• About Us
  • The Team
  • Advertise with Us

The latest news on the gaming industry in Asia

() () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () ()
  • Home
  • Macau
  • Philippines
  • Singapore
  • Japan
  • Rest of Asia
  • World
  • Industry Talk
  • Trends & Tech
  • iGaming
  • follow
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • RSS Feed
    • LinkedIn

Virtual sports, next big thing in Macau casino market?

Nov 23, 2016 Newsdesk Features, Latest News, Macau  


Virtual sports, next big thing in Macau casino market?

Hong Kong-listed casino equipment supplier Paradise Entertainment Ltd has told GGRAsia the company hopes to launch – via its electronic table game (ETG) unit LT Game Ltd – virtual sports products in the city’s casinos in “the second quarter or third quarter of 2017”.

It follows news that LT Game had signed an exclusive deal with Inspired Gaming (UK) Ltd – a unit of the United Kingdom’s Inspired Gaming Group Ltd – to provide virtual sports content on ETG terminals in the Macau market. Paradise Entertainment said so in a press statement released on October 4. The parent firm noted at the time that “Virtual Horse Racing” (pictured) would be the first Inspired Gaming offer to be featured on LT Game’s machines, followed by “Rush Football” and “Rush ‘Tyson’ Boxing”.

In an emailed reply to GGRAsia, Betty Zhao, chief operating officer of LT Game, specified that LT Game and Inspired Gaming were working together on system integration for the launch of virtual sports products in Macau. She said her firm aimed to submit “in the second quarter 2017″ an application to the city’s casino regulator, the Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau – also known by its Portuguese acronym DICJ – for permission to launch such products.

“We were already in touch with [casino] operators and some of them have already shown strong interest in adopting the games. We are expecting to have an almost complete demo[nstration]  version by the first quarter of 2017,” Ms Zhao told us.

When asked about the number of ETG terminals that LT Game plans to launch offering Inspired Gaming’s virtual sports products in Macau, Ms Zhao replied: “We do not have any solid number at the moment, but suggest an ideal minimum setup ranging from 20 to 50 terminals. We are inclined to see [expect] the first pickup [to be] from Cotai casinos as [they have] more available space.”

Ms Zhao added in the email: “We have in total deployed currently about 4,500 live multi game (LMG) terminals in the Macau market, of which 1,400 LMG terminals are under our management: our idea is to have a standalone virtual sports betting stadium: but it really depends on availability of gaming floor space.”

Paradise Entertainment is – via respective service agreements with Macau casino operators SJM Holdings Ltd and Galaxy Entertainment Group Ltd – also a manager of casino games in several Macau casinos.

Canidrome interested

Macau’s dog racing operator, Macau (Yut Yuen) Canidrome Co Ltd, has shown interest in introducing virtual sports betting to the city. In a meeting on July 21 with the gaming bureau, Yut Yuen suggested running virtual dog racing games in Macau.

Yut Yuen is part of the business empire built by casino tycoon Stanley Ho Hung Sun, founder of Macau casino operator SJM Holdings Ltd. Angela Leong On Kei, fourth consort of Mr Ho, currently heads the firm. She is also an executive director of SJM Holdings.

“In regards to Yut Yuen’s proposed running of virtual dog racing, we have requested the [dog racing] concessionaire to provide us with a detailed proposal and to submit a clear explanation about the game rules of such virtual dog racing,” the gaming bureau told GGRAsia in an emailed reply to our inquiry on the topic.  “Only when we have reviewed the actual game rules, will we then be able to decide what kind of law will be used to regulate such virtual dog racing,” the bureau added.

The casino regulator additionally noted that it has not so far received any applications to run virtual sports betting in Macau.

Paulo Martins Chan, director of the gaming bureau, told GGRAsia recently on the sidelines of a public event that his department currently did not have a clear answer as to which existing local regulations – if any – might be used to establish oversight of virtual sports betting.

“Our law No.16/2001 [“Macau Gaming Law”] has listed the types of games regulated here [in Macau]. But as to virtual sports games, we have to conduct a cautious analysis of its details before categorising which type of game it is,” Mr Chan remarked.

“We also have to consider the fairness issue [of virtual sports betting] – what is the probability [game odds] and house advantage for this type of game. We need to have an accurate understanding of all these [things] before giving a concrete answer,” the head of the casino regulator added.

Pedro Cortés, a senior partner at Macau law office Rato, Ling, Lei and Cortés – and who acted as legal counsel for a unit of LT Game in some patent litigation with an entity called SHFL Entertainment (Asia) Ltd – said it may not be necessary to have fresh legislation or fresh regulations in order to regulate virtual sports games in Macau. Mr Cortés pointed out he was not representing either Paradise Entertainment or LT Game in relation to virtual sports in the Macau market.

He told us regarding the possible introduction to Macau of virtual sports: “It will mainly depend on how Macau authorities will define virtual sports betting among other forms of gaming, as well as on its [taking the] initiative to provide an appropriate framework.” He added it was still “highly arguable” whether virtual sports should or should not be considered a form of gambling distinct from other types of gambling.

Reinforcing presence

In her email to GGRAsia, LT Game’s Ms Zhao said the firm expects the planned launch of Inspired’s virtual sports products to reinforce LT Game’s strong presence in the Macau market.

“The company always seeks to enrich its games offering; via in-house development and partnering with unique gaming content providers. We are expecting this assignment not only to reinforce our strong presence in the Macau market but also to support our growth strategy on development of gaming technology,” the LT Game executive stated.

Grant Govertsen, an analyst at brokerage Union Gaming Securities Asia Ltd, told GGRAsia that while LT Game might be likely to enjoy some commercial success from launching products offering virtual sports, the possible arrival of such games in the Macau market would not necessarily shift in any meaningful way the market-wide focus of gross gaming revenue (GGR).

“I think the jury is still out on whether virtual sports products can generate meaningful revenue in Macau. Our initial reaction is that there is probably not a significant GGR opportunity, although it doesn’t take a significant GGR shift [product wise] to really move the needle for a company like LT Game,” Mr Govertsen said in an email.

Lawyer Mr Cortés suggested that virtual sports would help Macau achieve a more diversified offer in terms of its casino games.

“Macau is likely to monitor and pay close attention to the market evolution in other gaming jurisdictions, without disregarding the specific features of the local industry,” Mr Cortés said.

“That being said, I am of the opinion that the opening of the gaming market to different segments, including online and e-sports betting, is the best way forward to achieve a more attractive and diversified gaming offer in Macau,” he added.


  • tweet
Related articles
  • No gaming licensing system gold standard: UNLV paper
    No gaming licensing system gold...

    Jun 02, 2023  

  • Macau May GGR tops US$1.9bln, up 6pct from Apr: govt
    Macau May GGR tops US$1.9bln, up 6pct...

    Jun 01, 2023  

More news
  • Lam Yi Young resigns as deputy CEO Resorts World Sentosa
    Lam Yi Young resigns as deputy CEO...

    Jun 02, 2023  

  • China stimulus package could benefit Macau stocks: CBRE
    China stimulus package could benefit...

    Jun 02, 2023  


Latest News

Lam Yi Young resigns as deputy CEO Resorts World Sentosa

Lam Yi Young resigns as deputy CEO Resorts World Sentosa

Jun 02, 2023  

Genting Singapore Ltd says Lam Yi Young has resigned from his role as deputy chief executive of Resorts World at Sentosa Pte Ltd. The latter firm is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Genting...
Read More
China stimulus package could benefit Macau stocks: CBRE

China stimulus package could benefit Macau stocks: CBRE

Jun 02, 2023  

G2E Asia 2023: Singapore

  • Alfastreet’s new Verso cabinet heading to Asian markets
    Alfastreet’s new Verso cabinet heading to Asian markets

    Jun 01, 2023  

    Alfastreet, a manufacturer of electronic gaming machines,...
  • Sega Sammy Creation growing land-based, eyes online
    Sega Sammy Creation growing land-based, eyes online

    Jun 01, 2023  

    Casino equipment maker Sega Sammy Creation Inc is tweaking...
  • iGaming growing in Asia, ops tackling challenges: Uplatform
    iGaming growing in Asia, ops tackling challenges: Uplatform

    Jun 01, 2023  

    The iGaming segment in Asia “has grown rapidly” since...
  • ‘See before you play’ slot marketing tool, say tech suppliers
    ‘See before you play’ slot marketing tool, say tech...

    May 31, 2023  

    Showing slot machine players – via animations on the...
  • Macau stocks tied to China outlook: Bloomberg analyst
    Macau stocks tied to China outlook: Bloomberg analyst

    May 31, 2023  

    Macau stocks in likelihood “have been punished too much...
  • Investors still eye possible fresh IR locations in Japan: scholar
    Investors still eye possible fresh IR locations in Japan:...

    May 31, 2023  

    There are foreign companies still interested in investing...
  • Thai casino law possible in 2024, IR in 2030: govt adviser
    Thai casino law possible in 2024, IR in 2030: govt adviser

    May 31, 2023  

    Thailand could pass the necessary enabling legislation for...
  • China still ‘critical’ to Asian markets: G2E Asia panel
    China still ‘critical’ to Asian markets: G2E Asia panel

    May 30, 2023  

    China will remain a key market for Asian gaming...
  • Much interest in state casinos sale, says Pagcor boss Tengco
    Much interest in state casinos sale, says Pagcor boss

    May 30, 2023  

    Alejandro Tengco (pictured in a file photo), chairman and...
  • Gaming industry in for a very exciting period: Bill Miller
    Gaming industry in for a very exciting period: Bill Miller

    May 30, 2023  

    There are “plenty of reasons” for the global gaming...
  • IGT flags route to high-performing games for Asia
    IGT flags route to high-performing games for Asia

    May 30, 2023  

    Gaming equipment provider International Game Technology Plc...
  • G2E Singapore trade show, conference begins today
    G2E Singapore trade show, conference begins today

    May 30, 2023  

    The Global Gaming Expo (G2E) Asia 2023 Special Edition:...
  • Novomatic’s Black Edition II cabinets at G2E in Singapore
    Novomatic’s Black Edition II cabinets at G2E in Singapore

    May 29, 2023  

    Austria-based gaming equipment maker and operator Novomatic...
  • Uplatform to show latest iGaming products at G2E Singapore
    Uplatform to show latest iGaming products at G2E Singapore

    May 25, 2023  

    Sports betting and online casino operating platform...
  • L&W ambition to be No1 in Asia well on its way: SVP gaming
    L&W ambition to be No1 in Asia well on its way: SVP...

    May 24, 2023  

    The business performance in Asia of gaming content and...
  • G2E Singapore expecting 6k visitors, 100+ exhibitors
    G2E Singapore expecting 6k visitors, 100+ exhibitors

    May 18, 2023  

    The organisers of Global Gaming Expo (G2E) Asia 2023...
  • ‘Dragon Unleashed’ slot link by L&W at G2E in Singapore
    ‘Dragon Unleashed’ slot link by L&W at G2E in...

    May 17, 2023  

    Gaming content and equipment supplier Light & Wonder...
  • Sega Sammy Creation new multi-ETG at G2E in Singapore
    Sega Sammy Creation new multi-ETG at G2E in Singapore

    May 16, 2023  

    Casino equipment maker Sega Sammy Creation Inc is to...
  • Aristocrat at G2E Asia in Singapore previews Year of Dragon
    Aristocrat at G2E Asia in Singapore previews Year of Dragon

    May 09, 2023  

    Casino slot machine and digital gaming content provider...
  • IGT ‘Prosperity’ link in Asia show debut G2E in Singapore
    IGT ‘Prosperity’ link in Asia show debut G2E in...

    May 05, 2023  

    The Global Gaming Expo (G2E) Asia event in Singapore is the...
  • Thai parliament adviser on casinos attending G2E Singapore
    Thai parliament adviser on casinos attending G2E Singapore

    May 04, 2023  

    An adviser to a Thailand parliamentary committee mulling...

Sign up to our FREE Newsletter

UB8V5.qr.16(Click here for more)

Pick of the Day


US$8.1 billion

Macau’s casino gross gaming revenue in the five months to May 31



Most Popular

  • Lam Yi Young resigns as deputy CEO Resorts World SentosaLam Yi Young resigns as deputy CEO Resorts World Sentosa June 2, 2023
  • MBS en route to US$500mln quarterly EBITDA: LVS bossMBS en route to US$500mln quarterly EBITDA: LVS boss June 1, 2023
  • Macau May GGR tops US$1.9bln, up 6pct from Apr: govtMacau May GGR tops US$1.9bln, up 6pct from Apr: govt June 1, 2023

Copyright 2014-2023 TEAM Publishing and Consultancy Ltd / All rights reserved
  • Code of Ethics
  • Privacy Policy
  • Useful Links
  • Contact Us