Your Daily Asia Gaming eBrief: India needs central regulator, tax changes to aid gaming growth

Good Morning. India’s patchwork of state-based gaming regulation creates confusion and restricts growth in one of the most promising markets in Asia. A new report from the U.K. India Business Council is recommending that the government create a centralized model for states to adapt and says high levels of taxation need to be addressed. In today’s Deep Dive, we talk to one of the authors of the report and reveal some of the key insights, which include finding that Meghalaya and Sikkim come out as the country’s two most gambling-friendly states.

What you need to know

• The lodging and cruise industries are likely to lead growth in the hospitality sector in the next 12 to 18 months, followed by gaming as Asia reopens its borders, Moody’s said.
• The prospects for Malaysia’s gaming industry are looking “increasingly certain” as the country moves into the endemic phase of Covid: RHB Research.
• Former Star CEO Matt Bekier, along with other key executives of the casino company are due to give testimony at the royal commission style inquiry into the company this week. 
• Macau lawmakers are seeking clarification from the government on certain aspects of the junket bill, which they deem as being “too strict.”

On the radar

• Crown pushes back scheme meeting as Blackstone regulatory approvals lag.
• Macau gaming tax revenue down 4.7%  in first quarter.

What the papers say

• New Zealand local council supports tighter pokie regulations to curb gambling harm.
• Nepal begins shutting down cryptocurrency, online gambling apps.

AGB Intelligence

DEEP DIVE

Central regulation, tax changes needed to aid India gaming growth: UKIBC

Industry Updates

• AXES.ai announces key appointments to management team.
• Pinnacle appoints Rohini Sardana as business development director.
• Macau operators announce wide array of Forbes five-star travel awards.
• Asia Live Tech gets acquired by B2B Gaming.
• Lisboeta hosts first local NFT art exhibition.

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