Asia
Melco Announces Unaudited Fourth Quarter 2023 Earnings
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.
Asia
Mythpat, GamerFleet, Piyush Joshi Gaming: India’s popular Minecraft Players Gear Up for the Ultimate Battle in Creators Rumble
Get ready to dive into an electrifying, one-of-a-kind gaming spectacle as India’s most talented gamers face off in the much-anticipated Minecraft tournament titled Creators Rumble, an initiative by OP Gaming, a subsidiary of OpraahFx. This event is set to bring together India’s top Minecraft creators, who will challenge each other and display their mastery over the game in a thrilling competition spanning three rounds which includes Parkour, MLG and PvP.
This event marks the first time that India’s top Minecraft influencers and gaming creators unite in an official tournament format, bringing fans and players alike a whole new level of excitement.
Divided into six teams of four members, they will face off across action-packed Minecraft rounds designed to test every skill—from strategy and creativity to adaptability and teamwork.
Mythpat aka Mithilesh Patankar, one of India’s leading Youtuber and gaming influencers, shared his excitement saying, “Creators Rumble will be a chance to bring the Minecraft gaming community closer, strengthening bonds among creators and igniting excitement for both fans and gamers. India has a huge Minecraft fanbase, and this tournament will introduce even more gamers to the fun of Minecraft.”
The inaugural edition of Creators Rumble will tap into Minecraft’s worldwide popularity, which has grown steadily since its release. In October 2023, Mojang Studios, the game’s developer, revealed it has sold over 300 million copies, making Minecraft the best-selling video game in history. Players of all ages continue to be captivated by its open-ended gameplay and limitless creative potential, where they can build worlds and structures limited only by their imagination.
Anticipating the prospects Mansi Gupta, Chief Business Officer at OpraahFx, emphasized on the industry impact saying, “India’s gaming landscape is thriving, and we believe that the nation has the potential to emerge as one of the world’s biggest pools of gaming talent. The Creators Rumble is a platform for growth, not only for seasoned players but for the entire creator economy. We’re here to support these creators as they captivate audiences with their talents in Minecraft.”
The Creator’s Rumble will see iconic players Mythpat (Mithilesh Patankar) and Gamerfleet (Anshu Bisht) showcasing some exhilarating gaming experience joined by popular gaming creators, Piyush Joshi Gaming (younger brother of popular Indian YouTuber, Sourav Joshi), AndreoBee (Naveen Yadav), MC Addon (Dipanshu Prajapati), PSD1 (Prathamesh), Harshita (Harshita Shukla), ShadowShooter (Pankaj Kumar Sahoo), I.M.Kopi (Bibek Jung Kunwar), Proboiz (Paresh Solanki), Mr Lapis (Jitender Kumar), GameBeat (Nitin Tyagi), Risible Twins (Kartik and Kunal), Yug Playz (Yug Thakkar), Agnit Plays (Vinit Aggarwal), GamerJatin (Jatin Makhija), Spunky Insaan (Harshit Nema), Pahadi Gaming (Lokesh Karakoti), DevXD (Pankaj Dev), Ro9nie (Rohan Chhabra), Sidh4rth (Siddharth), CassalFx (Shrey Patel) and Dattrax Gaming (Harvest Dewangan).
With this monumental event, OP Gaming aims to further solidify India’s role in the global gaming landscape and showcase the extraordinary creativity and camaraderie of the Minecraft community.
The tournament is scheduled to take place on November 22 (Friday) and will be streamed live on the OP Gaming YouTube channel. Six teams – Team Redstone, Team Gold, Team Emeralds, Team Shulker, Team Amethyst, and Team Diamonds, will compete in a series of thrilling challenges, vying for the prestigious title and showcasing the finest Minecraft talent in India.
The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) was invited in a briefing held by the Bataan Peace and Order Council on November 13, 2024 regarding the police operations conducted in Central One Bataan.
During the said briefing, PAGCOR’s representative made a remark stating that Central One Bataan is under the jurisdiction of the Authority of the Freeport Area of Bataan (AFAB), and not of PAGCOR.
PAGCOR seeks to rectify this statement.
Republic Act No. 9728 grants the AFAB the power to oversee certain tourism-related activities within the Freeport Area of Bataan including games, amusements, recreational and sports activities subject to the approval and supervision of PAGCOR.
This underscores the fact that while AFAB may regulate specific activities and exercise authority within its jurisdiction, its power to issue licenses for gaming operations remains conditional and subject to PAGCOR’s oversight and approval.
Following the letter of the law, Central One Bataan’s involvement in online gaming activities clearly subject the same to PAGCOR’s jurisdiction and regulatory authority. However, records show that Central One Bataan is not one of the companies licensed by PAGCOR to legally operate such activities.
PAGCOR shares the perspective that offshore gaming companies misrepresenting themselves as BPOs should be treated as a serious concern.
To effectively address illegal gaming operations, companies that misuse the BPO designation must also be scrutinized and held accountable.
Macau’s 2025 casino gross gaming revenue (GGR) is forecast to reach MOP240 billion ($29.9 billion), says the Office of the Chief Executive (CE), in the financial-year 2025 budget plan published on last Thursday, and which has been submitted to the city’s Legislative Assembly.
That would be a 31.1% rise on the MOP183.06 billion achieved in 2023, the first year of trading since pandemic-related restrictions were lifted. It would be an 82.1% recovery rate compared to the MOP292.46 billion in the pre-pandemic trading year of 2019, as per data of the local regulator.
The 2024 budget plan predicted MOP216 billion GGR for this year. The tally for the calendar year to the end of October is MOP190.14 billion. The 2025 budget would represent year-on-year growth of 11.1% from the forecast for 2024.
The 2025 budget plan estimates the Macau government will collect MOP84.0 billion in gaming taxes from the city’s six casino concessionaires for financial year 2025. That is calculated based only from the levy of the so-called “special gaming tax”, which stands at 35% of GGR for the current 10-year gaming concessions that started from January 1, 2023.
With other contributing levies for social causes, the effective tax on Macau casino GGR is 40% for the current concession term.
“It is estimated that the recovery momentum of the integrated tourism and leisure businesses for the next fiscal year [2025] will continue, with a continuous rise in inbound tourist volume, albeit their travel and consumption patterns may see changes,” the Office of the Chief Executive stated in its fiscal year 2025 budget plan.
“Integrated tourism and leisure businesses” is a term used by the authorities to indicate the casino resort sector.
The chief executive office added: “Considering all factors, the fiscal year 2025 gross gaming revenue is estimated to reach MOP240 billion. Such is the principal fiscal income that serves as a foundation for the Macau Special Administrative Government in formulating the fiscal year 2025 budget plan.”
Post the Covid-19 pandemic, Macau’s fiscal income had seen a “gradual recovery” since 2023, as economic improvement had been led by the integrated tourism and leisure sector, the document also mentioned.
For the whole of fiscal year 2024, the Macau government had forecast it would collect MOP75.6 billion in gaming taxes from the casino concessionaires, levied as special gaming tax, according to the 2024 budget plan.
The 2025 plan will be current Chief Executive Ho Iat Seng’s ultimate fiscal-year budget proposal before stepping down at the end of his five-year term.
Sam Hou Fai, most recently president of Macau’s Court of Final Appeal, the city’s most senior judicial position, is to succeed Mr Ho as the city’s leader, with a swearing-in ceremony to be held in December.
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