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Light & Wonder launches new $1B revolving credit facility

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Gaming equipment and services group Light & Wonder has announced a new revolving credit commitment amounting to $1 billion.

The agreement, secured with several banks and financial institutions, replaces the company’s existing revolving commitments of $750 million and extends the maturity of these commitments from 2027 to 2030, in a strategic enhancement of the company’s financial flexibility.

On February 10th, 2025, Light and Wonder International, Inc. (L&WPI), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Light & Wonder, entered into an amendment to its existing Credit Agreement.

This amendment includes new revolving commitments of $1 billion, it also extends the maturity to February 10th, 2030, and introduces a reduction in the applicable margin for revolving loans based on certain leverage tests.

With this new financial arrangement, Light & Wonder aims to solidify its position in a competitive gaming industry, while navigating ongoing legal challenges.

In September of last year, Aristocrat Technologies a preliminary injunction, prohibiting Light & Wonder from selling or leasing its Dragon Train game.

The court sided with Aristocrat’s allegations of trade secret misappropriation, accusing Light & Wonder of copying elements from Aristocrat’s popular Dragon Link game.

However, just yesterday, the gaming equipment and services giant was granted a slight reprieve in Australia, as the courts rejected an injunction by rival Aristocrat over its Dragon Train slots.

Light & Wonder’s Dragon Train slots stay on Australian floors after court ruling

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Gaming equipment and services group Light & Wonder’s Dragon Train slot machine series will remain operational on Australian gaming floors after the Federal Court of Australia rejected a request from Aristocrat Leisure for an interlocutory injunction.

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Light & Wonder’s Dragon Train

The news was initially published in a research note by Macquarie, which argued that the ruling had dispelled investor concerns about the Dragon Train units previously sold in Australia.

According to the report, Justice Stephen Burley issued the ruling on February 7th, denying Aristocrat’s application for the injunction. However, the judgment included a restriction on disclosing or publishing the reasons for the decision until further notice.

Benchmark Company analyst Mike Hickey commented that the ruling has alleviated concerns that ongoing litigation could affect games already sold in the Australian market. He added that the decision means Light & Wonder’s customers won’t need to take any action regarding their gaming floors, allowing the company to focus on its upcoming content for 2025. Approximately 10,000 units of Dragon Train are currently installed across Australia.

The ruling contrasts with one from the US District Court for the District of Nevada, which, in September, granted Aristocrat a preliminary injunction. This injunction temporarily blocked Light & Wonder from continuing or planning the sale, lease, or commercialization of Dragon Train in the US. The US court found that Aristocrat was likely to succeed in demonstrating that Light & Wonder had misappropriated its trade secrets in the development of Dragon Train.

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The dispute, which began in March 2024, centers around Aristocrat’s claims that Dragon Train bears significant similarities to its own Dragon Link series. Aristocrat has accused Light & Wonder of intellectual property theft, including the copying of audio-visual elements, gameplay mechanics, and other deceptive trade practices. They also highlighted the presence of several former Aristocrat executives in senior roles at Light & Wonder, particularly two former designers involved in the development of Dragon Train.

In response to the US ruling, Light & Wonder announced plans to release a new version of the game, Dragon Train 2.0, to address the IP concerns raised by the Nevada court.

Light & Wonder announces Nathan Drane as new Chief Product Officer

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Light & Wonder, a leading cross-platform global games company, has promoted Nathan Drane to Chief Product Officer (CPO).

Nathan has been serving as Chief Product Officer of the Gaming business for the last year and has been with the Company since early 2021, after more than 12 years in various product-centric roles in the industry. In his expanded role as enterprise-wide CPO, Light & Wonder will bring all game creation across the Company under one department led by Drane.

“I’ve personally worked with Nathan for many years, and I couldn’t be happier for him to share his leadership and vision with the entire enterprise,” said Matt Wilson, President and CEO of Light & Wonder. “He has already been working with many across the business on our cross-platform strategy and has a clear and aggressive content roadmap that will ensure our continued success, positioning us for growth in the near and long term.”

Nathan Drane, Light & Wonder
Nathan Drane, Chief Product Officer at Light & Wonder

“I couldn’t be more thrilled to take on this role with the Company,” said Nathan Drane, Chief Product Officer of Light & Wonder. “This new centralized content organization formalizes our global strategy of building the world’s best games in every market on every intended platform. It provides us an opportunity to make data-driven development and roadmap decisions, gives us new opportunities to grow talent, and drives efficiencies throughout the game-creation process.”

Rich Schneider, Light & Wonder’s former Chief Product Officer, will continue to contribute to the Company’s product innovation and strategy as Senior Advisor.

Chui Hou Ian steps down as DICJ deputy director, director position still vacant

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Chui Hou Ian is no longer serving as the deputy director of the Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau (DICJ), while the role of DICJ director remains unfilled following the departure of Adriano Marques Ho in December last year.

Chui Hou Ian, DICJ Deputy Director

Chui Hou Ian

Chui was appointed deputy director in 2021 after serving as an adviser to then-Secretary for Economy and Finance, Lei Wai Nong, since 2020. His term ended on February 8th, and he is no longer listed on the Macau SAR Government portal. Prior to joining the public sector, Chui had no experience in public administration.

Chui is the son of prominent businessman António Chui Yuk Lum, who leads the Industrial Association of Macau and was a key supporter of former Chief Executive Ho Iat Seng’s 2019 election campaign.

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Lei Seak Chio

A new deputy director, Lei Seak Chio, took office on Monday in a ceremony officiated by Secretary for Economy and Finance, Tai Kin Ip. Lei pledged to implement government policies and strengthen the bureau’s supervision and coordination efforts.

He previously served as the head of the Occupational Safety and Health Department and has built a career in public administration since joining the Labour Affairs Bureau in 2005.

Despite Lei’s appointment, the DICJ leadership remains incomplete. The director position has been vacant since Adriano Marques Ho’s departure to head Macau Customs. Deputy Director Lio Chi Chong has been serving as interim head, but no permanent replacement has been announced.

Queensland pubs and clubs revenue drops 9.6% Y-o-Y in January

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The state-wide results for pubs and clubs in Queensland have been released, revealing that total gross revenue for January 2025 reached AU$303.1 million ($190.2 million), an increase of 9.6 percent compared to the same month last year.

This figure represents a decline of 6.1 percent from December 2024, with Geoff Wohlsen from Wohlsen Consulting stating it aligns with historical patterns where January typically sees a drop in revenue.

“Over the past four years, the average January dip has been approximately 9.4 percent, indicating that seasonal fluctuations continue to impact the sector,” the consultant pointed out.

In terms of market share, clubs are gaining ground, now holding 45 percent of the market, up from 44.4 percent in the previous year. This upward trajectory has been evident since August 2024, reflecting a growing preference among patrons for club venues.

Wohlsen also highlighted that the newly opened Brisbane Queen’s Wharf property appears to have had little impact on the club and pub slot markets. “The Brisbane Inner City SA4 area is performing in line with broader market trends, suggesting that the anticipated boost from this major development has not yet materialized,” he added.

Queen's Wharf Brisbane, The Star Entertainment
Queen’s Wharf Brisbane

Looking closely at the operational revenue from different venue types, clubs generated AU$136.4 million ($85.6 million) in January 2025, up 11.1 percent from January 2024, with an average daily revenue (ADR) per machine of AU$208 ($132.7). In contrast, hotels achieved a revenue of AU$166.7 million ($105.8 million), reflecting an increase of 8.4 percent year-on-year, with an ADR per machine of AU$281 ($178.2).

Overall, the total machine gross revenue for all venues combined was AU$303.1 million ($190.2 million), with an average daily revenue of AU$243 ($154.6) per machine, reflecting a 9.6 percent increase compared to the same month last year.

Pragmatic Play inks deal with Ivy Casino to expand the reach in the UK

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Pragmatic Play, a leading supplier in the iGaming industry, has extended the reach of its product offering in the UK following an agreement with Ivy Casino. 

Launched in September 2024, Ivy Casino is a standout challenger brand in the online casino market. With the addition of Pragmatic Play’s multi-award-winning portfolio of slots and live casino tables, Ivy Casino is now able to deliver premium gaming experiences to its players in the UK. 

The deal provides access to Pragmatic Play’s extensive range of proven slots, including Gates of Olympus 1000, Sugar Rush 1000, and the popular Big Bass franchise. In addition, Ivy Casino players will be able to enjoy live roulette and blackjack titles from the award-winning provider.  

This latest partnership highlights Pragmatic Play’s continued focus on expanding its customer base in regulated markets throughout Europe. 

Irina Cornides, Chief Operating Officer at Pragmatic Play, said: “We’re excited to supply player favourite games to Ivy Casino as the brand continues to establish itself in the competitive UK market.” 

Mark Good, representing Ivy Casino, added: “Partnering with Pragmatic Play allows Ivy Casino to provide its players with some of the most popular and innovative games in the industry. Their renowned titles will significantly enhance the gaming offering at Ivy Casino and support its mission to become a leading name in the UK online casino space.” 

CreedRoomz secures certification in Brazil expanding its footprint

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CreedRoomz, a leading live casino provider, has announced its successful acquisition of certification under Brazil’s new gaming legislation.

As one of the few live casino providers to gain regulatory approval, CreedRoomz is set to bring its games and unparalleled live gaming experiences to the rapidly growing Brazilian market.

With this green light, CreedRoomz is now fully authorized to operate in Brazil, offering players and operators access to its diverse portfolio of live casino games.

The Brazilian market represents a significant milestone in CreedRoomz’s global expansion strategy. This achievement highlights CreedRoomz’s commitment to compliance, innovation, and delivering premium content tailored to local markets. 

“Securing this certification demonstrates our dedication to meeting the highest industry standards and providing localized, engaging experiences for players worldwide,” said Hayk Tovmasyan, Head of Live Casino at CreedRoomz. “We are thrilled to be among the first to serve the Brazilian market and look forward to creating lasting partnerships in the region.”

CreedRoomz continues to solidify its position as a leader in live casino innovation, with exciting plans for further product launches and market entries in 2025. Book a meeting with our team during SBC Rio to learn more about our solutions.

Altenar introduces tailored Bet Builder feature for Italian sports betting

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Altenar, a prominent name in sports betting and iGaming software, has launched the latest iteration of its acclaimed Bet Builder product, specifically designed for Italy’s sports betting market.

With Bet Builder functionality growing in popularity worldwide, Altenar’s latest innovation addresses Italy’s specific regulatory framework, empowering its operator partners to enhance their offerings and better engage users while remaining compliant.

The revamped Bet Builder enables bettors to combine multiple markets within a single event, with selections that remain independent of one another. This flexibility allows users to create personalised wagers with enhanced odds, unlocking the potential for more significant payouts.

Particularly popular in football, Altenar’s Bet Builder supports markets such as match result, correct score, total goals, corners, cards, and various player props. This feature provides bettors with the freedom to focus on the markets that matter most to them, enriching the betting experience and fostering higher user retention.

As well as football, Bet Builder will be also available on major US sports including basketball (NBA), American football (NFL), ice hockey (NHL), and baseball (MLB) in the near future.

To ensure optimal performance, Altenar leverages premium data feeds that enhance the number of available markets and deliver faster odds updates. Additionally, its comprehensive trading support and risk management systems monitor Bet Builders closely, safeguarding operators against the risks associated with high-payout potential.

Francesco Papallo, Regional Director for Italy at Altenar, said: “Altenar has developed the Bet Builder feature for several years, and it is used in many countries. However, it was our goal to also offer it to our Italian operators who, thanks to this product, can ensure player retention. This product demonstrates how Altenar is a high-level technological partner that can guarantee long-lasting partnerships and constant growth in various aspects.”

Evoplay appoints Ihor Zarechnyi as new CCO to strengthen growth strategy

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Evoplay, an award-winning game development studio, has announced the promotion of Ihor Zarechnyi to Chief Commercial Officer (CCO), reflecting the company’s commitment to strengthening its growth strategy and expanding its global footprint.

Zarechnyi joined Evoplay in 2021 as Head of Sales, where he achieved outstanding results in the company’s global expansion with leading operator partners.

In January 2024, he was promoted to Chief Business Development Officer (CBDO), spearheading the implementation of the company’s growth plan and overseeing the development of new products. His leadership has been instrumental in driving Evoplay’s recent financial success and development in key markets.

In his new role as CCO, Zarechnyi will oversee Evoplay’s commercial operations, leading market expansion initiatives, enhancing existing partnerships, and identifying new business opportunities.

His extensive experience and proven track record make him well-suited to guide Evoplay’s commercial strategy as the company continues to deliver innovative gaming experiences to players worldwide.

Ivan Kravchuk, CEO at Evoplay, said: “Ihor has been an integral part of Evoplay’s success, playing a pivotal role in expanding our commercial reach and building strong relationships with partners worldwide. His expertise, leadership, and vision make him the perfect fit for the role of Chief Commercial Officer.”

Ihor Zarechnyi, newly appointed CCO at Evoplay, added: “Having witnessed Evoplay’s development over the past few years, I am honoured to take on the role of Chief Commercial Officer at this vital time of expansion. We are keen to continue our upward trajectory by delivering fresh gaming experiences to more players than ever before, and I look forward to leading our commercial efforts as we continue to grow, innovate, and solidify our position as a market leader.”

World Curling and FeedConstruct announce strategic data and fan engagement partnership

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FeedConstruct, a data-providing company that delivers the most precise sports data and streaming from sporting events worldwide, has announced a new partnership with the World Curling expanding its commitment to sports innovation and fan engagement worldwide.

The partnership will grant Exclusive International Betting Rights to FeedConstruct for the Pan Continental Curling Championships, European Curling Championships, Women’s and Men’s World Curling Championships, and the World Mixed Doubles Curling Championship.

Leveraging FeedConstruct’s expertise, World Curling will be able to focus on integrity and fair play from these broadcast events while also increasing the fan engagement experience in a new and data-rich manner.

World Curling Commercial Strategy Lead, James Beatt said, “We are excited to begin our partnership with FeedConstruct. World Curling have been looking at new ways to engage fans around the world and we see this as an important stepping stone in the process. I look forward to working with Narek and the FeedConstruct team.”

“We’re thrilled to partner with the World Curling to bring the excitement of curling to a broader audience.” said FeedConstruct CEO, Narek Harutyunyan. “Through this partnership, we’re committed to enhancing fans’ connection to the sport. By covering Exclusive International Betting Rights, we aim to deliver an immersive experience that highlights the thrill of each championship, while supporting the highest standards of integrity in sports.”

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