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Melco Announces Unaudited Fourth Quarter 2023 Earnings

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Melco Resorts & Entertainment Limited, a developer, owner, and operator of integrated resort facilities in Asia and Europe, today reported its unaudited financial results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2023.

Total operating revenues for the fourth quarter of 2023 were US$1.09 billion, representing an increase of approximately 224% from US$337.1 million for the comparable period in 2022. The increase in total operating revenues was primarily attributable to the improved performance in all gaming segments and non-gaming operations following the relaxation of COVID-19 related restrictions in Macau in January 2023 and the opening of Studio City Phase 2.

Operating loss for the fourth quarter of 2023 was US$94.4 million, compared with operating loss of US$199.5 million in the fourth quarter of 2022.

Melco generated Adjusted Property EBITDA(1) of US$303.4 million in the fourth quarter of 2023, compared with negative Adjusted Property EBITDA of US$6.8 million in the fourth quarter of 2022.

Net loss attributable to Melco Resorts & Entertainment Limited for the fourth quarter of 2023 was US$156.6 million, or US$0.36 per ADS, compared with US$251.9 million, or US$0.57 per ADS, in the fourth quarter of 2022. Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests was US$20.8 million and US$42.1 million during the fourth quarters of 2023 and 2022, respectively, all of which were related to Studio City, City of Dreams Manila, and City of Dreams Mediterranean and Other.

Mr. Lawrence Ho, our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, commented, “Macau continues to demonstrate its extraordinary growth potential and has shown resilience despite China’s uncertain macro-economic outlook. Visitations to Macau during this month’s Chinese New Year holiday period were close to 2019 levels and the number of visitors from China exceeded 2019.

“2023 was a year of post-pandemic recovery and the debut of our new developments, including City of Dreams Mediterranean and Studio City Phase 2. 2024 is set to be another exciting year for us as we continue to develop new ideas and strategies to bring market leading leisure and entertainment offerings to our customers.

“As part of our initiatives to ensure Melco is leading the market in all areas of our business, we are making changes to management in Macau and bolstering the leadership team. We expect these changes will strengthen us as a team to secure a stronger and more competitive future.

“City of Dreams Manila in the Philippines has continued to show solid growth with significant market share gains in mass table games and slots. City of Dreams Mediterranean in Cyprus continues to be impacted by the conflicts in the region but is starting to show some signs of recovery so far this year.”

City of Dreams Fourth Quarter Results

For the quarter ended December 31, 2023, total operating revenues at City of Dreams were US$559.8 million, compared with US$139.2 million in the fourth quarter of 2022. City of Dreams generated Adjusted EBITDA of US$166.2 million in the fourth quarter of 2023, compared with negative Adjusted EBITDA of US$7.8 million in the fourth quarter of 2022. The year-over-year increase in Adjusted EBITDA was primarily a result of better performance in all gaming segments and non-gaming operations.

Rolling chip volume was US$5.19 billion for the fourth quarter of 2023 versus US$850.4 million in the fourth quarter of 2022. The rolling chip win rate was 2.55% in the fourth quarter of 2023 versus 4.47% in the fourth quarter of 2022. The expected rolling chip win rate range is 2.85%-3.15%.

Mass market table games drop increased to US$1.44 billion in the fourth quarter of 2023, compared with US$292.2 million in the fourth quarter of 2022. The mass market table games hold percentage was 31.6% in the fourth quarter of 2023, compared with 29.2% in the fourth quarter of 2022.

Gaming machine handle for the fourth quarter of 2023 was US$957.4 million, compared with US$194.7 million in the fourth quarter of 2022. The gaming machine win rate was 3.1% in the fourth quarter of 2023 versus 4.5% in the fourth quarter of 2022.

Total non-gaming revenue at City of Dreams in the fourth quarter of 2023 was US$80.1 million, compared with US$30.5 million in the fourth quarter of 2022.

Altira Macau Fourth Quarter Results

For the quarter ended December 31, 2023, total operating revenues at Altira Macau were US$33.6 million, compared with US$9.0 million in the fourth quarter of 2022. Altira Macau generated Adjusted EBITDA of US$0.3 million in the fourth quarter of 2023, compared with negative Adjusted EBITDA of US$9.5 million in the fourth quarter of 2022. The year-over-year change in Adjusted EBITDA was primarily a result of better performance in the mass market segment and non-gaming operations.

In the mass market table games segment, drop was US$149.0 million in the fourth quarter of 2023 versus US$31.9 million in the fourth quarter of 2022. The mass market table games hold percentage was 23.8% in the fourth quarter of 2023, compared with 20.6% in the fourth quarter of 2022.

Gaming machine handle for the fourth quarter of 2023 was US$87.8 million, compared with US$40.8 million in the fourth quarter of 2022. The gaming machine win rate was 3.2% in the fourth quarter of 2023 versus 3.0% in the fourth quarter of 2022.

Total non-gaming revenue at Altira Macau in the fourth quarter of 2023 was US$5.3 million, compared with US$2.1 million in the fourth quarter of 2022.

Mocha and Other Fourth Quarter Results

Total operating revenues from Mocha and Other were US$28.7 million in the fourth quarter of 2023, compared with US$19.5 million in the fourth quarter of 2022. Mocha and Other generated Adjusted EBITDA of US$6.0 million in the fourth quarter of 2023, compared with Adjusted EBITDA of US$1.8 million in the fourth quarter of 2022.

Mass market table games drop was US$49.6 million in the fourth quarter of 2023 versus US$21.0 million in the fourth quarter of 2022. The mass market table games hold percentage was 14.8% in the fourth quarter of 2023 versus 19.7% in the fourth quarter of 2022.

Gaming machine handle for the fourth quarter of 2023 was US$493.0 million, compared with US$372.7 million in the fourth quarter of 2022. The gaming machine win rate was 4.6% in the fourth quarter of 2023 versus 4.2% in the fourth quarter of 2022.

Studio City Fourth Quarter Results

For the quarter ended December 31, 2023, total operating revenues at Studio City were US$302.5 million, compared with US$43.4 million in the fourth quarter of 2022. Studio City generated Adjusted EBITDA of US$77.3 million in the fourth quarter of 2023, compared with negative Adjusted EBITDA of US$25.3 million in the fourth quarter of 2022. The year-over-year increase in Adjusted EBITDA was primarily a result of better performance in the mass market segment and non-gaming operations.

Studio City’s rolling chip volume was US$566.0 million in the fourth quarter of 2023 versus US$251.4 million in the fourth quarter of 2022. The rolling chip win rate was 1.86% in the fourth quarter of 2023 versus 2.70% in the fourth quarter of 2022. The expected rolling chip win rate range is 2.85%-3.15%.

Mass market table games drop increased to US$864.1 million in the fourth quarter of 2023, compared with US$113.5 million in the fourth quarter of 2022. The mass market table games hold percentage was 30.0% in the fourth quarter of 2023, compared with 27.1% in the fourth quarter of 2022.

Gaming machine handle for the fourth quarter of 2023 was US$778.3 million, compared with US$124.5 million in the fourth quarter of 2022. The gaming machine win rate was 3.2% in the fourth quarter of 2023, compared with 2.7% in the fourth quarter of 2022.

Total non-gaming revenue at Studio City in the fourth quarter of 2023 was US$65.3 million, compared with US$9.6 million in the fourth quarter of 2022.

City of Dreams Manila Fourth Quarter Results

For the quarter ended December 31, 2023, total operating revenues at City of Dreams Manila were US$120.5 million, compared with US$95.2 million in the fourth quarter of 2022. City of Dreams Manila generated Adjusted EBITDA of US$48.8 million in the fourth quarter of 2023, compared with Adjusted EBITDA of US$23.6 million in the comparable period of 2022. The year-over-year increase in Adjusted EBITDA was primarily a result of better performance in the mass market segment and non-gaming operations.

City of Dreams Manila’s rolling chip volume was US$416.5 million in the fourth quarter of 2023 versus US$940.7 million in the fourth quarter of 2022. The rolling chip win rate was 3.97% in the fourth quarter of 2023 versus 1.84% in the fourth quarter of 2022. The expected rolling chip win rate range is 2.85%-3.15%.

Mass market table games drop increased to US$198.2 million in the fourth quarter of 2023, compared with US$148.2 million in the fourth quarter of 2022. The mass market table games hold percentage was 29.1% in the fourth quarter of 2023, compared with 31.9% in the fourth quarter of 2022.

Gaming machine handle for the fourth quarter of 2023 was US$1.08 billion, compared with US$1.02 billion in the fourth quarter of 2022. The gaming machine win rate was 5.3% in the fourth quarter of 2023 versus 4.7% in the fourth quarter of 2022.

Total non-gaming revenue at City of Dreams Manila in the fourth quarter of 2023 was US$30.3 million, compared with US$24.5 million in the fourth quarter of 2022.

City of Dreams Mediterranean and Other Fourth Quarter Results

The Company operates three satellite casinos in Cyprus in conjunction with City of Dreams Mediterranean.

Total operating revenues at City of Dreams Mediterranean and Other for the quarter ended December 31, 2023 were US$47.3 million, compared with US$28.7 million in the fourth quarter of 2022. City of Dreams Mediterranean and Other generated Adjusted EBITDA of US$4.7 million in the fourth quarter of 2023, compared with Adjusted EBITDA of US$10.5 million in the fourth quarter of 2022.

Rolling chip volume was US$6.4 million for the fourth quarter of 2023 versus US$1.1 million in the fourth quarter of 2022. The rolling chip win rate was negative 8.85% in the fourth quarter of 2023, compared with 16.43% in the fourth quarter of 2022. The expected rolling chip win rate range is 2.85% – 3.15%.

Mass market table games drop was US$87.6 million in the fourth quarter of 2023, compared with US$38.0 million in the fourth quarter of 2022. The mass market table games hold percentage was 22.1% in the fourth quarter of 2023, compared with 24.9% in the fourth quarter of 2022.

Gaming machine handle for the fourth quarter of 2023 was US$492.8 million, compared with US$392.4 million in the fourth quarter of 2022. The gaming machine win rate was 5.0% in both the fourth quarters of 2023 and 2022.

Total non-gaming revenue at City of Dreams Mediterranean and Other in the fourth quarter of 2023 was US$13.0 million, compared with US$0.2 million in the fourth quarter of 2022.

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Indonesia Prepares VPN Laws to Crack Down on Illegal Online Gambling

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Indonesia is preparing to introduce new rules targeting the use of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), to crack down on the broader access to illegal online gambling. The move signifies a stronger push by authorities to tighten internet oversight amid growing concerns over unregulated digital activity.

While officials have not really explicitly mentioned gambling platforms, the intention seems to be clear. The aim of the move is to restrict tools that allow Indonesians to bypass government firewalls and access banned content. As the country battles a surge in illegal online gambling, VPNs have become a major target in the regulatory issue.

Indonesia currently ranks as the third-highest user of VPN services worldwide, behind only the UAE and India. A 2024 report by Windscribe, a global VPN provider, found that roughly 41% of Indonesian internet users use VPNs. This tool is largely used to bypass state-enacted censorship and access geo-blocked websites.

Online gambling, is strictly banned under Indonesian law, but is still thriving via VPN-enabled access to international platforms. These tools allow users to hide their digital footprints, and makes it challenging for authorities to enforce law.

“VPNs are being misused to reach sites and apps that are clearly illegal. We are developing a framework to ensure their usage aligns with the law,” said Semuel Abrijani Pangerapan, Director General of Informatics Applications at the Ministry of Communication and Informatics, in a recent statement.

The upcoming regulations, which are currently under ministerial review, aim to restrict VPN use by requiring providers to register with the government. Unregistered VPN services could be blocked outright. Officials are also considering legal consequences for users found accessing restricted services via unlicensed VPNs.

As for now, no timeline has been officially announced. But local media has reported that draft rules may be finalized by the end of the year.

The current online gambling environment in Indonesia is vast, and mostly hidden. Users often access offshore platforms hosted in regions with lenient enforcement. These platforms promise anonymity, instant payouts, and enticing rewards, thus driving a cycle of addiction and financial ruin for many.

The post Indonesia Prepares VPN Laws to Crack Down on Illegal Online Gambling appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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Indian Gaming Industry Expresses Concern About Proposed Online Gaming Bill

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The real money gaming (RMG) industry has been thrown into unprecedented turmoil after the Union Cabinet approved The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025. The proposed legislation seeks to outlaw all forms of pay-to-play online games, covering both games of skill and games of chance. If passed in Parliament, this would effectively ban the operations of legitimate RMG platforms across the country.

Industry stakeholders say the move was taken abruptly and without dialogue. “There was absolutely no consultation with the companies that have built this sector,” one executive said, adding that the decision violates multiple constitutional safeguards and will almost certainly face a legal challenge.

The industry’s pushback comes at a delicate moment. Only last week, on August 12, the Supreme Court bench of Justices J.B. Pardiwala and R. Mahadevan reserved its judgment on petitions concerning the classification of online games of skill and chance. The Court’s ruling was expected to provide clarity on a sector valued at over $3 billion. Instead, the Cabinet’s surprise approval of the bill has left companies reeling.

Industry voices argue that the move disregards the legitimate contributions of RMG platforms to India’s economy. By their estimates, the sector contributes nearly ₹20,000 crore annually to the exchequer through taxes and compliance payments, while directly and indirectly employing more than two lakh people. A blanket ban, they argue, would wipe out this entire ecosystem overnight.

The strongest criticism has come from the government’s failure to control illegal offshore betting firms. Companies like Parimatch, 1xBet and Dafabet continue to operate in India, despite repeated reports of their involvement in money laundering, hawala transactions and illegal gambling.

“Instead of cracking down on these notorious offshore firms, the government is choosing to penalize Indian companies that follow rules, pay taxes, and create jobs. This flawed approach not only risks shutting down a legitimate industry but also allows the black market to thrive unchecked,” said an industry representative.

Industry insiders caution that if the bill becomes law, Indian users may simply shift to unregulated foreign platforms, further draining revenue away from the country and undermining consumer protections.

The government, however, has defended its proposal by highlighting the social costs of online money gaming. The draft note accompanying the bill points to the “immersive and addictive nature” of pay-to-play platforms, warning that monetary incentives have triggered rising cases of anxiety, depression and behavioural problems among young users.

Citing clinical studies, the note claims prolonged gaming has worsened mental health issues, particularly among children and adolescents. The draft further warns of financial risks, with many players suffering losses that have, in some cases, led to suicides.

“These platforms employ predatory tactics—loot boxes, microtransactions, and reward systems—that exploit psychological triggers to encourage overspending. Such practices create cycles of debt and vulnerability,” the note says.

Despite acknowledging concerns about addiction and financial harm, industry groups insist that prohibition is the wrong path. They argue that a balanced regulatory framework—similar to models adopted in advanced markets—would provide consumer safeguards without dismantling the sector.

“Banning regulated RMG firms while letting offshore betting companies operate unchecked will only worsen the problem. The government should be working with us to build safeguards, not pushing us out,” said a gaming association leader.

The post Indian Gaming Industry Expresses Concern About Proposed Online Gaming Bill appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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CGMC Awards Competency Certificates to 40 Trainees

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The Commercial Gambling Management Commission (CGMC) has awarded competency certificates to 40 trainees, aiming to strengthen workforce standards and ensure compliance in the casino sector to support sustainable industry growth and economic stability.

The certificate of competency award ceremony for 40 candidates who completed the third training course on the “Foundation of Casino Special Employee Type A” was presided over by Chantha Chhoeng, Technical Advisor to the General Secretariat of the CGMC, in Phnom Penh on August 17.

According to a CGMC press release on August 18, the programme was designed to upgrade the skills of casino special employees, ensuring the workforce meets professional standards and contributes to the continued growth of Cambodia’s regulated casino industry.

The certificate is a vital document confirming trainees’ ability to perform casino functions in line with existing laws and regulations, thereby strengthening compliance and accountability across the commercial gambling sector, the statement added.

The CGMC underlined that casino operators must use the certificate when applying for or renewing special employee licenses. This ensures only qualified personnel enter the workforce, a measure deemed critical for sustainable sector development and investor confidence.

The post CGMC Awards Competency Certificates to 40 Trainees appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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