WA.Technology’s Weekly iGaming News

June 7, 2024

Welcome to this week's edition of WA.Technology's iGaming Newsletter! This issue brings you the latest updates, including Latam, the US, and Asia news. We also look forward to an exciting upcoming iGaming event. Stay informed and ahead of the curve with our curated news and insights from the iGaming world.

Brazil Bill Postponement 

The Brazilian Senate's Constitution and Justice Commission (CCJ) was set to analyse Bill 2,234/22, which legalises casinos in resorts, bingos, Jogo do Bicho, and horse race betting. Despite being scheduled for debate on June 5, the proposal has been postponed again. 

The delay follows a series of postponements, including the most recent on 22 May due to the rapporteur's absence, Senator Irajá Silvestre (PSD-TO). An agreement among parliamentarians aims to bring the bill back for review on 12 June.

Macau's Gaming Revenue Rises in May

The Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau announced that Macau's gross gaming revenue (GGR) reached MOP20.19 billion in May, marking a 29.7% increase compared to May 2023 and an 8.9% rise from April 2024. This represents the highest monthly GGR since January 2023, when borders reopened post-Covid-19. 

The boost was mainly due to the Labour Day holiday, which attracted 604,395 visitors from Mainland China. However, the revenue remains 22.2% lower than in May 2019. For the first five months of 2024, Macau's GGR totalled MOP$96.06 billion, up 47.9% year-on-year. Source: Focus Gaming News

US Sports Betting Handle Roundup for April

Virginia reported a sports betting handle of $563.5 million in April, a 32.2% increase year-on-year but an 11% decrease from March. Mobile wagers accounted for $559.3 million, with $4.2 million wagered at retail locations. Bettors won $502.9 million, resulting in $8.2 million in tax payments. Virginia Lottery.

In the second month of gambling within the state, Rhode Island saw online gaming revenue of $2.08 million in April, up 72% from March. Online slots made $1.34 million, and table games made $740,579. Rhode Island Lottery.

Nevada casinos generated $1.24 billion in gaming revenue in April, a 6.9% year-on-year increase. The Las Vegas Strip contributed $666 million. Slots accounted for $886.8 million, and table and card games $353.4 million. Nevada sportsbooks won $30.8 million from $569.2 million in wagers. Nevada Gaming Control Board (NGCB).

Colorado recorded a sports betting handle of $509.5 million in April, marking its eighth consecutive month above $500 million. Mobile bets totalled $507.1 million, and retail sportsbooks saw a handle of $14.1 million. The state collected $1.9 million in tax revenue. Colorado Limited Gaming Control Commission.

Ohio sportsbooks reported $73.9 million in revenue for April from a total handle of $674.2 million, despite a 16.7% drop from March. The revenue increase resulted in $14.8 million in tax contributions. Ohio Casino Control Commission.

Thailand to Accelerate Casino Feasibility Study

The Thai Ministry of Finance has been directed to speed up its feasibility study on allowing entertainment complexes with casinos in the country. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin assigned Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat to lead the task, incorporating insights from a House committee report recognised by the cabinet on 9 April. 

The ministry will draft the necessary legislation and regulations and present the findings to the cabinet upon completion. The integrated entertainment complex industry was valued at US$1.5 trillion in 2022, with estimated projections indicating growth of up to US$2.2 trillion by 2028. Legalising casinos could boost Thailand’s tourism revenues by US$12 billion, increasing average tourist spending by 52% totalling THB65,050 (US$1,790) per trip. Potential locations include Bangkok, the Eastern Economic Corridor, Chiang Mai, and Phuket. Source: Focus Gaming News

Peru Gaming Show 2024: A Key Event for the Latam Gaming Industry

The Peru Gaming Show 2024 (PGS 2024) will take place from June 12 to 13 at the Jockey Exhibition Center in Lima. With over two decades of history, the event will gather the biggest brands and players in the Latin American gaming industry. PGS 2024 will feature a comprehensive expo showcasing the latest innovations in slot machines, gaming platforms, software, and sports betting technologies.

The event will also host a series of conferences covering crucial topics such as regulating remote gaming in Peru, the impact of AI on the gaming industry, tax regimes, and the role of laboratories in regulated markets. Discussions will also explore the growing market in Brazil and the challenges of affiliate systems in Latin America. Keynote speakers include industry leaders and experts who will share their knowledge on technology, regulation, and sustainable development.

WA.Technology is proud to sponsor PGS 2024 and will be at Stand 42. We invite you to meet our team and discuss the latest developments in iGaming. You can arrange a meeting with us through our website.

WA.Technology Weekly

Join us again next time for more iGaming news from WA.Technology. If you want to know more about launching your own iGaming business or expanding your current brand, contact us at hello@watechnology.com.