JCM Global has completed upgrading 337 games at Mountaineer Casino Resort to its iVIZION bill validators, enhancing security, enabling Contact Image Sensor (CIS) capability, and bringing advanced protection to the property’s entire slot floor.
JCM’s GEN5 thermal printers are also helping to ensure smooth transactions on all the casino’s games.
“Nestled in the scenic hills of northern West Virginia, Mountaineer Casino Resort is one of the premier resort destinations in West Virginia,” said Jason Pugh, VP & General Manager of Mountaineer Casino Resort. “We pride ourselves on the services we provide our customers and are very pleased to continue our relationship with JCM to bring the iVIZION to the rest of our casino floor.”
“Mountaineer Casino Resort told us they want to be ready for the release of the next generation of US currency when it is issued,” shared Dave Kubajak, SVP – Sales, Marketing & Operations at JCM Global. “iVIZION is globally proven to provide the highest levels of acceptance and protection, and now Mountaineer Casino Resort will be ready for the new $10 USD note.”
As the Chinese New Year approaches, Melco Resorts delivered festive support through its “Simple Acts of Kindness” program, with Mr. Lawrence Ho and Melco volunteers making home visits to families of Macau Community School students.
Volunteers brought warm greetings to the beneficiary families, and delivered festive gifts and donations courtesy of Melco and its Colleagues.
The team also visited The Women’s General Association of Macau – Northern Family Service Center’s approximately 100 beneficiaries, including the community’s women and children. Beneficiaries and the Melco team enjoyed an afternoon of games and festive gift giving.
Mr. Lawrence Ho, Chairman & CEO of Melco, said, “Volunteering is a powerful way for us to create meaningful change in our communities. I am honored to join our volunteering Colleagues for today’s events in anticipation of the Chinese New Year, and I am grateful to them and all Melco volunteers for their continued support for our ‘Simple Acts of Kindness’ initiatives. I am also immensely thankful to all our community partners for their ongoing support – helping us to engage and deliver warmth to those in need within the community.”
Some highlight activities which have since taken place include:
Volunteers visited FAOM Ka Ao Nursery Home in late January to provide hair trimming and grooming services to the home’s elderly beneficiaries, in anticipation for a refreshing, new start to the year.
Working with UGAMM I Chon Center’s elderly volunteers throughout February to produce and give away handcrafted Hui Chun at the Company’s Heart-of-House areas and UGAMM’s CNY marketplace, creating a sense of belonging and community, and to share festive well wishes with the community.
Visiting and offering pre-CNY home cleaning services earlier this month to the elderly beneficiaries of UGAMM – Cheng I Elderly Integrated Service Center’s Cheng Chong Building.
These community visits form part of Melco’s “Simple Acts of Kindness” volunteering activities celebrating Chinese New Year, a series of nearly 30 events spanning January and March 2026.
Macau’s Judiciary Police have dismantled an illegal money exchange operation at a jewelry store inside a Cotai casino, uncovering transactions totaling nearly HK$40 million ($5.1 million) and arresting a local female employee in connection with the scheme.
According to Macau Daily, the suspect allegedly used her position as a sales assistant to facilitate unlawful money exchanges for gamblers. The operation allowed patrons to convert funds through unregulated channels before entering the casino floor.
Police said officers acted on intelligence and conducted surveillance on the morning of February 9th. Investigators observed the suspect scanning a QR code displayed by a male middle-aged mainland Chinese patron using her mobile phone before handing over Hong Kong dollar cash. The man then proceeded directly to the gaming floor.
Both individuals were taken in for questioning. Police said the suspect had exchanged RMB1,726 ($249) for HK$1,800 ($230) on the day of the operation. Further investigation indicated that the jewelry store had allegedly been operating the illegal exchange service since April last year, handling close to HK$40 million ($5.1 million) in unauthorized transactions and generating illicit profits of about RMB1.35 million ($195,000).
During the operation, officers seized HK$95,400 ($12,200) in cash, one laptop, and three mobile phones from the premises. Investigators are continuing to trace other individuals involved, including the store’s owner.
The case has been classified under the offense of “operating illegal currency exchange for gambling purposes” and has been transferred to the Public Prosecutions Office for further handling.
The incident comes amid intensified enforcement against illegal money exchange. According to official data, police recorded 2,314 gaming-related criminal investigations in 2025, representing a year-on-year increase of 62.6 percent. Authorities attributed the surge mainly to the criminalization of illegal money exchange linked to gambling and improvements in statistical reporting methods.
Genting Group is turning up the excitement with a new Leaderboard Challenge, offering players a shot at a Vegas Casino Experience or £5,000 in cash.
Running until 23 March 2026, this exclusive online promotion invites eligible UK casino customers to compete on a national leaderboard by playing their favourite games and climbing to the top for the chance to win the ultimate Vegas getaway or a cash alternative.
Players can opt in by making a minimum £10 deposit using the bonus code BMLV150, which awards 150 free spins on Big Bass Splash and initial leaderboard points to kickstart their campaign.
Points means prizes
Resorts World Birmingham, UK
Leaderboard points are earned by wagering on selected online casino games and live tables. Players can climb the leaderboard by playing popular games such as Lucky Lady’s Charm Deluxe, Big Bass Splash, Lord of the Ocean and Cleopatra as well as live-streamed tables from Genting Live in Manchester, Resorts World Birmingham and Palm Beach.
The top player on the leaderboard will win their choice of the VIP Las Vegas Casino Escape for two which includes return flights, a four-night stay at a luxury Las Vegas hotel, $2,000 in spending money and exclusive entertainment tickets or the £5,000 cash alternative.
Players finishing in 2nd–25th place will receive 30 Golden Chips redeemable on Genting Live Roulette tables. Those in 26th–50th place will be rewarded with 100 free spins on an exclusive Genting Casino branded Starburst game.
Mike Vella, Brand Marketing Project Manager, said: “We’re incredibly excited to launch the Vegas Casino Experience campaign. It’s a truly standout experience that brings the thrill of the Las Vegas Strip straight to our UK players.
“This promotion celebrates our passion for delivering unforgettable moments, whether that’s through immersive gameplay or the chance to win the ultimate Vegas getaway. We’ve designed this experience to reward our community in a way that goes far beyond the screen, and we can’t wait to see who will take home this once-in-a-lifetime prize.”
Recent disclosures of thousands of documents related to Jeffrey Epstein have brought to light mentions of the Macau gaming industry. These include gaming tycoons Sheldon Adelson, Steve Wynn and Stanley Ho, according to TDM Canal Macau.
Amongst the millions of records released by the US Department of Justice are references to Macau and Stanley Ho in FBI records and emails dating back over the past decade.
These documents are part of investigations into serious allegations, including sexual crimes, human trafficking, and economic influence related to the late millionaire.
The TDM report indicates that Macau is mentioned almost 200 times in the recently-released files, often in the context of casino investments, trips to the region, and interactions with prominent figures in the gaming industry.
Stanley Ho passed away on 26 May 2020, aged 98.
Notably, the name Stanley Ho appears in private communications linked to Epstein as well as in an FBI report related to a 2020 alleged sexual assault and trafficking complaint. The accused, while unnamed in the documents, is alleged to have been involved in incidents of abuse and child trafficking alongside Epstein.
The documents do not confirm the identity of the individual referred to as “Stanley Ho”. Co-founder of STDM – the parent company of gaming concessionaire SJM, Macau’s “godfather of gambling” passed away in 2020.
Additionally, the name Stanley Ho was noted in 2011 emails exchanged between Epstein and his associates, where Ho was referred to as the “richest man in Hong Kong“, with significant control over Macau’s casino landscape.
In one email, Epstein inquires about a woman named Angela, suggestive of a connection to Ho, though follow-up details are lacking. Billionaire businesswoman Angela Leong is the former partner of Stanley Ho and an executive with SJM.
The files also reference members of the Ho family, mentioning dinner invitations and trips to Macau. Many communications, however, are partially redacted. Notably, exchanges between Epstein and Jean-Luc Brunel, a modeling agent convicted for sexual offenses, highlight Macau as a potential destination for recruitment linked to casinos.
Steve Wynn
Intriguingly, the documents also include conversations that underscore the intersection of politics, gambling, and influence. One dialogue from January 1st, 2019, features Epstein conversing with political operative and podcaster Steve Bannon about Wynn Resorts founder Steve Wynn.
During this exchange, Bannon refers to Steve Wynn having significant issues with Miles Kwok, a Chinese businessman and dissident living in the US, whom Epstein calls “your boy”. In 2017, Wynn allegedly attempted to influence the Trump Administration to repatriate Kwok to face corruption charges in China.
While the files have been released in connection with the Epstein case, the mention of specific individuals within the files does not equate to wrongdoing, as the billionaire financier was a well-known socialite.
CreditSights, a rating agency under the Fitch Group, views Genting’s refinancing risk in 2026 and 2027 as ‘manageable’, despite a heavy concentration of debt maturities.
In a recent research note, the agency cited Genting’s liquidity position and continued access to refinancing channels as key supporting factors.
The report noted that Genting faces a sizeable maturity wall over FY26–FY27, including a $1.5 billion Genting Overseas Holdings bond due in 2027, a $300 million Empire Resorts bond, a $665 million Resorts World Las Vegas term loan, and MYR3.8 billion ($967.7 million) in Malaysian retail bonds.
While the scale of upcoming maturities is significant, CreditSights said ‘liquidity pressure exists, but refinancing avenues remain open.’ According to the agency, Genting is expected to manage these obligations through a combination of existing liquidity, bank funding, and access to capital markets.
‘We believe the group retains sufficient flexibility to address its near-term refinancing needs’, CreditSights said, adding that the maturity profile, while demanding, does not pose an immediate solvency risk.
However, the report struck a more cautious tone on Genting Malaysia Berhad (GENM), which CreditSights described as ‘credit-wise meaningfully weaker than peers’, and likely to ‘underperform Sands China and Las Vegas Sands over the longer term’.
The agency highlighted that GENM’s credit metrics lag those of major regional gaming operators, particularly in the context of rising leverage and execution risk.
As part of its relative value assessment, CreditSights said Genting Malaysia Berhad’s 2031 bonds ‘should reasonably trade around 85 basis points wider than Sands China’s 2031 bonds’, and approximately ’47 basis points wider than Genting’s 2027 bonds’. The spread differential reflects what the agency considers appropriate compensation for higher risk exposure.
The report attributed much of Genting Malaysia Berhad’s weaker credit profile to its $5.5 billion New York integrated resort project, where capital expenditure is ‘heavily front-loaded’. CreditSights said the concentration of early-stage spending ‘creates pressure on cash flow and leverage metrics during the construction phase’. The project follows Genting’s award in December 2025 of one of three downtown New York City casino licenses.
Governance concerns were also flagged as an ongoing issue. CreditSights noted that ‘governance issues remain unresolved’, which could continue to weigh on investor sentiment.
In addition, Genting Malaysia Berhad currently carries a BBB- rating with a negative outlook from S&P Global Ratings, leaving it exposed to what the agency described as a ‘non-trivial fallen angel risk’.
Despite these headwinds, CreditSights reiterated that Genting’s overall refinancing outlook remains stable in the near term.
‘While maturities are sizable, the group’s diversified asset base and funding access support our view that refinancing risk remains manageable’, the report indicated.
The agency added that investors should continue to monitor execution risks and leverage trends closely, particularly as capital expenditure ramps up over the next two years.
Good Morning. The horse is pawing the ground in anticipation. A slow start to the month in Macau is expected to gallop ahead in the peak of the Chinese New Year holiday, with analysts maintaining a February GGR estimate of $2.56 billion despite a 14 percent monthly drop in early volume. And CNY is expected to also boost Korea, given tensions with Japan, as outbound travellers find spots at foreigner-only casinos. Also in Korea, INSPIRE has appointed Hoiana’s former CEO as its new Chief Casino Officer, aiming to boost growth now that operations have stabilized.
Chinese New Year is fast approaching, and operators in Macau are already experiencing the slow-down ahead of the holiday. Analysts at Citigroup say that GGR for the first eight days of the month slowed to $623 million, down by about 14 percent from January’s daily run rate. Volumes are expected to pick up towards the peak of the holiday, with estimates that February GGR could hit $2.56 billion.
Sports technology leader Sportradar has entered a multi‑year partnership with NBC Sports Regional Sports Networks to elevate NBA broadcasts with real‑time data and next‑generation visual enhancements.
NBC Sports Regional Networks will leverage Sportradar’s NBA Advanced Data and GameFrame across live NBA game broadcasts during the 2025-26 and 2026-27 NBA seasons. The agreement supports hundreds of NBA telecasts across NBC Sports’s regional networks, delivering more dynamic coverage to fans in multiple NBA markets nationwide.
At the center of the partnership is GameFrame, which uses AI to transform live NBA player-tracking data into on-air graphics, animated replays, shot charts, and customized digital assets. GameFrame supports in-game analysis and storytelling by helping on-air talent explain plays, positioning, and outcomes as the action unfolds.
“This agreement builds upon our long-standing relationship with NBC and reflects how we continue to expand the ways we support their live sports coverage,” said Brian Josephs, VP, The Americas, Sportradar. “As NBC continues to evolve how it serves fans across platforms, Sportradar is helping deliver the data-driven tools that bring greater clarity and context to live games, creating more engaging NBA viewing experiences for fans.”
“Enhancing the viewing experience is essential to our NBA coverage across regional sports networks,” added Jon Slobotkin, SVP, Content & Live Programming, NBC Sports Regional Networks. “Sportradar’s GameFrame offers a new way to add data-driven insights directly into live coverage, bringing visually stunning stories that resonate with today’s fans.”
MGM officially opened the achievement exhibition for the 2025 National Arts Fund–supported “Talent Training on the Cultural and Creative Design of the Maritime Silk Road” project in the Barra District.
The year-long program was anchored at the POLY MGM MUSEUM as its academic training base and collaborated with the faculty team from the Palace Museum and Beijing Institute of Fashion Technology (BIFT), while extending its activities across five key cities along the Maritime Silk Road. Through a systematic training model integrating “cultural theory, field studies, and design practice”, the program has injected new momentum into the cultivation of cultural and creative talent.
Open to the public until March 8, the exhibition features 30 original works spanning cultural and creative products, fashion design, painting, sculpture, and multimedia installations. These works demonstrate the creative transformation from tradition to contemporaneity, while injecting renewed artistic vitality into the historically rich Barra District.
More than a comprehensive presentation of the program’s outcome, the exhibition also represents a vivid demonstration of Macau’s strategic role as a base for “The coexistence of diverse cultures centered by Chinese culture as the mainstream”, actively aligning with and contributing to the national cultural development strategy.
Ms. Pansy Ho, Chairperson and Executive Director of MGM China Holdings Limited, said, “Anchored on the platform of Macau, participants have embraced the spirit of the Maritime Silk Road, translating history and culture into works of contemporary aesthetic value and cultural confidence. As a driving force behind the program, MGM will continue to leverage Macau as a bridge to promote Chinese culture — not merely as an enchanting “view from the East”, but as a lifestyle and aesthetic choice that genuinely enters the hearts, allowing Chinese civilization to radiate new brilliance in our modern age.”
Mr. Jia Ronglin, Deputy of BIFT, added, “Macau exemplifies the encounter and coexistence of Eastern and Western civilizations. Building on its role as a cultural crossroads, this program deepens mutual understanding along the Maritime Silk Road, advances design innovation and talent cultivation, and revitalizes ancient wisdom and aesthetics in a contemporary context. We hope participants will carry culture beyond borders and, on a broader global stage, contribute to enhancing the communication and influence of Chinese civilization.”
To further promote the collaboration between creativity and industry, a cross-sector exchange session was held on the opening day, bringing together professionals from cultural and creative, design, tourism, branding, and related fields to face-to-face discussions with the participants. Discussions explored pathways for commercialization, branding, and cross-disciplinary collaboration, fostering an organic linkage across the “creativity–design–industry” chain.
Officiating guests of the opening ceremony included: Bai Bing, the Deputy Director General of the Department of Publicity, Cultural and Sports Affairs of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Macao SAR; Leong Wai Man, Director of the Cultural Affairs Bureau and President of Administrative Committee of the Cultural Development Fund; Jia Ronglin, Deputy of BIFT; Fong Fong Tan, Director of the Livelihood Affairs Bureau of the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin; Wu Zhiliang, President of the Federation of Associations of Cultural Sectors of Macau; Pansy Ho, Chairperson and Executive Director of MGM China Holdings Limited; along with mentor representatives and leaders from Macau’s academic and creative industries sectors.
Deepening Academic Insights: POLY MGM MUSEUM upholds its cultural mission
As a significant extension of the project, a sharing session was held in the afternoon at the POLY MGM MUSEUM. Serving as a vital platform for Silk Road cultural exchange, the museum is committed to fostering dialogue among ancient history and culture, contemporary artistic creativity, and diverse voices from East and West, past and present.
The sharing session featured Lou Jie, Dunhuang Academy Researcher, and Chu Yan, BIFT Professor as keynote speakers. Engaging with the audience in the immersive atmosphere of the museum, they conducted in-depth discussions on topics including the interactions between the overland and maritime Silk Roads, as well as the contemporary transformation of Silk Road aesthetics. The sharing session not only highlighted the distinctive depth of an integrated exhibition and lecture model but also embodied a spirit of mutual integration and co-creation, enhancing the overall impact of the event.
Lou Jie traced the cultural ‘relay’ between Dunhuang and Macau within China’s broader landscape of external cultural exchange. She highlighted that Macau has played a pivotal role in bridging the Silk Road related art and cultural spectrum of ancient and modern times for both the East and the West. Drawing on the exhibit highlights currently on display in the annual exhibition “Silk Roads Beyond Borders” at the POLY MGM MUSEUM, Chu Yan illustrated how Silk Road aesthetics evolved through exchange, integration, and innovative transformation, particularly in the realms of fashion designs.
She emphasized that Silk Road aesthetics has never been a one-way transmission, but rather a dynamic process of continuous interaction and mutual shaping. She encouraged participants to uncover the universal values embedded in traditional culture, enabling Oriental aesthetics to serve as a wellspring of innovation that informs global fashion discourse.
The sharing session brought together internationally renowned experts and scholars from diverse disciplines, who engaged in in-depth exchanges with participants on contemporary interpretations of Silk Road culture, design methodologies, and pathways for cultural and creative transformation. These dialogues further strengthened the project’s academic rigor and interdisciplinary scope, while reinforcing the POLY MGM MUSEUM’s positioning as both a research base and a premier platform for Silk Road cultural research and exhibition.
Admission for the achievement exhibition is free, with interactive extension activities available on site, inviting audiences to experience the dynamic convergence of art, culture, and creativity.
In a Tuesday release, the South Korean integrated resort operator noted that Wolstenholme ‘will oversee the establishment of INSPIRE’s enterprise-wide casino strategies and the advancement of operational processes, while formulating and executing mid-to long-term growth plans for the INSPIRE Casino’.
In a social media post on Monday, the gaming industry veteran indicated he would be placing his consultancy Wolsten & Associates ‘into hibernation’ in order to focus on his role with INSPIRE.
Wolstenholme draws from decades of experience in gaming, much of it based in Asia, serving as the Chief Operating Officer of Galaxy Entertainment Group from 2008 to 2010 and later as the President and Managing Director of Okada Manila.
More recently, Wolstenholme served as President and CEO of Hoiana Resort & Golf before focusing on his consultancy work under Wolsten & Associates.
Speaking of the new role, Wolstenholme noted that INSPIRE is “setting a new standard for entertainment resorts in Asia through its successful opening and rapid operational stabilization”.
INSPIRE CEO Gyubum Ko noted “With the appointment of our new CCO, INSPIRE will further accelerate its growth as a world-class integrated resort delivering the ultimate ‘Playcation’ experience”.
