Your Daily Asia Gaming eBrief: Online gamblers want social interaction, crypto wallets

Good Morning. Asian players have moved increasingly online over the past year, not just to place their bets, but to also share social betting experiences through streaming and messaging channels, says sports betting and technology company 1XBet. Today’s Deep Dive hears from 1xBet’s Asia team, who share their experiences about the latest developments in the region and their expectations going forward.

What you need to know

• Gaming analysts expects Macau’s near-term to remain bleak as China’s Covid-19 lockdowns and restrictions on travel continue to take their toll on GGR. 
• The NSW government’s plan to introduce mandatory cashless gaming cards in pokies venues could be scrapped in favor of opt-in digital payment system, which critics argue could be a money laundering risk. 
• The first cruise ship to return to Australia did so on Monday, a 77,441gt ship named Pacific Voyager, owned and operated by P&O Cruises Australia.

On the radar

• Macau mass GGR falls 11% in 1Q22, VIP flat.
• Wynn Resorts affirms appointment of Julie Cameron-Doe on Apr 18.

What the papers say

• Macau Government strategy for economic recovery and future of gaming sector does not make sense – David Chow
• Workers conned into online casinos in Preah Sihanouk province rescued.
• HKJC to reopen off-course betting branches on Thurs without betting services.

AGB Intelligence

DEEP DIVE

Online bettors want social interaction and crypto wallets: 1XBet

Industry Updates

• Esports Technologies partners with Incentive Games.
• BMM Testlabs’ BIG Tech welcomes Amit Sharma as CEO.

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