Your Daily Asia Gaming eBrief: Direct award a better option

Tuesday 9th of November 2021

Good morning. Macau’s six casino concessionaires will need to rebid for the licenses that will allow them to continue to operate after June next year. Leading lawyer, Antonio Lobo Vilela, who has written a four-volume treatise on Macau gaming law, argues that it may be more in the public interest for the government to award the concessions directly to existing operators than hold a public tender.

What you need to know

Macau gross gambling revenue in the first week of November was up 12 percent over the prior week, but the casino spend doesn't seem to be keeping pace with rising visitor numbers.
Quarantine-free travel between Hong Kong and Mainland China could be allowed from as early as next month as part of a trial.
Aristocrat Leisure has called on Playtech shareholders to back its US$3.65 billion bid for the company, saying there is no guarantee Gopher Investments will make a firm offer.
Genting Malaysia would likely see a $145 million boost to net profit per annum should it be granted a casino license for New York State, Maybank Research said.
Malaysia is reviewing its gambling laws to ensure they are effective against illegal online activity amidst evidence of a spike in cases during Covid.

On the radar

Macau casino shares jump on hopes for Pfizer’s new Covid pill.
Singapore and Malaysia will open up a travel bubble from Nov 29.
Genting M begins technical rehearsals for SkyWorlds, seen opening soon.
Visitors to Macau will need to soon prove they have enough capital to survive the length of their stay.

What the papers say

Japan registers zero-daily covid-19 deaths for first time in 15 months.
Analysts consider Macau government 2022 GGR forecast too optimistic.
LA casino fined $0.5m for failing to report Chinese whale with $100m in cash.
Saipan Casino Commission has $20,215 in remaining funds.

AGB Intelligence

DEEP DIVE

Direct award a better option

Macau’s six casino concessionaires will need to rebid for the licenses that will allow them to continue to operate after June next year. Leading lawyer, Antonio Lobo Vilela, who has written a four-volume treatise on Macau gaming law, argues that it may be more in the public interest for the government to award the concessions directly to existing operators than hold a public tender. It's a process that needs to safeguard the economy and Macau's public image to make sure it does not turn into a “Mak Mak” in the gaming industry. Mak Mak is the mascot that greets visitors to Macau.

Industry Updates

HKJC offers PCCW CEO technology, sustainability directorship
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Supplier Special Report

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