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Entain doubling down on upcoming online casino market in New Zealand

Kelsey Wilhelm
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Entain doubling down on upcoming online casino market in New Zealand

The CEO of Entain, Australia & New Zealand says that the company is doubling down on the online casino business in New Zealand, aiming to leverage its position as a monopoly holder when licenses are attributed later this year.

Speaking to the Australian Financial Review (AFR), Andrew Vouris indicated the company could be buying up several licenses as part of its long-term view, noting “We’re going to be the only operator in the market that’s able to offer sports, racing, and potentially casino. That is massive”.

In mid-2023, Entain Australia and TAB New Zealand entered a 25-year partnership to provide onshore betting and mid last year gained the assurance of a “legislative net” in New Zealand extending its exclusivity for land-based racing and sports betting to include online-provided gambling. This prevents unlicensed offshore operators offering wagering services to Kiwis.

In December of this year, however, the online space is set to expand, with up to 15 licenses up for grabs in the country.

Australia and New Zealand gaming operator SkyCity Entertainment Group has already indicated its intention to ‘become the trusted local leader’ in the space and “lead this change”.

Entain already operates some 15 online brands in other regions, including BetMGM and PartyCasino and brings a wealth of experience to the table, allowing it to scale quickly. Leveraging its clientele base and cross promoting its offerings could help boost the New Zealand business that is already seeing 28 percent growth yearly.

Immense Group names Marcus Adler as Nordic Director for DBET

AGBrief Editorial
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Immense Group names Marcus Adler as Nordic Director for DBET

Immense Group has announced the appointment of Marcus Adler as Nordic Director for DBET as the company continues to invest in its sports betting presence across regulated European markets.

DBET is Immense Group’s first sports-focused brand. Launched in August 2024, it offers Swedish players a sports betting experience built around popular events, international pools and jackpots. The brand is already active online and on personal devices, and has expanded its reach in Swedish retail through a significant network of betting shop terminals across the country.

DBET, Immense Group

Over the past year, DBET has also strengthened its visibility in Swedish sport through partnerships with national sports bodies, including the Swedish Bandy Association and the Swedish Basketball Association. These partnerships have deepened the brand’s connection with local fans and helped reinforce its position in a competitive market.

Based in Sweden, Adler brings long experience in commercial leadership, digital growth and sports gaming. His most recent role was Chief Commercial Officer at RoninSport.io, a Swedish sports TV data and digital engagement provider that worked with media, iGaming and sports platforms on real-time sports content solutions. Earlier in his career, he led the Online Acquisition function at LeoVegas and held senior commercial roles across the sports media and digital entertainment sectors.

His appointment comes as Immense Group invests further in its sports betting capabilities. In 2025, the company selected Altenar as its global sportsbook partner to power sports betting across its brands, supporting scale, localisation and growth in regulated markets.

“I am very pleased to join Immense Group at a time when the company is investing in sports betting and DBET is gaining real traction in Sweden,” said Marcus Adler. “The brand already has strong building blocks in place—from its product to its partnerships in local sport. My focus is to bring clear direction to the Nordic strategy, prepare DBET for its next phase of growth, and ensure we deliver a sports betting experience that feels trusted, intuitive, and genuinely competitive for players in Sweden and across the wider region.”

ProgressPlay ends ICE Barcelona 2026 with major momentum and eyes worldwide expansion

AGBrief Editorial
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ProgressPlay ends ICE Barcelona 2026 with major momentum and eyes worldwide expansion

ProgressPlay highlighted its transformative and highly successful presence at ICE Barcelona 2026, where its newly launched Dual‑Engine Strategy strongly resonated with operators and industry leaders.

The event served as a dynamic validation of the company’s focused vision, generating significant partnership momentum and setting the stage for accelerated global growth in the year ahead.

The company’s strategic emphasis on its Standalone and dedicated Sweepstakes solutions dominated conversations at its stand, confirming a clear market demand for more nuanced and ambitious partner pathways. 

ProgressPlay reported an exceptional volume of high-quality meetings with established brands and ambitious new entrants, all seeking the strategic tools to build, own, and expand their gaming operations with precision.

Itai Lowenstein, CEO of ProgressPlay
Itai Lowenstein, CEO of ProgressPlay

“The response at ICE was phenomenal and precisely aligned with our thesis,” said Itai Lowenstein, CEO of ProgressPlay. “The industry is actively seeking more than a one-size-fits-all solution. Operators are strategists, and they came to us looking for the right engine for their specific ambition.”

Lowenstein continued: “Whether it was the profound control of the Standalone model for building a legacy asset or the agile, acquisition-focused power of our Sweepstakes framework, we demonstrated that ProgressPlay is the versatile partner for this new era. The conversations have moved from ‘what can you do’ to ‘how do we build our future together’.”

Feedback from operators highlighted a particular appreciation for the Standalone solution’s promise of true commercial sovereignty, owning the player relationship end-to-end, while leveraging ProgressPlay’s robust technology stack.

ProgressPlay ends ICE Barcelona 2026 with major momentum and eyes worldwide expansion
ProgressPlay ends ICE Barcelona 2026 with major momentum and eyes worldwide expansion

Simultaneously, the Sweepstakes vertical was recognised as a masterful key to unlocking high-growth, engagement-first markets, particularly in regions where blending entertainment with gaming mechanics is crucial.

Marina Nahhas, Head of B2B Sales and Marketing at ProgressPlay
Marina Nahhas, Head of B2B Sales and Marketing at ProgressPlay

“ICE 2026 was a defining moment for our partner-centric narrative,” shared Marina Nahhas, Head of B2B Sales and Marketing at ProgressPlay. “We engaged with visionary leaders who saw our Sweepstakes solution not as a niche product, but as a strategic funnel for community building and market entry. At the same time, the Standalone model attracted partners with deep brand equity looking for a technology ally, not just a supplier. The energy confirmed we are providing the essential toolkit for the next wave of iGaming innovation.”

Following the success in Barcelona, ProgressPlay is now intensely focused on converting this momentum into long-term partnerships. The company reaffirms that its powerful, flexible platform is open to operators in all markets, provided the operator obtains the necessary local license. 

“The journey continues from here,” concluded Lowenstein. “ICE was the launchpad. Now, we enter a phase of execution and collaboration with the partners who joined our vision in Barcelona. Our platform is ready, our strategy is proven, and our commitment is to be the growth engine for every licensed operator, anywhere in the world, who shares our ambition for excellence.”

Chinese tourist influx lifts Korea casino sector ahead of Chinese New Year

Viviana Chan
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Chinese tourist influx lifts Korea casino sector ahead of Chinese New Year

South Korea’s foreigner-only casino sector is seeing a surge in activity ahead of the Chinese New Year holiday, supported by rising arrivals from mainland China and regional travel disruptions that have redirected outbound tourism toward Korea, according to analysts and market data.

Growing diplomatic tensions between China and Japan have played a key role in reshaping travel patterns. All scheduled flights on 49 air routes between the two countries were canceled for February following political frictions. In January, the cancellation rate for flights from mainland China to Japan reached 47.2 percent, up 7.8 percentage points from the previous month.

The disruption follows a mid-November travel advisory from China discouraging visits to Japan and a late-January warning urging citizens to avoid traveling there during the Chinese New Year, citing security concerns and earthquake risks.

Analysts say the restrictions have redirected a significant portion of Chinese outbound travelers to South Korea, boosting demand at foreigner-only casinos operated by Lotte Tour Development, Paradise Co., and Grand Korea Leisure (GKL).

According to Asia Business Daily, Park Sooyoung, an analyst at Hanwha Investment & Securities, said January performance confirmed the positive impact of rising inbound traffic. “January results confirmed the positive impact of increasing inbound traffic, and in February we expect an additional boost from the Chinese New Year effect,” Park said, adding that increasing exposure to casino stocks, particularly Paradise, “appears valid.”

Paradise recorded net casino sales of KRW94.3 billion ($64.4 million) in January, up 31.4 percent year-on-year and reaching its highest monthly level on record. Lotte Tour Development posted a 55 percent year-on-year increase in net casino sales to KRW45.6 billion ($31.1 million). GKL reported a 6.6 percent year-on-year rise in January net casino sales to KRW36.6 billion ($25.3 million). At its Gangnam property, mass-market drop exceeded KRW9 billion ($6.1 million), the highest level in two years.

Market data cited by Pulse, a publication under Mail Business News Korea, showed that over the past month, shares of major casino operators have risen by 15-25 percent, reflecting growing investor optimism over the sector’s earnings outlook.

The influx has also been supported by South Korea’s temporary visa-free entry program for Chinese group travelers, in place through June. According to the Chinese Embassy in Korea, visa applications from China between November and January totaled 330,613 cases, up 34 percent year on year.

Park estimated that more than 200,000 Chinese tourists could visit South Korea during the Chinese New Year period from February 15th to 23rd. The analysts said casino properties in the Seoul metropolitan area had already seen strong momentum in January, suggesting further upside in the coming weeks.

Interblock wraps up a winning week at ICE Barcelona 2026

AGBrief Editorial
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Interblock wraps up a winning week at ICE Barcelona 2026

Interblock concluded a standout week at ICE Barcelona, earning strong customer engagement, enthusiastic feedback, and meaningful acknowledgment from industry peers.

Interblock

Throughout ICE Barcelona, Interblock welcomed operators, partners, and media from across global markets to experience its expanding portfolio firsthand. Interest was particularly strong around AMUSE, which made its official European debut at ICE. The response reinforced the growing appetite for new forms of casino entertainment that blend accessibility, engagement, and entertainment-led design.

During the week of ICE, the AMUSE lineup was named Best New Innovative Product at the European Casino Awards, validating its reception beyond the US market and confirming its ability to resonate across regions. The award reflects not only the products, but the broader shift in how casino floors are evolving. Designed as a collective experience, AMUSE attracts attention for its intuitive gameplay, visual presence, and ability to broaden player appeal.

Interblock

Interblock was also recognized as US Gaming Company of the Year at the International Gaming Awards, further underscoring the company’s momentum and global standing. Together, the awards reflect both innovation at the product level and sustained performance across markets.

Interblock

The recognition followed strong engagement across Interblock’s broader product suite throughout ICE Barcelona. Electronic table games, live stadium experiences, and slot offerings were all met with enthusiastic feedback, underscoring the strength and versatility of the company’s portfolio. From immersive entertainment concepts to trusted table formats, operators responded positively to solutions designed to perform across diverse environments.

Interblock also received recognition for Best Marketing Programme of the Year at the European Casino Awards, highlighting the strategic approach behind bringing new products to market through thoughtful storytelling, media partnerships, and high-impact visibility. Together, the awards reflect a coordinated effort across product, strategy, and execution.

INTERBLOCK asserts its industry edge at G2E 2025 through AMUSE showcase

Following ICE Barcelona, Interblock is focused on building on this momentum. The company plans to continue expanding AMUSE across additional markets while advancing its electronic table game and slot portfolios, supporting both land-based growth and future online initiatives.

With strong reception at ICE Barcelona and multiple awards reinforcing its direction, Interblock enters the year with confidence and a clear path forward.

Macau pockets $623M in GGR in first eight days of February amid pre-CNY slowdown: Citigroup

Viviana Chan
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Macau pockets $623M in GGR in first eight days of February amid pre-CNY slowdown: Citigroup

Macau’s gaming sector generated about MOP5 billion ($623 million) in gross gaming revenue (GGR) during the first eight days of February, averaging MOP625 million ($77.9 million) per day, according to a research note from Citigroup.

The figure is about 14 percent lower than January’s average daily run rate and suggests a seasonal slowdown ahead of the Chinese New Year holiday. The Chinese New Year travel rush began on February 1st, while tourism activity has remained relatively weak nationwide, as transport volumes typically peak during this period when large numbers of people return home.

Analysts at Citigroup said the early-February performance implies a moderation from January’s average of about MOP730 million ($91 million) per day and is also roughly 11 percent below February 2025 levels. The brokerage attributed the softer trend to an ‘unsurprising’ pre-holiday decline in gaming volumes, as some players postponed visits until the peak festive period.

Macau-GGR-JAN-FEB-2016-2025

Based on industry sources cited in the note, VIP gaming volumes fell by around 12-14 percent month-on-month, while mass-market GGR declined by approximately 11-13 percent. Citi added that VIP hold rates appeared broadly normal during the period, suggesting that the weaker revenue was driven mainly by lower volumes rather than unfavorable luck.

Despite the softer start to the month, Citigroup maintained its full-month February GGR forecast at MOP20.5 billion ($2.56 billion), representing year-on-year growth of about 4 percent. This implies an average daily GGR of roughly MOP775 million ($96.6 million) for the remainder of the month.

The brokerage also kept its combined January–February GGR estimate unchanged at MOP43.1 billion ($5.37 billion), pointing to projected year-on-year growth of 13.5 percent after adjusting for the different timing of the Chinese New Year compared with last year.

The early-February revenue data came as border activity surged in Macau. On February 7th, the Public Security Police reported a record 867,000 cross-border movements in a single day, the highest on record. Of these, 40 percent were visitors, with the city welcoming about 174,000 tourists that day.

Traffic at the Border Gate checkpoint also reached nearly 463,000 crossings, marking the highest single-day passenger flow in five years and the strongest since the pandemic period.

PAGCOR to resume 5% revenue remittance to PSC after court ruling

Viviana Chan
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PAGCOR to resume 5% revenue remittance to PSC after court ruling

The first monthly remittance of 5 percent of gross revenue from the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) to the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) is expected in the coming days, following a final ruling by the Supreme Court of the Philippines, according to local media outlet Philstar.

The payment marks the start of PAGCOR’s settlement of overdue remittances totaling PHP37 billion ($633 million), which the court ordered to be paid over 10 years. Under the ruling, PAGCOR is required to remit approximately PHP3.7 billion ($63.3 million) annually if paid in equal installments.

The report also indicated that the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) remitted PHP1.49 million ($25,500) to the PSC last year, though the figure remains under review. Authorities are also assessing potential back payments dating to 2006 to ensure compliance with legal requirements.

The ruling enforces Republic Act No. 6847 of 1990, which mandates PAGCOR remit 5 percent of its gross revenue to the PSC. The allocation was reduced to about 2.13 percent in 1993 through an executive order. In 2016, then-Representative Yeng Guiao filed a petition seeking to restore the original rate, which the court upheld last year.

In addition to reinstating the 5 percent allocation, the court ordered PAGCOR to pay back under-remitted funds dating to 1993. It also directed the PCSO to remit 30 percent of gross earnings from six sweepstakes starting in 2006.

Alejandro H. Tengco, PAGCOR, ASEAN Gaming Summit 2025

PSC Chairman Patrick Gregorio said he has met with PAGCOR Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Alejandro H. Tengco to finalize payment terms. He added that discussions with the PCSO are ongoing to reconcile outstanding obligations.

Last year, PAGCOR reported gross earnings of PHP106 billion ($1.81 billion). The PSC received PHP2.26 billion ($41 million), while PHP95.08 million ($1.71 million) was allocated as cash incentives for athletes and coaches who won in international competitions.

This indicates that PAGCOR remitted an average of about PHP188 million ($3.22 million) per month to the PSC. Under the restored rate, the monthly contribution should have been around PHP440 million ($7.53 million).

Gregorio said the additional funding will support facility upgrades in Rizal, PhilSports, and Baguio, enhance athlete benefits, and promote sports tourism. “The PAGCOR funds will transform our best dreams for Philippine sports and tourism into reality,” he said.

PAGCOR reported total contributions to nation-building of PHP66.95 billion ($1.21 billion) last year. Of this, PHP45.19 billion ($813 million) went to the National Treasury as the government’s 50 percent share, including PAGCOR’s annual PHP60 million ($1.08 million) contribution to the Dangerous Drugs Board.

PAGCOR also remitted PHP4.76 billion ($86 million) in franchise taxes and PHP907 million ($16 million) in corporate income taxes to the Bureau of Internal Revenue.

MGM China bond remains top pick among high-yield Macau gaming operators: CreditSights

Viviana Chan
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MGM China bond remains top pick among high-yield Macau gaming operators: CreditSights

MGM China Holdings’ bonds remain the preferred choice among high-yield Macau gaming operators following the company’s strong fourth-quarter 2025 performance, according to a recent CreditSights research report.

In its latest investment memo, CreditSights, a credit research unit under the Fitch Group, maintained an ‘Outperform’ recommendation on MGM China after the company reported solid revenue and earnings growth, supported by improved credit metrics and stronger-than-expected operating results.

Analysts Nicholas Chen and David Bussey said MGM China’s financial performance in the fourth quarter ‘remained far above pre-COVID levels,’ with total net revenues and EBITDA rising 21 percent and 30 percent year-on-year, respectively.

The research noted that earnings growth was largely driven by MGM Cotai, which contributed the majority of topline expansion and lifted the company’s EBITDA margin by 1.8 percentage points to 28.6 percent. The analysts added that they expect ‘a mid-single-digit year-on-year increase in the topline’ in fiscal year 2026, supported by operational improvements and the completion of suite conversion efforts.

CreditSights also noted continued balance sheet strengthening. As of December 31st, 2025, MGM China’s total debt stood at $2.5 billion, while gross leverage improved to about 1.95 times, remaining ‘comfortably stronger than pre-COVID levels’. The analysts estimated that free cash flow remained positive in 2025 and projected further marginal improvement in 2026.

From a relative value perspective, CreditSights said MGM China’s bond yields trade about 30 basis points tighter than comparable Wynn Macau debt, which it believes is justified by ‘stronger credit fundamentals and impressive post-pandemic gains in market share’. The firm also reiterated its preference for MGM China over Melco Resorts and Studio City, citing concerns over deleveraging progress and shareholder returns at peers.

For investors seeking higher yields, the analysts highlighted the 7.125 percent MGM China June 2031 bond, while noting the likelihood of early refinancing due to its call structure.

IEC seeks shareholder approval for $205M convertible notes issue

Nelson Moura
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IEC seeks shareholder approval for $205M convertible notes issue

International Entertainment Corporation (IEC) has proposed issuing up to HK$1.6 billion ($205 million) in convertible notes and is seeking shareholder approval for a related whitewash waiver that could exempt its Philippine partner from making a mandatory takeover offer.

In a circular released on Monday, the Hong Kong-listed casino and hotel operator said it had entered into a subscription agreement with DigiPlus Interactive Corp, a Philippine-listed digital gaming group, for the issuance of convertible notes in two tranches of HK$800 million ($103 million) each.

If fully converted at an initial conversion price of HK$1 ($0.13) per share, the notes would result in the issuance of up to 1.6 billion new shares, representing about 53.9 percent of IEC’s enlarged share capital, according to the document.

IEC said an extraordinary general meeting (EGM) would be held on February 26th to seek shareholder approval for the transaction, including a specific mandate to issue the conversion shares and a whitewash waiver under Hong Kong’s Takeovers Code.

The whitewash waiver, if approved, would exempt DigiPlus from the obligation to make a mandatory general offer for all outstanding IEC shares that could otherwise be triggered by the conversion of the notes.

Part of the proceeds from the subscription — around HK$489 million ($63 million) — is intended to be used to repay existing promissory notes that carry an annual interest rate of 6 percent, while the remaining funds will be used to support IEC’s casino and hotel operations in the Philippines over the next two years, the company said.

The notes will carry an interest rate of 3 percent per annum and mature five years after issuance. Unless previously converted, IEC will redeem the notes at 108 percent of principal upon maturity.

IEC said the conversion price represents a discount of about 16.7 percent to the company’s closing share price on the date the subscription agreement was signed in November, but a significant premium to its net asset value per share.

The company reported revenue of HK$566 million ($73 million) for the year ended June 2025, more than double the previous year, but posted a net loss of HK$282 million ($36 million).

IEC operates Newcoast Hotel & Casino complex in Manila and said the proposed financing would improve liquidity, reduce higher-cost debt and strengthen its long-term financial position.

Aristocrat announces appointment of new CTO and CCO, EMEA

Kelsey Wilhelm
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Aristocrat announces appointment of new CTO and CCO, EMEA

Aristocrat Leisure Limited as announced the appointment of a new Chief Technology Officer and Chief Commercial Officer, EMEA.

According to a recent company announcement, AI and communications software executive Bob Serr has been appointed to the CTO role and is set to commence this month. The executive formerly worked as VP of Engineering and as GM for Microsoft’s Azure Communication Services, having previously held roles with Amazon and IGT.

The company notes that Serr brings ‘deep expertise in AI, emerging technologies, and enterprise-scale innovation’.

Interblock
Bob Serr, Chief Technology Officer
Interblock
Dafne Guisard, Chief Commercial Officer, EMEA

Dafne Guisard has been appointed as the group’s new CCO for EMEA – a newly created role ‘to lead the company’s growth and expansion across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa’.

Guisard comes to Aristocrat after serving as Chief Operations Officer at Entain. She also previously held the role of Chief Strategy, Transformation & Digital Officer at The Kraft Heinz Company. Ms. Guisard also starts in the role this month.

Both Serr and Guisard will report directly to Aristocrat Group CEO Trevor Croker and will join the Executive Steering Committee.

Speaking of the new hires, Croker noted that “I am delighted to welcome leaders of the caliber of Dafne and Bob. Both have proven track records in scaling businesses, driving transformation, and building high-performing teams. I look forward to their contribution”.

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