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Big Daddy Gaming goes live with casino games aggregator St8 

AGBrief Editorial
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Big Daddy Gaming goes live with casino games aggregator St8 

Big Daddy Gaming has announced a content distribution partnership with the fast-growing casino aggregator St8, known for its strong footprint across regulated European markets and its recent expansion into Canada. 

The deal will see Big Daddy Gaming’s early portfolio integrated into St8’s single-API platform, giving operators easy access to the studio’s distinctive Reel Fun. Real Value. content offering. 

This latest agreement forms part of Big Daddy Gaming’s continued commercial momentum as the newly launched studio strengthens its route into key regulated markets in Europe.  

As part of the rollout, St8 will onboard an initial selection of Big Daddy Gaming’s early titles, including Going Ape, Legacy of Desperados and Redneck Dynamite, all boasting the provider’s high-impact mechanics built from the ground up with operator value in mind. 

With St8’s established presence across multiple regulated markets and its reputation for fast, stable integrations, the partnership provides Big Daddy Gaming with a scalable distribution channel as it accelerates its European expansion plans. 

The partnership marks another milestone in Big Daddy Gaming’s rapid commercial rollout, reinforcing the growing demand for its distinctive content and the studio’s commitment to establishing itself as a supplier across Europe’s regulated markets. 

Erland Hellström, CEO at Big Daddy Gaming, commented: “Partnering with St8 is a big step forward for us at this early stage. Their compliance credentials and strong operator network make them an ideal aggregator to help deliver our content to the right markets quickly and reliably. We are delighted to be working together and look forward to seeing our first titles go live through St8’s platform.” 

Vladimir Negine, CEO at St8, added: “Big Daddy Gaming is one of the standout new studios to launch this year, and their early portfolio shows real promise. Their creative DNA and focus on delivering genuinely entertaining content make them a valuable addition to our offering. We’re excited to introduce their first wave of titles to our operator partners and expect a strong reception from players.”

PAGCOR’s 2025 Photo Contest Exhibit arrives at Newport Mall

AGBrief Editorial
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PAGCOR’s 2025 Photo Contest Exhibit arrives at Newport Mall

The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), together with Newport World Resorts (NWR), unveiled the second leg of its Photography Contest Exhibit on Tuesday, March 3, at The Grove in Newport Mall, Pasay City.

The exhibit showcases the 48 grand finalists of the 2025 PAGCOR Photography Contests whose entries revolve around the theme, “Infrastructure for Economic Development.” 

PAGCOR’s 2025 Photo Contest Exhibit arrives at Newport Mall
PAGCOR’s 2025 Photo Contest Exhibit arrives at Newport Mall

The photos – taken using mobile phones, drones, and traditional cameras – capture the role of infrastructure such as roads, bridges, airports, energy sites and other facilities as lifelines that enable growth in communities across the country.

PAGCOR’s 2025 Photo Contest Exhibit arrives at Newport Mall
PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro H. Tengco

PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro H. Tengco, who graced the exhibit’s launch, said the collection highlights infrastructure not just as physical structures but as “pathways of progress that connect communities, energize industries, and expand opportunities.”

“These photographs are visual reminders that responsible governance and strategic investment produce outcomes that people can actually see and benefit from.”

Alejandro H. Tengco

NWR President and CEO Nilo Thaddeus Rodriguez welcomed the exhibit’s staging at Newport Mall and said the display highlights how infrastructure development directly shapes everyday life.

“We are honored to host this exhibit because these photographs show how progress is realized through infrastructure that connects communities and improves daily access,” he said. “We thank PAGCOR for creating platforms that celebrate Filipino talent while keeping the nation’s development narrative in focus.”

​The exhibit was first mounted in September 2025 at MET Live Mall in Pasay City. 

Its run at Newport Mall marks the second stop in a planned nationwide tour aimed at bringing the 2025 finalists’ works to broader audiences. The display will remain open to the public until March 27 before moving to Cebu and Davao later this month.

During the launch, Mr. Tengco also invited amateur and professional photographers to join PAGCOR’s 2026 Photography Contest themed “Kids@Play,” which aims to capturing everyday scenes of childhood play – moments that reflect joy, discipline, creativity and sportsmanship.

Entries for the 2026 photo contest will be accepted until June 30. Full specifications and details are available at www.pagcor.ph/photocon2026.​

Legal action targets approvals for Delta Corp’s 112-meter casino cruise ship

Viviana Chan
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Legal action targets approvals for Delta Corp’s 112-meter casino cruise ship

Legal action is being prepared to challenge the permissions granted for Delta Corp’s new 112-meter-long offshore casino vessel in Goa, amid concerns raised by activists over its scale and potential ecological impact. 

According to a report by the Times of India, a team of lawyers working pro bono is drafting a writ petition that will be filed shortly before the Bombay High Court.

Former Allahabad High Court Chief Justice Ferdino Rebello said the petition will question the approvals issued for the vessel, which is being brought into the Mandovi River. The official indicated that those involved in the drafting process had identified “very disturbing things” during their review and intend to present them to the court. Petitioners are expected to include residents from Panaji and Reis Magos, along with activists linked to the “Enough is Enough” movement, a Goa-based civic campaign opposing offshore casinos on environmental and carrying capacity grounds. They are likely to seek interim relief once the case is filed.

Rebello also stated that the new offshore casino vessel has the same capacity as the five existing offshore casinos combined. A charter submitted to the Goa state government has called for the removal of casinos within six months, citing environmental and carrying capacity concerns.

India-listed Delta Corp is a gaming, casino, and hospitality company based in Mumbai. It operates casino businesses in Goa, Sikkim, and Daman. In Goa, where land-based live gambling is largely restricted under national law, the state permits casinos to operate on offshore vessels anchored in the Mandovi River.

The company currently operates several licensed offshore vessels in Goa, including Deltin Royale, Deltin JAQK, and Kings Casino.

Galaxy’s ‘rock-solid balance sheet’ positions investments to ‘bear fruit’ in FY26–27: CBRE

Viviana Chan
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Galaxy’s ‘rock-solid balance sheet’ positions investments to ‘bear fruit’ in FY26–27: CBRE

CBRE has raised its price target on Galaxy Entertainment, citing the company’s ‘rock-solid balance sheet’ and positive net cash position as key supports for its outlook in FY26 and FY27.

The brokerage said Galaxy’s strong financial position has allowed it to invest heavily in its properties, with those investments expected to ‘start to bear fruit in FY26 and FY27.’ 

In a research note, CBRE added that ‘the wind continues to be at the market’s back in Macau’, suggesting Galaxy could be an even greater beneficiary of positive market trends as its asset improvements gain traction.

According to its latest financial update, as of December 31st, 2025, Galaxy held HK$36.3 billion ($4.64 billion) in cash and liquid investments. After total debt of HK$1.3 billion ($166 million), the company reported a net cash position of HK$35 billion ($4.48 billion). It paid two dividends totaling HK$1.20 per share in 2025. The board has recommended a final dividend of HK$0.80 per share, payable in June 2026.

Galaxy eager to use cash-rich position to expand beyond Macau: Chairman

The constructive view follows a stronger-than-expected fourth quarter. Galaxy reported HK$4.3 billion ($550 million) in adjusted EBITDA in 4Q25, up 33 percent year-on-year. EBITDA reached 106 percent of 4Q19 levels, marking a return above pre-pandemic performance. The quarter included HK$731 million ($93.55 million) of favorable VIP hold.

Galaxy Macau drove results. Revenue rose 29 percent year-on-year to HK$11.8 billion ($1.51 billion), while adjusted EBITDA increased 41 percent to HK$4 billion ($512 million). On a hold-normalized basis, EBITDA grew 15 percent. Mass gross gaming revenue increased 17 percent to HK$8.7 billion ($1.11 billion) on 10 percent volume growth and a favorable hold comparison. VIP GGR rose 103 percent to HK$3.1 billion ($397 million), supported by 18 percent volume growth and a higher win rate.

Non-gaming operations remained a demand driver. The company hosted 350 events in FY25, with non-gaming revenue reaching 125 percent of 2019 levels. Management said it will continue to curate an attractive events calendar to drive foot traffic through FY26.

CBRE analysts John DeCree and Max Marsh noted that Galaxy is expected to benefit from the February 2026 official opening of the ultra-luxury Capella hotel tower, which includes 95 suites and villas. Early reception has been strong. Management expects it to drive incremental super-premium mass business during the year.

For 1Q26 and beyond, Chinese New Year demand finished strong after a soft start, with volumes ramping from day three onward. Galaxy is seeing a stable market share of around 22 percent and reiterated that the premium mass segment remains highly competitive. 

Promotional reinvestment is expected to remain at current levels. Management emphasized that it is focused more on EBITDA than on chasing market share.

The company is also progressing on Phase 4 at Galaxy Macau, now targeting completion in FY27. The 2026 entertainment calendar is anchored by the UFC Fight Nights and a renewed three-year partnership with Alibaba’s Damai Entertainment.

Daily Asia Gaming eBrief: Wynn ‘closely monitoring’ situation in the Middle East

AGBrief Editorial
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Daily Asia Gaming eBrief: Wynn ‘closely monitoring’ situation in the Middle East
Good Morning. The recent strikes in Iran sent shockwaves across the world, with retaliatory action targeting multiple countries in the Middle East, including the UAE. Wynn Al Marjan developer Wynn Resorts says it is ensuring the safety of its employees and ‘closely monitoring’ the situation, but also indicates that ‘escalation of war’ could affect its operations. In Macau, the situation is considerably better, with estimates for 7 percent GGR growth this year, dependent on visa easing and liquidity. Looking to New Zealand, racing integrity is in strong focus ahead of the issuance of new online casino licenses, expected this year, given the strong synergy between the two betting options.

What you need to know

On the radar

AGB Intelligence

UAE

Wynn Resorts, Marjan Islands, UAE

Wynn ‘closely monitoring’ situation after Iran strikes

Wynn Al Marjan developer Wynn Resorts is ‘closely monitoring the situation’ in the Middle East, with ‘plans in place to secure the safety’ of employees ‘should the situation necessitate’. The operator warned that ‘escalation of war’ could affect its business, after reported strikes by Iran in Dubai and Abu Dhabi in response to bombing by the United States and Israel, which killed Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Industry Updates

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Magnite integrates Genius Sports’ Moment Engine to power real‑time sports activation in ClearLine

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Magnite integrates Genius Sports’ Moment Engine to power real‑time sports activation in ClearLine

Genius Sports has announced a direct integration between its official Moment Engine and Magnite, the largest independent sell-side advertising platform.

The integration embeds Genius Sports’ verified real‑time sports signals directly into Magnite’s ClearLine platform, enabling activation of official in‑game moments across premium CTV and digital inventory transacted through Magnite.

The partnership reinforces Genius Sports’ role as the control layer connecting official league data, fan identity and intent data, and advertising execution, to efficiently and effectively monetize fans.

Genius Sports’ Moment Engine identifies meaningful in-game events as they occur and converts them into verified advertising signals that activate natively as Deals within the Magnite platform. Powered exclusively by official league data and enriched by the Genius Fan Graph of more than 250 million US consumers, the system pairs authenticated sports moments with deterministic fan identity.

During March Madness, for example, a decisive late-game scoring moment captured through official NCAA data is instantly converted into an authenticated advertising trigger inside ClearLine. That trigger activates a pre-configured Deal aligned to relevant fan audiences across premium CTV inventory, within seconds.

Magnite

Because the signal is derived from official league data rather than delayed or probabilistic feeds, advertisers gain scalable, real-time access to peak engagement windows within their existing programmatic media buying workflows.

By synchronizing authenticated league data with deterministic fan identity inside scaled SSP infrastructure, Genius Sports shifts live sports advertising from contextual approximation to authenticated execution. The result is greater precision and increased value for premium inventory.

These real-time signals complement Magnite’s made-for-live-streaming capabilities, including Live Scheduler, the industry’s first standardized framework to plan, activate, and measure live CTV advertising. By embedding official sports triggers directly within ClearLine, advertisers can align messaging with the pace of the game without relying on external overlays or inferred data sources, delivering differentiated access to premium live sports environments.

“This marks a structural shift in how live sports is monetized in digital environments,” said Josh Linforth, Chief Revenue Officer at Genius Sports. “For the first time, advertisers can activate against official, verified sports moments inside scaled programmatic infrastructure in real time. By combining exclusive league data, deterministic fan intelligence, and premium supply, we are building the control layer for live sports advertising.”

The solution is expected to be available in time for the 2026 NCAA Division I men’s and women’s basketball tournaments, providing brands scaled access to authenticated live sports signals during one of the most valuable advertising windows of the year.

“By layering the Genius Sports Moment Engine into our platform, we’re delivering the precision and speed that live sports demand,” added Mike Laband, Group SVP, US Revenue at Magnite. “This synchronization allows advertisers to align their messaging with the pulse of the game across our premium publisher footprint. Providing this level of accuracy and contextual relevance is a game changer for how the industry values and monetizes live streaming.”

Upon closing of the previously announced acquisition of Legend, Genius Sports will expand the Moment Engine with additional fan audiences and engagement signals from Legend’s digital sports and gaming media network. Combined, these capabilities will help brands and media owners activate around live moments with measurable outcomes, supporting participation-driven monetization across the fan journey.

Veteran casino exec John Koster appointed as new CEO of The Star Sydney

Kelsey Wilhelm
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Veteran casino exec John Koster appointed as new CEO of The Star Sydney

Australia’s embattled The Star Entertainment Group has announced the appointment of veteran American casino executive John Koster as the group’s new CEO of The Star Sydney, pending regulatory approvals.

Koster had most recently served as the VP and General Manager of Bally’s Lake Tahoe, in the United States. The executive formerly held numerous executive roles in Caesars Entertainment and Sheraton Hotels & Resorts – including time in Thailand, Hong Kong, Australia and New Zealand.

In a social media post on Monday, The Star highlighted that ‘John is an accomplished casino and hotel executive with more than 40 years of industry experience, including nearly three decades in senior leadership roles across multiple U.S. states and internationally recognized resorts and hotels such as Caesars Entertainment, Eldorado Resorts and Harrah’s’.

The group furthered that ‘Having worked across five countries, John also brings diversified cultural exposure and a proven track record in leading large-scale hotel and casino organizations’.

The Star Sydney, Star Entertainment

Koster joins The Star after an extensive board restructuring following a lifeline investment by Bally’s Corp and Investment Holdings and amongst stringent measures to cut costs, refinance extensive debt and slim its asset portfolio in order for the company to stay afloat.

Koster replaces Janelle Campbell, who commenced in the role in February of 2024.

In its recent results, The Star flagged that ‘there remains material uncertainty regarding the Group’s ability to continue as a going concern’, following an AU$109.7 million ($77.4 million) loss for the fiscal half year ending December 31st, 2025.

Amongst its restructuring, The Star is streamlining corporate operations, shifting ‘essential support functions’ from its corporate office to the ‘property level in Sydney, Gold Coast and Brisbane’.

Koster will have a significant say in how The Star Sydney aims to turn around lagging operations, particularly given that the New South Wales Independent Casino Commission (NICC) last September extended the suspension of The Star Sydney’s casino license until March 31st, 2026.

Wynn Resorts closely monitoring situation in the Middle East after strikes on Dubai/Abu Dhabi

Kelsey Wilhelm
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Wynn Resorts closely monitoring situation in the Middle East after strikes on Dubai/Abu Dhabi

Wynn Resorts is ‘closely monitoring the situation’ in the Middle East and has ‘plans in place to secure the safety of our employees should the situation necessitate’.

Wynn Resorts in its recent results, announced that the upcoming opening of Wynn Al Marjan Island, in the UAE’s Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) emirate, is a strong component of Wynn Resorts’ portfolio diversification, aiming to focus on wealth concentration in global hubs: the US, China and “portions of the Middle East”.

Wynn Resorts did not indicate in its response to AGB inquiries as to whether the escalating conflict in the Middle East has affected its current operations at the under-construction integrated resort which is scheduled to open in 2027.

Reports indicate strikes have occurred in Dubai, including at Dubai International Airport (DXB), and Abu Dhabi, amongst wider strikes by Iran carried out throughout the Middle East.

Multiple carriers have cancelled flights and authorities of multiple countries are warning passengers not to travel in the region until tensions deescalate.

Iran began retaliatory strikes over the weekend, after the United States and Israel bombed Iran, resulting in the death of the nation’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

The escalation of conflict has caused concerns about the flow of goods and services in the region, leading to spiking prices and restricted supply chains, as well as worries over the potential danger facing residents and foreign workers in the Middle East and other countries potentially being targeted by Iran in retaliation.

Wynn Resorts, in its annual report released on March 2nd, highlighted that ‘our business is particularly sensitive to the willingness of our customers to travel and spend time at our resorts […] Acts or threats of terrorism or concerns over the possibility of such acts have in the past disrupted, and may again severely disrupt, domestic and international travel […] Regional conflicts could have a similar effect on domestic and international travel. Disruptions in air and other forms of travel as a result of any terrorist act, outbreak of hostilities, escalation of war or worldwide infectious disease outbreak have, and could in the future have, a material and adverse effect on our business and financial condition, results of operations and cash flows’.

Visa easing and liquidity underpin Macau’s medium-term recovery: Seaport

Viviana Chan
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Visa easing and liquidity underpin Macau’s medium-term recovery: Seaport

Liquidity conditions and visa policy will be central to Macau’s gaming performance in 2026, with gross gaming revenue projected to grow about 7 percent annually in 2026 and 2027, according to an investment memo by Seaport Research.

Senior analyst Vitaly Umansky wrote that the ‘key driver of growth in 2026 remains liquidity (along with easy visa policy)’, noting that as long as liquidity channels remain open, Macau should continue to meet high-end gaming demand. The firm forecasts that GGR will recover to 97 percent of 2019 levels by 2027.

Seaport estimates first-quarter 2026 GGR growth of 13.4 percent year-on-year. February GGR rose 4.5 percent year-on-year to MOP20.63 billion ($2.57 billion), above late-month sell-side expectations, while January and February combined increased 13.8 percent year-on-year. March GGR is projected to grow 12.5 percent year-on-year.

The brokerage said its expectations are driven by long-term secular growth in Asia, leading to faster-than-GDP expansion in both Macau and Singapore. While heavy player reinvestment and cost escalations have weighed on margins in Macau, Seaport believes cost increases in 2026 will be more muted, resulting in margin expansion.

‘Marina Bay Sands remains the preeminent high-end Asia gaming destination’, Umansky wrote, adding that Singapore continues to benefit from liquidity inflows, ease of transport and a high-quality product and service offering.

In Macau, premium mass and VIP segments have led the recovery since early 2023. The firm noted that growth in recent quarters has been ‘driven largely by the higher-end’, supported by easier visa protocols and fewer constraints on moving money into Macau. A strengthening Renminbi has also aided customer liquidity.

Seaport expects growth to moderate to mid-single digits later in 2026, as tougher comparisons emerge from May onward. Still, it maintains an annual growth forecast of approximately 7 percent for both 2026 and 2027, with revenue approaching pre-pandemic levels by 2027.

Structural factors could also support revenue per player. The report highlighted the rollout of smart tables, which improve efficiency and reduce leakage, as well as the rising penetration of baccarat side bets, where the house advantage is higher. These operational enhancements may lift margins even if headline growth moderates.

However, risks remain. Any tightening of money flows, deterioration in China’s macroeconomic backdrop, or weakening of the Renminbi could weigh on high-end demand.

VeliPlay launches Pinball Rush, a rebound-based instant game for crash portfolios

AGBrief Editorial
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VeliPlay launches Pinball Rush, a rebound-based instant game for crash portfolios

VeliPlay, part of VeliTech, has launched Pinball Rush, a crash-inspired instant game built on rebound-driven physics rather than linear multiplier growth.

Instead of watching a multiplier climb, players launch a ball into a structured pinball field containing Kickers, Slingshots, Bumpers and One-Way Gates. The ball remains in motion until it lands in one of nine bottom cells that lock the final multiplier.

Key mechanics:

  • Three difficulty levels adjusting multiplier distribution
  • Maximum 50-bump action phase followed by controlled resolution
  • Nine clear end-state multiplier cells
  • Multiplier Crater that applies an extra multiplier and returns the ball into play
  • Optional Bonus Saucer that captures and re-launches the ball with an additional multiplier
  • Bonus Buy and Free Bets support
  • Provably fair verification tools

With a 97% RTP, early testing recorded:

  • 22-minute average session time
  • 96% player retention rate
  • 75% cross-sell potential into crash and instant verticals

Why it fits Asian markets

Pinball Rush is built for mobile-first environments and short-format play while maintaining session depth. The bounded 50-bump system keeps round duration predictable — important for regulated markets and responsible gaming frameworks.

The visual, motion-based mechanic also aligns with the strong performance of fast, high-frequency instant games across Southeast Asia, offering operators a format that feels familiar to crash players but structurally different in how outcomes are generated and displayed.

Pinball Rush is now available via VeliPlay distribution and aggregation channels.

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