Good morning. Macau’s latest Covid outbreak has ended any hope for a Golden Week boost to revenue, while the fallout from the government’s pandemic measures may deter visitation for some months to come. “I think for confidence to return it’s going to take a good two months without further incidents, so we might see an end of year minor spike," says Ben Lee of iGamiX Management. 

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What you need to know

• PH Resorts said it has received approval from PAGCOR to temporarily suspend its license for an integrated resort project in the Clark Freeport Zone.
• The Catholic Church has stepped up its campaign against plans to allow casinos on Boracay, saying they will pave the way for destructive lifestyles and habits.
• A Macau law firm has proposed alternative solutions to Macau’s restrictions on the distribution of dividends as proposed in its draft gaming law amendments.
• ASEAN Gaming Summit is returning for its yearly conference on 21-23 March, 2022, at the Shangri-La at the Fort Hotel in Manila.

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On the radar

• Macau tightens Covid restrictions for arrivals by air
• Nazara Technologies to raise $42m through share sale to fund expansion

What the papers say

• Macau government defends decision not to cordon off Sands Macau, despite Covid patient stay
• Resorts World Genting could welcome 3 million guests in 4Q21

AGB Intelligence

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DEEP DIVE

Golden Week a wash, but what's the impact on Macau's recovery?

Macau’s latest Covid outbreak has ended any hope for a Golden Week boost to revenue, while the fallout from the government’s pandemic measures may deter visitation for some months to come. The government has mass tested its entire population three times in two months, placed six areas of the city into lockdown and a further 11 under so-called “yellow zone” restrictions. “Every time this happens the level of anxiety about being caught in Macau and unable to return without quarantine rises,” said Ben Lee, managing partner of iGamiX Management & Consulting. “You have to really, really want to come to Macau to brave all of these potential risks.”

INDUSTRY UPDATES

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• Pragmatic Play rolls out two new Indian focused live casino products

SUPPLIER SPECIAL REPORT

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SG: Tackling the future of gaming

The future is on display at this year’s expo, showcasing the company’s industry-leading products. “Excitement has been building for months now as our teams crafted a product lineup to showcase this year at G2E,” said Barry Cottle, President and CEO at Scientific Games. “After months of virtual gatherings, we’re ready to get together safely, and to show everyone what we’ve been working on."

Gary Platt: Seating for longer stays

Anywhere and everywhere a guest may go on property – the casino, hospitality areas, or their guest room office space – Gary Platt Manufacturing has unsurpassed seating solutions that make guests more comfortable and want to stay and play longer. At G2E Gary Platt will showcase new and classic models, each of which is hand-crafted to perfection by Gary Platt’s teams of artisans.

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Macau relaxes measures for Taiwan entry, increases Hong Kong
_2022-02-17Singapore announces big expansion of travel lanes as Omicron eases
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_2022-02-17Maybank upbeat Omicron won’t pose major challenge for Malaysia gaming
_2022-02-17Covid disruptions widens Crown Resorts 1HFY22 net loss to A$196.3 million
_2022-02-17The Star Entertainment 1HFY22 earnings significantly impacted by shutdowns
_2022-02-17

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