Daily Asia Gaming eBrief: Macau’s premium player focus requires luxury hotel accommodation

Good morning.?If you gamble like a king, you should also sleep like one. Macau’s operators’ efforts to lure and keep premium players has caused a shift in its hospitality focus – moving towards more luxurious accommodations to keep players happy, and on the gaming floor. And this appears to be working, with GGR in the world’s gaming mecca topping $1.26 billion in the first 17 days of the month, overcoming weather and large-scale events. Looking to Singapore, Marina Bay Sands is going all out on its $8 billion IR2 expansion, expecting an EBITDA increase of some 40 percent once operational.

What you need to know

• Increase in high-end hotel suites tailored to premium mass players, combined with smart gaming tables, propelling Macau’s GGR growth.
• Macau GGR is estimated at $1.26 billion through the first 17 days of November, despite weather conditions and the Macau Grand Prix.
• Marina Bay Sands is targeting an EBITDA increase of some 40 percent once its IR2 expansion is operational.

On the radar

• IGT was hit with a cybersecurity breach, parts of its IT systems/apps disrupted.
• Paradise Co.’s $400M flagship hotel expected to start construction in 1Q25.
• P&O Cruises Australia could face lawsuit over casinos’ predatory behavior.
• $1.4B surrendered by suspects in Singapore money laundering case.
• Hotels/restaurants new face of the post-POGO scam era.
• Macau Police net 38 individuals in illicit money exchange crackdown.
• Tasmanian gov’t walks back promise for mandatory carded play on pokies.
• IBIA announces major upgrade in its global integrity monitoring network.
• Cape Verde considering alternatives to replace Macau Legend IR project.

AGB Intelligence

MACAU

Macau premium players require more luxury hotel rooms

Macau’s gaming landscape continues to evolve, with the death of the VIP sector and the rise of mass prompting a transformation of gaming floors but also of hospitality offerings. And one thing operators will never turn away is a premium player. But this has also prompted a need for more high-end hotel rooms and suites to cater to their lavish tastes and urge them to stay and play for longer. This play has also been accelerated by new smart tables, which allow for more money wagered in less time.

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