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Abu Dhabi's popular raffle draw, Big Ticket, will return to action following a, with the next live draw scheduled for June 3. This comes after UAE lottery providers like Mahzooz and Emirates Draw had been ordered to suspend their operations starting January 1, 2024. Both Mahzooz and Emirates Draw had complied with the regulatory directive from the GCGRA, both taking to social media, describing the pause as an industry-wide mandate consistent with the Regulators’ new role to create a well-regulated gaming environment in the United Arab Emirates.

During the operational pause, Big Ticket was in a position to evaluate its readiness to align with the evolving regulatory framework established by the GCGRA, aimed at ensuring a secure and regulated commercial gaming sector in the country.

With over thirty years of operation, Big Ticket has been a favourite among UAE residents, bringing hope for some and an integral part of life for others. The practice of pooling resources among expats to purchase tickets collectively has been a common phenomenon, with groups ranging from 4 to 40 individuals participating. In an effort to reinvigorate interest, Big Ticket is offering participants a chance to win a guaranteed sum of Dh10 million for the upcoming draw in June, with a buy 2 get 3 promotion on tickets.

The regulatory landscape in the UAE is undergoing a transformation, as the government moves towards a consolidated approach with only one national lottery operator authorized by the GCGRA. While Mahzooz and Emirates Draw have completed their license applications for the national lottery, the question of whether Big Ticket will assume this role exclusively or if other operators will be permitted to coexist remains unanswered.

The recent suspension of lottery operations highlights a notable shift in the UAE's stance on gambling, traditionally prohibited by local laws. The new licensing framework and the establishment of the GCGRA indicate a strategic move towards regulating the gaming industry, underlining the government's commitment to a structured and controlled gaming environment.

Suntrust Resort Holdings, controlled by LET Group Holdings (formerly Suncity Group Holdings), disclosed a loss of PHP256.1 million (€4.11 million) for the first quarter of 2024, marking a significant downturn from the PHP92.6 million (€1.48 million) profit recorded in the same period of last year. The attributed the loss to a sharp increase in operating expenses, tax expenses, and finance costs, coupled with a substantial decline in revenue and income. 

Operating expenses surged by 95 percent, escalating from PHP69 million (€1.1 million) in the first quarter of 2023 to PHP135.4 million (€2.17 million) in the same period this year, as indicated in the company's filings with the Hong Kong Stock Exchange and the Philippines Stock Exchange.

The loss per share amounted to PHP0.0353, in stark contrast to earnings per share of PHP0.0128 reported in the corresponding quarter of the previous year, reflecting the company's challenging financial performance.

Total revenue and income plummeted to PHP3,226 (€51.81) in 1Q24, primarily attributed to foreign exchange gains. 

Despite the financial setback, Suntrust Resort Holdings continues to advance its Westside City Project integrated resort in Manila. The project's main components include an entertainment complex and a five-star hotel boasting over 450 rooms. Additionally, the company is spearheading the development of the Westside shopping mall, an opera house, and a 2,000-room hotel complex.

Last week, the closing date for securing funding of up to PHP13.51 billion (€219.2 million) for the Westside City project has been pushed back by 12 months. The revised date is now set for April 30, 2025. 

The company anticipates the opening of the Main Hotel and Casino segment of the Philippines Westside City Project in the first quarter of 2025, signalling its commitment to realizing the project's long-term vision amidst current financial challenges. 

Genting Singapore achieved remarkable growth in the first quarter of 2024, recording revenue of SG$784.4 million (€538.5 million) and adjusted EBITDA of SG$369.5 million (€253.4 million). These figures represent a substantial increase of 62 percent in revenue and 93 percent in adjusted EBITDA compared to the same period last year.  

The company's gaming revenue surged by 69 percent annually to SG$576 million (€395.1 million) in the first quarter, with a notable quarter-over-quarter improvement of 31 percent.  attributes this growth to enhanced visitation and tourism spend during the Chinese New Year festivities, coupled with relaxed visa regulations between China and Singapore.  

The mutual visa-free agreement between China and Singapore, implemented in February 2024, contributed to a significant increase in visitor arrivals to Singapore. Chinese tourists have emerged as a key source market, bolstering Genting Singapore's integrated resort, Resorts World Sentosa.  

This turnout was experienced even if the company earlier  the potential changes in Chinese tourist behaviour prompted by the Chinese government’s warnings to avoid gambling.  

Genting Singapore provided updates on its revitalization initiatives, confirming that construction for the new Minion Land, Singapore Oceanarium, and Central Lifestyle Connector remains on schedule for phased openings starting from the first quarter of 2025. Moreover, the company expects to award the tender for the new Waterfront development, featuring two hotels totalling 700 rooms, in the third quarter of 2024, with on-site works slated to commence by the fourth quarter of the same year.  

Meanwhile, the former Hard Rock Hotel, which closed in March 2024, is undergoing extensive renovation and is scheduled to reopen as a new all-suite luxury hotel in early 2025. This strategic refurbishment aligns with Genting Singapore's commitment to providing exceptional hospitality experiences and further enhancing its offerings within the integrated resort landscape.  

Genting Singapore is the owner of Resorts World Sentosa, one of the largest integrated resort destinations in Asia. Resorts World Sentosa offers a casino, S.E.A. Aquarium, Adventure Cove Waterpark, Universal Studios Singapore theme park, hotels, MICE facilities, celebrity chef restaurants and specialty retail outlets. 

The Chinese government has announced the extension of the facilitated individual travel (FIT) scheme to include eight additional mainland cities for visits to Hong Kong and Macau, effective from May 27, 2024.  

Asia Gaming Brief reported that the National Immigration Administration revealed the expansion following approval from the State Council, signalling a concerted effort to enhance cross-border travel arrangements and promote economic cooperation. 

This development follows a for Chinese nationals on package tours implemented last May 6, easing travel between Macau and neighbouring Hengqin. This initiative allows participants in package tours to move freely between the two regions over a seven-day period. 

The newly added cities encompass provincial capitals such as Taiyuan, Hohhot, Harbin, Lhasa, Lanzhou, Xining, Yinchuan, and Urumqi, representing diverse regions across China. 

The FIT scheme, introduced in 2003 in response to the SARS outbreak, facilitates independent travel for mainland residents to Hong Kong and Macau, promoting tourism and cultural exchange. 

The Macau Chief Executive anticipates a significant uptick in mainland tourist arrivals, citing the potential for substantial economic benefits to the city. The recent surge in visitor numbers underscores the importance of mainland tourism to Macau's economy, particularly in the gaming sector. 

Macau experienced a notable increase in visitor arrivals, predominantly from mainland China, contributing to a substantial year-on-year rise in gross gaming revenue. The addition of more cities to the Individual Visit Scheme (IVS) list is expected to further stimulate tourism and retail industries in Macau. 

Macau authorities are committed to fostering favourable conditions for mainland residents to visit the city, emphasizing dialogue with Chinese authorities to facilitate travel arrangements. Efforts to diversify the economy beyond gaming continue, with a focus on promoting non-gaming activities and attracting international visitors. 

While the impact on the gaming sector remains uncertain, analysts suggest potential short-term benefits from the expansion of the IVS list. Macau's government encourages gaming operators to cater to international clientele and enhance non-gaming offerings to support long-term economic growth. 

As increase and non-gaming initiatives gain momentum, Macau seeks to balance its reliance on mainland tourism with efforts to attract a more diverse visitor base. Collaboration between government entities and industry stakeholders will play a crucial role in shaping Macau's tourism landscape and economic resilience.