**Breaking Down Industry Highlights**
CasinoBeats offers insights into some of the most significant developments in the gambling industry, focusing on Safer Gambling Week, Macau’s financial projections, and the groundbreaking real money multiplayer slot.
**60 Million Impressions**
The Betting & Gaming Council (BGC) has reported that Safer Gambling Week 2024 garnered over 60 million impressions on various social media platforms. This year’s initiative, running from November 18 to 24, saw a 21% rise in impressions compared to 2023, with increased engagement on platforms such as X, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram. The event also received bipartisan support, with numerous UK MPs, including Gambling Minister Baroness Fiona Twycross and Shadow DCMS Secretary Stuart Andrew, lending their backing. Key endorsements came from the UK Gambling Commission, CEO Andrew Rhodes, and Premier League football clubs like Aston Villa, Tottenham Hotspur, and Southampton. Furthermore, the Safer Gambling Week website saw over half a million visits, providing resources and guidance on safer gambling tools.
BGC CEO Grainne Hurst noted, “These exceptional and record-setting outcomes highlight our industry’s dedication to promoting safer gambling tools and directing those in need to appropriate support.”
**€8.05 Billion Revenue Decline**
Italy’s Customs and Monopolies Agency (ADM) announced a decrease in gambling tax revenues, collecting €8.05 billion by September 30, 2024. This amount signifies a 6% drop from the €8.2 billion collected during the same period in 2023. The full-year 2023 revenue was €11.62 billion. If the trend continues, 2024 could be the first non-pandemic year with such a decline. The third quarter of 2024 saw a sharp 16% reduction in gambling tax revenues, attributed to a 26% drop in net gambling spending.
While the gambling sector struggled, the tobacco industry thrived, generating €4.18 billion in Q3 2024, a 5.77% increase from the prior year. Within gambling, gaming machines led in revenue, followed by lotteries, betting, and other games.
**$2.3 Billion in Macau’s GGR**
Analysts anticipate improved performance in Macau for December, following last month’s gross gaming revenue (GGR) of MOP$18.4 billion ($2.3 billion). Though November closed on a higher note despite a slow start, Macau’s Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau reported a daily GGR of MOP$615 million (US$77 million), marking one of the lowest monthly figures for 2024. Senior Analyst Vitaly Umansky from Seaport Research Partners predicts a 5.2% year-on-year increase in December, with GGR expected to reach MOP$19.5 billion (US$2.43 billion). Conversely, Deutsche Bank’s Carlo Santarelli forecasts a lower growth rate of 3%.
Santarelli stated, “Our December prediction reflects a 0.4% sequential per day improvement, consistent with past performance from 2013 to 2019.” However, the potential visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping for Macau Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai’s inauguration on December 20 could dampen growth due to reduced mainland Chinese arrivals.
**SlotMasters’ Historic Push**
HungryBear Gaming celebrated a milestone as SlotMasters, the first-ever multiplayer slot game, received certification for real money play. Initially launched as a free-to-play offering in 2020, SlotMasters is now available for real money through HungryBear’s partner, Yggdrasil Gaming.
CEO and Founder Justin Chamberlain announced on LinkedIn, “SlotMasters is officially the first multiplayer slot game certified for real money gaming. This is the result of our team’s relentless effort and the support of our partners. It marks a new era, not just for SlotMasters, but for the evolution of slot gaming.”
