Matt Ballesty

2 POSTS0 COMMENTS

Matt Ballesty is a strategic and results-oriented business expert with 30 years of global experience in leadership and operations management within highly regulated and complex environments. Possesses intimate knowledge on the operations and management of an integrated resort property with the ability to adapt to different jurisdictions. Currently, Matt is the Managing Director of Three Points Consulting, a gaming and hospitality consultancy company providing expert and strategic advice to boards, management, investors and regulators.

LATEST ARTICLES FROM AUTHOR

Elsewhere

The Rise of Robots, CoBots and Automation – A New Normal

Matt Ballesty - June 2, 2023

New Zealand

Matt Ballesty: Looking for travel bubbles

Matt Ballesty - December 18, 2020

LATEST NEWS

News

Mega Fortris scraps plans to build playing card factory in Macau

Nelson Moura - January 7, 2026

Malaysian company Mega Fortris Bhd has scrapped plans to build a new playing card facility in Macau, opting instead to expand its Shah Alam operations with a second manufacturing line to cut costs.

Hong Kong

HKJC sees near 20% jump in World Pool turnover on overseas races

Viviana Chan - January 7, 2026

The Hong Kong Jockey Club recorded a near 20 percent rise in World Pool turnover on overseas races as more racedays and markets were added in 2025.

Australia

Steady growth for New South Wales clubs and hotels amid regulatory review

Nelson Moura - January 6, 2026

New South Wales clubs and hotels generated nearly AUD4.9 billion ($3.28 billion) in net gaming machine profits in the third quarter of 2025 according to state data released this week, representing an 8.7 percent increase compared to the same period in 2024.

Singapore

Singapore Changi Airport records strongest year ever with about 70M travelers

Viviana Chan - January 6, 2026

Singapore Changi Airport handled about 70 million passengers in 2025, setting a new annual record and marking its highest passenger throughput since opening, according...

South Korea

GKL sees 2025 casino sales grow 8% despite softer December

Viviana Chan - January 6, 2026

GKL reported an 8 percent increase in 2025 casino sales, driven by table and slot growth, though December posted a year-on-year decline.

South Korea

South Korea’s Paradise Co. casino sales up 9.9% to $624M in 2025

Viviana Chan - January 6, 2026

Paradise Co. reported a 9.9% year-on-year rise in 2025 casino sales to $624 million, led by stronger table game and slot machine revenue.

Macau

Rockets and Mavericks to hold NBA pre-season games in Macau

Nelson Moura - January 6, 2026

The Dallas Mavericks and Houston Rockets will face off in two NBA pre-season games in Macau next October, as announced by the league.

Thailand

Former Thai police Deputy Commissioner investigated for bribery linked to online gambling

Nelson Moura - January 6, 2026

Thailand's Anti-Corruption Police are set to deliver a completed investigation file to the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) concerning allegations of bribery linked to online gambling operations.

Macau

Macau police bust counterfeit chip ring targeting gamblers

Viviana Chan - January 5, 2026

Macau police have arrested four men over a counterfeit casino chip scheme that defrauded gamblers of HK$210,000 ($26,900), the Judiciary Police said on Monday.

Macau

SJM deleveraging faces ‘heightened uncertainty’ amid market share decline: Fitch

Viviana Chan - January 5, 2026

Fitch warns SJM’s deleveraging remains uncertain as weak Grand Lisboa Palace performance and market share losses weigh on credit outlook.

Macau

Macau airport traffic tops 7.5 million in 2025 despite annual dip

Nelson Moura - January 5, 2026

Passenger traffic at Macau International Airport (MIA) reached more than 7.52 million in 2025, with flight movements exceeding 58,000, the operator said Monday, noting a surge in international routes despite a slight annual decline.

Europe

Estoril-Sol, Portugal’s casino leader, abandons concession for Póvoa de Varzim

Nelson Moura - January 5, 2026

The Estoril-Sol group, Portugal's dominant land-based casino operator, has lost its concession for the casino in Póvoa de Varzim after it declined to bid in a public tender, according to an official company statement.

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka’s casino entrance levy increased

Nelson Moura - January 5, 2026

Sri Lanka’s Inland Revenue Department has announced significant tax changes for casino operators and betting and gaming establishments, set to take effect on January 1, 2026.

Macau

Macau gaming revenue to rise 5–6% in 2026: JP Morgan

Viviana Chan - January 4, 2026

JP Morgan expects Macau GGR to grow 5–6% in 2026, led by mass and slots, with profit growth slightly outpacing revenue as margins stabilise.

South Korea

South Korea’s Jeju Dream Tower casino sales jump 61.8% year-on-year in 2025

Viviana Chan - January 4, 2026

Full-year casino sales at Jeju Dream Tower reached $367 million in 2025, marking a 61.8% increase from the previous year.

Macau

Macau visitor arrivals hit record 40.06 million in 2025

Viviana Chan - January 4, 2026

Macau welcomed 40.06 million visitor arrivals in 2025, setting a new historical record and surpassing pre-pandemic levels, according to preliminary data released on Saturday...

Macau

Wynn Macau sets $150M annual cap for IP license fees in 2026

Nelson Moura - January 1, 2026

Wynn Macau Ltd said it has set an annual cap of about $150 million for intellectual property license fees payable to a unit of its parent company Wynn Resorts in 2026, under continuing connected transactions.

Macau

Late-night congestion follows New Year fireworks on Macau’s Cotai Strip

Viviana Chan - January 1, 2026

Macau experienced widespread late-night transport congestion following New Year’s Eve fireworks celebrations, as large crowds departing event areas after midnight overwhelmed public transport systems and pedestrian routes across the city, particularly in Cotai.

Australia

Ainsworth heir battles Novomatic’s bid for family gaming firm: Report

Nelson Moura - January 1, 2026

There is a brewing corporate battle in Australia’s gaming industry, with Kjerulf Ainsworth, son of slot machine pioneer Len Ainsworth, fighting to block a takeover bid by Austrian gaming giant Novomatic.

Elsewhere

Kazakhstan set to establish new gambling zones

Nelson Moura - January 1, 2026

Kazakhstan is set to establish new gambling zones in several regions, including Mangystau, Almaty, East Kazakhstan, and Zhetysu, as announced by Yerbol Myrzabosynov, the country’s Minister of Tourism and Sports.