Macau’s gaming sector has unveiled its 2024 revenue figures, offering a mix of impressive annual growth and an unexpected dip in December. This marks the first decline in gross gaming revenue (GGR) in two years, setting the stage for reflection on the industry’s progress and its implications for the online gambling market.
December’s Decline: A Break in Momentum
For the first time since 2022, Macau’s GGR experienced a downturn. December 2024 revenue reached MOP 18.2 billion (approximately $2.28 billion), a 2% drop compared to the same period in 2023. Analysts have linked this dip to disruptions caused by Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit, which affected border activities and casino operations.
Despite this decline, the annual GGR for 2024 showed a strong recovery, totaling MOP 226.8 billion ($28.4 billion), a 24% increase over 2023. The early months of the year, particularly January to March, saw significant growth driven by Chinese New Year celebrations, with monthly increases exceeding 50%. Growth slowed to an average of 16% for the remainder of the year, reflecting a gradual return to pre-pandemic activity levels.
Recovery and Adaptation: Lessons from Macau
While Macau’s GGR is steadily climbing, it remains below the pre-pandemic peak of MOP 292.4 billion recorded in 2019. The closest the region has come to this benchmark was in May 2024, with revenue of MOP 20.2 billion. The industry’s transition to a mass-market focus and reduced reliance on junkets has helped stabilize growth, offering valuable insights for the gambling industry as a whole.
For online gambling operators, Macau’s experience demonstrates the importance of aligning marketing efforts with key cultural and seasonal events. The success of the Chinese New Year period underscores the potential for targeted campaigns that resonate with players, both in physical casinos and online platforms.
The Road Ahead: Growth Opportunities
Macau’s recovery trajectory is expected to continue, with projections for 2025 suggesting GGR could reach MOP 240 billion ($30.1 billion). This optimism is fueled by increasing visitor numbers, which exceeded 35 million in 2024, surpassing earlier estimates.
Online gambling platforms can leverage this momentum by aligning their offerings with the evolving preferences of players, focusing on accessibility, innovation, and user engagement. The convergence of online and offline gambling strategies represents a significant opportunity to enhance market reach and resilience.
Macau’s story is not just one of recovery but also one of adaptation and innovation. For the online gambling sector, these lessons are invaluable in navigating a competitive and ever-changing landscape.
North Star Network has made waves in the African sports media landscape by acquiring Soccernet.ng, a popular Nigerian football blog known for its in-depth coverage of local and international soccer stories. The acquisition marks a strategic move to strengthen North Star’s presence in Africa.
Commitment to Nigerian Football Journalism
Co-founder of North Star Network, Julien Josset, expressed enthusiasm about the acquisition, stating:
“We’re excited to welcome Soccernet.ng into the North Star Network family. Their passion for Nigerian football and commitment to quality journalism align perfectly with our global vision of bringing fans closer to the game they love.”
Soccernet.ng, founded over a decade ago, has become a trusted name in Nigerian football coverage, drawing an international audience from countries including the UK, North America, Canada, and Spain.
Soccernet.ng: A Decade of Passion and Growth
Founder Biyi Akangbe reflected on Soccernet’s journey:
“We started out as a small website 10 years ago with a passion to deliver news about Nigerian footballers to readers. We have since become globally renowned as a trusted source for Nigerian football news, leading to this acquisition by North Star.”
Co-founder Lolade Adewuyi will remain with the team as a columnist, ensuring the blog continues its tradition of insightful football commentary under the new ownership.
What This Means for Soccer Betting
This acquisition opens exciting opportunities for soccer betting enthusiasts. With North Star Network’s extensive sports media portfolio—spanning over 20 brands such as Afrik Foot, Football Whispers, and SportsMole—readers of Soccernet.ng can expect enhanced coverage, deeper insights, and potential collaborations with betting platforms catering to Nigerian and African football fans.
As soccer betting continues to grow in popularity across Africa, having a trusted source like Soccernet.ng under the North Star umbrella could further connect fans with match predictions, player statistics, and betting trends.
A Growing Presence in Africa
The acquisition underscores North Star’s commitment to expanding in Africa, complementing recent developments like Altenar’s national manufacturer licence from the Western Cape Gambling and Racing Board in South Africa.
With Soccernet.ng now part of its lineup, North Star Network is well-positioned to unite African soccer fans and bettors alike under its global sports media vision.
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CasinoPlus, a licensed online gaming provider under the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor), has unveiled groundbreaking partnerships with seven integrated resort (IR) licensees across the Philippines, including several in Manila. This bold move aims to bring the excitement of traditional casino experiences into the digital world through a regulated and streamlined platform.
Bridging Physical and Digital Gaming
CasinoPlus’s initiative is focused on enabling land-based casinos to seamlessly transition to the online gaming space. According to CEO Evan Spytma, the company is dedicated to reducing the time and effort required for casinos to adapt to this new format.
“What we’re doing is shortening the timeline for land-based casinos to establish their online presence,” Spytma shared. CasinoPlus provides the necessary technology, infrastructure, and operational expertise, making it easier for traditional operators to thrive in the digital era.
The company offers a full-service package, from equipment and gaming paraphernalia to daily operational support. This approach allows casino licensees to use their “online quota” effectively, with no upfront costs. “We introduce our players to these casinos and share revenue with operators,” Spytma explained, though the details of the revenue-sharing model remain confidential.
Leveraging the PIGO Licensing System
These partnerships operate within the Philippine Inland Gaming Operator (PIGO) framework, which links online games to physical gaming machines or tables at licensed casinos. This model provides land-based operators with an opportunity to reach a broader audience while maintaining a connection to their physical establishments.
Under PIGO regulations, casino licensees enjoy an additional 25% allocation to their quotas for gaming tables and slot machines when used for online operations. Spytma described this system as a “new revenue stream” that also strengthens brand recognition.
“When online players interact with live slots or table games, the brand and logo of the integrated resort are prominently displayed,” he explained. Additionally, CasinoPlus enables casinos to promote on-site events and offers directly to their online audience, encouraging cross-channel engagement.
A Booming Online Gaming Industry
CasinoPlus’s success is rooted in its own operations, such as the Hotel Stotsenberg and Casino in Clark. This integrated resort, located two hours from Manila, is undergoing renovations as part of the company’s commitment to both online and land-based gaming.
Online gaming has significantly boosted the Philippine gambling industry. Pagcor reports that the electronic gaming sector generated gross gaming revenue (GGR) of PHP35.71 billion (around $605.1 million) in the third quarter of 2024—a staggering 464.4% increase year-over-year.
Pagcor Chairman Alejandro Tengco projects GGR for 2024 to exceed $6 billion, a record-breaking milestone for the industry. Tengco credits this growth to advancements in technology and the increasing accessibility of smartphones, which have transformed gaming into a convenient and popular pastime. “The future of gaming is online,” Tengco stated, highlighting the sector’s limitless potential.
Building the Future of Integrated Gaming
CasinoPlus is poised to become a pivotal player in this evolving landscape. By fostering partnerships with Philippine casino licensees, the company is not only expanding its reach but also enabling land-based operators to tap into the growing demand for digital platforms.
Spytma envisions a fully integrated network where online players can connect directly with specific casinos. “Operators can promote events and offers to CasinoPlus players, eventually drawing them to their properties,” he noted.
With its innovative approach and strategic alliances, CasinoPlus is redefining the gaming experience in the Philippines, blending traditional and digital worlds for a dynamic and engaging future.
Redstone has unveiled its latest slot game, Funky Fruits, a vibrant addition to its portfolio that combines classic fruit machine nostalgia with modern, eye-catching features. The new release is now live and ready to dazzle players with sparkling diamonds, engaging gameplay, and a chance to win big.
A Fresh Take on a Timeless Theme
With a 5×3 reel layout and five fixed paylines, Funky Fruits offers a sleek design that appeals to both new and experienced players. Packed with medium volatility, the game strikes the perfect balance between frequent wins and the potential for larger payouts. Players can aim for a maximum win of up to 1,500 times their wager, with an RTP of 95.96%.
Symbolic Gameplay with Big Rewards
True to its name, Funky Fruits features a classic fruit theme with cherries, oranges, strawberries, and apples serving as the low-value symbols. The medium-value tier includes bells, bars, and grapes, while the iconic red lucky sevens represent the high-value symbols, offering payouts as high as 600x the stake.
The slot also introduces two types of scatter stars:
- Silver stars appear on reels 1, 3, and 5, awarding 20x the player’s bet when three align.
- Gold stars offer even higher rewards of 3x, 20x, or 100x the bet for three, four, or five matches.
Adding to the excitement, expanding wilds in the form of sparkling diamonds appear on reels 2, 3, and 4, covering entire reels and substituting for all symbols except scatters.
Features at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
| Theme | Classic fruit with a modern twist |
| Low Value Symbols | Cherries, oranges, strawberries, apples (2x-20x bet) |
| Medium Value Symbols | Bells, bars, grapes (4x-100x bet) |
| High Value Symbols | Red lucky sevens (2x-600x bet) |
| Scatters | Silver stars (20x bet), gold stars (3x-100x bet) |
| Wilds | Expanding diamonds on reels 2, 3, and 4 |
| Progressive Jackpots | Three randomly awarded jackpots |
Progressive Jackpots for Added Excitement
One of the game’s standout features is its three progressive jackpots, which can be triggered randomly during gameplay. This adds an element of unpredictability and the potential for life-changing wins, making every spin an exciting prospect.
Available Now: Play Funky Fruits Today
Funky Fruits is already turning heads with its combination of classic charm and innovative features. To celebrate the launch, Redstone has made a free demo version available, giving players the chance to try the game before wagering real money.
Whether you’re a fan of traditional fruit machines or looking for the next big jackpot, Funky Fruits promises a sparkling slot experience that is not to be missed. Spin the reels today and let the diamonds light up your gameplay!
Brazil is gearing up for a seismic shift in its online gaming and sports betting industry. The Ministry of Finance has announced the official list of 81 licensed operators ready to launch under a new regulatory framework starting January 1, 2025. This marks a pivotal moment as the country formalises its burgeoning betting market.
The Secretariat of Prizes and Betting (SPA) oversaw the licensing process, granting 15 definitive licenses valid through 2029 and 66 provisional licenses that require additional compliance adjustments. Among the definitive licensees are SuperBet, MGM, and SportyBet, while prominent operators like bet365 and Betano secured provisional approvals.
Navigating Financial and Regulatory Hurdles
Securing a license wasn’t an easy feat. Operators were required to pay a licensing fee of R$30 million and establish an emergency reserve fund of R$5 million. Beyond financial commitments, they had to meet stringent requirements concerning advertising, responsible gambling, and compliance with a 12.5% gross revenue tax. Those granted provisional licenses now face a 30-day deadline to resolve outstanding documentation issues to maintain their status.
Challenges Along the Way
The road to regulation was fraught with obstacles. Initially, 103 companies were deemed eligible for licensing, but delays in securing critical certifications narrowed the field to 81. The Ministry of Finance extended the deadline from November 13 to November 29 to accommodate certifier bottlenecks, but some companies still fell short of the requirements.
Despite these setbacks, the Ministry emphasized that excluded operators are not permanently barred. They may revise and resubmit their applications during future review rounds, ensuring they still have a chance to join the regulated market.
The Future of Unlicensed Operators
From January 2025, any platform operating without federal authorization will be deemed illegal if it offers services nationwide. Some companies, unable to meet federal licensing requirements, are exploring state-level alternatives. Regions such as Rio de Janeiro and Paraná have initiated localized licensing processes, providing an avenue for operators to maintain a presence in the market.
Paving the Way for Transparency
Brazil’s new regulatory framework goes beyond mere formalities. It establishes comprehensive measures to ensure accountability, including anti-money laundering protocols, certification audits, and stringent oversight. Licensed operators must also adhere to robust player protection policies and ethical advertising standards, with potential fines reaching up to R$2 billion for non-compliance.
Toward a Regulated Future
The Ministry of Finance’s initiative represents a transformative moment for Brazil’s gaming sector. By prioritizing transparency and accountability, the new regulations aim to foster a safer and more structured market for both operators and players.
As 2025 approaches, Brazil’s journey toward a fully regulated betting industry promises to redefine the landscape, creating opportunities for innovation while protecting consumers and ensuring fair play across the board.
