Editor's Letter

If Latin America is global gaming’s current land of opportunity, with Europe and North America offering a more stable level of growth, it is fair to say Asia is currently in a place of greater uncertainty by comparison. Thailand is moving towards gaming regulation, Singapore boasts the Marina Bay Sands but only one other property to provide competition, while the Philippines’ POGO situation creates the most uncertainty of all.
There is still plenty of growth to be enjoyed in the Philippines, but 2025 will be an interesting case study after POGOs (Philippines Offshore Gaming Operators) officially ceased all activity in December. Macau, meanwhile, remains the gambling hub of all gambling hubs, but still recently endured year-on-year revenue dips and remains short of pre-Covid-19 figures. Looking at Asia-Pacific, Australia continues to suffer from its operators’ regulatory transgressions and financial instability, while Mohegan has lost ownership of its Inspire property in South Korea – only a year after the resort’s grand opening.
So where may Asia’s next realistic hope of undeterred growth be? Well, while it is yet to launch in every form, there have been small whisperings that the United Arab Emirates could be a potential long-term challenger to Macau. Currently, there is a regulated lottery in place within the UAE and no other forms of gaming. But its regulator, the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA), offers licences for both land-based and digital gaming.
It has not exactly started small with its first licensees, either, with industry giant Wynn Resorts due to open its Wynn Al Marjan Island integrated resort in 2027. Meanwhile, another industry giant, Aristocrat, has been awarded the country’s first supplier licence (which covers both land-based and online). Wynn was one of the first companies to venture to Macau, of course, and the UAE should be able to attract lucrative casino clientele.
Can the UAE challenge Macau? We explore that very possibility in our cover feature, examining whether Asia may have a big new player in its arena. We do, however, look further afield in the rest of our magazine, with market focuses on some of the familiar names I mentioned earlier. Indeed, for readers interested in the Philippines, we preview both the Global Gaming Awards Asia-Pacific and the SiGMA Asia Summit in Manila. We also deliver a comprehensive update on the latest POGO situation.
In South Korea, we look at Inspire’s ownership transition from Mohegan to Bain Capital, while we, too, offer updates on Australia and Thailand. Last but not least, we have company profiles from some of the biggest suppliers targeting Asian-facing markets, as we look to bring you the most comprehensive analysis of one of the most fascinating regions in the world.

TP, Editor