The Indian Gaming Tradeshow & Convention (IGA), DigitalPlay Summit, and Mid-Year Conference & Expo deliver the insight and strategies you need to rise to the top of the competitive gaming industry landscape.
The IGA 2026 will convene at the San Diego Convention Center from March 30 through April 2, uniting the gaming industry for four days of insight and innovation.
Good morning. The results season isn’t over yet. In the Philippines, DigiPlus has reported a 27 percent drop in revenue for 4Q25, amidst a “challenging industry landscape” exacerbated by regulatory pressure to limit online gaming. However, FY25 income was flat year-on-year, at $211 million. Looking to Macau, the former Countdown Hotel at City of Dreams is getting a revamp – transforming into the 150-suite premium mass-focused REM Hotel, opening in the second half of this year. And down under, Bally’s Corp assures that its The Star investment will bear fruit, based on its experience in revitalizing struggling operations.
The Philippines’ largest online gaming operator saw a significant drop in revenue in the final quarter of last year, down 27 percent to $289.3 million. The figure was significantly impacted by regulatory moves, including the delinking of e-wallets from licensed online gaming platforms. Despite the end-of-year fall, net income for FY25 was flat year-on-year, at $211 million, with the company announcing a $63.5 million dividend.
The Australasian Hospitality and Gaming Expo (AHG) is one of Australia’s biggest hospitality and gaming events and it’s the must-attend event for suppliers across hospitality, gaming, leisure, and entertainment.
The AHG Expo 2026 presented by TAB, MAX & SKY is scheduled for 25th and 26th of March 2026 at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre and is a collaboration between ClubsNSW, Clubs Queensland, and the Club Managers’ Association Australia.
The gaming giant IGT has announced that it will showcase its dynamic portfolio of games, systems, and financial technology (FinTech) innovations at the 2026 Australasian Hospitality and Gaming Expo (AHG) in Brisbane, Queensland, on March 25–26.
In stand #9, IGT will highlight localized content and its unique capacity to integrate gaming systems and FinTech solutions to drive operational efficiency, revenue growth, and player engagement.
IGT’s product highlights at the AHG 2026 stand will include:
Versatile, next-generation Superlink jackpot
Superlink is a reimagined jackpot offering that affords operators additional choice and configurability options, while reducing jackpot liabilities across the gaming floor. Compatible with link games on IGT’s PeakDual27 and PeakCurve49 cabinets, Superlink jackpot will be showcased across IGT’s stand.
Golden Guardian Link debut
IGT’s Golden Guardian Link will debut at AHG, introducing a compelling hold-and-spin mechanic with super symbols that heighten the gameplay experience. IGT will also showcase the vibrant, chili-themed Hot Stuff Link, featuring a new prize wheel mechanic, and Bandit Link, a proven performer in the region that delivers fast-paced, high-volatility action.
Localized versions of global hits
IGT’s Tiger and Dragon and Rising Rockets multi-level progressive (“MLP”) games will be focal points of IGT’s AHG showcase. Featuring the player-favorite three-pot mechanic, global appeal and content-rich bonuses, these titles can help regional operators diversify their floors with proven titles with wide appeal.
Systems portfolio emphasizes seamless player and operator experience
Enhancements to the IGT ADVANTAGE CLUB system will introduce additional player engagement opportunities, including the new Point Explosion bonus game. IGT’s systems advancements also help reduce friction within the solution’s anti-money laundering (“AML”) functionality via new EZ Automate, EZ Budget and EZ Reporting features.
Everi, an IGT brand, will present the prestigious Everi Premium Cash Redemption Terminal (“CRT”), now compatible with tap functionality for smooth digital card interactions. In addition, Everi cash handling, compliance, RegTech, and payment solutions, featuring existing integrations with IGT systems, will be showcased via demos of digital wallet and card solutions implemented in New South Wales casinos and clubs.
“The Australasian Hospitality and Gaming Expo provides an excellent opportunity for IGT to demonstrate how our transformation can create value for our customers in Australia and New Zealand. We’re showcasing a strong regional portfolio of games, systems, and FinTech that highlights our focus on expanded capabilities and enhanced content,” said Hector Fernandez, IGT Incoming CEO. “We’re excited to present locally attuned versions of global hits such as Tiger and Dragon and Rising Rockets, plus regional games such as Golden Guardian Link and Hot Stuff Link, which both offer IGT’s new Superlink jackpot opportunities.”
The Philippines House of Representatives has approved a bill to abolish the travel tax imposed on Filipino citizens and certain long-term residents when departing the country.
The bill was passed in its third and final reading by the House on Monday, with only one vote against and one abstention, according to the Manila Bulletin.
The measure is expected to reduce travel costs and stimulate tourism-dependent sectors by encouraging Filipinos to travel and create economic opportunities.
It cancels out a levy imposed on ongoing travelers that is addition to airfare and other travel charges.
After the bill takes effect, government agencies and private entities are banned from collecting a travel tax, with the collecting authority to refund any previously paid travel tax for flights scheduled on or after the date it becomes law.
The House Majority leader in February – Sandro Marcos, son of Philippine president Ferdinand Marcos Jr. – noted that “When travel becomes more expensive, fewer people move, fewer people spend, and fewer opportunities circulate through the economy”.
The tax cut also comes amongst surging fuel prices which prompted the Senate on Tuesday to approve a fuel tax relief bill, hoping that reduced taxes will ease the burden on consumers at the pump.
Crown Resorts is cutting 200 jobs at its Melbourne property in order to support its “long-term sustainability”.
According to local media reports, a company spokesperson indicated that “Crown is reviewing its operations to respond to challenging economic conditions and ongoing regulatory commitments, while continuing to deliver world-class entertainment experiences for our guests”.
The spokesperson noted that the decision was not “taken lightly, but that these proposed changes are necessary to support Crown Melbourne’s long-term sustainability”.
Prior to the cut the group’s workforce in Victoria numbered about 13,500, with Crown stating that it still remains the largest single site employer in the state.
The move comes even as Crown in February announced that it had started construction on a AU$200 million ($141.58 million) ‘landmark transformation’.
The casino-property is adding 15 new restaurants and bars, expanding its theater and making ‘major upgrades’, with the renovations expected to create 2,000 construction jobs, ‘accelerate Victoria’s visitor economy, and reshape the Crown we know today’.
In its financial year ended June 30th, 2025, Crown Melbourne saw a 1.3 percent drop in revenue to AU$1.4 billion ($920 million) amongst what Crown CEO David Tsai described as “a complex regulatory landscape and economic headwinds”.
Despite slowed results in Melbourne, Crown booked its first profit under the ownership of Blackstone in the fiscal year – totaling AU$142 million ($93.32 million) after divesting assets and tightening its fiscal belt.
Crown has faced downturns at its Melbourne property amongst the implementation of mandatory carded play at its casino, something that has yet to take place at pubs & clubs. The group has also struggled to pivot away from its Asian VIP-centric model that placed it in hot water for AML violations and resulted in a AU$430 million ($305.64 million) fine by financial watchdog AUSTRAC in 2023.
Crown Melbourne’s shift towards an entertainment focus through the new renovations is aimed less at drawing an international crowd and more at encouraging domestic and regional consumption, with Crown Melbourne’s CEO in February indicating the investment “is really about repositioning Crown” to target “the next generation of customers and guests”.
The Philippines’ leading online gaming operator, DigiPlus Interactive Corp., reported a sharp decline in 4Q25 revenue, down 27 percent year-on-year, as regulatory changes affecting e-wallet access weighed on online gaming activity.
According to the company’s financial results submitted to the Philippine Stock Exchange on Tuesday, DigiPlus posted 4Q25 revenue of PHP17.3 billion ($289.3 million), down from PHP23.7 billion ($369.3 million) in the same period a year earlier. Net income for the quarter declined to PHP2.5 billion ($41.8 million), down 36 percent year-on-year, while EBITDA fell 32 percent to PHP3.1 billion ($51.84 million).
The company attributed the decline largely to regulatory adjustments implemented during 3Q25 that required the delinking of e-wallet in-app access to licensed online gaming platforms, which temporarily moderated user activity across its digital products.
Despite the year-on-year slump, DigiPlus said 4Q25 performance improved from the previous quarter. Net income rose 43 percent from PHP1.7 billion ($28.43 million) in 3Q25, while EBITDA increased 52 percent from PHP2 billion ($33.44 million), amongst improved cost management and operational adjustments following the regulatory transition.
Full-year earnings remain resilient
For the full year, DigiPlus reported net income of PHP12.6 billion ($210.7 million), broadly flat compared with 2024. Total revenue increased 12 percent year-on-year to PHP84.2 billion ($1.4 billion), supported by strong performance in the first half of the year before the regulatory changes took effect.
EBITDA for the year reached PHP14.2 billion ($237.4 million), a 2 percent increase from PHP13.9 billion ($232.4 million) in 2024.
DigiPlus Chairman Eusebio Tanco said the company remained resilient despite evolving regulatory and competitive conditions.
“Despite a challenging and evolving industry landscape, DigiPlus delivered a resilient performance in 2025, reflecting the strength of our platforms, disciplined execution, and the trust of our users,” Tanco said in the earnings release. “As we look ahead, we remain optimistic about our growth trajectory and are confident in our ability to continue innovating responsibly while creating long-term value.”
Dividend payout maintained
The company also announced a dividend payout for the third consecutive year.
DigiPlus’ board approved a cash dividend totaling PHP3.8 billion ($63.5 million), equivalent to 30 percent of the company’s full-year net income. Shareholders will receive PHP0.83 ($0.015) per outstanding common share, with payment scheduled on or before April 15th, 2026, to investors on record as of April 1st.
DigiPlus ended the year with PHP23.4 billion ($391.27 million) in cash and cash equivalents, while debt remained relatively low at PHP745.8 million ($12.47 million).
Expansion into land-based gaming
Alongside its digital gaming operations, DigiPlus is also pursuing expansion into land-based gaming through its subscription to convertible notes issued by International Entertainment Corp.
The investment gives DigiPlus the option to acquire a 53.89 percent stake in the Hong Kong-listed firm, which owns and operates the New Coast Hotel Manila integrated resort complex in Manila.
The move provides DigiPlus with a strategic land-based platform designed to complement its digital ecosystem and enhance customer engagement across both online and offline channels.
The Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC) and the Guangzhou Municipal Culture, Radio, Television and Tourism Bureau have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to jointly promote horse-themed culture, sports and tourism in the Greater Bay Area under a new ‘Two Cities, Three Racecourses’ concept.
The agreement, signed on March 17th, links Happy Valley Racecourse and Sha Tin Racecourse in Hong Kong with Conghua Racecourse in Guangzhou, aiming to develop integrated racing tourism across the region.
Under the agreement, both sides will collaborate across four key areas: policy coordination, promotion and publicity, racing tourism product development, and industry support.
The initiative will also support the launch of international-standard racing and a series of cultural, sports and tourism events at Conghua Racecourse in October, marking a new milestone in the development of the equine industry in the Greater Bay Area.
‘The aim is to support Guangzhou as a world-class tourism city and to strengthen Hong Kong’s position as Asia’s events capital,’ the parties said in the announcement.
The partners will also work with tourism enterprises to create “one-trip, multi-stop” travel products connecting racecourses in Hong Kong and Guangzhou, targeting high-end domestic and international business travelers.
Conghua Racecourse has introduced innovations including cross-border horse transport and quarantine arrangements, as well as permission for Hong Kong and overseas veterinarians to practice at the facility.
The collaboration builds on a broader framework agreement, signed in 2021 by the Hong Kong Jockey Club and the Guangzhou government, to advance cross-border equine industry development.
QTech Games has appointed Jonny Youssef as Chief Technology Officer (CTO) to lead the next phase of the company’s technology organisation, innovation, and strategy as QTech accelerates its global expansion.
Jonny will lead the continued development of QTech’s platform architecture and engineering organisation, focusing on scalability, AI-driven capabilities and next-generation tools designed to support operators and content partners across fast-growing markets.
Jonny brings more than 20 years of technology leadership experience across banking, fintech, SaaS platforms, and AI-driven innovation. His background combines enterprise-scale infrastructure expertise with hands-on experience building and scaling digital platforms and emerging technology systems.
At QTech Games, Jonny will focus on strengthening the company’s technology foundations as it continues to scale globally, enhancing AI-driven functionality, automation and analytics capabilities that enable partners to unlock greater value from the platform.
He will also oversee QTech’s engineering and technology teams to ensure continued innovation while maintaining the speed, reliability and integration flexibility that have become hallmarks of QTech’s aggregation platform.
QTech Games’ CEO, Philip Doftvik, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Jonny to QTech at an important moment in our growth journey. He brings a rare combination of enterprise technology leadership, platform-building expertise and forward-looking innovation in AI and automation. His experience across banking infrastructure, global digital platforms and emerging technology ecosystems makes him uniquely positioned to guide us through its next phase of technological evolution.
“As we continue to expand across emerging markets, Jonny’s leadership will help ensure we remain at the forefront of innovation — delivering scalable infrastructure, AI-driven insights and powerful technology solutions that help our partners grow.”
Jonny Youssef added: “QTech Games has built a strong reputation as one of the most innovative and reliable aggregation platforms serving emerging markets. What impressed me most is the company’s focus on speed, simplicity and partner success — combined with a clear ambition to continue evolving the platform through technology. I’m excited to join the team at a time when AI, automation and data-driven capabilities are creating new opportunities to deliver even greater value to operators and game providers. My focus will be on strengthening the platform architecture, scaling our technology capabilities with AI and supporting the next phase of QTech’s growth.”
Previously, Jonny served as Head of Innovation for Swedbank Group Lending & Payments, where he led digital initiatives across lending, payments, APIs, and digital channels within one of the Nordic region’s largest banking groups.
He has also held senior technology leadership roles at Entercard Group, overseeing technology infrastructure and mission-critical production environments supporting large-scale payment operations across Nordic markets.
Alongside his enterprise leadership experience, Jonny has founded and scaled several technology ventures and digital platforms. As a technology founder and CTO, he has led the design and development of international platforms operating across Europe and Asia, building distributed engineering teams and scalable digital infrastructure.
In recent years, Jonny has contributed to the development of next-generation AI and sustainability technology initiatives, including work with Circular Living and Biotonomy, where advanced AI, IoT and Edge AI systems are used to power intelligent environments, autonomous infrastructure and real-time operational insights.
Beyond his commercial initiatives, he is also a board member and early contributor to The AI Community of Sweden, a national innovation network connecting professionals, enterprises and academia to collaborate on AI innovation.
FeedConstruct, a trusted provider of sports betting solutions, has been named the official technology partner enabling the seamless integration of BETER’s exclusive esports and sports content into LV Bet’s platform.
This collaboration represents a key step forward in FeedConstruct’s mission to deliver scalable, high‑performance technology that streamlines content distribution between premium providers and operators.
By acting as a technology partner, FeedConstruct enables efficient deployment and optimized distribution, reducing integration complexity and accelerating time-to-market for operators.
Arsen Baghdasaryan, CCO at FeedConstruct, commented: “We are proud to support BETER in its partnership with LV Bet. At FeedConstruct, we focus on delivering scalable, high-performance technology that reduces integration time and ensures stable content distribution at scale. This collaboration reflects our commitment to helping content providers expand commercially while equipping operators with reliable, revenue-driving solutions.”
Chuck Robinson, CRO at BETER, added: “Working with FeedConstruct as our technology partner has allowed us to ensure a seamless integration with LV Bet. Their expertise and technical capabilities make it possible to distribute our fast-paced content efficiently and reliably. We are confident that this collaboration will strengthen our presence and enhance the betting experience for LV Bet’s customers.”
Marcin Doszczeczko, CEO at LV Bet, said: “We observe a strong growth trend in esports and short-format competitions. The integration of BETER through FeedConstruct solutions enables us to boost our live content’s attractiveness, drive retention, and diversify our revenue. This marks a key milestone in our 2026 product strategy.”
This partnership reinforces FeedConstruct’s dedication to being a trusted technology backbone for the iGaming ecosystem, seamlessly connecting top‑tier content providers with operators through scalable, future‑ready solutions.