Your Daily Asia Gaming eBrief: PH Senator aims to shut down every POGO

Friday 12th of May 2023

Good Morning. Philippine Senator Sherwin Gatchalian is done with POGOs, and aims to take them all down as quickly and efficiently as possible. The official says that issues of human trafficking has forced the hand of authorities, pushing the Palace to act with all haste. In Korea, Mohegan's INSPIRE is on track for its October non-gaming opening, as construction reached 70 percent in April. And in Macau the good news continues to rack up, as China plans to ease package tour visa restrictions next week.

ASEAN Gaming Summit, asia gaming ebrief, Philippines

What you need to know

POGOs are dead - so is the hope of Philippine Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, who has taken aim at an industry he considers to bring nothing but trouble.
Mohegan's multi-billion dollar project in South Korea is heading towards completion, with an opening date set for the fourth quarter.
Macau's casino floors could see a further influx of tourists, after China has moved to ease package tour visa restrictions, encouraging mass.

On the radar

Crane reports 3% growth of core sales, $43.7 million profit in 1Q23.
Genting HK to delist from Hong Kong bourse on May 16th.
Macau faces rising COVID cases.

AGB Intelligence

PHILIPPINES

Philippine senator says POGOs need to go

Philippine senator Sherwin Gatchalian is spearheading a movement to eliminate all POGOs from the country, saying their economic contribution can't justify the cost to the nation. The official notes that alleged human trafficking cases are damaging the country's reputation. But a further rehaul of PAGCOR is also on his agenda, hoping to form a completely new regulatory entity which may or may not include current members, contrary to PAGCOR's plans to divest its assets and become solely a regulatory body.