Matt Ballesty

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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

Macau

Free services to clients total 63% of Macau gaming operators’ expenses in 2024

Viviana Chan - September 17, 2025

Macau casinos leaned on free services to clients, which represented 63% of total operating expenses in 2024, DSEC survey shows.

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka doubles local casino entrance fee, ups betting tax to 18%

Kelsey Wilhelm - September 17, 2025

Sri Lanka doubles casino entry fee for locals and ups betting tax to 18%.

Macau

Macau’s Studio City adding private hospital, opening in October

Kelsey Wilhelm - September 17, 2025

Macau’s Studio City integrated resort is going to be adding a private hospital to its non-gaming offerings, which is expected to open on October 1st.

Macau

Melco Resorts Finance raises $500M at 6.5%, debt maturity profile extended

Viviana Chan - September 17, 2025

Melco Resorts Finance secures $500M in senior notes, targeting 2026 debt buyback; analysts downgrade amid strong bond rally.

Philippines

DigiPlus debuts Brazil operations with GamePlus launch on September 22nd

Viviana Chan - September 17, 2025

DigiPlus brings GamePlus to Brazil Sept. 22nd, its debut abroad, as it expands beyond the Philippines amid rising iGaming opportunities.

Philippines

Philippines court orders Melco to compensate dismissed City of Dreams Manila staff

Viviana Chan - September 17, 2025

Philippines Court of Appeals orders Melco to pay $510 each to 26 City of Dreams Manila staff axed in 2020 redundancy.

Macau

Citigroup cuts Macau September GGR forecast to $2.4B amid slower momentum

Viviana Chan - September 17, 2025

Citigroup trims Macau September GGR forecast to $2.4B on slower run rate, while HSBC projects 7–12% YoY growth.

Hong Kong

Century Entertainment changes auditor amid business transformation

Nelson Moura - September 17, 2025

Century Entertainment changes auditor amid business transformation

Vietnam

Vietnam absorbs Chinese tourists shifting away from Thailand: Report

Viviana Chan - September 16, 2025

Chinese tourists are choosing Vietnam over Thailand in 2025, boosting arrivals 44% and driving record tourism spending.

Hong Kong

Hong Kong racing secures continued broadcast on Australia’s Racing.com

Nelson Moura - September 16, 2025

Following extensive peace talks, Hong Kong racing will continue to be broadcast on the Racing.com platform in Australia until the end of the current season, albeit under revised, unspecified terms.

Philippines

Philippines senators urge increased funding for fight against financial crimes

Nelson Moura - September 16, 2025

The head of the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) of the Philippines emphasized the need for a comprehensive government approach to combat money laundering and terrorist financing during Senate budget discussions.

Europe

Hong Kong bourse declares former LET Group, Summit Ascent executive unsuitable as director

Nelson Moura - September 16, 2025

Hong Kong’s stock exchange has censured businessman Andrew Lo Kai Bong, declaring him unsuitable to serve as a director after he pushed ahead with a controversial plan to sell a Russian casino business that triggered regulatory concerns and board resignations.

Philippines

Travellers to break ground on $700M Mactan, Boracay casinos in 2026: CEO

Viviana Chan - September 15, 2025

Travellers to build $700M casinos in Mactan, Boracay by 2026, boosting AGI’s presence in key Philippine tourism hubs.

Macau

Macau expects record tourist arrivals during “Super Golden Week”

Viviana Chan - September 15, 2025

Macau’s "Super Golden Week" is set to see record tourist numbers, with policies easing travel and boosting industry confidence.

Philippines

PAGCOR launches education framework to tackle illegal online gambling

Viviana Chan - September 15, 2025

PAGCOR launches education framework to curb illegal online gambling through player education, operator training, and public outreach in the Philippines.

Macau

SJM’s credit profile hinges on satellite market share recapture: Fitch

Viviana Chan - September 15, 2025

Fitch Ratings said the impact on SJM Holdings' credit profile will depend on the company's ability to recapture the market share of its outgoing satellite casinos and the terms of related acquisitions.

Philippines

“Saturated” electronic gaming machine market in the Philippines, driving manufacturer deal making and innovation

Kelsey Wilhelm - September 14, 2025

The sales market for electronic gaming machines (EGMs) in the Philippines is "saturated", with manufacturers needing to prove their longevity to secure deals.

Malaysia