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Gamingtec supports Behind The Gloves in €150K fundraising push at Midnight Mayhem Fight Night

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Gamingtec supports Behind The Gloves in €150K fundraising push at Midnight Mayhem Fight Night

Gamingtec is officially stepping into the ring as the Headline Impact Partner for Midnight Mayhem Fight Night! Teaming up with Behind The Gloves, the global B2B iGaming tech provider is backing the ultimate charity boxing event at ICE Barcelona on January 19, 2027.

Under the partnership, Gamingtec will support Midnight Mayhem’s mission to raise €150,000 for charitable causes while championing the journeys of 16 industry figures preparing to step into the ring.

Gamingtec’s involvement will underpin the delivery of Midnight Mayhem, from the six-month training programme to the event’s fundraising, fighter stories and post-event impact reporting. The partnership will also support the landmark WBC Adaptive Boxing showcase and ensure proceeds are distributed transparently to the charities nominated by the fighters and partners involved.

More than a traditional event sponsorship, the partnership will see Gamingtec work alongside Behind The Gloves throughout the campaign, helping to promote the event, support its charitable mission and demonstrate the impact achieved beyond fight night.

Sapar Karyagdyyev, Founder of Gamingtec, said: “At Gamingtec, we believe the strongest partnerships create value beyond business, so supporting Midnight Mayhem was a natural fit for us. The initiative brings together people from across our industry to raise money for important causes while highlighting the positive impact the sector can have when it comes together behind a shared goal. We’re proud to support Behind The Gloves as Headline Impact Partner and look forward to growing the event, amplifying its fundraising mission and celebrating the participants throughout their journey to ICE Barcelona.”

“A target like €150,000 isn’t achieved through enthusiasm alone – it’s achieved through commitment,” added Lee McFarland, Founder of Behind The Gloves. “Gamingtec’s decision to become our Headline Impact Partner strengthens every part of Midnight Mayhem and gives us the platform to create an even greater impact for the charities and communities we’re supporting. But more importantly, it sends a message. When a company of Gamingtec’s standing backs an initiative like this, it shows what our industry can achieve when businesses come together behind a shared purpose. That’s how one fight night becomes something much bigger, and I couldn’t ask for a better partner to have in our corner.”

Merkur Group acquires White Hat Studios to strengthen U.S. growth strategy

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Merkur Group acquires White Hat Studios to strengthen U.S. growth strategy

Merkur Group has agreed to acquire leading U.S. iGaming content provider White Hat Studios, marking another significant step in its strategic expansion across the regulated North American market.

The transaction brings together Merkur Group’s global gaming expertise and White Hat Studios’ proven success in the U.S. online gaming sector, creating new opportunities to accelerate innovation, broaden product development, and enhance omni-channel experiences for operators and players alike.

Since launching in 2021, White Hat Studios has rapidly established itself as a key force in U.S. iGaming, becoming the first supplier to deploy online slot content across all seven regulated states. Its portfolio features a diverse range of titles, including the popular House of Brands collection, the acclaimed 7s Fire Blitz™ series, and the Jackpot Royale™ progressive jackpot network.

The acquisition further reinforces Merkur Group’s commitment to the U.S. market, following its recent purchase of Gaming Arts. Together, these businesses will enable Merkur to deliver an expanded portfolio of online and land-based gaming content while supporting operators seeking scalable growth in an increasingly competitive landscape.

Notably, White Hat Gaming’s platform and white-label operations are excluded from the agreement and will continue under existing ownership.

Andy Whitworth, President of White Hat Studios, said: “Becoming part of Merkur Group represents an exciting new chapter for White Hat Studios. The partnership provides a strong foundation for accelerating innovation, enhancing our product roadmap, and delivering even greater value to operators and players through a truly integrated omni-channel offering.”

Lars Felderhoff, Chairman of the Merkur Management Board, commented: “White Hat Studios has built an impressive reputation and achieved remarkable growth within a short period. We are delighted to welcome the team to Merkur and look forward to strengthening our presence in the regulated U.S. iGaming market together.”

Michael Gauselmann, Chairman of the Merkur Supervisory Board, added: “This acquisition aligns with our long-term digital growth strategy and builds upon Merkur’s successful expansion into online gaming. We are confident White Hat Studios will make a valuable contribution to our future development.”

White Hat Studios received advisory support from Oakvale Capital, with CMS acting as legal counsel to White Hat Studios and Wiggin advising Merkur Group.

The transaction remains subject to customary regulatory approvals.

EvenBet Gaming secures Swedish B2B supplier license

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EvenBet Gaming secures Swedish B2B supplier license

EvenBet Gaming has strengthened its foothold in the Nordic market after securing a five-year B2B supplier license from Sweden’s gambling regulator (Spelinspektionen), enabling operators to leverage its fully compliant poker and casino solutions while gaining access to one of Europe’s most established and high-value regulated gaming markets.

The license gives partners instant access to EvenBet’s entire flagship portfolio, including its world-class poker software and comprehensive online casino suite.

The synergy between a premium poker ecosystem and classic casino verticals enables Swedish brands to cross-sell seamlessly, lower acquisition costs, and attract high-lifetime-value players, while the expansion opens up significant opportunities for local operators to capture a larger share of Sweden’s fast-growing, highly lucrative iGaming market.

Through the new license, EvenBet Gaming also provides a fully compliant gateway to one of Europe’s most mature player bases, where the channelisation rate consistently exceeds 90%, ensuring players actively seek out and stick to legally licensed offerings.

The provider manages all mandatory annual security audits and RNG testing, handling the heavy lifting of Spelinspektionen’s requirements so Swedish operators can focus entirely on scaling.

According to the latest Spelinspektionen data, Sweden’s licensed gambling market generated SEK 6.7 billion in turnover during the first quarter of 2026, reflecting stable 0.8% year-on-year growth, with the commercial online gambling and sports betting sector driving the market at SEK 4.4 billion.

The Swedish license follows EvenBet’s recent success in securing a supplier license in Denmark, further strengthening the company’s position in highly regulated and complex markets.

Commenting on the achievement, Dmitry Starostenkov, CEO at EvenBet Gaming, said: “Securing our Swedish B2B license is another important milestone in EvenBet’s long-term strategy. Sweden has established itself as one of the most mature and well-regulated gaming markets in Europe, making it an extremely attractive jurisdiction for both suppliers and operators. This approval not only reflects the strength and reliability of our technology but also allows us to support our existing and future partners with fully compliant access to a highly valuable market.”

SOFTSWISS teams up with WorldGaming for the 2027 iGaming Trends Report

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SOFTSWISS teams up with WorldGaming for the 2027 iGaming Trends Report

SOFTSWISS has announced that the fifth edition of the iGaming Trends Report will feature expanded research through a partnership with WorldGaming (formerly Clarion Gaming), leveraging data and audience reach from leading brands including ICE, iGB, and GGB.

This strategic alliance positions the 2027 iGaming Trends Report as the definitive benchmark for understanding the evolving global iGaming landscape.

Five years ago, SOFTSWISS pioneered industry research with the launch of the iGaming Trends Report, recognising early that data-driven insights are fundamental to navigating market evolution. The report has since become the most widely read annual research publication in the industry, providing operators, suppliers, affiliates, and investors with data-backed forecasts and practical analysis to help them anticipate market evolution and make informed decisions.

To date, the iGaming Trends Report has reached more than 32,000 downloads. The previous edition drew on a survey of over 350 iGaming professionals, combined with independent analytics and internal expertise from more than 30+ SOFTSWISS specialists.

For the 2027 edition, the partnership with WorldGaming (formerly Clarion Gaming) expands the research’s scope and authority. Through WorldGaming’s industry-leading platforms, ICE, iGB, and GGB, the report gains access to one of the industry’s largest professional networks, enriching the data foundation with insights from thousands of decision-makers across the global iGaming ecosystem.

Olga Resiga, Chief Business Development Officer at SOFTSWISS, said: “Each year, we raise the bar for the iGaming Trends Report, combining real industry data with expert insights to help businesses make smarter, more informed decisions. To achieve this, we look beyond our own network and collaborate with partners who are deeply connected to different parts of the industry. WorldGaming’s strong community reach will bring valuable perspectives to the research, and we are delighted to welcome them on board for this milestone edition.”

This collaboration underscores SOFTSWISS’ focus on reliable technology, transparent data, and industry trust as essential elements for sustainable partnerships in regulated markets. The alliance with WorldGaming reflects a shared commitment to elevating professional standards across the global iGaming ecosystem.

Robin Harrison, Global Content Director B2B at WorldGaming, added: “We’re delighted to partner with SOFTSWISS on the 2027 iGaming Trends Report. The global iGaming industry continues to evolve at pace, and arming stakeholders with high-quality data, expert insight and informed analysis is crucial to navigate this changing environment. Over the past four years, the iGaming Trends Report has become a valuable resource for operators, suppliers, and investors, and we are proud to join the conversation for the fifth edition.”

The report is built on direct industry input. Each year, SOFTSWISS runs a structured survey covering market developments, player behaviour, technology shifts, and regulatory changes. Contributors range from product managers and compliance leads to investors and marketing professionals. Built on rigorous methodology and five years of industry research, the report has become the benchmark many businesses return to year after year.

SOFTSWISS is still running the survey for the 2027 report. Participants can share views on market direction, technology, player behaviour, and regulation. The survey takes a few minutes to complete and is available via the link.

Cambodian tycoon’s casino empire was landlord to Chinese scam compound: report

Viviana Chan
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Cambodian tycoon’s casino empire was landlord to Chinese scam compound: report

A casino and real-estate group controlled by Cambodian tycoon Lim Heng leased buildings beside its Royal Hill Resort and Casino that were used for industrial-scale cyberfraud and human trafficking operations, according to a Reuters investigation published on July 15th.

A March 2024 agreement reviewed by the news agency showed that Royal Hill leased three buildings in its O’Smach compound to a Chinese national for two years at $200,000 per month. The report withheld the tenant’s name because it could not independently confirm his identity or establish his role, if any, in the criminal activity.

The rental price was substantially above comparable market rates. A similarly sized mixed-use building in an upscale Phnom Penh neighborhood had been advertised for $25,000 per month.

Royal Hill was one of three casinos that Lim Heng Group was reported to operate in 2022. The other two were Srangam Resort and Casino and Sai Taku Resort and Casino, according to a Khmer Times report on casino license renewals.

The leased buildings stood only tens of meters from Royal Hill and were connected to the resort by a paved road. Inside, investigators found rooms designed to resemble foreign police stations and bank branches, which former workers and Thai authorities said were used as backdrops for impersonation scams targeting victims overseas.

Other areas included acoustic-lined booths for scam calls, offices and dormitories. Thai security forces estimated that about 3,000 people had been housed in the fenced structures, which formed part of a wider 200-acre scam park.

The investigation found no evidence that Lim Heng Group was directly involved in the trafficking or fraud conducted at the site. Royal Hill did not respond to calls or emails, while questions sent to Lim Heng Group by registered post were delivered but went unanswered.

Cambodian legal experts said property owners could face prosecution if investigators established that they knew their premises were being used for criminal purposes and allowed the activity to continue.

Lim Heng Group had been alerted to possible trafficking claims by September 2024, when a company representative filed legal complaints against two Cambodian publishers that had reported foreigners were being confined at the casino compound.

The case adds to scrutiny of connections between Cambodia’s casino industry and cyberfraud operations. Amnesty International said in April that it had linked 12 licensed casinos to compounds where trafficking, forced labor, torture and other abuses had been reported, although the news agency had not independently verified that figure.

Senior Cambodian minister Chhay Sinarith said authorities were investigating alleged fraud operations around Royal Hill and remained committed to working with international partners. However, he said Thai forces should return control of the seized locations to allow the investigations to proceed.

Macau expands casino-backed community shuttle to 14 routes, extends run to 2027

Viviana Chan
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Macau expands casino-backed community shuttle to 14 routes, extends run to 2027

Macau will expand its casino concessionaire-backed community shuttle scheme on Friday, as the government pushes to spread visitor spending beyond the city’s integrated resorts.

The upgraded “Leisure Bus 2.0” adds four direct routes from Macau’s busiest tourist  landmarks into residential neighborhoods and extends the program to January 3rd, 2027. The network now spans 14 routes, 10 community stops and two core tourist hubs.

The four new lines, operated by the local tourism sector, will run from the Ruins of St. Paul’s and Rua do Cunha to districts including NAPE, Fai Chi Kei and Iao Hon. Nearly 20,000 passengers have used the service since its trial launch on April 25th, according to the government.

The Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau (DICJ) coordinated the six gaming concessionaires, which run the 10 existing routes, to synchronize their schedules with the new lines. Buses will operate from noon to early evening on weekends and public holidays, with added Friday services in July and August.

The scheme’s mobile platform now consolidates information on nearly 400 local merchants and had drawn more than 30,000 views by July 13th. Feedback on the first phase was generally positive, though some residents earlier raised concerns over the impact on traffic and the environment in residential areas.

China’s 2Q26 GDP growth slows to 4.3% as investment contracts

Viviana Chan
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China’s 2Q26 GDP growth slows to 4.3% as investment contracts

China’s economic growth slowed to 4.3 percent year-on-year in the second quarter, easing by 0.7 percentage points from the first three months as short-term pressures and external factors weighed on activity, according to the National Bureau of Statistics.

Gross domestic product expanded 4.7 percent in the first half, while per-capita disposable income rose 5.2 percent in nominal terms. NBS deputy commissioner Mao Shengyong said the pace remained consistent with the government’s full-year growth target.

The data showed an uneven performance. Industrial output from larger enterprises rose 5.4 percent year-on-year and retail sales of goods and services increased 2.7 percent, while consumer prices gained 1 percent.

In contrast, fixed-asset investment fell 5.7 percent, dragged by an 18 percent decline in property development investment. The average surveyed urban unemployment rate stood at 5.2 percent.

Two CLSA reports published earlier in July also highlighted consumer pressures relevant to Macau’s gaming operators. In a July 10th report, CLSA said consumer confidence in China was notably lower than during Macau’s previous gaming concession period.

A separate July 2nd report said spending power among non-premium mainland visitors remained muted. CLSA’s survey of 800 mainland travelers with previous Macau gaming experience also identified wages, renminbi strength, stock market performance and Chinese property prices as factors affecting future gaming budgets.

The figures follow the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) decision to raise its 2026 China growth forecast by 0.2 percentage points to 4.6 percent, although growth is still expected to slow from 5 percent in 2025.

China, Philippines repatriate suspect linked to gambling and fraud

Viviana Chan
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China, Philippines repatriate suspect linked to gambling and fraud

Chinese and Philippine law enforcement authorities have arrested and repatriated a Chinese fugitive suspected of organizing cross-border online gambling and telecommunications fraud operations, according to China’s embassy in Manila.

The suspect, identified only by the surname Lin, allegedly belonged to a criminal group that established online gambling and fraud operations in the Philippines and Cambodia. The embassy said the group used gambling websites and sexually suggestive apps to lure victims, with the cases involving hundreds of millions of yuan, equivalent to tens of millions of US dollars.

The embassy disclosed the case in a July 15th post on its official WeChat account. Xinhua also reported the announcement. The suspect’s complete name and details about the timing and location of the arrest were not disclosed.

Since 2023, Chinese and Philippine authorities have jointly arrested 102 key fugitives and repatriated 2,461 suspects linked to gambling and fraud, according to the embassy. In May, Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Jing Quan said bilateral cooperation had led to the arrest of another 10 key fugitives and the repatriation of 46 criminal suspects.

Recent operations also included the June repatriation of four suspects linked to alleged gambling businesses and kidnapping cases in the Philippines. In April and May, authorities returned suspects accused of operating illegal gambling websites targeting thousands of mainland Chinese users, with each case involving more than RMB200 million ($29.5 million).

The embassy said China would continue strengthening law enforcement cooperation with the Philippines to combat transnational crime, protect the public’s property and safeguard normal travel between the two countries.

Logifuture rolls out flagship ‘Simulate’ solution with Hollywoodbets in South Africa

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Logifuture rolls out flagship ‘Simulate’ solution with Hollywoodbets in South Africa

South African bettors can now experience Logifuture‘s flagship instant sports product, Simulate, following a new partnership between the iGaming B2B provider and leading operator Hollywoodbets.

The agreement marks Logifuture’s entry into one of Africa’s most established betting  markets, with Simulate now live to Hollywoodbets’ player base. 

Simulate brings a new layer to the sportsbook experience, allowing users to recreate real world bets on football, basketball and cricket — but with results delivered in seconds. With  the ability to run multiple simulations at the same time, players can now enjoy more action,  more often, all within the same instant. 

Driving innovation in a key growth market 

Niccolò Cassettari, Chief Business Development Officer at Logifuture, said: “We’re really excited to go live in South Africa with Hollywoodbets. It’s a big step for us and exactly the kind of partner we look for — strong brand, huge reach, and a real understanding of their players. Simulate fits perfectly into that ecosystem. It adds a new rhythm to the sportsbook — fast, engaging, and always available. Being first in the market with this kind of product  gives Hollywoodbets a clear edge, and we’re confident it will translate into strong  performance from day one.”

“Our focus has always been on delivering more value and entertainment to our players,” added Wayde Dorkin, Head of Product for Hollywoodbets. “Simulate introduces a new dimension to the betting experience, offering fast-paced, engaging content that is available around the clock. We are proud to be the first operator to bring Simulate to South Africa and are excited  to partner with Logifuture on this exclusive rollout.”

1xBet at Affiliate World Europe 2026: business highlights of two days in Budapest

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1xBet at Affiliate World Europe 2026: business highlights of two days in Budapest

The 1xBet team has wrapped up its participation at Affiliate World Europe 2026, one of Europe’s leading summer affiliate marketing events, where the brand was among the key exhibitors.

The conference, held in Budapest on July 9-10, brought together webmasters, media buyers, and iGaming industry professionals.

Productive takeaways: business in focus

The event aligned with the World Cup 2026 quarterfinals – the tournament was reaching peak audience interest, and webmaster traffic was surging. As a result, visitors to the C56 booth had a clear priority: securing the best offers for the football season, which currently accounts for the largest share of traffic in the betting vertical. 

1xPartners affiliate program managers introduced updated partnership terms, custom creatives tailored to local GEOs, and gamification tools to boost retention. Special emphasis was placed on ready-to-use solutions for high-demand markets, allowing partners to get started without a lengthy testing phase.

Two days spent at the booth yielded excellent results: the team laid the groundwork for dozens of new, large-scale partnerships that promise long-term benefits for both sides.

Buzz at the booth

Business meetings ran alongside an interactive program for visitors. One of the biggest attractions was the Stopwatch game. The format proved so engaging that С56 booth had a constant queue, making it one of the conference’s standout activities. 

1xBet
1xBet

The daily prize drawing at 17:00 sparked no less interest. The grand prize was a luxury Hermès bracelet. Other prizes included a Lomography Appareil Photo Instantané instant camera in a limited Saint Laurent Edition, as well as branded Budapest Merch 1X, which visitors were equally eager to claim.

This curated prize selection underscores the brand’s premium standards in every single detail.

Affiliate World Europe 2026 cemented 1xBet’s status as a reliable partner that invests in networking and long-term relationships with affiliates. The brand’s team sincerely thanks everyone who visited booth C56, participated in the giveaways, or simply stopped by to chat.

If you weren’t able to meet in person in Budapest, contact your 1xPartners manager or sign up on the platform to get the best market terms today.

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