Your Daily Asia Gaming eBrief: Online M&A likely to pick up pace in U.S. as costs rise

Good Morning. Tom Waterhouse, a well-known name in Australia's bookmaking circles, has branched out into venture capital and is seeking investment opportunities amongst innovative gaming suppliers. In this week's Face-to-Face, he speaks to us about his top prediction for 2022 and some of the most interesting recent developments in market trends and products.

What you need to know

• Genting HK said the latest directives to restrict the spread of Covid had forced the cancellation of its cruises to nowhere, while a Royal Caribbean ship had to return to port due to a close contact with an infected person.
• The Philippines government has expanded its list of cities and provinces to go under the more stringent alert level 3 status from January 9 to 15.
• The Jeju government will be further studying the merits of allowing proxy betting at its foreigner-only casinos, though allowing domestic Korean gamblers into its casinos has been ruled out for now.

On the radar

• Melco Resorts to pay one-month employee bonus before Chinese New Year.
• GKL closes Seven Luck casino in Gangnam, Seoul, for Covid cleaning.
• IGT, SG push December gains on AGEM Index of gaming supplier stocks.
• Clarion sets new April dates for ICE London.
• Tamil Nadu govt to pursue another route to ban online gaming.

What the papers say

• Jeju Dream Tower hotel and casino return to profit in Dec.

AGB Intelligence

FACE TO FACE

Online M&A likely to pick up pace in U.S. as costs rise [video]

Industry Updates

• iSoftBet introduces Crabbin’ Crazy fishing game.
• IHG signs four-hotel deal with Sun Group in Vietnam.

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