a major new initiative with ESPN’s Cricinfo to launch into India’s Daily Fantasy Sport space. In this week’s Face-to-Face, Inside The Pocket founder Hussain Naqi talks to us about the huge market potential he sees in India and how he aims to carve out a distinctive niche.