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GTI Gaming & IPG International ink exclusive distribution deal for the APAC region

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GTI Gaming & IPG International ink exclusive distribution deal for the APAC region

Italian innovator GTI Gaming has entered an exclusive distribution deal with IPG International, paving the way for wider adoption of its smart casino and RFID solutions throughout Asia‑Pacific and fast‑growing gaming regions.

Under the agreement, IPG International will act as the exclusive regional distributor and implementation partner for GTI’s suite of casino technology products, including its advanced RFID-enabled casino currency, table-game management tools, and the GTI Casino Information Management System (CIMS). The partnership will enable casinos throughout Asia and Australasia to deploy real-time data management and enhanced security solutions for live table gaming operations.

IPG International
GTI Casino Information Management System (CIMS)

Strengthening Casino Technology Across Asia-Pacific

Headquartered in Italy, GTI Gaming (Giochi Tecnologici Italiani) specializes in digital transformation solutions for the casino industry, combining hardware, software and RFID-based chip technology to provide real-time monitoring and management of gaming tables and chip inventories. These systems allow casinos to automate accounting processes, strengthen anti-counterfeiting protection and improve operational efficiency.

Through the exclusive partnership, IPG International will introduce these technologies to its network of casino operators across Southeast Asia, Australasia and other emerging markets. Founded in 1989 and based in Australia, IPG International supplies gaming equipment, table games and systems to casinos and cruise operators throughout the region.

Combining Technology Innovation with Regional Market Access

The collaboration brings together GTI’s specialized casino technology expertise with IPG’s regional distribution network and operational experience.

Industry observers note that casinos in Asia-Pacific are increasingly investing in “smart table” and RFID solutions as regulators and operators seek greater transparency, enhanced game protection and detailed operational analytics.

The agreement will allow IPG to integrate GTI’s systems into new casino projects and retrofit them into existing gaming floors, providing operators with tools for automated chip tracking, real-time reporting and improved player data analysis.

Supporting the Next Generation of Smart Casinos

Representatives from both companies described the partnership as a strategic step toward the next phase of casino digitization.

By combining GTI’s smart gaming technology with IPG’s established relationships with operators across Asia-Pacific, the companies aim to deliver fully integrated smart-table environments capable of enhancing security, operational control and player experience.

The first deployments under the partnership are expected to begin with selected casino operators across Southeast Asia, where demand for RFID-based table game management and compliance-ready casino technology continues to grow.

Pragmatic Play debuts Crystal Roulette, featuring a next‑gen transparent wheel design

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Pragmatic Play debuts Crystal Roulette, featuring a next‑gen transparent wheel design

Pragmatic Play has unveiled Crystal Roulette, a new live casino table game centred around a cutting-edge transparent wheel set within a sparkling studio.

At the heart of the release is a sleek, see-through wheel that brings a fresh visual dimension to a timeless casino game. Housed within a purpose-built studio, the wheel is showcased in cinematic fashion with exclusive camera angles that maximise immersion and offer players a unique way to experience the popular table game.

High-definition close-ups provide crystal-clear footage of the distinctive transparent wheel, where classic European roulette gameplay unfolds, complete with traditional betting options and racetrack functionality.

Advanced statistics further enhance the experience, giving players access to data from previous rounds to help inform their betting decisions. Blending refined aesthetics with a tried-and-tested game format, the release equips operators with a compelling addition to their offering, giving them new ways to engage users.

The launch of Crystal Roulette continues to strengthen Pragmatic Play’s premium live casino portfolio, following the successful release of Free Bet Blackjack and The Bingo Spot.

Sharon McHugh, Director of Public Relations at Pragmatic Play, said: “Crystal Roulette brings a striking new look to the classic table game. The transparent wheel and premium custom-built studio are supported by a traditional gameplay format, offering players a familiar but fresh live casino experience.”

JCM Global brings its industry‑leading technology to the IGA 2026

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JCM Global brings its industry‑leading technology to the IGA 2026

JCM Global has announced its plans for the Indian Gaming Tradeshow & Convention (IGA) 2026, where it will showcase its latest technologies for the casino floor and count room, including bill validators, printers, systems, and digital signage solutions at booth#1433.

JCM Global has been a partner with Native American and First Nation casino operators since the beginning, providing leading and trusted technologies that boost security, increase efficiencies, and enhance the guest experience.

JCM Global highlights innovations for Australasian operators at AHG 2026
iVIZION

Attendees will experience JCM’s award-winning bill validators, iVIZION and UBA Pro. iVIZION and UBA Pro feature best-in-class technologies proven to provide the highest levels of security and acceptance in automated transaction applications.

JCM Global is one of the industry’s most prolific system developers and will showcase multiple pioneering solutions. FUZION offers a full suite of features, including BLE mobile wallet connectivity, real-time peripheral performance data, proactive drop/fill alerts, real-time asset monitoring, and more.

JCM will also show the ICB Intelligent Cash Box system, proven to eliminate multiple points of human error; the patented PromoNet couponing system; CountR’s TITA table game solution that brings funds access directly to the table; and the BlueWaveDX hand-held firmware upload and troubleshooting tool.

JCM Global showcases 70-year legacy of transaction technology at G2E 2025
ICB Intelligent Cash Box
jcm-global-fuzion-
FUZION
JCM Global showcases 70-year legacy of transaction technology at G2E 2025

JCM is also presenting its GEN5 and CouponXpress printers, the standard for thermal printers in the gaming industry. JCM’s reliable, smart printers give casino operators the flexibility and power they need to communicate accurately and directly with players through TITO tickets and promotional coupons.

Versatile, bright, and flowing with color, JCM’s Digital Signage Solutions are the perfect way to communicate with guests indoors and outdoors. JCM is showing its DSS CLEAR transparent pony wall solution, double-sided and single-sided ePOSTERs, and LED video wall, just three of the cutting-edge digital display solutions in JCM’s broad portfolio.
 
JCM is also exhibiting G+D’s C5 count-sort machine, which integrates with JCM’s system technology to bring higher levels of efficiency and security to the count room.

Bally’s says it will support The Star turnaround in Asia-Pacific market

Viviana Chan
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Bally’s says it will support The Star turnaround in Asia-Pacific market

Bally’s Corporation has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the turnaround of Australia-listed casino operator The Star Entertainment Group, highlighting the investment in its preliminary fourth-quarter and full-year 2025 results.

In a press release accompanying the announcement, the US-based gaming group said its international expansion in 2025 included an investment in Star, described as Australia’s second-largest casino operator with three properties that had faced financial distress.

Bally’s noted that, in the fourth quarter, Australian regulators confirmed the company’s suitability in relation to its investment in Star. Following the regulatory clearance, Bally’s converted its loan exposure into a 38 percent equity interest in the company.

‘With a proven track record of revitalizing underperforming businesses, Bally’s is excited to lend its expertise to Star and contribute to its successful turnaround as a leading operator in the Asia-Pacific region,’ the company said in the statement.

The Star Sydney, Star Entertainment Group

The Star operates three major casino resorts in Australia: The Star Sydney, The Star Gold Coast in Queensland, and Treasury Brisbane.

The update was included in Bally’s preliminary results release, which showed its Casinos & Resorts segment revenue reaching $366.2 million in the fourth quarter, up 12.9 percent year-on-year, partly driven by the addition of new properties.

The company said its diversified portfolio of casino, resort and digital gaming operations continued to support overall performance during the period.

Macau March MTD GGR holds firm at $87.4M per day: UBS

Viviana Chan
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Macau March MTD GGR holds firm at $87.4M per day: UBS

Macau’s gross gaming revenue (GGR) has remained solid so far in March, with average daily revenue reaching about MOP703 million ($87.4 million) month-to-date, according to a recent investment memo from UBS.

Based on UBS channel checks cited in the memo, GGR averaged around MOP700 million ($87 million) per day over the past seven days (March 9th to 15th), broadly in line with the previous eight-day average of MOP706 million ($88.3 million). The bank said this places March month-to-date GGR roughly 11 percent higher year-on-year, though about 5 percent lower compared with the previous month.

Macau’s February GGR exceeded analysts’ expectations, totaling MOP20.63 billion ($2.57 billion), a year-on-year increase of 4.5 percent.

Against this strong February base, UBS noted that March performance across segments showed modest sequential declines. The mass market daily run-rate was down about 2 to 4 percent month-on-month, while VIP volumes fell by roughly 6 to 9 percent month-on-month. VIP hold during the period was estimated at around 3.2 to 3.5 percent.

For the full month, UBS forecasts Macau’s March GGR daily run-rate to average around MOP690 million ($86.2 million), up 9 percent year-on-year. This projection implies a daily run-rate of about MOP678 million ($84.7 million) for the remaining days of the month.

The investment bank also pointed to Macau’s growing pipeline of entertainment and event programming as a supportive factor for visitation and gaming demand. Major operators including Sands China, Galaxy Entertainment and Melco Resorts are leading event organization across the city’s integrated resorts, hosting concerts, sports events and entertainment shows throughout the year.

UBS said the Macau gaming sector is currently trading at relatively low valuation levels based on EV/EBITDA metrics. The bank maintained a positive outlook on the sector and identified Melco Resorts and Sands China as its top stock picks.

Melco reveals REM ultra-luxury hotel to replace Countdown Hotel at City of Dreams

Viviana Chan
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Melco reveals REM ultra-luxury hotel to replace Countdown Hotel at City of Dreams

Melco Resorts & Entertainment has revealed plans for a new luxury hotel project, REM, at its City of Dreams Macau integrated resort, with a soft opening and grand launch expected in the second half of 2026.

The announcement was made on Tuesday via the City of Dreams Macau social media account.

According to the post, REM aims to redefine contemporary luxury through a suite-focused concept, avant-garde artistic design, and innovative service. The project is expected to further strengthen City of Dreams’ positioning as a flagship integrated resort on Macau’s Cotai Strip.

The hotel will be replace the former Countdown Hotel tower at City of Dreams. Before being rebranded as Countdown Hotel, the property operated as the Hard Rock Hotel. The tower closed in 2021 to undergo a major renovation and transformation.

During the company’s February 2026 earnings call, Melco Chairman and CEO Lawrence Ho confirmed that the redevelopment remains on schedule, with the property expected to progressively begin opening in the third quarter of 2026.

Melco has allocated approximately $125 million for the full redevelopment of the tower. 

According to the company’s latest financial disclosures, around $100 million of Melco’s total $450 million capital expenditure budget for 2026 is earmarked for the final stages of the renovation.

The project represents a significant reconfiguration of the existing hotel layout. The previous configuration of roughly 330 standard rooms will be replaced by approximately 150 ultra-luxury suites. Each suite will exceed 1,000 square feet (around 93 square meters), targeting premium mass and high-value visitors.

According to management’s earlier remarks, the addition of REM is intended to complement City of Dreams’ existing Morpheus and Nüwa hotel towers by introducing a boutique-style high-end accommodation experience. The redevelopment is also being carried out alongside upgrades to the resort’s retail and food and beverage offerings as part of Melco’s broader “Be A Dreamer” brand refresh for City of Dreams Macau.

Zitro brings its FANTASY cabinet to center stage at IGA 2026

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Zitro brings its FANTASY cabinet to center stage at IGA 2026

Zitro has announced its participation in the Indian Gaming Tradeshow & Convention (IGA) 2026 in San Diego, where its all‑new FANTASY cabinet will take center stage following its successful G2E Las Vegas debut, giving tribal operators the chance to experience it firsthand alongside additional show‑floor highlights.

FANTASY will showcase a roster of titles built for the U.S. market: ‘Brave Dragon’, ‘Gold Space’, ‘Fantasy Mine’, ‘Lion Falls’, and ‘Rock N’ Raccoons’, content that is second to none in animations, graphics, and multimedia experience, which sets this cabinet apart from anything else on the market.

FANTASY Brave Dragon by ZITRO
ZITRO’s FANTASY cabinet debuts in Spain at Casino Barcelona

Rounding out the booth will be Zitro’s acclaimed CONCEPT cabinet, featuring new content. Two brand-new titles, ‘Treasure Shore’ and ‘Funny Bunnies’, will make their world premiere at the show, joined by ‘Haunted Fortune’, ‘Tied Up! Coins’, ‘Spin Fu’, ‘Goddess Saga’, ‘River Gold Wealth’, and ‘Legendary Sword’ — titles that have consistently performed across international markets.

Commenting on IGA’s 2026 participation, Derik Mooberry, CEO of Zitro USA, said: “IGA is always a great opportunity for us to connect with the tribal gaming community and share what we’ve been working on. We’re eager to showcase our FANTASY cabinet and the incredible lineup of games built for this market. Alongside our CONCEPT cabinet and new titles premiering at the show, we’re looking forward to giving tribal operators a closer look at the innovation and performance that continue to drive Zitro’s growth in the U.S.”

While Zitro continues to build its momentum in the U.S. market, its participation in IGA 2026 offers operators the opportunity to experience FANTASY, explore the full CONCEPT lineup, and see firsthand why the company’s growth in the region keeps accelerating.

SOFTSWISS leads the stage at BiS SiGMA South America 2026 as Main Partner

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SOFTSWISS leads the stage at BiS SiGMA South America 2026 as Main Partner

SOFTSWISS has announced that it will take centre stage at BiS SiGMA South America 2026, held in São Paulo from 7–9 April, as the event’s main partner.

The software provider’s presence will highlight its growing role in the Latin American iGaming market and its long-standing partnership with SiGMA, united by a shared ambition to support the development of a strong and transparent regulated gaming ecosystem across the region.

The event will open with a high-profile ceremony featuring Eman Pulis, Founder of SiGMA Group, Rubens Barrichello, Non-Executive Director in Latin America at SOFTSWISS, and Brazilian authorities. Their appearance will mark the official opening of BiS SiGMA South America, setting the tone for one of the most anticipated industry gatherings in Latin America.

Last year, Rubens Barrichello made a memorable entrance ahead of the opening ceremony in a red sports car, creating one of the standout moments of the event. This year, SOFTSWISS, together with SiGMA and Barrichello, plans to go even further by preparing an even more spectacular opening for the exhibition.

Olga Resiga, Chief Business Development Officer at SOFTSWISS
Olga Resiga, Chief Business Development Officer at SOFTSWISS

Olga Resiga, Chief Business Development Officer at SOFTSWISS, commented:
“Latin America is one of the most dynamic and promising regions for the iGaming industry today, with Brazil playing a central role in this transformation. At SOFTSWISS, we see the region not only as a growth opportunity but as a long-term strategic priority. Our role as the Main Partner of BiS SiGMA South America reflects our commitment to investing in the market, supporting the development of a strong regulated ecosystem, and working closely with operators to help the industry grow in a sustainable and successful way.”

Eman Pulis, Founder of SiGMA Group, added: “Back in Formula 1, I always respected how Rubens Barrichello once put the team first during the 2010 German Grand Prix. Not every driver is willing to sacrifice a personal win for the bigger picture. That same team-first mindset is something I see today in the leadership at SOFTSWISS, which is probably why the collaboration works so well. I look forward to welcoming Rubens and the SOFTSWISS team to BiS SiGMA South America 2026 in São Paulo this April.”

The company’s presence at the event will be built around the idea “Fuel your growth. We are the team behind you” drawing inspiration from the world of motorsport, where progress is driven by teamwork, precision, and powerful engineering working behind every successful driver. At the SOFTSWISS stand, visitors will have the opportunity to challenge Rubens Barrichello in a virtual racing simulator featuring the iconic Interlagos circuit, bringing the concept to life through an interactive experience that connects motorsport performance with technological innovation.

SOFTSWISS recently strengthened its commitment to Brazil by joining ANJL, represented by Carla Dualib, Regional Business Development Manager in Latin America. The membership reflects the company’s active role in supporting the development of a sustainable and transparent gaming industry in Brazil.

The company continues to expand its footprint across Latin America following the certification of its key products for the Brazilian regulated market. The SOFTSWISS ecosystem of iGaming solutions, including the Casino Platform, the Sportsbook, and the Game Aggregator, enables operators to successfully launch and scale their businesses in one of the world’s most promising regulated markets.

Delegates and partners are invited to explore the latest iGaming innovations and discuss local growth opportunities at booths M80 & M85 during BiS SiGMA South America 2026.

Soft2Bet eyes Alberta entry as it accelerates growth across Canada

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Soft2Bet eyes Alberta entry as it accelerates growth across Canada

Soft2Bet has announced its intention to pursue entry into the Alberta market, pending regulatory approval, leveraging its operational experience and localized offerings such as its Ontario-facing brand, ToonieBet.

Alberta Strategic Market Potential & Compliance 

Alberta (Canada) represents one of the most significant growth opportunities in the North American iGaming landscape. With Canada’s youngest adult population and the highest GDP per capita in the country, the province is well poised for a successful transition to an open, competitive market. Industry projections by Citizens JMP Securities suggest that Alberta’s regulated iGaming market could exceed $700 million in annual revenue at maturity.

Soft2Bet is closely monitoring the development of Alberta’s regulatory framework under the iGaming Alberta Act, which establishes the Alberta iGaming Corporation (AiGC) as the oversight body alongside the Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis (AGLC) as the regulator. Reflecting its commitment to the highest standards of integrity, Soft2Bet is preparing for the province’s specific technical requirements.

The planned entry into Alberta aligns with the company’s strategic plans for 2026 to drive sustainable growth, and enter several new regulated territories.

David Yatom Hay, General Counsel at Soft2Bet
David Yatom Hay

“Innovation is paramount at Soft2Bet, and our goal is to develop exciting products that meet our customers where they are most comfortable,” said David Yatom Hay, General Counsel at Soft2Bet. “As we evaluate our entry into Alberta, pending regulatory approval, we are committed to delivering localized, engaging experiences that reflect the unique preferences and culture of each market.”

Excellence in Canadian Localization

Soft2Bet aims to leverage its experience in Ontario to enhance the gaming experience for users in Alberta, Canada, with innovative, compliant products. A core component of the company’s regional strategy involves taking localization further by adapting its brands to local culture, regulatory standards, and player preferences.

To support its hyper-local focus, Soft2Bet targets comprehensive native-language support across its priority regions, ensuring its services are deeply integrated into the local culture of each active regulated market.

SIGA extends Emanuel Macedo de Medeiros’ Global CEO tenure

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SIGA extends Emanuel Macedo de Medeiros’ Global CEO tenure

The Council of the Sport Integrity Global Alliance (SIGA) has unanimously renewed the mandate of Emanuel Macedo de Medeiros as Global Chief Executive Officer for the 2026-2030 term.

SIGA re-elects Emanuel Macedo de Medeiros as global CEO
Emanuel Macedo de Medeiros

Adopted by unanimity and acclamation, the decision reaffirms the Council’s full confidence in his leadership and in the strategic direction pursued by SIGA since its foundation. The election will now be submitted for formal ratification by the SIGA General Assembly during its Annual General Meeting on 14 April 2026 in Lisbon, Portugal.

One of the most experienced and influential figures in international sports governance and law, Emanuel Macedo de Medeiros is a leading sports lawyer and governance expert widely regarded as a visionary architect of modern sports governance and integrity frameworks.

He conceived and co-founded the Sport Integrity Global Alliance (SIGA) and has spearheaded the organisation since its inception, shaping it into the world’s largest independent and neutral multi-stakeholder coalition dedicated to strengthening integrity, transparency and accountability across global Sport.

He was a co-founder and repeatedly unanimously re-elected CEO of the European Professional Football Leagues and of the World League Association, organisations representing professional football leagues in Europe and worldwide. He was also among the founders of the Sports Rights Owners Coalition and played a leading role in establishing the European Social Dialogue in the professional football sector under the auspices of the European Commission.

In parallel with his executive leadership, he has contributed to governance and policy initiatives involving institutions such as UEFA, FIFA, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, the Court of Arbitration for Sport and the World Economic Forum, reinforcing his continued commitment to strengthening governance, transparency and integrity in Sport.

Emanuel Macedo de Medeiros’ electoral manifesto, presented under the title “Making Integrity Irreversible”, sets out a strategic agenda structured around two central imperatives: strengthening SIGA internally and expanding its global impact.

Key priorities for the coming mandate include:

  • Consolidating SIGA’s institutional architecture and governance model across its global and continental structures;
  • Strengthening financial sustainability through a diversified revenue model and the operational expansion of SIGA Sports Solutions;
SIGA re-elects Emanuel Macedo de Medeiros as global CEO
  • Positioning governance, transparency and integrity as core determinants of commercial trust and investment in Sport;
  • Enhancing athlete protection and safeguarding through the continued development and implementation of SIGA’s standards on youth development and protection;
  • Strengthening technological preparedness and integrity intelligence systems to anticipate emerging risks in global Sport;
  • Expanding SIGA’s global networks, including SIGAWomen, the SIGA Youth Council, the SIGA University Network and the SIGA Champions initiative;
  • Scaling SIGA’s global thought leadership through media engagement, strategic communications and high-level international forums.

Commenting on his re-election and the priorities for the coming mandate, Emanuel Macedo de Medeiros said: “I am deeply honoured by the confidence unanimously placed in me, and I thank all Council members for their trust and continued commitment to our shared mission. SIGA’s leadership elections are conducted through a rigorous two-stage process involving both the Council and the General Assembly. It may be unusual in international Sport, but for me, legitimacy means everything. Governance must be earned through trust, accountability, and the confidence of our Members – and I would not have it any other way.”

Medeiros continued, “This renewed mandate is not about an individual. It is about completing the work we have collectively begun and ensuring that Integrity in global Sport becomes structural, measurable and irreversible. The standards have been established, and the mechanisms are in place. The task now is disciplined delivery – ensuring that Integrity governs every decision, guides every organisation and drives every action across the global Sport ecosystem.”

Going forward

Reflecting on SIGA’s future initiatives, Medeiros shared, “In the coming years, our focus will be on translating commitments into verifiable outcomes. Integrity must move from aspiration to expectation, and from voluntary alignment to institutional obligation. Our mission remains clear, and today it is more important than ever: to ensure that every sports organisation, in every country, can demonstrate compliance with the SIGA Universal Standards on Sport Integrity through independent verification, rating, and certification. Only then will Sport be able to earn people’s trust everywhere and fulfil its full potential.”

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