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High 5 Games marks 25 years of Green Machine with new ‘Blitz’ title

AGBrief Editorial
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High 5 Games marks 25 years of Green Machine with new ‘Blitz’ title

High 5 Games is celebrating the 25th anniversary of its iconic Green Machine brand with the upcoming release of Green Machine Blitz.

The new title brings the classic brand into a fresh era with a fast-paced duplication mechanic, activated collection features, four jackpots, and a high-energy LootLink bonus. Special symbols can duplicate across the reels, creating chain reactions that build momentum and expand winning opportunities.

“Green Machine has an incredible legacy, and it is always an honor to work on a game theme with this level of history and prestige,” said Jerry Wilson, Vice President of Creative at High 5 Games. “With Green Machine Blitz, our team wanted to respect everything players recognize and love about the brand while modernizing it with all-new gameplay, energy, and presentation.”

Green Machine has grown from a classic land-based casino favorite into one of High 5 Games’ most recognizable franchises, inspiring multiple new chapters across both land-based and online gaming.

SetantaBET taps LuckyStreak to power casino expansion

AGBrief Editorial
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SetantaBET taps LuckyStreak to power casino expansion

SetantaBET, the betting and gaming arm of Setanta Sports, has teamed up with live casino and content provider LuckyStreak to expand its offerings.

The deal will see SetantaBET integrate LuckyStreak’s portfolio of live dealer games and LuckyConnect aggregation services, giving players access to premium live Roulette, Blackjack and Baccarat alongside thousands of casino games from more than 60 leading providers.

Launching prior to the 2026 World Cup, the partnership supports SetantaBET’s ambitious growth plans following its launch in Georgia and reflects the operator’s strategy of leveraging the strength of the wider Setanta ecosystem to build a next-generation betting and gaming brand.

Founded in Tbilisi, Setanta Sports has become one of the most recognised sports broadcasters across Eastern Europe and Central Asia, delivering premium sports content through both traditional broadcasting and its OTT streaming platform.

Building on that foundation, SetantaBET combines sportsbook and casino gaming with innovative player engagement initiatives designed to create long-term value for customers.

Among these is GOAT CLUB, SetantaBET’s proprietary loyalty programme. Available automatically to all verified players, the programme rewards betting activity with Setanta Coins, providing guaranteed cashback that can be used across selected games on the platform.

GOAT CLUB features four membership tiers – Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum – with players earning enhanced rewards as they progress. The initiative forms part of SetantaBET’s broader strategy to deliver a more engaging and rewarding customer experience beyond traditional promotional mechanics.

Ady Totah, CEO and Co-founder of LuckyStreak, said: “SetantaBET is a new and fast-growing operator backed by the strength, reach and reputation of the Setanta brand. Their ambitions for the business are clear, and through LuckyConnect and our live dealer portfolio, we’re giving their players access to a diverse portfolio of thousands of world-class games through a single integration, while equipping their team with the content, flexibility and scalability needed to support growth across multiple markets.

“Combined with our operational expertise and industry experience, we believe this creates a strong foundation for a successful long-term partnership. We’re proud that SetantaBET chose LuckyStreak as their launch content partner, and we look forward to helping the business realise its ambitions in the years ahead,” Ady added.

Tamar Badashvili, CEO at SetantaBET, added: “We are excited to partner with LuckyStreak and further strengthen SetantaBET’s casino offering. This collaboration allows us to expand our game portfolio with content from leading providers and deliver even more entertainment and choice to our players.”

LuckyStreak’s live dealer games are produced from the company’s dedicated studio in Riga and are designed to perform across regulated and emerging markets, supporting FIAT, cryptocurrency, sweepstakes and virtual currency models. The company’s growing portfolio of live dealer content and aggregation services enables online casino operators to launch quickly, expand efficiently and tailor their offering to local market requirements.

As competition intensifies across online gaming, the partnership demonstrates how operators are increasingly seeking scalable technology and content solutions that enable rapid growth while delivering a high-quality player experience.

Playtech subsidiary joins UAE regulator’s licensed vendor register

Viviana Chan
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Playtech subsidiary joins UAE regulator’s licensed vendor register

Playtech subsidiary VSTechnology Limited is now listed as a licensed gaming-related vendor in the United Arab Emirates, bringing the number of suppliers on the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority’s (GCGRA) public register to 23.

The GCGRA has not disclosed when the license was issued, its number, or the specific products and services it covers. The regulator states that only businesses and individuals holding a valid license are authorized to conduct commercial gaming activities in the UAE or provide related products and services.

The register links VSTechnology Limited to Playtech’s corporate website. Playtech’s filings identify VS Technology Limited as a wholly owned UK subsidiary involved in licensing online gaming software and games.

Playtech acquired the entity through its 2009 purchase of Gaming Technology Solutions, which owned VS Technology and VS Gaming.

The GCGRA’s vendor register also includes Aristocrat Technologies, Novomatic, Scientific Games, LNW Gaming, Konami Gaming and International Game Technology. Other licensees include gaming table equipment manufacturer Cammegh and online casino content developer Endorphina.

The GCGRA is an independent federal authority with exclusive jurisdiction over the regulation, licensing and supervision of commercial gaming activities and facilities in the UAE.

Its public register identifies Island 3 AMI FZ-LLC, doing business as Wynn Al Marjan, as the country’s only listed land-based gaming facility licensee. The Game LLC is listed as the operator of the UAE Lottery, while Coin Technology Projects LLC appears under both the internet gaming and sports wagering categories.

The regulator’s register does not currently identify any additional licensees in those four operator categories.

Asia Gaming eBrief: Okada Manila VIP win halves in 2Q26, EBITDA down 71%

AGBrief Editorial
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Asia Gaming eBrief: Okada Manila VIP win halves in 2Q26, EBITDA down 71%
Good morning. When the high rollers leave the table, the house feels it. Okada Manila’s second-quarter adjusted EBITDA crashed 71 percent to $5.4 million as VIP win more than halved, dragging gaming and total revenue lower. Mass tables, slots and hotel performance offered some ballast, but they were nowhere near enough to offset the VIP collapse. Meanwhile, in Macau, investors are being told not to rush in: JP Morgan says a 25 percent sell-off has yet to create a compelling entry point, with weak revenue and earnings cuts likely to keep pressure on the sector.

What you need to know

On the radar

AGB Intelligence

PHILIPPINES

Okada Manila-Philippines

Okada Manila GGR falls 14.6% in 2Q26 on VIP weakness

VIP weakness overwhelmed an otherwise steady quarter at Okada Manila, with adjusted EBITDA sinking 71 percent to $5.4 million in 2Q26. Rolling chip volume fell 22.5 percent to $660 million, and the property trimmed its average VIP table count to 73 from 87. In contrast, mass table win grew 8.5 percent, machine handle rose 8.8 percent, visitation climbed 4.3 percent to 1.47 million, and hotel occupancy reached 91.4 percent.

Industry Updates

Corporate Spotlight

How Crypto Adoption in Asia is Changing iGaming Payments

Yevhen Krazhan, CSO for GR8 Tech

Yevhen Krazhan, CSO at GR8 Tech, explores how surging crypto adoption across Asia is revolutionizing iGaming payments, stating: “When I look at what’s changing fastest in Asia, it’s payment behavior,” as wallets, stablecoins, and seamless cross-border transfers become deeply ingrained in player habits. The winning operators will be those that offer fast, reliable, and local deposits and withdrawals. To make sense of it, Yevhen breaks Asia into two crypto realities.

INTELLIGENCE | ASEAN | AWARDS | CAREERS | EVENTS

Thai cyber police arrest 12 in World Cup betting crackdown, allege almost $30M monthly turnover

Frank Schuengel
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Thai cyber police arrest 12 in World Cup betting crackdown, allege almost $30M monthly turnover

Thailand’s Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB) has arrested 12 people over an alleged online gambling and money laundering network, seizing and freezing assets worth more than THB13 million ($388,000) in coordinated raids across Bangkok, Samut Prakan and Tak provinces.

The arrests were announced at a press conference at CCIB headquarters in Muang Thong Thani on Monday, led by Deputy CCIB Commissioners Pol. Maj. Gen. Chatchapantakan Klaikhlueng and Pol. Maj. Gen. Thinnakorn Rangmat.

Officers said the operation, codenamed “All Game End Game,” targeted a platform called All Game 248, which allegedly accepted wagers on 2026 FIFA World Cup matches alongside other gambling products.

Police said the site had operated for roughly 18 months and that its membership consisted largely of school and university students as well as members of the general public. Pol. Maj. Gen. Kritach Bamrungrattanayot, commander of CCIB 4, said financial checks over the previous three months showed turnover of about THB1 billion ($29.9 million) per month.

Investigators said the network laundered proceeds through more than 200 mule accounts, each cycling between THB10 million ($299,000) and THB100 million ($3 million) monthly, with more than 20 further accounts linked directly to the suspects. Police alleged the operation used illegal payment gateway systems, registered mule accounts in the names of companies, and brought in foreign nationals as account holders to frustrate scrutiny. Administrators were said to be divided by region.

Officers executed search warrants at five locations: two luxury homes in the Bangna-Trad area, a house in Muang Samut Prakan, a condominium in Samrong Nuea, a house in the Prachautit area of Thung Khru district, and a house in Mae Sot, Tak province, on the Myanmar border. The searches yielded about THB3 million ($89,600) in cash, 20 bank passbooks and a number of electronic devices. A further THB10 million ($299,000) held in accounts was frozen.

Among those arrested was a 35-year-old former secretary to the president of a provincial administrative organization, who police said had a prior record in an online investment fraud case. Investigators allege he served as the network’s principal conduit for converting cash proceeds into cryptocurrency and moving it to wallets controlled by senior beneficiaries, at a rate they estimated at no less than THB500 million ($14.9 million) per month.

The 12 arrested comprise the former political aide, three cash couriers, three mule-account holders – including a Myanmar national – and five people who opened mule accounts in corporate names. Courts had issued arrest warrants for 15 people, leaving three still at large.

Those detained face charges of jointly providing electronic gambling without authorization, conspiracy to commit money laundering, and money laundering. Police said they were coordinating with the Anti-Money Laundering Office to trace financial flows and freeze further assets, and were working to identify the network’s principal beneficiaries.

The operation forms part of a nationwide enforcement push against illegal betting during the 2026 World Cup, pursued under the policy direction of Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Justice Minister Pol. Lt. Gen. Ruthaphon Naowarat, with Police Commissioner-General Pol. Gen. Kitrat Panphet ordering the sweep.

CreedRoomz launches Kickoff Roulette featuring football legend Ronaldinho

AGBrief Editorial
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CreedRoomz launches Kickoff Roulette featuring football legend Ronaldinho

CreedRoomz has unveiled a landmark partnership with football legend Ronaldinho, who will serve as the official brand ambassador for its exciting new live casino game show, Kickoff Roulette Ronaldinho.

This premium, high-energy live casino experience is engineered to bridge the gap between sports fandom and iGaming, combining the timeless thrill of roulette with the breathtaking skill and global appeal of Ronaldinho.

Kickoff Roulette Ronaldinho comes alive inside a cutting-edge virtual studio. Players are transported directly into an immersive environment dedicated entirely to the legacy, energy, and samba flair of football’s greatest entertainer.

When asked why this release is set to become the absolute biggest hit of the year for live casinos, Ronaldinho highlighted the unique crossover appeal: “The fact that football is a global passion also helps, so I believe everyone will like “Kickoff Roulette Ronaldinho” for that reason…and for the innovation of everything that is happening.”

Just like Ronaldinho’s unpredictable genius on the pitch, the game’s mechanics keep players on the edge of their seats. The standout feature is the Gold Number Mechanic, where randomized lucky numbers drop explosive multipliers ranging from x50 all the way up to x700, turning every spin into a championship moment.

Kickoff Roulette Ronaldinho – Key Features

  • The Ronaldinho Atmosphere: A world-class virtual studio environment celebrating the joy and legacy of the football legend.
  • Gold Number Mechanics: High-impact, randomized lucky numbers designed to maximize player anticipation and excitement.
  • Massive Multipliers: Thrilling win potential with payouts scaling from x50 up to x700 on a single spin.
  • Available in English and Portuguese: Given Ronaldinho’s legendary status in Brazil, a dedicated Portuguese-speaking option is a massive asset for operators targeting booming Latin American and European markets, driving deeper player connection through native-language localization.

“Bringing Ronaldinho into the CreedRoomz family represents a massive leap forward for live casino entertainment,” said Armen Mnaskanian , Head of Sales Department at Creedroomz. “Football and iGaming both thrive on passion and excitement. By fusing Ronaldinho’s legendary star power with powerhouse monetization mechanics, we are giving our partners the ultimate competitive edge and a next-generation casino offering.”

Kickoff Roulette Ronaldinho is now available for integration, offering B2B partners a ticket to unprecedented player acquisition and a proven strategy for driving high-volume engagement.

Pascal Gaming boosts global distribution with EGT Digital agreement

AGBrief Editorial
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Pascal Gaming boosts global distribution with EGT Digital agreement

Pascal Gaming has announced a distribution agreement with EGT Digital, making its portfolio available through the X-Nave Gaming Aggregator, giving operators across EGT Digital’s network access to Pascal Gaming’s full range of slots, crash, instant, and table games.

Titles included in the agreement include Avinho R10 and Fortune Ronaldinho, both developed in collaboration with football legend Ronaldinho, alongside classic hits like Golden Tree Buy Bonus, Sugar Balloon, Juicy Storm and other games from the provider’s portfolio.

EGT Digital’s Gaming Aggregator currently features more than 20,000 games from over 200 studios. Through the agreement, Pascal Gaming will expand the availability of its sports-inspired, fast-paced and classic casino content across Europe, South America and Africa.

The partnership comes as Pascal Gaming continues to certify its titles across regulated markets. The provider has recently secured certifications for a number of its games in Brazil, supporting its expansion in one of Latin America’s key iGaming markets.

The agreement forms part of Pascal Gaming’s international growth strategy and will help the supplier reach a wider network of operators and players.

Setanta Bet strengthens Georgia offering via GR8_TECH sportsbook integration

AGBrief Editorial
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Setanta Bet strengthens Georgia offering via GR8_TECH sportsbook integration

GR8_TECH has expanded its footprint in the Georgian market through a new partnership with Setanta Bet, the licensed online betting brand operating within the renowned Setanta Sports ecosystem.

The collaboration sees Setanta Bet deploy GR8_TECH’s GREAT_SPORTSBOOK iFrame, equipping the operator with a flexible sportsbook platform tailored to the demands of today’s digital betting landscape.

As the latest member of GR8_TECH’s Champions Club, Setanta Bet joins a growing community of operators leveraging advanced technology to drive player acquisition, improve retention, and streamline sportsbook operations. The integration enables the brand to enhance its sports betting proposition while maintaining a seamless and consistent user experience.

“We are delighted to welcome Setanta Bet as a partner of GR8_TECH and a proud addition to our Champions Club,” said Vardan Hakobyan, Head of Sales at GR8_TECH. “The brand has successfully created a strong connection between sports content, player engagement, and entertainment. With GREAT_SPORTSBOOK iFrame, Setanta Bet can further enhance its betting offering while preserving its unique brand identity and delivering a richer, more engaging experience for its players.”

Vardan Hakobyan, Head of Sales at GR8_TECH
Vardan Hakobyan
Tamar Badashvili, CEO at Setanta Bet
Tamar Badashvili

“Setanta Bet was launched on the foundation of the region’s largest and most successful sports media, representing the most vital part of Setanta as a major brand,” added Tamar Badashvili, CEO at Setanta Bet. “It is the ideal synergy between sports media and the betting business, a model already successfully proven by leading global brands. We launched our sportsbook in partnership with GR8_TECH because their regional experience, along with their platform’s features and functionality, perfectly matched our requirements. We believe this collaboration will be mutually beneficial.”

The GREAT_SPORTSBOOK iFrame delivers access to more than 180,000 monthly sporting and esports events across over 50 disciplines. Designed for scalability and rapid market deployment, the solution combines 24/7 live betting coverage with AI-driven recommendations, integrated CRM functionality, and extensive customization features to support localized player experiences.

In addition, Setanta Bet benefits from a comprehensive suite of engagement tools, including personalized odds and margins, cashout functionality, multi-bet options, geo-targeted content, customizable widgets, and a mobile-first interface. Together, these capabilities are designed to boost player interaction while helping operators optimize revenue and operational performance.

The launch further reinforces GR8_TECH’s commitment to supporting regulated operators with innovative sportsbook technology and scalable solutions that can adapt to the evolving needs of local markets.

Galaxy Gaming names Anand Singh as its new Chief Technology Officer

AGBrief Editorial
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Galaxy Gaming names Anand Singh as its new Chief Technology Officer

Galaxy Gaming has appointed industry veteran Anand Singh as Chief Technology Officer, bringing more than 20 years of experience in engineering leadership and gaming innovation to the role.

In his role, Singh will lead the company’s technology strategy and engineering organization, working closely with the Product Development team to align product vision and execution.

Singh is a seasoned technology executive with deep expertise in gaming platforms, cloud-based systems, and large-scale product development. Most recently, he served as Senior Director of Engineering at Agilysys, where he worked on advanced cloud-native platforms in collaboration with major global hospitality brands.

Prior to that, Singh spent nearly 20 years at Light & Wonder (formerly Scientific Games and Bally Technologies), where he held multiple senior leadership roles, including Executive Director of Software Development.

“We are thrilled to welcome Anand to Galaxy Gaming at such a pivotal moment in our growth story,” said Matt Reback, President and CEO at Galaxy Gaming. “Anand brings the technical leadership, industry expertise, and forward-thinking mindset we need to help us continue accelerating innovation and execution. Galaxy has been making waves with our unique combination of world-class technologies and brands, so Anand’s focus will be finding new ways to harness and expand this combination.”

Singh is a growth-oriented technology leader and strong advocate for modern development practices. His addition is expected to enhance Galaxy’s product development capabilities and accelerate time-to-market.

“I’m excited to join Galaxy Gaming and contribute to its next chapter of growth,” said Singh, commenting on his new role at Galaxy Gaming. “The company has a strong vision and compelling product roadmap, and I look forward to working closely with the team to deliver innovative, high-quality table game experiences to our partners and players worldwide.”

Okada Manila 2Q26 adjusted EBITDA plunges 71% as VIP segment collapses

Viviana Chan
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Okada Manila 2Q26 adjusted EBITDA plunges 71% as VIP segment collapses

Adjusted segment EBITDA at Tiger Resort, Leisure and Entertainment, Inc. (TRLEI), operator of Okada Manila, plunged 71 percent year-on-year to PHP333 million ($5.4 million) in the second quarter of fiscal year 2026, as VIP gaming win fell by more than half, according to preliminary results released by parent Universal Entertainment Corporation on July 14th.

Gross gaming revenue for the quarter dropped 14.6 percent to PHP6.06 billion ($98.5 million), while total revenue fell 13 percent to PHP6.99 billion ($113.5 million). VIP table games win collapsed 56.2 percent to PHP1 billion ($16.3 million), from PHP2.29 billion ($37.2 million) a year earlier.

The VIP segment was hit on two fronts. Rolling chip volume declined 22.5 percent to PHP40.6 billion ($660 million), while the VIP win rate fell to 2.5 percent from 4.4 percent in the prior-year quarter. The property also reduced its average VIP table count to 73, from 87 a year earlier.

The weakness mirrors broader pressure on Philippine land-based casinos this year. Industry-wide gross gaming revenue fell 15.9 percent year-on-year to PHP87.6 billion ($1.42 billion) in the first quarter of 2026, with licensed commercial casinos down 9.7 percent, according to regulator PAGCOR.

Maybank analysts cautioned in a June memo that physical casinos would remain under pressure through the second half, citing inflation, elevated utility costs squeezing household budgets, and the continued absence of VIP high-rollers as tourism recovers more slowly than expected. PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro Tengco has warned full-year industry GGR could fall by as much as 19 percent from 2025’s PHP396.14 billion.

Despite this, Okada Manila’s mass market continued to grow. Mass table games win rose 8.5 percent to PHP2.2 billion ($35.8 million), while gaming machine win edged up 2.7 percent to PHP2.86 billion ($46.4 million) on an 8.8 percent increase in handle.

Non-gaming revenue was steady at PHP928 million ($15.1 million). Property visitation rose 4.3 percent to 1.47 million, hotel occupancy climbed to 91.4 percent, and RevPAR increased 9.4 percent to PHP9,242 ($150).

For the first six months, total revenue declined 14.2 percent to PHP14.4 billion ($234 million), and adjusted segment EBITDA fell 60.3 percent to PHP1.16 billion ($18.9 million). Universal Entertainment noted the figures are preliminary and subject to change.

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