Asia Gaming Weekly News Bulletin – ISSUE 49 Week of 26 January 2026
(1) Philippines regulator sets new GGR share rate for live sports betting
The Phillipines state-run regulator has announced a new revenue share rate for live sports betting, down from 17.5% to 15%.
(2) Solaire Resort Entertainment City locks in entertainment future by renewing partnership with GMG Productions
Delhi illegal gambling raid led to the arrests of three men and seizure of cash funds.
(3) Macau gaming rebound fuels economic recovery, outlook positive for 2026: monetary authority
Macau’s economy is projected to maintain its recovery in 2026, supported by steady tourism demand and growing non-gaming investment, according to the latest Monetary Authority of Macau (AMCM) stability review.
(4) Crypto.Casino launches to bring transparency and trust to crypto casinos
Crypto.Casino, a new independent review and feedback platform, today announced the official launch of its website, designed to help players navigate the crypto casino space with greater confidence, transparency, and trust.
(1) Philippines regulator sets new GGR share rate for live sports betting
(Photo Credit: World Casino News)
The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp (PAGCOR) has adjusted its regulatory fee structure, lowering the gross gaming revenue (GGR) share rate for live sports betting from 17.5% to 15%, effective retroactively from November 2025, while keeping the rate for virtual betting at 30%. Simultaneously, PAGCOR introduced new monthly minimum guaranteed fees (MGFs) for licensed gaming system administrators (GSAs), requiring those offering e-games to pay PHP9 million from April 1, 2025, rising to PHP10.5 million from October 1, and those not offering e-games to pay PHP4 million monthly, a rate that will remain unchanged.
These changes are part of a broader regulatory push to enhance accountability and fiscal responsibility, as highlighted by PAGCOR chief Alejandro Tengco in a keynote at ICE Barcelona, where he positioned the Philippines as a model of proactive regulatory reform. The reforms follow the 2024 ban on Philippine offshore gaming operations (POGOs) due to links to organized crime, prompting stricter identity verification protocols and advertising restrictions. Despite the crackdown, the domestic e-games sector is experiencing explosive growth, with H1 2025 GGR surging 82.67% year-on-year to PHP114.83 billion, significantly outpacing the land-based segment, which declined 5.85%.
The Philippines’ online gaming boom is projected to continue, with forecasts estimating the sector could generate PHP103 billion by 2027, driven by a young, digitally native population and high mobile gaming readiness—the country ranks second globally behind Singapore, according to a Gartner report. While the regulatory overhaul aims to build a more transparent and resilient system, the industry’s strong performance underscores its critical role in the nation’s gaming economy, with Tengco emphasizing that regulation is essential for fostering public trust and sustainable growth.
News Source: https://igamingbusiness.com/sports-betting/philippines-regulator-new-share-rate-live-sports-betting/
(2) Solaire Resort Entertainment City locks in entertainment future by renewing partnership with GMG Productions
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Solaire Resort Entertainment City has renewed its long-standing partnership with international production company GMG Productions, ensuring a continued pipeline of world-class live performances at The Theatre at Solaire and interactive exhibits at the recently opened The Space at Solaire. The collaboration, which began in 2014 with the opening of The Theatre, has already brought landmark productions to the Philippines, including the Asian premiere of “HAMILTON”, Cameron Mackintosh’s “Miss Saigon”, the ongoing “Les Misérables: World Tour Spectacular”, and the upcoming “Jesus Christ Superstarin” May 2026.
Greg Hawkins, President and COO of Solaire’s parent company Bloomberry Resorts Corporation, expressed enthusiasm for the renewed alliance, highlighting GMG’s creative vision and expertise in setting new standards for guest engagement. He stated that the partnership reflects Solaire’s commitment to excellence and its promise to deliver top-tier entertainment and hospitality experiences. Carlos Candal, CEO of GMG Productions, reciprocated the sentiment, noting Solaire’s invaluable role over the past decade in making world-class theatre accessible to Filipino audiences.
The renewed agreement signals an ambitious future for entertainment at Solaire, with plans to introduce more groundbreaking productions and immersive experiences. The partnership aims to inspire and entertain audiences for years to come, reinforcing Solaire’s position as a premier entertainment destination in the Philippines and GMG’s role as a key enabler of high-caliber theatrical programming in the region.
News Source: https://asgam.com/2026/01/27/solaire-resort-entertainment-city-locks-in-entertainment-future-by-renewing-partnership-with-gmg-productions/
(3) Macau gaming rebound fuels economic recovery, outlook positive for 2026: monetary authority
(Photo Credit: Asia Gaming Brief)
The Monetary Authority of Macau (AMCM) projects a broadly optimistic economic outlook for 2026, anchored by steady tourism demand and increasing non-gaming investment. Key growth drivers include favorable travel policies, expanded tourism infrastructure, and the government’s urban revitalization efforts, which are expected to sustain the recovery momentum established in 2025. The city’s economy continues to be anchored by the casino sector, but diversification is beginning to play a more significant role in its expansion.
The AMCM anticipates mild consumer price inflation for 2026, supported by stable domestic demand and easing import costs. The labor market is forecast to remain resilient, with unemployment expected to stay below long-term averages, aided by the continued contribution of imported workers. Public finances are projected to stay strong, underpinned by steady gaming concession revenues, with Macau’s debt-free status and ample fiscal reserves providing a substantial buffer against potential external economic shocks.
The positive outlook follows a record-breaking year in 2025, where visitor arrivals exceeded 40 million, surpassing 2019 levels and setting a new all-time high. Tourist numbers from mainland China—Macau’s largest source market—jumped 18.5% to 29 million. The tourism rebound was mirrored in the hospitality sector, with hotel occupancy climbing to 89.3% for the year as overnight stays increased, highlighting the integrated recovery of Macau’s key economic pillars.
News Source: https://agbrief.com/news/macau/28/01/2026/macau-gaming-rebound-fuels-economic-recovery-outlook-positive-for-2026-monetary-authority/
(4) Crypto.Casino launches to bring transparency and trust to crypto casinos
(Photo Credit: Asia Gaming Brief)
The rapid growth of cryptocurrency-based gambling platforms has created challenges for players, including limited information, inconsistent operational standards, and insufficient reliable oversight. Crypto.Casino emerges as an independent solution by offering in-depth, unbiased reviews of crypto casinos worldwide, combined with user-submitted feedback and community-driven ratings. This platform helps players make informed decisions before investing time or funds, while allowing reputable operators to distinguish themselves in a crowded market.
Lawrence W, associated with Crypto.Casino, emphasizes that trust remains the industry’s most significant gap. The site adopts a neutral, community-focused approach, evaluating platforms on critical aspects such as fairness, security, user experience, payment reliability, and customer support. Key offerings include expert analyses, verified user ratings (positive or negative), clear identifications of strengths and potential red flags, and educational resources to promote smarter gambling choices.
By aggregating real-world player experiences and spotlighting best practices, Crypto.Casino seeks to elevate industry standards overall—rewarding fair operators with greater visibility and holding underperforming ones accountable through transparent reporting. Ongoing developments include enhanced features for detailed user feedback, review submissions, and requests for independent audits, empowering the community to drive greater accountability, transparency, and higher operational quality across the crypto casino sector.
News Source: https://agbrief.com/news/world/27/01/2026/crypto-casino-launches-to-bring-transparency-and-trust-to-crypto-casinos/
