Investment bank reports record M&A deals in gaming sector

Flutter Entertainment's decision to relocate its primary listing from London to New York has been backed by an overwhelming 98 percent of shareholders at its annual meeting. The move to the New York Stock Exchange is expected to be effective by the end of this month and it reflects the company’s growth trajectory and the changing dynamics of the global financial markets. It remains to be seen how this move will impact Flutter’s future growth and the London Stock Exchange’s standing as an international financial centre.

The decision by Flutter, formerly known as Paddy Power Betfair, is not an isolated incident. It is part of a growing trend of public companies moving their primary listings from London, thereby weakening the London’s standing. This trend has been fuelled by the allure of higher valuations and executive pay in the US market. One thing is certain, however - the global financial landscape is in flux, and companies are strategically positioning themselves to navigate this changing terrain.

Flutter's transatlantic leap has several implications for its investors. New York will enhance Flutter's profile in the US, its largest market by revenue. This increased visibility will attract a large pool of investors and subsequently increase the company's market cap. US markets are recognised for their depth and liquidity therefore Flutter will gain access to deeper capital markets which will provide greater liquidity for its shares.

Flutter's New York listing may lead to an increase in Flutter's share price benefitting its investors. The move to a primary US listing will give Flutter the opportunity to pursue inclusion in major US indices and this will increase the company's visibility resulting in a demand for its shares.

Flutter's primary listing relocation to NYSE is not an isolated incident. Several other companies have also chosen to make a similar transition. Earlier this year, Anglo-German travel company Tui and building materials company CRH made similar moves. Indivior, a pharmaceutical company, and Ocado, an online grocery retailer, are also reportedly considering a shift to the US. This exodus from the London Stock Exchange is indicative of a broader shift in the global financial landscape.

The decision by Flutter comes at a time when the company is anticipating to generate more than 40 percent of its revenues from the US market this year. This growth has been largely driven by the success of FanDuel, one of the country’s biggest online betting and fantasy sports platforms. The popularity of FanDuel has surged following the relaxation of online betting restrictions in the US in recent years. Sales in the country have risen from 10 percent of revenues five years ago, to 40 percent last year, making it the largest market by revenue for Flutter.

On the flip side, Flutter's move obviously means that it will be removed from London's FTSE indices. This may lead to selling pressure from index funds and other institutional investors that tract these indices.

It is also widely recognized that the recruitment and retention of talent in the United States typically necessitates a more substantial investment. As a result of Flutter Entertainment’s move, the company will be better positioned to recruit and retain US talent however this will increase staff costs and hiring expenses. Despite these potential higher costs, the ability to attract and retain talent in the US could significantly contribute to the company’s long-term growth and success.

The move to the US was first mooted in February 2023 when Flutter consulted shareholders over plans to gain a secondary listing in New York as part of its wider growth plans in the country. The company referred to the New York Stock Exchange as its “natural home” prior to the US listing in January.

The implications of this move are significant. It not only reflects the changing dynamics of the global financial markets but also underscores the strategic importance of the US market for companies like Flutter. As more companies follow suit, the shift could potentially reshape the global financial landscape, with New York emerging as the preferred destination for primary listings.

The market reception to this decision has been overwhelmingly positive, with 98 percent of shareholders backing the move. The company expects the primary listing to become effective imminently. As one analyst put it, “The strong shareholder support underscores the confidence in Flutter’s strategic direction.”

The move aligns with a broader trend of companies favouring U.S. markets, driven by potential valuation advantages. This strategic alignment reflects concerns about London’s attractiveness for IPOs and listed firms in the post-Brexit landscape. An industry observer noted, “Flutter’s move is emblematic of the shifting global financial landscape, with the U.S. increasingly seen as a more attractive market.”

Russell Pointon, Head of Consumer and Media markets at investment research firm Edison Group, highlighted the potential for increased influence. He noted that the NYSE listing might increase Flutter’s influence on investor perceptions of UK gambling PLCs.

However, the move is not without potential risks. Some analysts have expressed concerns about the move. For instance, an article in The Guardian suggested that UK shareholders should vote against Flutter’s flight to the US. This highlights the need for Flutter to carefully manage its stakeholder communications during this transition.

Flutter’s CEO, Peter Jackson, has stated that the group’s focus remains on the US, with liquidity pools there described as “much greater” than in any other markets. He also mentioned that the company sees itself as going home – the US is their natural home. This statement underscores the strategic importance of the U.S. market for Flutter’s future growth.

While there is a general consensus on the strategic benefits of the move, some analysts have also highlighted potential risks. As one financial commentator aptly put it, “Flutter’s move is a bold strategic play, but like all plays, it carries both potential rewards and risks.” It’s clear that this decision has sparked a significant discussion in the financial community.

Sixteen individuals involved in an illegal online raffle on Facebook were apprehended on Wednesday by the Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG) in collaboration with Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation () representatives.   

The suspects, operating under the Facebook page "Lucky Dream 4," were caught during their 50th raffle event livestream from their office in a Biñan subdivision in Laguna.  

PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro Tengco emphasized that the arrest aligns with the state gaming agency’s commitment to intensify efforts against illegal online gambling. Strengthened collaboration with law enforcement agencies aims to safeguard the public, particularly the youth, from the dangers of illegal online gambling platforms.  

“We have been receiving reports of illegal online activities including those on social media platforms. As the country’s gaming regulator, it is our duty to protect the public – especially the youth -- from these illegal online gambling sites,” Tengco said in a statement.   

According to , the Facebook page "Lucky Dream 4," boasting 111,000 followers, has been conducting live online raffle games, offering second-hand modified motorcycles as prizes. PAGCOR Senior Vice President Raul Villanueva disclosed that the group has been operating for a significant period, accruing substantial proceeds from their illegal activities.  

During a single raffle event, the group could generate up to Php1.8 million (€29,155), selling an average of 40,000 to 50,000 tickets priced at Php40 each (€0.65).   

“They have amassed over Php8 million (€129,596) from the time they started this illegal online operation because, in one draw, they can sell as many as 50,000 tickets,” said Villanueva, head of the PAGCOR Security Group.  

Villanueva also expressed concern over the involvement of youth in the group, with most members being under 27 years old. He underscored that the Lucky Dream 4 group was engaged in illegal online gaming activities and urged them to obtain a licence from PAGCOR if they intended to operate legally.  

PAGCOR advises individuals engaged in similar activities to reconsider their actions and register their online gaming operations with the regulatory body.   

“We advise those who are involved in similar activities to think again. Register your online gaming operations with PAGCOR instead. There will be consequences if you continue to operate illegally because PAGCOR is constantly in touch with law enforcement agencies to ensure that these activities do not proliferate,” Villanueva said. 

Upcoming SiGMA event: SiGMA Asia 2024, 2 – 5 June. Find all the details .

MGM China has recorded a record-high adjusted EBITDA and market share during the first quarter of 2024, this followed another remarkable . Unaudited results revealed adjusted EBITDA reaching HKD2.5 billion (€298.3 million), marking a 77.3 percent year-on-year increase and a 155 percent surge from the first quarter of 2019.  

According to the company’s report, the group attributes its stellar EBITDA results to its mass-focused business approach and ongoing enhancements in operational efficiency, underscoring its ability to adapt and thrive in evolving market conditions.  

Brokerage firm Citi earlier said in a report that is among the pack who will lead in operational performance in Macau’s gaming sector. 

MGM China's market share climbed to 17 percent in the first quarter of 2024, up from 15.2 percent in the same period last year and a notable increase from 9.5 percent in the first quarter of 2019. Moreover, MGM Cotai and MGM Macau contributed significantly to this growth, with market shares of 10.1 percent and 6.9 percent, respectively.  

MGM Cotai reported revenue of approximately HKD4.8 billion (€572.7 million) during the quarter, representing substantial increases from previous periods. Adjusted EBITDA at MGM Cotai surged to HKD1.4 billion (€167 million), while MGM Macau's revenue reached HKD3.5 billion (€417.6 million), accompanied by an adjusted EBITDA of HK$1.1 billion (€131.2 million).  

Overall, MGM China's net revenue soared by 70.6 percent year-on-year, surpassing 143 percent of first-quarter 2019 levels, totalling HK$8.3 billion (€990.4 million). Gross gaming revenue rose by 7 percent quarterly, reaching 74 percent in the same period in 2019, reflecting strong performance in the gaming segment.  

MGM China's President and Executive Director, Kenneth Feng, expressed confidence in the company's future and its commitment to shareholders. The company proposed a total dividend of HKD0.347 (€0.041) per share, underscoring its confidence in the resilience and potential of Macau's gaming industry. 

Upcoming SiGMA event: SiGMA Asia 2024, 2 – 5 June. Find all the details .

The is setting its sights on attracting approximately 15 percent more inbound tourists from the United States, recognizing the significant contribution of this "highly valuable" market to the nation's tourism sector's full recovery.  

In 2023, the Philippines welcomed over 903,299 visitors from the US, generating PHP35 billion (€567 million) in tourism revenue—the highest among the country’s top tourist markets. This significant contribution underscores the importance of the American market in driving tourism receipts. 

In a report by the Philippine News Agency, Francisco Hilario Lardizabal, Philippine Tourism Director-Attache in New York, emphasized the strategic importance of the US market, highlighting that despite fewer arrivals, their spending power significantly boosts tourism revenue. He said that many inbound US travellers to the are former Filipino citizens, with a primary motivation to visit friends and relatives, leading to longer stays and higher expenditures. 

Lardizabal expressed confidence in achieving a 15 percent increase in inbound US visitors compared to 2023 figures. The Department of Tourism (DOT) is adopting a multifaceted approach to attract the market, including forging partnerships, enhancing training for travel agents, participating in B2B travel trade events, and organizing curated familiarization tours. 

A shift in US traveller demographics has been observed, with millennials showing increasing interest in the Philippines. The DOT aims to address the needs and preferences of this demographic by focusing on immersion or experiential travel, wellness tourism, workcation, premium travel, solo travel, and adventure and sports. 

Lardizabal highlighted emerging travel trends in the US market, such as increased interest in sports and activities like hiking, horseback riding, cycling, and scuba diving. These preferences present opportunities for the Philippines to tailor its offerings to cater to the evolving needs of US travellers, thereby further enhancing its appeal as a tourism destination. 

Upcoming SiGMA event: SiGMA Asia 2024, 2 – 5 June. Find all the details .