Your Daily Asia Gaming eBrief: Staycations are here to stay

Good morning. Staycations have become a lifeline for hotel and IR operators, allowing them to tap into the domestic market at a time when international tourists are few and far between. Experts say there has been a silver lining to the last 21 months, and warn against ditching staycations completely when borders reopen.

What you need to know

• Macau visitor arrivals fell 70 percent from Sept. 24 to Sept. 25 as the government stepped up restrictions due to the latest Covid outbreak
• The Kerala High Court has struck down a government ban on online rummy, saying it’s a skill-based game and thus protected by the constitution.
• Singapore, which was the first nation in Asia to transition towards living with the virus, is tapping the brakes with heightened restrictions due to rising Covid cases.
• MGM Resorts said it agreed to buy the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas for $1.62b to expand its customer base and improve choice for guests.
• Scientific Games has agreed to sell its sports betting business, OpenBet to Endeavor Group for $1.2 billion which will be funded through cash and stocks.

On the radar

• DICJ cancels public consultation on gaming law due to Covid outbreak
• Okura Holdings saw its pachinko revenue decline 23.1% in FY21.
• Bloomberry appoints former Chief Justice Diosdado M. Peralta as board director
• Pragmatic Play donates more than $47k to charities in Gibraltar, Malta, Romania

What the papers say

• Macau mass Covid-19 testing finished, no positive samples so far
• South Korea’s Casino Association says sector generated $409.1m  in 1H21
• Big Daddy casino seeks permission for temporary casino jetty in Panaji
• Five arrested in IPL betting racket in Indore
• Malaysian police arrest seven, cripple call center,  in online gambling raid in Johor

AGB Intelligence

DEEP DIVE

Staycations are here to stay

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