Your Daily Asia Gaming eBrief: Vietnam’s new decree a sign of a central regulator to come

Good Morning. Towards the end of 2021, the Vietnam government issued Decree No. 121/2021/ND-CP, which includes 15 prohibited acts related to prize-winning electronic games. The new rules aren't expected to impact Vietnam's casino and integrated resort operators, though Ben Lee of IGamiX Management and Consulting believes it's another step the government has taken to eventually appoint a central gaming regulator. 

What you need to know

• Aristocrat said Playtech has further delayed its shareholder meeting, which gives rival bidders more time to come forward with an offer, but also extends the uncertainty for all investors.
• The Hong Kong Jockey Club has stopped public entrance to the races and "cruises to nowhere" have been canceled under new restrictions imposed in Hong Kong to stop the spread of Omicron.
• Macau health authorities will be halting all commercial passenger flights to Macau (with the exception of those from Mainland China) for a period of two weeks starting Jan 9.

On the radar

• Donaco confirms repayment of $120m Megabank loan on schedule.
• PH online operator Imperial Choice shut down for tax registration failure.
• Paradise Co 2021 casino sales fall 26.5%, Dec shows improvement.
• Chinese police recorded 62,000 cybercrime cases in 2021. 
• Grand Ho Tram’s new Holiday Inn hotel tower to open on Jan 15.

What the papers say

• Hong Kong finance firms eyeing opportunities for Macau expansion.
• Cebu Pacific to resume weekly flights between Macau and Manila from Feb.
• Goa’s tourism industry expects a 25% reduction of business as cases soar.

AGB Intelligence

ON THE GROUND

Vietnam’s new decree a sign of a central regulator to come

Industry Updates

• Pragmatic Play appoints Asia-focused exec. Irina Cornides as chief operations officer.

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