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Macau casino proxy betting “under control” despite recent cases: security chief

Viviana Chan
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Macau casino proxy betting “under control” despite recent cases: security chief

Macau’s Secretary for Security, Chan Tsz King, said illegal live-stream proxy betting inside casinos remains “under control,” crediting close cooperation from gaming operators and the swift response of on-site police whenever early signs of such activity emerge.

Speaking at a crime statistics briefing on July 16th, Chan said the recently uncovered cases of proxy betting, in which casino table games are live-streamed so that gamblers outside Macau can place bets remotely, were mostly isolated incidents, and the Judiciary Police will continue to investigate in depth.

macau

Echoing the security chief’s stance, the Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau (DICJ) met representatives of the six gaming concessionaires on July 14th to strengthen prevention and reporting mechanisms against proxy betting, noting that technological advances are making illegal betting methods increasingly covert.

According to a press release issued by the DICJ, operators shared their existing countermeasures at the meeting, including surveillance equipment, stepped-up patrols, staff training, identification guidelines and reporting incentive schemes.

The regulator said it will maintain close communication with law enforcement and concessionaires through regular exchanges and information sharing to safeguard the ‘healthy and orderly development’ of Macau’s gaming industry.

macau

Hidden phone, smartwatch used in latest case

The latest case came to light a day before Chan’s remarks, when police arrested a 42-year-old mainland Chinese man at a casino in the NAPE district for allegedly wearing modified clothing concealing a phone to live-stream baccarat games. The suspect allegedly placed RMB163,200 ($22,800) in bets on behalf of online gamblers in mainland China, receiving instructions through a Bluetooth earpiece and a smartwatch, and earned HK$1,400 ($180) in illicit profit.

Police seized the modified garment, two phones, a Bluetooth earpiece and receiver, a smartwatch, a casino membership card, HK$114,000 ($14,600) in chips and about HK$10,000 ($1,280) in cash. The man faces charges of illegally operating online gaming and has been referred to prosecutors.

macau

Gaming-related crime up 12.2% in first half

Overall, police recorded 1,278 gaming-related criminal cases in the first six months of 2026, an increase of 139 cases, or 12.2 percent, from a year earlier. Illegal money exchange for gambling accounted for 259 cases, up 7.9 percent. In contrast, illegal gambling-related loansharking and associated unlawful detention cases fell 13.9 percent and 53.8 percent, to 87 and 6 cases respectively.

Judiciary Police Director Sit Chong Meng said fraud inside casinos is essentially linked to illegal money-changing gangs. Since 2024, the bureau has conducted year-round joint operations with mainland public security authorities targeting the underground banks and money laundering behind these groups, dismantling two major syndicates over the past two years.

In the first half of 2026, police cracked around 250 illegal money exchange cases, arrested 322 money changers and seized more than HK$16 million ($2.05 million) in cash and chips, Sit said, adding that the bureau will step up monitoring together with the six casino operators.

Gaming Realms boosts Swiss market with Swiss4Win Slingo lineup launch

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Gaming Realms boosts Swiss market with Swiss4Win Slingo lineup launch

Gaming Realms has reinforced its footprint in Switzerland after launching its Slingo portfolio with Swiss4Win.ch, the online casino brand of Casinò Lugano.

The agreement marks Gaming Realms’ second operator launch in the Swiss market and further extends the reach of its content library through Playtech’s platform.

Swiss4win.ch players now have access to a selection of the provider’s most popular titles, including Slingo Sweet Bonanza, Slingo Xxxtreme and Slingo Gold Cash.

The agreement forms part of Gaming Realms’ wider strategy to expand the reach of its portfolio across regulated markets worldwide, following recent growth in Africa, Europe and North America.

Mariachiara Lagravinese, Regional Account Manager at Gaming Realms, said: “Building on our recent debut in Switzerland, this partnership with Swiss4Win.ch will see us reach an even greater audience in the country where our unique content has been popular with local players. Switzerland represents an attractive market for us and this launch with a reputable local operator sees us strengthen our foothold in the region.”

Mariachiara Lagravinese, Regional Account Manager at Gaming Realms
Mariachiara Lagravinese
macau
Paolo Sanvido

Paolo Sanvido, CEO of Casinò Lugano, added: “We’re committed to offering our players a diverse portfolio of premium gaming content, and Gaming Realms’ Slingo titles bring something truly unique to our casino lobby. We’re excited to introduce these games to our customers and further strengthen our entertainment offering with engaging and innovative experiences.”

Zitro expands into Northern Cyprus with ‘FANTASY’ launch at Chamada Girne Hotel & Casino

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Zitro expands into Northern Cyprus with ‘FANTASY’ launch at Chamada Girne Hotel & Casino

Zitro has officially entered Northern Cyprus through Chamada Girne Hotel & Casino, bringing FANTASY to local players for the first time with the exclusive Lion Falls now live on the casino floor.

With its state-of-the-art design, next-generation graphics, immersive multimedia features, and player-focused gameplay, FANTASY has quickly become one of Zitro’s standout product launches. Through this debut, players at Chamada Girne Hotel & Casino can now enjoy a premium gaming experience that has already resonated strongly with operators and players worldwide.

The rollout strengthens Zitro’s reach across Europe and signals ongoing dedication to growth in targeted gaming territories.

“We are delighted to welcome FANTASY and Lion Falls to our gaming floor,” said the management team at Chamada Girne Hotel & Casino. “It is a strong addition to our current offering, and we are confident it will resonate well with our clients.”

Sebastián Salat, President – International at Zitro, added: “The debut in Northern Cyprus is an important milestone for our company. We are proud to begin this new chapter with Chamada Girne Hotel & Casino and grateful for the confidence they have placed in our products. At the same time, it is very rewarding to see FANTASY continue to expand into new territories, backed by the positive performance it is achieving worldwide.”

Why Conor McGregor remains UFC’s most influential figure — a 1xBet perspective

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Why Conor McGregor remains UFC’s most influential figure — a 1xBet perspective

The main event of UFC 329 was the highly anticipated return of Conor McGregor. However, just seconds into his fight against Max Holloway, the bout was stopped due to a leg injury sustained by The Notorious, leaving fans with countless questions.

The outcome immediately became one of the most talked-about topics in the world of mixed martial arts. Yet regardless of the result, one thing is clear: Conor McGregor’s influence on the UFC, MMA, and sports as a whole has long extended far beyond any single fight.

Over the course of his career, McGregor became the man who helped transform the UFC’s scale. He made history as the first fighter to hold UFC championship titles in two weight divisions simultaneously. However, his impact has never been defined solely by his athletic achievements.

Events featuring The Notorious consistently broke pay-per-view sales records, while his press conferences, interviews, and media presence beyond the sport attracted millions of people worldwide. The UFC gained a new audience, while other fighters were given a clear example of how a strong personal brand can become just as valuable as sporting success.

Largely thanks to McGregor, mixed martial arts has ceased to be perceived as a niche discipline. His charisma, confidence, and ability to turn every appearance into a major media event made the UFC part of global popular culture. Even in the lead-up to UFC 329, public attention was focused not only on the fight itself, but also on the press conferences, weigh-ins, face-offs, and every public interaction by Conor. He has a unique ability to generate excitement long before the opening bell, transforming a sporting contest into a worldwide spectacle. 

This approach significantly changed the way sports are promoted. Today, virtually every top fighter actively develops their social media presence, engages with fans, builds personal brand recognition, and, at times, draws inspiration from The Notorious’ successful strategies. This model became widespread after McGregor demonstrated just how powerfully a media persona can increase interest in both an individual athlete and the industry as a whole. 

Conor McGregor’s journey is the story of a person who helped redefine the promotion of sporting events, expanded the global audience for MMA, and set new standards for fighters’ public profiles. Regardless of the decisions he makes following his setback at UFC 329, his contribution has already become an integral part of UFC history and modern sport. 

It is personalities and events like these that continue to capture the attention of millions of fans around the world. At the same time, partner ecosystems such as 1xPartners enable affiliates and professionals in the iGaming industry to effectively engage this audience by leveraging the popularity of the world’s biggest sporting events. Together with1xBet, they remain part of a global ecosystem where passion for sports creates new opportunities for business growth. 

Melco Resorts endorses enhanced Tourism and “Leisure” Buses program

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Melco Resorts endorses enhanced Tourism and “Leisure” Buses program

Melco Resorts & Entertainment continues to work with the Macau SAR Government to promote tourism, support local SMEs, and fully backs the extended second phase of the Tourism and “Leisure” Buses program through January 3, 2027.

During the peak summer travel period from July 17 to August 30, 2026, services will be extended from the original two weekend days to Fridays through Sundays, with additional trips scheduled for National Day, Christmas, and New Year’s Day to encourage more visitors to explore Macau’s communities, experience its unique culture and charm, and boost local consumption through tourism.

Melco will continue to offer six bus routes across its properties City of Dreams and Studio City, to guide tourists to Macau’s various distinctive communities, allowing them to experience the local culture, discover unique shops, and savor its diverse cuisine to highlight its status as a “Creative City of Gastronomy“.

By extending visitors’ travel footprint in Macau and encouraging them to engage in community spending, the program aims to generate more business opportunities for local SMEs. 

To further support community SMEs, Melco has also partnered with over 30 local businesses along the routes to launch exclusive deals and privileges, including offers on diverse experiences in dining, retail, and the cultural and creative industries, encouraging traveler visitation and boosting local consumption. The merchants’ offers will also be showcased on the 

City of Dreams and Studio City websites, making it easier for travelers to plan their trips and to enjoy a more fruitful community tourism experience. 

Melco takes first place for the 2026 Forbes Travel Guide Five‑Star Awards
Studio City, Cotai strip, Macau, Melco Resorts

For the latest information on the Tourism and “Leisure” Buses program’s routes and schedules, please visit https://leisurebus.dsedt.gov.mo/.

Bally’s Intralot and Premier Lotteries Ireland extend partnership through 2034

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Bally’s Intralot and Premier Lotteries Ireland extend partnership through 2034

Bally’s Intralot S.A. announced that its subsidiary Intralot Ireland Limited has extended its contract with Premier Lotteries Ireland for seven years, through November 2034, supporting the Irish National Lottery and strengthening its role as a technology and services partner.

Under the terms of the agreement Bally’s Intralot will modernize PLI’s technology ecosystem by deploying its next-generation LotosX Omni solution and PlayerX Player Account Management platform. The solution will provide a modern, cloud-based technology foundation supporting lottery operations across retail and digital channels, while incorporating advanced retailer management, instant games management, device management, and content management capabilities.

Premier Lotteries Ireland

The agreement also includes comprehensive support and maintenance services, along with cloud operations and cybersecurity services for the first year, designed to ensure the long-term reliability, security, and performance of PLI’s technology environment. 

Through this partnership, Bally’s Intralot will support PLI in delivering a future-ready operating environment designed to enhance operational efficiency, accelerate innovation, and strengthen player engagement. The modernization will provide a secure, scalable, and resilient platform that enables PLI to continue evolving its offerings while improving time-to-market implementation of new initiatives, along with maintaining the highest standards of reliability and service to players and retailers across Ireland. 

“We are pleased to extend our partnership with Bally’s Intralot, a relationship built on trust, commitment to excellence, and shared ambition since 2014” shared Cian Murphy, CEO of PLI. “As we look to the future, this agreement provides a strong platform for continued innovation and growth, ensuring we can deliver a modern, secure, and world-class National Lottery that places responsible play at its heart while continuing to benefit communities across Ireland.” 

Robeson Reeves, CEO of the Bally’s Intralot Group said, “We are proud to extend our long-standing partnership with Premier Lotteries Ireland for a further seven years. This agreementreflects the strength of ourtechnology and the trust we have built with PLI over more than a decade of collaboration. We look forward to continuing to support the National Lottery of Ireland and to delivering innovative, responsible gaming experiences to players across the country.” 

Gaming and tourism recovery to lift Macau’s 1H26 GDP by 5%: think tank 

Viviana Chan
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Gaming and tourism recovery to lift Macau’s 1H26 GDP by 5%: think tank 

Macau’s economy is expected to expand by about 5 percent year-on-year in real terms in the first half of 2026, supported by the continued tourism recovery and higher cumulative gaming revenue, according to the Macau Economic Association.

The association estimated first-half gross domestic product at MOP209.5 billion ($26.0 billion), equivalent to 90.1 percent of the level recorded in the same period of 2019. Its forecast range stands at MOP207 billion ($25.7 billion) to MOP212 billion ($26.3 billion), representing real growth of between 4 percent and 6 percent.

Macau’s casino gross gaming revenue reached MOP126.9 billion ($15.7 billion) during the first six months of 2026, up 6.8 percent from a year earlier and recovering to 84.6 percent of the comparable 2019 level, the association said in its latest monthly economic assessment.

However, the gaming and tourism sector experienced a temporary slowdown in June amid interest in the FIFA World Cup. Monthly GGR fell to a year-to-date low of MOP18.5 billion ($2.3 billion), or approximately MOP617 million ($76.6 million) per day, broadly in line with market expectations.

The Macau Economic Association said the integrated tourism and leisure industry remained a key economic pillar, supporting related sectors including hotels, restaurants, retail and conventions. Continued growth in visitor arrivals also helped Macau maintain moderate economic expansion during the first half.

Despite this, external economic uncertainty, weaker financial-market sentiment and cautious spending by visitors and residents could weigh on the recovery.

For the second half, the Macau Economic Association expects the economy to remain broadly stable, supported by moderate growth in tourism and gaming. However, it said the outlook would depend largely on the performance of Macau’s integrated tourism and leisure sector, mainland China’s economy and the continued strength of visitor arrivals.

SJM Resorts reaffirms commitment to Macau’s Leisure Bus initiative

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SJM Resorts reaffirms commitment to Macau’s Leisure Bus initiative

Macau pioneer gaming operator SJM Resorts (SJM) is reinforcing its commitment to the Macau SAR Government’s Leisure Bus Community Exploration Programme, supporting efforts to strengthen connections between tourism and local communities while driving sustainable economic development across Macau’s neighbourhoods.

Since its introduction in April, the programme has successfully encouraged more visitors to explore community districts, creating opportunities for local SMEs and enhancing interaction between residents and tourists. Building on this momentum, the second phase of the initiative will run from 17 July 2026 to 3 January 2027, featuring expanded services from Grand Lisboa Macau and additional departures during peak travel periods, including summer holidays and major festive seasons.

New Promotions to Drive Community Spending

To encourage greater participation and increase the programme’s impact, SJM has introduced a new series of promotional initiatives. Passengers travelling on the Patane–Hong Kung Temple route will receive complimentary vouchers and special offers redeemable at Kam Pek Market, creating added incentives to explore the surrounding San Ma Lo district.

SJM Resorts revamps Kam Pek Market into a culinary landmark in San Ma Lo

The initiative is designed to stimulate local consumption, support small businesses, and provide visitors with a richer understanding of Macau’s cultural heritage, further strengthening the link between tourism development and community revitalisation.

Kam Pek Market Welcomes New Experiences

A key component of SJM’s San Ma Lo District Revitalisation Plan, Kam Pek Market continues to evolve as a vibrant lifestyle destination. Conveniently located near Hong Kung Temple and Grand Lisboa Macau, the venue is set to welcome a range of new dining concepts in the months ahead.

SJM Resorts reaffirms commitment to Macau’s Leisure Bus initiative

Among the highlights is the arrival of EL&N, the renowned London-born lifestyle café brand, which will open at Kam Pek Market in August. Known globally for its distinctive design aesthetic, specialty coffee, and contemporary dining experience, EL&N’s latest opening follows the successful launch of its first Greater China location at Grand Lisboa Palace Resort Macau.

Through the continued enhancement of the Leisure Bus programme and the introduction of new attractions at Kam Pek Market, SJM aims to further elevate the appeal of the San Ma Lo district, fostering community tourism while contributing to the long-term vitality of Macau’s local economy.

Solaire North supervisor arrested over alleged ‘ghost points’ scheme

Viviana Chan
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Solaire North supervisor arrested over alleged ‘ghost points’ scheme

A casino pit supervisor at Bloomberry Resorts’ Solaire Resort North has been arrested for allegedly adding thousands of unauthorized gaming points to VIP player accounts, according to a statement issued by the Quezon City Police District (QCPD).

The 33-year-old employee, identified by police only as ‘Jovim’, was apprehended at the integrated resort on July 13th following an internal investigation into suspicious activity on player accounts.

Police said the supervisor allegedly credited points manually to several Diamond-tier VIP accounts while the gaming tables under his supervision were closed and no patrons were playing. Pit supervisors were only permitted to allocate points when customers were actively wagering, according to the statement.

Around 9,900 points were allegedly added during a two-hour period, potentially allowing the accounts to access rewards and other membership benefits without corresponding gaming activity.

Casino management reported the matter to police after confirming the alleged irregularities. The suspect was taken into custody by officers from Project 6 Paolice Station and faces a complaint for qualified theft for inquest proceedings.

Solaire Resort North opened in Quezon City in May 2024. The allegations against the employee have not been proven in court.

Bloomberry relaunches online gaming as FUNaloMAX after MegaFUNalo shutdown

Viviana Chan
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Bloomberry relaunches online gaming as FUNaloMAX after MegaFUNalo shutdown

Bloomberry Resorts is making its second attempt at the Philippine online gaming market with the official launch of FUNaloMAX, its new in-house platform, announced on Wednesday. The product replaces MegaFUNalo, the digital venture shut down on May 1st, 2026 after technical problems linked to its previous third-party technology provider.

Bloomberry relaunches online gaming as FUNaloMAX after MegaFUNalo shutdown

The digital push comes as the group’s land-based business struggles. Bloomberry posted a first-quarter net loss of PHP125 million ($2 million), with gross gaming revenue down 13 percent to PHP14.7 billion ($238 million) as VIP rolling chip volume at Solaire Resort Entertainment City plunged 39 percent.

In its media release, the company said FUNaloMAX was ‘engineered natively for the younger, mobile-first generation of Filipino players’ and operates ‘within a strictly licensed, PAGCOR-regulated environment’, anchored by a 24/7 live studio featuring transparent glass gaming tables and dynamic LED backdrops.

‘We are no longer dependent on third-party platforms to execute our vision,’ said Greg Hawkins, President and Chief Operating Officer of Bloomberry. ‘Tonight is about growth, ownership, and the conviction to set our own challenge and back it completely.’

Unlike Solaire Online, the group’s existing platform for premium players, which is tied to the physical casino’s inventory under a Philippine Inland Gaming Operator (PIGO) license, FUNaloMAX is a pure online offering aimed at the mainstream premium market. The company said the two ‘complementary offerings’ are designed to serve ‘distinct audiences’ in the online gaming segment.

MegaFUNalo had a soft launch in June 2025, and the group spent around PHP1.9 billion ($30.8 million) on the platform’s initial rollout phase.

Earlier this year, Chairman Enrique Razon Jr. said the revamped platform could make a positive financial contribution by 2027 if the rollout proceeds as planned.

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