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Macau sees record holiday traffic as arrivals top 227,000

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Macau recorded more than 227,943 visitor arrivals on Thursday, February 19th, the fifth day of the Chinese New Year holiday break, marking a new record for single-day arrivals in the city.

During the day, authorities implemented several crowd control measures in major tourist areas. In the evening, a parade, drone, and fireworks displays were held, which are believed to have been among the factors attracting inbound visitors.

Data from the Public Security Police show that more than 750,000 cross-border movements were recorded that day. Most travelers entered through the Border Gate, followed by Hengqin Port and the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge.

macau

Macau recorded a total of 779,566 visitor arrivals in the first five days of the Lunar New Year Golden Week. This represents an average of approximately 155,913 visitors per day. Authorities expect visitor arrivals to remain at high levels in the coming days.

Earlier, the Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO) projected between 1.4 million and 1.5 million visitor arrivals over the nine-day holiday period, averaging between 158,000 and 175,000 per day.

The Public Security Police Force also projected between 6 million and 6.21 million cross-border trips from February 15th to 23rd, with daily movements averaging more than 670,000. The authorities had earlier forecast February 19th as one of the peak days for visitor arrivals.

Kevin Mullally appointed as IAGR’s first Chief Executive Officer

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The International Association of Gaming Regulators (IAGR) has announced the appointment of Kevin Mullally as its first Chief Executive Officer, a newly created role that reflects the organisation’s continued growth, expanding global influence and increasingly complex regulatory agenda.

IAGR represents gaming regulatory authorities from jurisdictions worldwide and serves as the leading international forum for cross-border collaboration on critical industry issues. The creation of the Chief Executive Officer position underscores IAGR’s commitment to strengthening its operational capacity, expanding member engagement, building strategic partner relationships and deepening international cooperation among regulators.

IAGR, international association of gaming regulators

The new role strengthens IAGR’s executive capacity while maintaining its member-led governance structure, with strategic direction set by the Board of Trustees.

‘Kevin brings an extraordinary depth of regulatory experience and a global perspective that aligns perfectly with IAGR’s mission,’ said Ben Haden, President of IAGR. ‘The Board was unanimous in its excitement about bringing on a leader with Kevin’s background to guide IAGR in this newly created Chief Executive Officer role. His understanding of regulatory challenges, governance, the global industry and international collaboration will be invaluable as IAGR continues to evolve.’
 
Under Mullally’s leadership, IAGR will further enhance its role as a convening authority for regulators facing shared challenges, including illegal gambling, match-fixing, integrity threats, and other regulatory risks that require coordinated international action.
 
‘IAGR’s strength lies in its members and their willingness to work together across jurisdictions,’ Kevin Mullally said. ‘My focus is on supporting regulators by expanding collaboration, sharing practical solutions, and ensuring IAGR remains at the forefront of addressing the most critical regulatory issues worldwide.’
 
Mullally brings decades of senior-level experience in gaming regulation, public policy and governance. His career includes leadership roles overseeing complex regulatory systems, advancing responsible gaming frameworks, combating illegal market activity and engaging constructively with industry stakeholders while maintaining strong regulatory independence. That experience directly supports IAGR’s mission to promote effective regulation in the public interest.
 
In conjunction with this appointment, Mullally has also established The Mullally Group, an independent advisory firm focused on supporting governments, regulators, and institutions in the development and implementation of effective regulatory frameworks and governance practices.
 
As Chief Executive Officer, Kevin Mullally will build upon IAGR’s initiatives to promote regulatory innovation and the responsible adoption of new technologies that improve regulatory efficiency, enhance oversight capabilities and support data-driven decision-making. He will also expand IAGR’s educational mission by strengthening professional development programs, stakeholder engagement, research initiatives and global knowledge sharing among regulators at every stage of market development.
 
A key focus will be further strengthening IAGR’s role as a leading international forum for gaming regulators, particularly in regions experiencing rapid growth and regulatory evolution. That focus will be showcased at IAGR’s Annual Conference in Lima, Peru, in October, expected to be one of the year’s most significant international gaming regulatory gatherings. The conference will bring together regulators, policymakers and experts from around the world to address the most pressing regulatory issues, with particular emphasis on the expanding momentum of gaming markets across South and Latin America.
 
‘Lima will provide a powerful forum for regulators to engage on shared challenges, particularly as markets across Latin America expand in both scale and complexity,’ added Kevin Mullally. ‘IAGR’s role is to bring regulators together to build effective, collaborative, and future-focused regulatory models.’
 
The Lima conference is a must-attend event for regulators and others engaged in gaming regulation, public policy, and regulatory compliance, offering unparalleled insight into emerging risks, regulatory best practices, and the future of international cooperation in gaming oversight. The conference also provides a unique forum for experts, stakeholders, and organisations that support effective regulation to engage in meaningful dialogue with regulators worldwide.

Aviatrix steps into the iGaming Metaverse, moving past traditional Crash Games

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Aviatrix has introduced its new long‑term roadmap through the launch of the Aviatrix iGaming Metaverse, expanding its flagship crash title into a broader, interconnected gaming universe.

After more than three years as a single title, Aviatrix will launch a new game, Aviatrix Second Chance, next month. This will be followed by additional games, including Aviatrix Fruits and Aviatrix Mines.

Aviatrix’s iGaming Metaverse will unite these different games inside one progression system, with players carrying the same profile, rewards and achievements across titles, creating a clear sense of continuity across the portfolio.

Anastasia Rimskaya, Chief Account Officer at Aviatrix, said: “From the beginning, our ambition for Aviatrix has always been bigger than a single game. We spent years perfecting and growing the core crash experience, and that success created the foundation to expand into something broader. By unifying the player’s profile and progression across multiple games, we are giving those users reasons to stay loyal. The Aviatrix iGaming Metaverse is our long-term vision of a connected ecosystem where every title contributes to the same player journey.”

Aviatrix’s industry-first iGaming Metaverse allows new titles to integrate directly into the same ecosystem. Every additional release becomes another way for players to advance their profile, unlock rewards and participate in tournaments.

Choice Gaming teams up with Patrice Evra for the exclusive launch of Evra Crash

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Choice Gaming has unveiled one of its major new releases, Evra Crash — an exclusive crash game created in collaboration with global football icon Patrice Evra.

Blending the adrenaline of crash gameplay with the passion and culture of football, Evra Crash by Choice Gaming introduces a dynamic, shared-table experience designed to unite players in every round.

A Football Legend at the Center of the Action

Patrice Evra – one of football’s most recognizable and charismatic figures – appears as the central character of this game, bringing authenticity, authority, and unmistakable football energy to the crash format. This collaboration reflects a shared vision: combining competitive spirit with high-impact entertainment.

A Shared Crash Experience

Evra Crash is built around collective participation.

  • All players enter the same round at the same time;
  • Networked participation;
  • Visible, shared rounds across players.

Rather than isolated sessions, players enjoy a social, synchronized crash experience that heightens engagement and amplifies anticipation.

Game Performance & Features

Evra Crash delivers a balanced and accessible gameplay profile:

  • RTP: 95%
  • Maximum Multiplier: 10,000x
  • Volatility: Low

Designed to appeal to a wide range of players, the low volatility structure ensures consistent entertainment while maintaining the excitement expected from a premium crash title.

Built for Every Environment

Evra Crash is engineered for versatility and performance across platforms:
  • Mobile-friendly by default
  • Optimized for land-based solutions
  • Consistent gameplay experience across environments

Whether online or within physical gaming hubs, players encounter one seamless experience, maintaining clear continuity wherever they connect.

PAGCOR supports Filipinas’ campaign for the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup

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The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) has committed an initial P5 million to support the Filipinas as they prepare for the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup in Australia, scheduled for March 1–21, 2026.

The financial assistance through the Philippine Football Federation (PFF) comes as the Filipinas build momentum following their historic win at the 2025 Southeast Asian Games, earning the country’s first-ever SEA Games gold medal in women’s football.

PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro H. Tengco said supporting national athletes who bring honor to the country is both a responsibility and an investment in national pride.

PAGCOR supports Filipinas’ campaign for the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup

“Our athletes carry the Philippine flag onto the world stage, and their victories inspire millions of Filipinos,” Mr. Tengco said.

Alejandro H. Tengco

Mr. Tengco said that PAGCOR strengthened its support for sports development following a Supreme Court ruling directing the agency to remit the Philippine Sports Commission’s (PSC) five percent share based on PAGCOR’s gross revenues.

“With our increased remittances to the PSC, more resources are being made available for national sports programs,” he said. “Beyond compliance, we believe in actively backing Filipino athletes who bring pride and recognition to the country.”

For the PFF, the funding will help cover expenses for training camps, international friendlies and other preparatory activities leading up to the Australia tournament which will feature Asia’s top women’s teams.

The Australian campaign also serves as a key pathway to global competitions like the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

PFF President John Anthony Gutierrez welcomed PAGCOR’s support and underscored the importance of sustained backing from both government and private institutions.

“We are grateful to PAGCOR for stepping up at a crucial time in our preparations,” Mr. Gutierrez said during a courtesy call on Mr. Tengco at the PAGCOR Corporate Office in Pasay City on Wednesday.

“Competing at the AFC Women’s Asian Cup requires significant resources for high-level training and international exposure,” he said. “Continued support from our partners ensures that our athletes are fully equipped to compete with Asia’s best.”

Soft2Bet rolls out MEGA11 to transform sportsbook interaction

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Soft2Bet has announced the launch of MEGA11, a football manager game designed to boost sportsbook engagement and strengthen player retention.

Recognizing that football manager and fantasy titles are among the most popular gaming genres with the longest average session times, MEGA11 offers a progression-led and immersive football manager experience based around a concept of fantasy league team building, where players strategically manage their own squad and make key decisions as they compete in leagues and matchups.

Sportsbook users are naturally accustomed to waiting to place their next bet. That downtime understandably creates a drop in daily engagement, even among highly football-focused bettors. MEGA11 tackles this challenge by offering users a football manager game directly integrated with the sportsbook experience.

Instead of waiting for the next kickoff, players can stay active by building their team, adjusting lineups, and competing through their own matchups or leagues. This creates a unique two-way engagement loop, seamlessly blending real-money betting with social, immersive gameplay, turning these quieter periods into structured activity with clear goals, progression, and a reason to return.

MEGA11 Key Features

MEGA11 is built as a standalone game with its own soft-currency model, with no direct connection to sportsbook deposits or casino activity. The core experience is free-to-play, allowing players to progress at their own pace. For those who want to move faster or strengthen their squad, MEGA11 also offers optional purchases, including stronger player cards and boosters that accelerate progression and provide a competitive edge.

The sportsbook engagement is driven by a simple, measurable mechanic. With every bet, players earn points that advance their progress in the football manager game. This progression, in turn, unlocks sportsbook bonuses, effectively incentivising continuous participation and reinforcing regular activity.

Progress is structured through a five-tier loyalty and gamification system that mirrors a football career path: Beginner, Amateur, Professional, World Class and Legend. The tiering is designed to keep the experience motivating over time, with a steady sense of advancement that supports longer-lasting retention rather than short bursts of activity.

The new engine expands Soft2Bet’s wider MEGA portfolio, which already includes mechanics such as MEGA Chance, MEGA Round and MEGA Clawee. It also complements Soft2Bet’s sportsbook proposition, including instant payouts, 24/7 support and 200+ pre-match football markets, by adding an always-available football format built specifically to keep fans engaged beyond the live match schedule.

Player protection and compliance remain central to the product design. MEGA11’s soft-currency, non-deposit structure supports safe and compliant engagement, keeping the focus on entertainment and progression while aligning with responsible gaming expectations in regulated markets.

Yoel Zuckerberg, CPO at Soft2Bet, stated: “MEGA11 is built to keep football fans engaged between matchdays, pairing a manager-style progression loop with a soft-currency model that supports compliant, long-term sportsbook loyalty. Football manager games are renowned for having the highest player immersion and longest session times in the industry. By bringing this experience to our partners, we are combining real betting with social gameplay to deliver authentic player experiences that resonate with fans and drive sustainable engagement.”

The launch of MEGA11 reinforces Soft2Bet’s focus on product-led engagement, combining game design, loyalty mechanics and a strong regulatory approach to help operators build more consistent retention across the football calendar. The technology has already been recognised with key industry awards and is generating a strong positive response from players, validating its impact on both engagement and long-term value creation.

SportsPro and Sportradar study reveals 80% of sports organizations now rely on AI

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Research from SportsPro and Sportradar shows AI adoption has surpassed 80 percent across sports organizations, yet almost two thirds say they need more sport‑specific tech to fully reach their strategic objectives.

The inaugural Global SportsTech Report 2026 produced by SportsPro and Sportradar, provides a 360-degree view of the technological trends driving sport’s digital transformation, drawing on quantitative data and qualitative insight gleaned from a global survey of senior sports executives, in-depth conversations with sports technology leaders, and real-world case studies.

Spanning six core themes – media and content, infrastructure and operations, stadiums and venues, betting and gamingfan engagement, and athletic performance – the report reveals growing confidence in the power of AI among sports industry stakeholders, with nearly three quarters of survey respondents revealing that their AI initiatives to date have delivered tangible value.

As well as input from more than 160 senior executives representing leagues, teams, brands, broadcasters, media platforms, service providers and venue operators across the globe, the Global SportsTech Report 2026 features first-hand contributions from sports tech experts at innovative organizations including Sportradar, the International Olympic Committee, Major League Soccer, National Hockey League, Formula One, UEFA, Google, TikTok, Meta, BeIN Media Group, DAZN, NBCUniversal, Microsoft, Cosm, and many more.

Global SportsTech Report 2026: Key survey findings

  • 98% of organizations plan to increase their use of AI in the next 12 months, while 72% see AI as the technology with the greatest potential for their organization in the next five years;
  • 73% of organizations who plan to expand their use of AI intend to do so in content creation and distribution;
  • 60% say digital platforms have already unlocked new direct revenue opportunities for their business;
  • 31% view betting and gaming as the D2C revenue stream with the greatest opportunity, higher than any other category;
  • 57% say enhanced 5G and Wi-Fi connectivity is the technology that has the most potential to transform the at-venue experience;
  • 78% say advanced data analytics will have the most significant impact on the field of play in the next five years.

The cross-stakeholder survey also found that while 80% of respondents think the technology industry is currently well-equipped to serve sport, 63% say more sports-specific technologies are required to achieve their goals.

“Modern technologies have revolutionised virtually every aspect of sport, transforming how it is played, organized and consumed at all levels,” said Steve McCaskill, SportsPro Editor and lead author of the report.

“Sport’s embrace of scientific knowledge, data analytics and increasingly capable hardware and software have redefined the limits of athletic performance, reimagined the fan experience and unlocked new efficiencies and revenue streams that have accelerated growth off the field of play.

Steve McCaskill
Transforming sports betting AI and the future, insights by Behshad Behzadi, Chief Product, Technology, and AI Officer at Sportradar

Behshad Behzadi, Chief Product, Technology and AI Officer at Sportradar, added, “We are pleased to partner with SportsPro to deliver this comprehensive look at the technological forces reshaping the industry. As a global leader in sports technology, we recognise that the next frontier of fan engagement will be defined by continuous collaboration and innovation.”

“This report underscores our commitment to not only leading that charge through advanced, AI-powered products and solutions but also providing the strategic insights that help the entire sports ecosystem navigate a more digital, data-driven future.”

Aristocrat sees “exciting growth prospects ahead” amongst increased AI usage

Aristocrat Chairman Neil Chatfield lauded the “strong group performance” in its 2025 financial year, “with revenue and profit growth reflecting market share gains and sustained investment in top-performing product portfolios”, indicating that the company’s investments support its “clear ambition to gain share in every market in which we compete”.

The executive notes that this strategy is underpinned by numerous “enablers”: long-term customer partnerships, “superior commercialization capabilities, and a compliance culture grounded in a strong commitment to a sustainable and responsible industry”.

The executive highlighted that its further investments will also keenly focus on AI, as “the company increasingly sees its AI-based technology development and data analytics as a clear opportunity and will continue to invest in technology aligned to this”.

Aristocrat CEO Trevor Croker echoed this sentiment, noting that “while 2025 marked another strong year for the group, we are even more excited about what’s to come”.

Part of this is the convergence of land-based casinos and the online world, causing operators to “increasingly focus on a single, unified view of the player”.

Croker indicated that “Our investment in AI across the Group is focused on harnessing opportunities that benefit our content creation and prototyping, thereby improving our speed to market.”

In addition, “AI improves our quality control and testing time, accelerating productivity around the delivery of content into and across market segments”,  while simultaneously “AI technology investment in advanced data analytics and broader operational efficiency are expected to improve performance, delivery and quality”.

Recent investments include the acquisition of Gaming Analytics – an AI-powered tool provider for land-based operators for real-time player analytics, slot optimization and marketing automation. In addition, last October, the group acquired Awager, a provider for Live Slot Streaming.

Business outlook

Croker highlighted that amongst the investments, its “financial performance year to date is positive and consistent with our plans”.

This includes “resilient” gross gaming revenue growth from its Gaming segment, despite “some softness in destination markets”. The group is expecting net additions of 4,000-5,000 units in FY26, “weighted to the second half”, alongside an increase in the fee per day.

Regarding its social casino side, Product Madness has seen continued “strong momentum” this year, “with positive growth in a market where other competitors appear to be struggling”.

For its Interactive segment, iLottery “continues to deliver solid organic growth, driven by digital migration and improved performance in current markets”. Currently its Content revenue growth “is tracking blow our aspirations”, but the group notes it will “continue to focus on the many opportunities ahead […] and invest in the right technology to deliver our FY29 $1 billion Revenue Target”.

Croker furthered that “The largest single opportunity in front of us remains our expansion into online RMG, where we look to scale and take share in this high growth segment”.

“Overall we anticipate another positive year in 2026”, notes Croker, highlighting that the gains are expected to be weighted to the second half, “given the timing of product launches in both Gaming and Interactive”.

Filipino lawmaker advocates for stricter measures against illegal online betting

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Philippine Senator Sherwin Gatchalian is calling for more stringent legislative measures to combat the growing issue of illegal online gambling, which is increasingly drawing Filipinos into gambling addiction.

In a news release on Tuesday, Gatchalian described the proliferation of unlicensed betting sites as relentless, describing them as “mushrooms—when you block them today, they reappear tomorrow. It’s never-ending; we must cut the root of the problem” the Philippine New Agency reported.

During a recent Senate hearing, the senator inquired about the efforts of the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordination Center (CICC) to tackle illegal gambling websites. The CICC reported blocking roughly 50,000 online gambling sites, with 95 to 97 percent operating from outside the Philippines.

However, the center noted that it can only block access within the country, presenting a significant enforcement challenge for cross-border operations.

In response to Gatchalian’s legislative initiatives, CICC Executive Director Renato Paraiso suggested the appointment of cyber diplomats to enhance international cybersecurity cooperation, as the Philippines has yet to designate such officials.

He also recommended expanding mutual legal assistance treaties to include cybercrimes, as current agreements are limited to traditional offenses.

Last year, Gatchalian proposed the Online Gambling Regulatory Act, aimed at establishing a comprehensive regulatory framework for online gambling, as opposed to an outright ban that could drive operations underground.

Chinese embassy in Singapore issues warning against gambling abroad

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The Chinese Embassy in Singapore has issued a strong warning to its citizens to avoid gambling while abroad, following a tragic incident involving a Chinese national who reportedly committed suicide after gambling at the Marina Bay Sands casino.

The embassy made the announcement on February 14th, 2026, via its official WeChat account, the Global Times reported.

In its notice, the embassy noted that it has dealt with multiple cases in recent years that are linked to gambling-related fatalities. With the Chinese New Year period attracting more travelers to Singapore, officials stressed the importance of being aware of the legal ramifications of gambling.

The Chinese government prohibits gambling under national law, and an amendment to the Criminal Law expressly criminalizes cross-border gambling.

This means that even in jurisdictions where gambling is legal, Chinese citizens could still face legal consequences back home. Individuals who organize or participate in gambling activities may face prosecution, and embassies cannot protect citizens from illegal actions.

The embassy also highlighted the negative impact of gambling, which can lead to severe personal and financial issues, such as financial ruin or family breakdown, noting the risks of fraud, money laundering, kidnapping, and illegal migration associated with cross-border gambling.