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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. 

Croatian Baby Lasagna is the hot favourite for the Eurovision final, and it's creating quite a buzz! "Rim Tim Tagi Dim" wasn't even supposed to be in the running at Croatia's Dora event. It all happened because another singer, Zsa Zsa, had to pull out last minute. Baby Lasagna's performance is a crazy mix of rock and techno that somehow just works. The song tackles a serious topic but keeps things fun and engaging. Croatia's entry currently leads with a 41% chance of winning, suggesting strong confidence among bettors.

Right behind Baby Lasagna is Israel's Eden Golan with "Hurricane," sitting pretty as the second favourite with a 26% chance of winning. Eden's powerhouse vocals and the emotional punch of her song set her apart. She's one of the few belting out a ballad this year, amidst all the pop and comedy acts. If she delivers live like she does on record, she's sure to make a lasting impression. Israel's entry has a 22% chance of winning.

Switzerland's Nemo and his song "The Code" are holding strong in third place with an 11% chance of victory. Mixing rap, drum & bass, and space opera sounds like a recipe for chaos, but somehow Switzerland makes it work. It's bold, in-your-face, and just the right amount of intense to keep you hooked. “The Code” is given an 11% chance of winning, with odds ranging from 6 to 8.5.

Down the line in fourth place is France's Slimane with "Mon Amour," bringing that classic French charm we are used to. Slimane's raw vocals and emotional delivery hit all the right notes, even if he's not leading the pack in the odds with a 6% chance of lifting the crystal microphone. It's quality music that speaks for itself, and sometimes that's all you need to make an impact.

Clinching the final spot in the top 5 of the Eurovision 2024 odds is Ireland’s Bambie Thug with “Doomsday Blue”. The Emerald Isle has finally decided to throw a bit of pizzazz into the Eurovision mix! Bambie's entry is much more than a song, it's a full-on Ouija-Pop spell. Win or lose, they're the talk of the town. The song is given a 4% chance to win.

Every year, the world collectively holds its breath as countries battle it out on stage with a mix of heartfelt ballads, catchy pop tunes, and the occasional entry that leaves you scratching your head in confusion. So, grab your popcorn, settle in for a night of glittery madness, and let the Eurovision extravaganza begin!

The Tattersalls Irish Guineas Festival, a prestigious event in the horseracing calendar, is set to take place from 24 to 26 May at The Curragh. This festival not only marks the commencement of the Irish Summer Classics with QuinnBet, which has been chosen as the official betting partner.

The festival is renowned for its record prize money of €2.4 million ($2.58 million), attracting competitors from around the globe. For the first time, several races will be included in the Tote World Pool, adding another layer of excitement for participants and spectators alike.

Evan Arkwright, the Curragh Racing and Sponsorship Manager, expressed his delight at QuinnBet’s decision to enhance their association with the Curragh. He stated, "Their brand will be visible across the three days to include which will ensure maximum exposure for them.” As part of the partnership, QuinnBet will lend its name to the €100,000 QuinnBet Emerald Mile and the €50,000 QuinnBet Premier Handicap.

Stephen Kelly, Managing Director of QuinnBet, shared his enthusiasm about the partnership. He said, “The Curragh is widely regarded as one of the best racecourses in the World and home to Ireland’s five most important flat races, two of which will take place over the Guineas Festival and open the curtains on the Irish Summer Classics Season. It is therefore a huge privilege for QuinnBet to be associated with this event which builds on our ongoing commitment to sponsorship of Irish Racing, that we and our customers are so passionate about.”

This partnership comes at a time when the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) has recently made changes to how non-runners will affect races, reflecting the dynamic and evolving nature of the sport. As the Irish Summer Classics Season begins, this partnership between QuinnBet and the Tattersalls Irish Guineas Festival promises to bring a new level of excitement and engagement to the world of horseracing.

The Irish Summer Classics Season is a time of vibrancy in Ireland, marked by a variety of events that cater to a wide range of interests. The season kicks off with Vantastival, a family-friendly festival held over the May Bank Holiday Weekend in the picturesque Beaulieu House and Gardens in Co. Louth. This is followed by the Kilkenny Rhythm and Roots Festival, a long-standing event since 1998, known for its eclectic mix of folk, blues, bluegrass, rockabilly, and cajun-inspired music. The AVA Festival in Belfast, a two-day grassroots event, then takes centre stage, celebrating and amplifying the strong current of electronic music and digital visual arts that has emerged from Northern Ireland. The Bank Holiday weekend is further enlivened by Forbidden Fruit, a festival featuring a diverse array of artists. The season is rounded off by the Life Festival, a three-day open-air weekender that showcases the finest electronic artists in the stunning surrounds of Belvedere House and Gardens. Each event in the Irish Summer Classics Season offers its own unique flavour, contributing to a rich tapestry of cultural experiences.