Asia
Melco Announces Unaudited Second Quarter 2023 Earnings
Melco Resorts & Entertainment Limited, a developer, owner, and operator of integrated resort facilities in Asia and Europe, reported its unaudited financial results for the second quarter of 2023.
Total operating revenues for the second quarter of 2023 were US$947.9 million, representing an increase of approximately 220% from US$296.1 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 primarily due to the relaxation of COVID-19 related restrictions in Macau in January 2023, the openings of Studio City Phase 2’s Epic Tower and indoor waterpark in April 2023, as well as the launch of residency concerts at Studio City in the same month.
Operating income for the second quarter of 2023 was US$64.3 million, compared with operating loss of US$209.2 million in the second quarter of 2022.
Melco generated Adjusted Property EBITDA(1) of US$267.3 million in the second quarter of 2023, compared with negative Adjusted Property EBITDA of US$13.8 million in the second quarter of 2022.
Net loss attributable to Melco Resorts & Entertainment Limited for the second quarter of 2023 was US$23.4 million, or US$0.05 per ADS, compared with US$251.5 million, or US$0.53 per ADS, in the second quarter of 2022. The net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests was US$27.7 million and US$43.2 million during the second 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, “The strength of our Macau recovery is evident in the 43% increase in gross gaming revenue in the second quarter of 2023 compared to the first quarter of 2023. We’ve seen mass drop increase month-to-month and turnover in our premium direct VIP segment continued to exceed 2019 during the second quarter.
“Labor supply issues in Macau have been largely resolved. We have been able to provide our customers with Melco’s full suite of services and amenities. We expect to add another 560 hotel rooms to our portfolio with the opening of W Macau at Studio City in September and are well positioned to support the continuing increase of customers in Macau.
“The mass segment is also leading the recovery in the Philippines, continuing to outperform 2019 in the second quarter of 2023. And in Cyprus, we opened City of Dreams Mediterranean to the public in July after a successful soft opening in June, and we’re excited for its prospects as we ramp up our operations.
“Environmental sustainability is built into the core of our business and embedded in our operations. Examples of this include the sophisticated water filtration system installed in our waterpark at Studio City to reduce water consumption and improve water reuse and meticulously-designed sustainable packaging and amenities that are free of single-use plastics. We are also continuing our work towards achieving BREEAM certifications for Studio City Phase 2 and City of Dreams Mediterranean following the construction completion of these properties.”
City of Dreams Second Quarter Results
For the quarter ended June 30, 2023, total operating revenues at City of Dreams were US$506.2 million, compared with US$97.3 million in the second quarter of 2022. City of Dreams generated Adjusted EBITDA of US$161.2 million in the second quarter of 2023, compared with negative Adjusted EBITDA of US$28.5 million in the second 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$5.76 billion for the second quarter of 2023 versus US$748.1 million in the second quarter of 2022. The rolling chip win rate was 2.88% in the second quarter of 2023 versus 2.57% in the second quarter of 2022. The expected rolling chip win rate range is 2.85% – 3.15%.
Mass market table games drop increased to US$1.24 billion in the second quarter of 2023, compared with US$209.1 million in the second quarter of 2022. The mass market table games hold percentage was 32.0% in the second quarter of 2023, compared with 33.0% in the second quarter of 2022.
Gaming machine handle for the second quarter of 2023 was US$771.5 million, compared with US$217.1 million in the second quarter of 2022. The gaming machine win rate was 2.8% in the second quarter of 2023 versus 2.7% in the second quarter of 2022.
Total non-gaming revenue at City of Dreams in the second quarter of 2023 was US$68.9 million, compared with US$24.3 million in the second quarter of 2022.
Altira Macau Second Quarter Results
For the quarter ended June 30, 2023, total operating revenues at Altira Macau were US$29.3 million, compared with US$7.2 million in the second quarter of 2022. Altira Macau generated Adjusted EBITDA of US$4.3 million in the second quarter of 2023, compared with negative Adjusted EBITDA of US$11.3 million in the second 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.
In the mass market table games segment, drop was US$116.6 million in the second quarter of 2023 versus US$29.3 million in the second quarter of 2022. The mass market table games hold percentage was 24.2% in the second quarter of 2023, compared with 17.5% in the second quarter of 2022.
Gaming machine handle for the second quarter of 2023 was US$82.0 million, compared with US$41.5 million in the second quarter of 2022. The gaming machine win rate was 3.3% in the second quarter of 2023 versus 4.2% in the second quarter of 2022.
Total non-gaming revenue at Altira Macau in the second quarter of 2023 was US$4.9 million, compared with US$1.9 million in the second quarter of 2022.
Mocha and Other Second Quarter Results
Total operating revenues from Mocha and Other were US$28.8 million in the second quarter of 2023, compared with US$17.0 million in the second quarter of 2022. Mocha and Other generated Adjusted EBITDA of US$6.7 million in the second quarter of 2023, compared with Adjusted EBITDA of US$2.5 million in the second quarter of 2022.
Mass market table games drop was US$41.4 million in the second quarter of 2023 versus US$0.4 million in the second quarter of 2022. The mass market table games hold percentage was 18.2% in the second quarter of 2023 versus 26.9% in the second quarter of 2022.
Gaming machine handle for the second quarter of 2023 was US$502.8 million, compared with US$406.8 million in the second quarter of 2022. The gaming machine win rate was 4.5% in the second quarter of 2023 versus 4.2% in the second quarter of 2022.
Studio City Second Quarter Results
For the quarter ended June 30, 2023, total operating revenues at Studio City were US$236.0 million, compared with US$35.9 million in the second quarter of 2022. Studio City generated Adjusted EBITDA of US$41.1 million in the second quarter of 2023, compared with negative Adjusted EBITDA of US$31.1 million in the second quarter of 2022. The year-over-year increase in Adjusted EBITDA was primarily a result of better performance in the mass market table games segment and non-gaming operations.
Studio City’s rolling chip volume was US$789.5 million in the second quarter of 2023 versus US$104.1 million in the second quarter of 2022. The rolling chip win rate was 1.43% in the second quarter of 2023 versus 5.33% in the second quarter of 2022. The expected rolling chip win rate range is 2.85% – 3.15%.
Mass market table games drop increased to US$716.6 million in the second quarter of 2023, compared with US$93.2 million in the second quarter of 2022. The mass market table games hold percentage was 25.5% in the second quarter of 2023, compared with 25.7% in the second quarter of 2022.
Gaming machine handle for the second quarter of 2023 was US$595.4 million, compared with US$201.7 million in the second quarter of 2022. The gaming machine win rate was 3.4% in the second quarter of 2023, compared with 2.5% in the second quarter of 2022.
Total non-gaming revenue at Studio City in the second quarter of 2023 was US$74.3 million, compared with US$8.3 million in the second quarter of 2022.
City of Dreams Manila Second Quarter Results
For the quarter ended June 30, 2023, total operating revenues at City of Dreams Manila were US$116.4 million, compared with US$111.7 million in the second quarter of 2022. City of Dreams Manila generated Adjusted EBITDA of US$47.0 million in the second quarter of 2023, compared with Adjusted EBITDA of US$49.0 million in the comparable period of 2022.
City of Dreams Manila’s rolling chip volume was US$520.2 million in the second quarter of 2023 versus US$771.3 million in the second quarter of 2022. The rolling chip win rate was 3.10% in the second quarter of 2023 versus 2.95% in the second quarter of 2022. The expected rolling chip win rate range is 2.85% – 3.15%.
Mass market table games drop increased to US$194.5 million in the second quarter of 2023, compared with US$178.4 million in the second quarter of 2022. The mass market table games hold percentage was 31.3% in the second quarter of 2023, compared with 29.0% in the second quarter of 2022.
Gaming machine handle for the second quarter of 2023 was US$1.01 billion, compared with US$925.6 million in the second quarter of 2022. The gaming machine win rate was 4.8% in the second quarter of 2023 versus 5.3% in the second quarter of 2022.
Total non-gaming revenue at City of Dreams Manila in the second quarter of 2023 was US$28.7 million, compared with US$27.3 million in the second quarter of 2022.
City of Dreams Mediterranean and Other Second Quarter Results
City of Dreams Mediterranean officially opened to the public on July 10, 2023, after a soft opening in June. The Company continues to operate three satellite casinos in Cyprus in conjunction with City of Dreams Mediterranean (collectively, the “Cyprus Casinos”).
Total operating revenues at the Cyprus Casinos for the quarter ended June 30, 2023 were US$30.9 million, compared with US$21.7 million in the second quarter of 2022. The Cyprus Casinos generated Adjusted EBITDA of US$6.9 million in the second quarter of 2023, compared with Adjusted EBITDA of US$5.6 million in the second quarter of 2022. The year-over-year increase in Adjusted EBITDA was primarily a result of better performance in the mass market segment.
Rolling chip volume was US$0.1 million in both the second quarters of 2023 and 2022. The rolling chip win rate was 2.52% in the second quarter of 2023, compared with negative 6.12% in the second quarter of 2022. The expected rolling chip win rate range is 2.85% – 3.15%.
Mass market table games drop was US$47.0 million in the second quarter of 2023, compared with US$31.4 million in the second quarter of 2022. The mass market table games hold percentage was 21.9% in the second quarter of 2023, compared with 19.5% in the second quarter of 2022.
Gaming machine handle for the second quarter of 2023 was US$391.7 million, compared with US$315.9 million in the second quarter of 2022. The gaming machine win rate was 5.1% in the second quarter of 2023 versus 5.0% in the second quarter of 2022.
Total non-gaming revenue at City of Dreams Mediterranean and Other in the second quarter of 2023 was US$1.9 million, compared with US$0.1 million in the second quarter of 2022.
Other Factors Affecting Earnings
Total net non-operating expenses for the second quarter of 2023 were US$116.5 million, which mainly included interest expenses of US$123.5 million, net of amounts capitalized, partially offset by interest income of US$5.0 million.
Depreciation and amortization costs of US$136.5 million were recorded in the second quarter of 2023, of which US$5.7 million related to the amortization expense for land use rights.
Asia
Insurgence Gaming Company Introduces La Imperia, a Community-First All-Female VALORANT Tournament
La Imperia, a new all-female esports IP by The Insurgence Gaming Company, will make its competitive debut this month with an online VALORANT invitational tournament running from December 19 to 21, 2025. Designed as a visibility-first platform for women competitors, the event brings together four invited Indian teams for a three-day broadcast competition.
La Imperia marks the inaugural tournament by the Insurgence Gaming Company, a newly founded esports company led by Jasper Shabin, who previously served as a poject manager at Skyesports. Positioning itself as a community-first tournament operator, the Insurgence Gaming Company aims to refocus attention on grassroots competition and long-term ecosystem building at a time when entry-level and women-led esports pathways remain limited.
The tournament will be played in VALORANT and feature a round-robin group stage followed by single-elimination playoffs, culminating in a BO5 Grand Final. All matches across the three days will be broadcast live on YouTube, along with additional watch-parties.
The four invited teams competing at La Imperia include Huntrix, Sin Sisters, Plushie Gang and MyKil. All teams feature all-female rosters, aligning with La Imperia’s positioning as a dedicated women’s esports IP.
Broadcast production for the event will be handled by Momentum Gaming, serving as the official Broadcast Partner. The on-air talent lineup includes Star Tania, Nekroz, Odawg, and Hikari Jane, who will guide viewers through the tournament across all three days.
Beyond competition, La Imperia is also placing emphasis on player well-being. Sattva by Pallavi joins the tournament as the Mental Health Partner, integrating conversations around mental health and holistic wellness into the event’s broadcast and content output. The partnership reflects a growing recognition of sustainability and mental resilience within competitive gaming environments.
Speaking on the launch, Jasper Shabin, Founder of The Insurgence Gaming Company, said: “La Imperia is built to be a visibility platform first. There is no shortage of talent in the women’s VALORANT scene, but there are very few consistent stages where that talent can be seen, supported, and taken seriously. With the Insurgence Gaming Company, we want to return focus to grassroots competition and create formats that players can grow with, not just compete in once.”
The tournament carries an INR 15,000 prize pool, with the primary focus placed on competitive exposure, broadcast quality, and long-term ecosystem value rather than one-off incentives.
With its inaugural edition, La Imperia sets the foundation for a new women-led esports property in India—one that combines structured competition, professional broadcast standards, and a community-first philosophy.
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The World Esports Championship 2025 (WEC25) is officially open in Kuala Lumpur, welcoming athletes, fans, and delegations from around the globe. With 19 nations taking part in Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB), this year’s event stands as the most internationally diverse MLBB competition in IESF history.
After a year filled with national and regional qualifiers and preparations from teams around the world, the world’s top esports athletes have arrived in Malaysia’s capital, Kuala Lumpur. The opening ceremony set the tone for the days ahead, offering fans a first glimpse of the excitement and atmosphere surrounding this year’s championship.
“WEC25 reflects the continued growth of esports as a space for connection, competition, and shared passion,” said IESF General Secretary Boban Totovski. “Bringing together 19 nations for MLBB is a milestone not just for the title, but for the entire esports ecosystem. We are proud to bring this edition of the championship to Kuala Lumpur.”
As the competition officially kicks off, the schedule is fully packed with exciting match-ups among Nations, competing for their flag and country. The best from all over the world will have the unique opportunity to become the MLBB World Champion.
IESF extends its gratitude to the Malaysian government and the Ministry for Youth and Sports, partners, athletes, and global supporters who continue to elevate the championship’s reach and impact.
The post IESF Officially Opens the World Esports Championship 2025 in Kuala Lumpur appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Asia
Pacific Online-backed Buenas PH Inks Partnership with YGS Live’s Battle of the Streamers to Support Ethical iGaming
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Buenas PH, the licensed e-casino operator under HHR Philippines Inc (HHRPI), has been named the presenting partner of YGS Live’s Battle of the Streamers. The partnership builds on the strong momentum created during the recent launch of YGS Live, a next-generation iGaming broadcast platform founded by esports pioneer Julius “Banoobs” Mariano.
Buenas PH is backed by strong corporate leadership that firmly establishes its position in the iGaming and entertainment industry. HHR Philippines is venture-backed by publicly listed Pacific Online Systems Corporation (POSC), led by Willy N. Ocier, who serves as Chairman of Belle Corporation. Belle Corporation is SM Investment’s major developer of leisure and tourism destinations built to support the growth of PAGCOR’s Entertainment City. This corporate foundation strengthens Buenas PH’s credibility and long-term direction as it grows in the regulated iGaming sector.
The Battle of the Streamers is the flagship program of YGS Live. Powered by Pragmatic Play and streamed through the soon-to-be-launched Loco Live platform, the event brings together the country’s top iGaming creators in a weekly competition featuring an eleven-million-peso prize pool. As one of the first major events to debut on Loco Live, the program showcases the platform’s commitment to high-quality, responsible, and community-driven iGaming content. It also reinforces YGS Live’s advocacy for responsible iGaming by discouraging creators from promoting unlicensed or scam platforms.
“Through this partnership, Buenas PH supports a mission that elevates Philippine iGaming to a safer and more responsible environment,” said Julius “Banoobs” Mariano, Founder of YGS Live. “Our creators have influence. We want that influence to help shape a healthier culture for fans and players.”
Industry reports have highlighted Pacific Online’s active participation in the growth of regulated online gaming in the Philippines, including its involvement in HHR Philippines and the Buenas operator. These developments strengthen confidence in the company’s long-term direction as a regulated and ethical player in the e-casino sector.
As the presenting partner, Buenas PH takes a central role throughout the Battle of the Streamers program, which runs every Saturday and culminates in a grand finals event on January 18, 2026, at City of Dreams Manila. The event combines high-stakes matches with interactive community segments, along with three million pesos in community giveaways for fans and viewers.
YGS Live continues to position itself as a broadcast network dedicated to responsible, community-driven iGaming content. With Buenas PH as a lead partner, the platform aims to set a new benchmark for safe, creator-focused, and credible iGaming entertainment in the Philippines.
For updates, visit the official YGS Live Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/YGSLive.
The post Pacific Online-backed Buenas PH Inks Partnership with YGS Live’s Battle of the Streamers to Support Ethical iGaming appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
