Melco Resorts & Entertainment has officially dropped plans to divest its stake in City of Dreams Manila, signaling renewed strategic confidence in the Philippines’ integrated resort (IR) market.
The reversal comes after months of strategic review during which Melco had explored monetisation options for the Manila asset as part of broader capital allocation optimisation. However, improving operational trends and long-term growth visibility have prompted the company to retain ownership.
Hong Kong’s 2026 rich list once again highlights the enduring power of integrated resorts, property and luxury retail capital, with Henry Cheng and Francis Lui securing places among the city’s Top 10 wealthiest individuals.
Multiple financial rankings and regional wealth trackers this year point to a stabilisation in gaming-linked fortunes, particularly those exposed to Macau’s premium-mass driven recovery. For Asia-Pacific IR stakeholders, the message is clear: capital confidence in Macau remains intact.
Fitch Ratings has affirmed Macau’s ‘AA’ sovereign credit rating with a stable outlook, citing the continued resilience of the city’s premium mass gaming segment despite broader macroeconomic headwinds.
Lights have gone out at the Texas Hold’em poker zone inside Wynn Macau, marking another shift in Macau’s evolving live gaming landscape.
Novomatic’s attempt to acquire the remaining shares of Australia-listed Ainsworth Game Technology has failed. The Austrian gaming technology giant, which already holds a significant stake in Ainsworth, had launched a takeover bid aimed at consolidating full ownership. However, the proposal did not secure sufficient shareholder support to proceed. As a result, Ainsworth will remain independently listed on the Australian Securities Exchange.
Author: Janice Chew • Sunday, 15/02/2026
