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International Entertainment completes second $102M DigiPlus notes issue

Viviana Chan
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International Entertainment completes second $102M DigiPlus notes issue

International Entertainment Corporation completed the second tranche of its convertible notes subscription agreement on June 2nd, issuing HK$800 million ($102 million) in notes to DigiPlus Interactive Corp., according to a Hong Kong Stock Exchange filing.

The company said all conditions precedent for the second completion had been fulfilled. The issuance marks the second HK$800 million ($102 million) tranche under a broader HK$1.6 billion ($204.1 million) convertible notes agreement reached on November 17th, 2025. The first tranche was completed on March 3rd, 2026.

International Entertainment said all net proceeds raised from the first subscription had been used to fully repay promissory notes and secured bank borrowing.

After deducting related costs and expenses of about HK$2 million ($255,000), net proceeds from the two tranches were previously estimated at about HK$1.59 billion ($202.8 million).

The convertible notes carry an initial conversion price of HK$1.00 per share. The company said DigiPlus has not exercised its rights to convert the first subscription notes since their issuance on March 3rd.

If all notes are converted at the initial conversion price, DigiPlus would hold 1.6 billion shares, representing about 53.89 percent of International Entertainment’s enlarged issued share capital. The company currently has 1,369,157,235 shares in issue, which would rise to 2,969,157,235 shares upon full conversion.

Under that scenario, the stake held by Excite Opportunity Fund L.P. — in which International Entertainment chairman, chief executive and executive director Ho Wong Meng is deemed interested — would decline from 18.99 percent to 8.76 percent.

Eriska Investment Fund Ltd.’s holding would fall from 9.63 percent to 4.44 percent, while the stake held by other public shareholders would decline from 71.38 percent to 32.91 percent.

South Korea’s Paradise Co. casino sales rise 21.2% in May to $65.2M

Viviana Chan
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South Korea’s Paradise Co. casino sales rise 21.2% in May to $65.2M

South Korea’s Paradise Co. reported casino sales of KRW98.87 billion ($65.2 million) for May, up 21.2 percent from the same month last year, according to a filing on Tuesday.

The company’s May casino sales also increased 13.1 percent from April, when revenue stood at KRW87.42 billion ($57.7 million).

Table game sales accounted for most of the monthly total, reaching KRW93.35 billion ($61.6 million). This represented a 21.4 percent increase year-on-year and a 14.3 percent rise from the previous month.

Machine game sales totaled KRW5.52 billion ($3.6 million), up 18.2 percent from May 2025 but down 3.6 percent compared with April.

The company also reported a May table drop of KRW765.25 billion ($504.7 million), up 18.7 percent from a year earlier and 17.4 percent from April. Table drop refers to the amount paid by customers to purchase chips.

For the first five months of 2026, Paradise Co’s cumulative casino sales reached KRW415.18 billion ($273.8 million), up 10.9 percent from the prior-year period. Table game sales for the year to date totaled KRW388.99 billion ($256.6 million), a 10.1 percent increase year-on-year, while machine game sales rose 23.2 percent to KRW26.18 billion ($17.3 million).

VGCCC says influencer gambling posts may breach state advertising laws

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VGCCC says influencer gambling posts may breach state advertising laws

The Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) is monitoring social media influencers who promote gambling and is considering regulatory and legal action if their content is found to breach Victoria’s gambling advertising laws.

VGCCC CEO Suzy Neilan said influencers who promote gambling could be exposing Victorians to harm while also risking legal consequences, particularly when content involves poker machines. Under the Gambling Regulation Act 2003, the promotion and advertising of poker machines is prohibited in Victoria.

“When influencers fan out wads of cash and celebrate winning thousands of dollars, they’re not only sharing content, but they’re also shaping perceptions and attitudes towards gambling and downplaying the very real risk of harm that comes with it,” Neilan said.

The regulator said posts showing venue visits, gameplay or “wins” involving poker machines may constitute illegal gambling advertising. If a criminal offence is substantiated, an individual could face fines of up to AU$24,421 ($15,800).

The VGCCC said it will launch a targeted social media campaign to warn influencers about the potential harm caused by gambling promotion and the legal risks linked to poker machine content.

Neilan said the regulator is aware of influencers and other social media accounts portraying gambling as harmless entertainment, a lifestyle or a source of easy money. She noted that many influencers have strong influence over young adults aged 18 to 24.

“Through these posts, young people are led to believe gambling doesn’t carry risk and pick-up gambling without understanding the potential for harm,” she said.

The regulator also pointed to player losses in Victoria, which totalled AU$3.14 billion ($2.03 billion) last financial year.

The VGCCC said licensed venues should avoid promoting gaming machines and set clear entry conditions, including bans on filming in gaming rooms.

Wazdan unveils Penalty Kick feature in its World Cup‑inspired 9 Balls

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Wazdan unveils Penalty Kick feature in its World Cup‑inspired 9 Balls

Wazdan has expanded its top-performing portfolio with the launch of 9 Balls, a football-themed title that introduces a new Penalty Kick feature and Champion Jackpot of 2,500x.

Inspired by the return of the world’s biggest sporting event this summer, 9 Balls embraces the World Cup excitement through its nine-reel offering, engaging sporting and slot enthusiasts alike with its host of player-proven mechanics and thrilling bonus opportunities.

During the base game, a Penalty Kick label can land on a random reel and remain in place for up to 15 spins. Once the countdown reaches zero, any symbol appearing on the designated reel awards its corresponding prize, creating anticipation with each spin.

The title also welcomes the return of Wazdan’s popular Hold the Jackpot™ mechanic, triggered by landing three Bonus symbols across the three middle reels. The bonus round is played on nine reels, with newly landed symbols sticking in place throughout the three respins awarded.

Players can secure the Champion Jackpot top prize worth up to 2,500x by filling the entire grid during the feature. At the same time, the supplier’s fresh-themed xG Chance Level™ mechanic allows players to choose from three levels to increase their chances of activating the bonus round during base play.

Bursting onto the scene, Wazdan’s dynamic new release underlines the supplier’s expertise in advancing its portfolio with exciting twists, developing fresh concepts for operators’ players to enjoy worldwide.

Michal Imiolek, Chief Executive Officer at Wazdan, said: “9 Balls combines the excitement of football-inspired action with engaging bonus mechanics designed to keep anticipation high throughout gameplay. The new Penalty Kick feature introduces a fresh layer of suspense to every spin, while the Hold the Jackpot™ round and customisable gameplay options ensure the title delivers broad appeal for players and operators alike.” 

Habanero enters Greek market in latest European expansion

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Habanero enters Greek market in latest European expansion

Premium slots and table games provider Habanero has announced its launch in Greece, bringing its full catalogue of more than 100 titles to players in the regulated market.

The launch brings a full portfolio of Habanero’s strongest-performing titles to Greek operators, including Hot Hot Fruit, Mystic Fortune Deluxe, Wealth Inn and Santa’s Village, alongside its new and upcoming releases that consistently deliver results for its partner network across regulated markets worldwide.

Greece marks the latest addition to Habanero’s European presence, which now spans the majority of regulated markets across the continent. The supplier is active in more than 25 European markets in total, supported by licences including the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) and the Swedish Gambling Authority (SGA).

Habanero’s legacy of European success has been underpinned via partnerships with nearly all of Europe’s tier-one operators, with the company already live with brands such as Entain, Sisal, Sportium and Betway. With further deals in the pipeline in Greece, the company’s presence in the market is set to expand in the coming months.

Arcangelo Lonoce, Head of Business Development at Habanero, stated that Greece represents a long‑planned and natural next step in the company’s expansion, marking its presence in nearly every major regulated market in Europe. He highlighted the strong demand for Habanero’s content among leading operators and expressed confidence that Greek players will respond well to both the company’s established classics and its newer, high‑engagement releases. Lonoce emphasized that the provider’s hallmark combination of intelligent mathematics, immersive graphics, and refined audio consistently resonates across markets and expects Greece to be no exception.

PAGCOR expands responsible gaming focus amid softer market conditions

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PAGCOR expands responsible gaming focus amid softer market conditions

The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) has promoted its newly launched National Problem Gambling Helpline as part of a broader push for responsible gaming, as the country’s gaming market showed signs of slowing in the first quarter of 2026.

Speaking at SiGMA Asia in Pasay City on June 2nd, PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro H. Tengco said regulators and industry leaders must strengthen safeguards to protect players and support sustainable growth.

PAGCOR champions responsible gaming at SiGMA Asia 2026
PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro H. Tengco

“As regulators and industry leaders, we have the obligation of ensuring that innovation is matched by accountability, and that industry progress remains aligned with social responsibility and public welfare,” Tengco said.

The National Problem Gambling Helpline provides round-the-clock counseling, intervention and support for individuals and families affected by gambling-related problems. The initiative was launched in partnership with Seagulls Flock Organization, a non-profit advocacy group focused on mental health, behavioral wellness and addiction treatment.

“Through this helpline, individuals and families who are affected by problem gambling will have access to immediate, confidential, and professional support,” Tengco said.

PAGCOR said responsible gaming has become increasingly important as digital gaming platforms continue to expand. Electronic gaming helped drive the Philippines’ gross gaming revenue to nearly PHP400 billion ($6.49 billion) in 2025, up 6.39 percent from PHP372.33 billion ($6.04 billion) in 2024.

However, Tengco said recent market trends showed the cyclical nature of the sector. In the first quarter of 2026, total GGR fell 15.87 percent year-on-year to PHP87.60 billion ($1.42 billion), while the electronic gaming segment contracted 22.43 percent amid softer discretionary spending and broader economic pressures.

Licensed casinos generated PHP44.52 billion ($721.9 million), accounting for 50.83 percent of total industry revenue during the period.

Tengco said the industry’s long-term success should be measured not only by revenue growth, but also by its ability to maintain public trust and uphold responsible gaming standards.

“The true measure of this industry is not simply its size or rate of expansion, but our ability to ensure that gaming remains properly regulated, socially responsible, and genuinely beneficial to the communities we serve,” Tengco said.

Holland Gaming Technology integrates with IBIA to enhance integrity oversight

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Holland Gaming Technology integrates with IBIA to enhance integrity oversight

Holland Gaming Technology, a licensed gambling operator in the Netherlands, has officially become a member of the International Betting Integrity Association (IBIA), reinforcing the operator’s pledge to uphold the highest standards of betting integrity and protect the Dutch regulated sports betting sector.

The partnership follows Holland Gaming Technology’s recent expansion into online sports betting through a multi-year sportsbook agreement with Kambi, after securing a sports betting licence from the Dutch regulator, Kansspelautoriteit (KSA). The operator has also recently rebranded from Goldrun Casino to Oranje Palace, part of a broader strategy to modernise its product offering and enhance the customer experience within the regulated Dutch market.

As a member of IBIA, Holland Gaming Technology will participate in the association’s global integrity monitoring network, feeding into IBIA’s Global Monitoring & Alert Platform (Global MAP), which connects over 90 companies and more than 200 betting brands monitoring over $300bn in sports betting turnover annually.

The addition of Holland Gaming Technology further strengthens IBIA’s position as the leading integrity monitor within the Dutch regulated market and further enhances the association’s ability to identify and address suspicious betting activity through collaborative intelligence-sharing between operators, sports, regulatory and law-enforcement stakeholders.

“Joining IBIA reflects our strong commitment to maintaining a secure, transparent and well-regulated betting environment in the Netherlands,” said Tamas Mezosi, CEO of Holland Gaming Technology. “We look forward to collaborating with IBIA and its members to support efforts to protect consumers and safeguard sport from betting-related corruption.”

Tamas Mezosi, CEO of Holland Gaming Technology
Tamas Mezosi, CEO of Holland Gaming Technology
Khalid Ali, CEO of IBIA
Khalid Ali, CEO of IBIA

Khalid Ali, CEO of IBIA, shared: “We are delighted to welcome Holland Gaming Technology to IBIA. The operator’s commitment to integrity further strengthens the reach and effectiveness of our monitoring network both in the Netherlands and globally. Operator collaboration plays a vital role in identifying, reporting and sanctioning suspicious betting activity and to protecting the regulated market.”

IBIA monitors over 1.5 million matches across more than 80 sports each year, with its operator intelligence playing a crucial role in supporting sporting, regulatory and law-enforcement investigations. Sanctions announced in 2025 involving IBIA data included 54 matches proven to have been corrupted, with sanctions subsequently imposed on 24 players, teams and officials across five sports.

IBIA’s 2025 Sports Betting Integrity Report highlights the ongoing impact of its Global MAP in identifying suspicious betting activity and supporting investigations and sanctions against corruption in sport. More recently, IBIA published its 2026 Q1 Integrity Report.

Playson expands North American presence with Caesars partnership

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Playson expands North American presence with Caesars partnership

Playson has secured its latest partnership in Ontario with Caesars Entertainment, bringing a new portfolio of titles to Caesars Palace Online Casino, Horseshoe Online Casino and Caesars Sportsbook & Casino.

The agreement will see Playson elevate the industry-renowned operator’s comprehensive online slot collection with an array of top-performing releases from its Hold and Win library, integrated via Light & Wonder’s aggregation platform.

Titles including 4 Pots Riches: Hold and Win, Thunder Coins: Hold and Win and Diamonds Power XXL: Hold and Win will enable players across the province to enjoy feature-led, captivating gameplay experiences, which have already proven successful since Playson first entered the market in 2022.

“Caesars Digital is a prestigious entertainment brand, and this partnership reinforces our commitment to deliver player-favourite content to the world’s leading casino operators,” said Ben Wood, CCO at Playson. We look forward to bringing our proven portfolio to an increased number of players across Ontario and continue strengthening our North American footprint.”

Ricardo Cornejo Rivas, Vice President of Online Gaming at Caesars Digital, shared: “The addition of Playson’s established portfolio of titles broadens the online casino offering for our players in Ontario. This partnership reflects our ongoing focus on advancing the online casino experience across our platforms.”

Playson’s latest tie-up highlights the international recognition of its brand, with its extensive portfolio continuing to drive long-term value for operators worldwide.

Recently, Playson announced it has been approved by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) to distribute its games in the regulated Philippine market.


Gaming Realms launches in 3 African markets with SportyBet

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Gaming Realms launches in 3 African markets with SportyBet

Gaming Realms, known for its proprietary Slingo format, continues its strategic expansion across Africa. Just weeks after entering South Africa, the company has successfully launched in the Nigerian, Kenyan, and Ghanaian markets in collaboration with SportyBet.

Local players of the leading operator can now access a vast portfolio of Slingo games including player favourites Slingo Sweet Bonanza, Slingo Day of the Dab and Slingo Xxxtreme. The iconic offering has proven appeal across the globe, providing a unique experience that blends the excitement of slots with strategy.

The operator is part of Sporty Group, a global media and entertainment company that holds licences to offer betting and online casino content in numerous regulated African regions.

Entering the three new regulated markets is a milestone achievement for Gaming Realms, with Africa a key area of growth for the provider that has rapidly boosted its presence in Europe and North America over the last year. The latest expansion follows a recent market debut in South Africa with the company set to further expand in the African region in the near future. 

“Entering three new African markets at once together with SportyBet is a fantastic achievement for the Gaming Realms team,” said Laura Norton, Account Manager at Gaming Realms. “We are encouraged by the initial performance and are confident our unique content is appealing to SportyBet’s local customers and look forward to a successful partnership.”

Joey Hurtado, Director of Casino at SportyBet, added: “Being the first operator to introduce Gaming Realms’ content in three of our core African markets is a real coup. Their product offering provides something truly different, and this collaboration helps us deliver on our promise to offer our customers a best-in-class entertainment experience.”

CLSA sees Macau GGR growth moderating after solid May finish

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CLSA sees Macau GGR growth moderating after solid May finish

Macau’s gross gaming revenue (GGR) outperformed market expectations in May, but year-on-year growth is expected to moderate from June as the comparison base rises, according to an investment memo by CLSA analyst Jeffrey Kiang.

Macau’s May 2026 gross gaming revenue rose 6.7 percent year-on-year to MOP22.61 billion ($2.8 billion), broadly in line with CLSA’s forecast of 6.6 percent growth and 1.7 percent above Bloomberg consensus.

CLSA said the result represented a ‘solid finish,’ with gaming revenue averaging MOP783 million ($96.9 million) per day from May 26th to May 31st. That was 9 percent higher than the MOP716 million ($88.6 million) daily average recorded during the first 25 days of the month, which the brokerage said was possibly due to ‘normalized win rates.’

Macau posts strongest May since the pandemic, GGR up 6.7% to $2.8B

After adjusting for the number of days in the month, May’s average daily GGR stood at MOP729 million ($90.2 million), 10 percent above the MOP663 million ($82.1 million) recorded in April 2026.

For the first 5 months of 2026, Macau’s GGR increased 10.9 percent year-on-year to MOP108.4 billion ($13.42 billion), reaching 86 percent of the level recorded in the same period of 2019.

CLSA expects Macau’s June GGR to edge down 0.65 percent year-on-year to MOP20.9 billion ($2.59 billion), implying average daily revenue of MOP698 million ($86.4 million). Kiang noted that the forecast is broadly in line with the Bloomberg consensus median, which stands at a 1 percent year-on-year decline.

The brokerage said growth is expected to moderate from June onward as the year-on-year base rises. It maintained its 2026 full-year forecast for Macau GGR growth at 5 percent, at the low end of the market consensus range of 5 percent to 8 percent.

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