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1xBet marks 2025 as a year of global expansion and sustainable momentum

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Throughout 2025, 1xBet reaffirmed its standing as a global iGaming leader, supported by strategic alliances and multiple prestigious awards.



The company actively applied a systematic approach to strengthening its presence in strategically important markets. The appointment of Simon Westbury as Strategic Advisor gave the brand’s development fresh momentum.

Together, these factors made 2025 a year of consolidation, scaling, and steady progress for 1xBet.

Simon Westbury Joins 1xBet to Support Global Expansion and Growth

Simon Westbury Joins 1xBet to Support Global Expansion and Growth
Simon Westbury

With Simon Westbury joining the 1xBet team as Strategic Advisor in 2025, he strengthened dialogue with regulators and supported long-term positioning in international markets.

Simon Westbury’s expertise in regulation, public communications, and strategic development enhanced 1xBet’s capabilities in navigating multi-level jurisdictions and complex regulatory environments.

FIBA and 1xBet celebrate Germany’s EuroBasket 2025 victory in Riga
Simon Westbury, Strategic Advisor of 1xBet at EuroBasket 2025

Throughout the year, he represented the brand at leading industry events, such as SIGMA Euro-Med, SBC Summit Lisbon, SIGMA Central Europe, and SBC Summit Tbilisi, where he took part in discussions on the future of the industry, the balance between innovation and regulation, as well as the role of responsible operators in shaping a mature market.

Simon Westbury’s presence at the FIBA EuroBasket final in Riga, organized by 1xBet’s partner FIBA, highlighted the brand’s close connection with the international sports community and its engagement in key events on the global sports calendar.

Big Names, Strong Alliances: 1xBet’s Partnership Power

In 2025, partnerships remained a key indicator of 1xBet’s sustainability and reputational strength. Collaboration with leading sports organizations reflects not only the brand’s marketing activity but also the level of trust from industry institutions, leagues, and federations.

In 2025, the company extended its partnership with the Paris Saint-Germain football club for another 3 seasons, reaffirming 1xBet’s reliability as an official betting partner. At the same time, the brand expanded its presence in tennis by signing an agreement with the series of ATP Challenger Tour events and the Billie Jean King Cup, further diversifying its sports portfolio and reaching key audiences.

In 2025, special emphasis was placed on local partnerships. 1xBet consistently develops collaborations with clubs and sports organizations that play an important role in their respective regions. Among the new partners, it’s worth highlighting Caracas FC, Yangon United, Barcelona S.C., Xelajú MC, Yaguarete Fighting Championship, and MIBR’s VALORANT Team. These agreements have allowed the brand to further integrate into local sports ecosystems and find its way into fans’ hearts.

The ambassador strategy also continued to evolve: Heinrich Klaasen and Oussama Assli joined the brand, while the partnership with Dave Leduc was renewed. These figures strengthened an already established portfolio of top-tier collaborations, which includes FC Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, the Italian Serie A, CAF, FIBA, the Billie Jean King Cup, and Volleyball World.

Industry Recognition: Celebrating Excellence on the Global Stage

2025 became a year of systematic recognition for 1xBet by the professional community. Receiving leading industry awards confirmed the high quality of the product, marketing solutions, and brand expertise.

Participation in the largest international exhibitions featured appearances by iconic football club legends, including Luis Garcia, Gregory van der Wiel, and Claude Makélélé, as special guests. At SIGMA Euro-Med, the Prime Minister of Malta, Robert Abela, was the guest of honor at the company’s booth.

The awards received in 2025 highlighted the brand’s strong positions across several areas, including mobile solutions, crypto products, user experience, marketing, and sports betting.

By the end of the year, 1xBet won a number of key iGaming industry accolades:

  • International Gaming Awards – Mobile Sports Product of the Year;
  • SIGMA Eurasia Awards – Best Crypto Operator;
  • SIGMA Africa Awards – Best on Mobile;
  • SIGMA Americas Awards – Best Sportsbook Operator;
  • SBC Europe Awards – Best Marketing Campaign and Sponsorship of the Year;
  • SBC Awards – Marketing Campaign of the Year;
  • SIGMA Euro-Med Awards – Best Casino Operator;
  • SIGMA Central Europe Awards – Best User Experience;
  • SIGMA South Asia Awards – Best Online Sportsbook & Best Cricket Betting Product.

Latin America

The Latin American market is characterized by high audience engagement, a strong sports culture, and growing regulation. All of these factors require a comprehensive approach from companies operating in the region, which became a priority for 1xBet.

A significant step was obtaining a license in Guatemala and launching a partnership with the CSD Xelajú MC football club. It strengthened the brand’s position in the local market and underscored its commitment to operating within the legal framework and collaborating with national sports institutions.

In Peru, development was driven by a local license focused on esports and digital communication channels. Collaborations with popular streamers Benjaz and MR Choco, as well as with football podcasters, enabled 1xBet to build organic engagement with a young, tech-savvy audience.

Social responsibility became a separate focus area. In 2025, 1xBet launched a CSR project dedicated to responsible gaming in several Latin American countries. This initiative became part of the company’s long-term strategy to support sustainable development and build mature relationships with players.

In many countries across the region, following detailed optimization of payment solutions, the brand ensured stable operation of the most in-demand payout methods, directly improving the user experience and audience trust. Additional localization of events and content helped increase conversion, while the product model was successfully adapted to various collaboration formats, including CPA, CPI, CPM, revenue share, and fixed schemes.

In 2026, the company plans to scale both its partnership activities in the region and its social initiatives, strengthening its presence through local events and institutional agreements.

Africa

In 2025, Africa remained a region of comprehensive, multi-layered development for 1xBet. The brand consistently combined sport, culture, and social initiatives. Its regional presence strategy was built around local identity, community engagement, and product adaptation to real user scenarios.

Significant attention was paid to ambassador programs. An essential strategy element was the fusion of sport and culture. Throughout the year, local influencers and opinion leaders joined the brand, including Drama T and Sat-B in Burundi, Ferre Gola in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Jizzle in Gambia, Tidiane Mario in Congo-Brazzaville and Tenor in Cameroon. This approach allowed the company to move beyond traditional sports sponsorship and integrate into a broader cultural context.

At the same time, the company expanded its collaboration with sports organizations. New partners included FC Bamenda in Cameroon, the Cameroon Basketball Federation,  the Burundi Football Federation, and Mathare United FC in Kenya. As an official partner of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), the brand continued supporting major competitions across the continent and building anticipation for AFCON – one of Africa’s most watched sporting events.

1xBet also supported a range of initiatives focused on social responsibility, grassroots sport, and education. For instance, the 1xBalance project evolved into full-fledged platforms for dialogue with audiences on the principles of responsible and conscious gaming. In 2025, the 1xBalance initiative reached more than 10 million users, attracted between 300 and 500 new followers in each active region, engaged over 4,000 participants in challenges and contests, and facilitated the distribution of 201 promo codes across the brand’s social media channels.

Another key initiative, the 1xCup, played a central role in Nigeria and Kenya. In Nigeria, 1xCup supported grassroots football through large-scale amateur tournaments combined with digital visibility, while 1xWoman focused on empowering women in sport through education and mentorship. In Kenya, the Waziri 1xCup combined multi-sport competition with tangible community support, strengthening youth sport and local infrastructure. 

Additionally, 1xBet received the Best Sponsorship Programme Award at the Gaming Operators’ Gala & Award Night for its contribution to sports development in Nigeria through the 1xCup project.

Product development in the region also remained a priority. In 2025, an iOS app was launched with the betting line expanded in the DRC; the local Ligue A football competition was added in Burundi, while the transition to the V3 platform was completed in several countries. In Ghana, the registration process was optimized, and the selection of popular games in the casino section was expanded, improving platform accessibility and convenience.

A Global Affiliate Engine Driving Growth

In 2025, 1xBet’s affiliate program, 1xPartners, remained a key driver of the company’s growth. In a highly competitive environment, the project enabled the brand to scale by leveraging partners’ local expertise and flexible collaboration models.

Launched in 2016, the affiliate program now brings together more than 500,000 participants from over 150 countries. This scale allows 1xBet to operate effectively across multiple regions, address local market specifics, and maintain sustainable development at the global level.

By the end of 2025, the program demonstrated steady growth and a noticeable increase in the number of active participants. 1xPartners secured a leading position in over 70 countries and focused on promoting its products in approximately 10 priority regions. Throughout the year, the program’s geographic reach was further expanded by entering several new markets.

A major milestone was the comprehensive redesign of the affiliate platform. The update was aimed at improving usability and efficiency: an enhanced interface, updated structure, and mobile optimization made onboarding and day-to-day interactions with the program simpler and more intuitive.

The brand values its partners and rewards their activity in various ways. For example, at SIGMA Central Europe, a prize draw was held for an iconic Omega watch, favored by James Bond and NASA astronauts. Such initiatives highlight the long-term nature of collaboration with 1xBet.

Furthermore, a new APK build was developed and launched during the year, expanding partners’ technical capabilities and simplifying work with the product across different regions.

Overall, in 2025, the affiliate program reaffirmed its role as a stable and transparent growth tool, combining scale, advanced technology, and a focus on long-term partnership.

What’s Next: 1xBet’s Plans for 2026

The brand continues to prioritize strengthening its positions in key regions through licensing, local partnerships, and closer engagement with regional communities. The company’s long-term vision and commitment to sustainable global development are something the clients and partners can be confident in. This approach will allow 1xBet to remain one of the iGaming leaders and consistently consolidate its position on the global stage.

GLI expands digital capabilities with new GLIAccess customer portal

Gaming Laboratories International (GLI) has rolled out a major update to its GLIAccess customer portal, introducing project tracking, streamlined approvals, enhanced onboarding, and improved functionality to reduce friction from engagement through submission.

GLI will be demonstrating the new GLIAccess enhancements at its stand #3J50 at ICE Barcelona.

GLI

Available 24/7, the new GLIAccess, improves the customer journey now and was built to easily allow the addition of new features, several of which are already planned for release later this year.

“We are constantly analyzing every customer touch point and making improvements to our service levels. The new GLIAccess is the latest example of that commitment,” said GLI Chief Revenue Officer Ian Hughes. “For the last 21 years, GLIAccess has been an important tool for our clients. Now we are excited to launch this new version because it provides an even better customer experience with significantly improved features, enhanced self-service, and a wealth of information at your fingertips, making everything more efficient for today’s gaming industry.”

Sangeeta Reddy, GLI
Sangeeta Reddy, Vice President of Innovation at GLI

The project was led by GLI’s Vice President of Innovation, Sangeeta Reddy, who commented: “At GLI, customers and quality are always our top priority. With the new GLIAccess, we’re empowering customers to stay connected—providing real-time data, project updates, and seamless communication through a single, intuitive portal. We invite users to experience the enhanced GLIAccess platform, featuring an enhanced graphical user interface with a modern look and feel, and intuitive, user-friendly functionality. The revamped platform streamlines every step from first engagement to certification and making collaboration smoother than ever.”

XBITU reveals real‑world crypto payments infrastructure live at ICE Barcelona 2026

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XBITU, a global crypto financial infrastructure company, will unveil its next-generation crypto banking infrastructure at ICE Barcelona 2026.

This event marks the official starting point of XBITU’s global B2B expansion campaign for the first half of 2026. Brian K, CEO of XBITU, commented: “If 2025 was the year we focused on building infrastructure and partnerships, 2026 will be the year when everyday users truly experience the convenience of crypto finance, starting with Apple Pay integration. ICE Barcelona 2026 marks the beginning of XBITU’s global expansion, and we aim to establish ourselves as a core infrastructure provider connecting token economies with the real-world financial system.”

At the event, XBITU will spotlight its B2C service with full Apple Pay and Google Pay integration. Users can now seamlessly convert the crypto assets they hold on XBITU to make real-world payments at tens of millions of merchants worldwide. At the point of sale, the assets are automatically converted into fiat currency through XBITU’s Auto-Swap technology. 

This development enables users to use crypto assets in their daily lives just like a traditional debit card, without any complicated process. As a result, the business presents a new user-friendly way to use crypto, which is no longer limited to being an investment asset but has evolved into a practical means of payment. 

Combining Singapore technology with EU regulatory infrastructure: A global-standard financial framework 

XBITU is built on the technology architecture of Asset Anastas, a Singapore-based technology company, and is operated through an EU-regulated entity holding a Polish VASP licence. Through this structure, XBITU has established a global-standard crypto financial infrastructure that simultaneously delivers: 

  • High system stability;
  • Enterprise-grade security for global services;
  • A fully compliant operational framework aligned with EU regulations.

Based on this foundation, XBITU is strengthening its identity not merely as a service provider, but as a core financial infrastructure company. 

At ICE Barcelona 2026, XBITU will present a next-generation financial infrastructure model that connects gaming, Web3, token economies, and real-world payments. The XBITU team and CEO will be available at the event from the 19th to the 21st January.

Sri Lanka records 2.3M tourist arrivals in 2025, led by India

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Sri Lanka received a total of 2.3 million tourists in 2025, with travelers from India accounting for the largest share, according to figures released by the country’s tourism authority and reported by local media outlets.

The data point to a strong recovery in inbound travel, supported by year-on-year growth of more than 15 percent.

India remained the undisputed leading source market, contributing 531,511 arrivals during the year—more than double the next highest country—representing an increase of over 114,000 visitors from the previous year, the authority said. Indian arrivals were highest in December, at 56,715 visitors, while February saw the lowest level at around 35,000.

Overall arrivals peaked in December, when cumulative tourist numbers reached 258,928, the highest monthly figure of 2025. The tourism authority said the performance confirmed Sri Lanka’s established appeal as a vacation destination, particularly during the year-end holiday period.

Europe and the Asia Pacific region together accounted for 92.7 percent of all arrivals. Europe alone contributed 51.3 percent, reinforcing Sri Lanka’s position as a winter sun destination for long-haul travelers. The United Kingdom ranked as the second-largest source market, with 21,277 arrivals.

The rebound in tourism comes amid broader investment momentum in Sri Lanka’s leisure and entertainment sector. In August 2025, the island nation’s largest private investment and South Asia’s first integrated resort officially launched with the opening of City of Dreams Sri Lanka. At the launch, Lawrence Ho, Chairman of Melco Resorts & Entertainment, said Sri Lanka could become “India’s Macau” as his company expands into the South Asian gaming market.

Melco project in Sri Lanka poised to capitalize on burgeoning Indian outbound tourism: MS
City of Dream Sri Lanka

The $1.2 billion City of Dreams Sri Lanka project in Colombo is a collaboration between Melco and John Keells Holdings, marking Melco’s first venture into South Asia following its operations in Macau, Manila, and Cyprus. 

The development, more than a decade in the making, comprises two hotels offering a combined 800 rooms, adult gaming facilities operating under a 20-year license, 17 restaurants and bars, luxury retail outlets, and conference and meeting facilities. The project is positioned to attract high-spending visitors, particularly from India, the Middle East, Russia, and China.

Analysts see muted near-term returns from Hann Casino–PhilWeb partnership

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Hann Casino Resort has strengthened its position in the Philippines’ regulated e-gaming sector through a new operational tie-up, but the partnership is unlikely to meaningfully boost earnings in the near term, according to analysts cited by BusinessWorld.

The collaboration involves PhilWeb Corp providing operational and technology support to Hann Casino Resort, reinforcing PhilWeb’s role within the regulated e-gaming ecosystem. However, the arrangement does not materially change PhilWeb’s near-term earnings outlook, said Marky Carunungan of F. Yap Securities.

Carunungan said the partnership is limited to operational and technology collaboration, with no equity joint venture or direct exposure to gross gaming revenue, keeping PhilWeb in a fee-based, asset-light role. He added that Hann’s online gaming operations remain relatively small, with revenues still primarily driven by its land-based casino business, limiting the potential near-term contribution to PhilWeb.

Separately, Toby Allan C. Arce, head of sales trading at Globalinks Securities and Stocks Inc., said the tie-up reinforces PhilWeb’s niche as a compliant technology and platform provider for premium land-based gaming assets. While the partnership is unlikely to lift PhilWeb to the scale of major integrated resort operators, Arce said it enhances credibility with regulators and players by anchoring digital gaming operations to an established resort brand.

Analysts see limited short-term financial impact but PhilWeb has framed the partnership as part of a broader strategic shift. In a statement sent to AGB last Saturday, the company said it is entering a new phase of development with a clear strategic focus on gaming infrastructure operations within the regulated gaming sector. It aims to position itself as an integrated provider of end-to-end gaming support services, extending beyond core technology to include operational enablement, platform security, marketing support, and customer service systems.

PhilWeb added that its engagement with Hann Casino demonstrates its capability to deliver a unified gaming infrastructure supporting system reliability, operational coordination, and controlled online–onsite connectivity in line with regulatory requirements.

Over the longer term, the company said its focus remains on contributing to a stable, transparent, and responsible gaming environment, supporting the objectives of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) on orderly industry development, responsible gaming, and regulatory clarity.

India launches money laundering probe into betting ring run by Pakistanis in UAE

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India’s Enforcement Directorate (ED) announced that it has filed a chargesheet against Magicwin, a betting website operated by two Pakistani nationals residing in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

According to The India Times, the prosecution complaint, akin to a chargesheet, was submitted on January 15th to a special Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) court in Ahmedabad, Gujarat.

The ED has named 14 individuals and entities in the money laundering case linked to Magicwin, stemming from a complaint by the Ahmedabad cyber crime police.

The police accused the portal of unauthorized hosting, streaming, and broadcasting of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, for which broadcasting rights were awarded to Star India Private Limited by the International Cricket Council (ICC).

During its investigation, the ED discovered that the Magicwin brand is owned by Magicwin Sports Limited, a UK-registered company, with Gulab Harji Mal and Omesh Kumar Gurnani, both Pakistani nationals residing in the UAE, serving as directors.

The agency alleges that the website and its mobile app operated as a betting exchange, facilitating sports betting and leisure gambling while routing transactions through mule accounts.

The platform purportedly enabled betting on cricket, tennis, football, and horse racing, and offered live streaming and real-time scorecards for users. Additionally, the ED claimed that numerous celebrities and social media influencers promoted Magicwin, with the proceeds from betting activities being funneled through hawala channels and cryptocurrencies.

In October 2025, the Indian government banned real-money online gaming (RGM) and betting, characterizing it as a “financial and social menace” that undermines the financial well-being of users, particularly the youth.

Macau premium mass spend hits Golden Week-like levels in January: Citigroup

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Macau’s premium mass segment delivered a ‘positively surprising’ performance in January, with average wagers per player rising 41 percent year-on-year to levels comparable with the 2025 Golden Week period, according to a proprietary table survey by Citigroup.

In a research note summarizing observations from a January survey, analysts George Choi and Timothy Chau highlighted that the average wager per premium mass player reached HK$28,424 ($3,644), up sharply from HK$20,160 ($2,585) a year earlier. The firm indicated the result once again exceeded expectations and pointed to resilient spending among higher-end mass-market players, despite a lower headcount.

Citigroup estimated that total premium mass wagers observed in January amounted to HK$16 million ($2.05 million), representing a 25 percent increase from the same month in 2025. The number of premium mass players observed fell 11 percent year-on-year to 564, implying that growth was driven primarily by higher average spend rather than volume.

The analysts also highlighted stronger activity at the high end of the premium mass spectrum. Citigroup identified 28 ‘whales’ during the January survey period, up from 24 a year earlier. These players wagered a combined HK$8.1 million ($1.04 million), implying an average of about HK$290,000 ($37,180) per whale, an increase of 49 percent year-on-year. 

Citigroup also noted a higher concentration of very large bettors, with six players wagering HK$500,000 ($64,100) or more during the survey, compared with only two such players in January 2025.

Citigroup’s ‘Player of the Month’ wagered HK$1 million ($128,200) at the Horizon Room at Galaxy Macau. Additional high-value play was observed at City of Dreams and Wynn Macau, including wagers of HK$850,000 ($109,000) and HK$640,000 ($82,100), respectively.

While the analysts said it was difficult to attribute the stronger performance to any single factor, they pointed to a combination of gaming and non-gaming offerings that continue to appeal to affluent mainland Chinese customers.

On a property basis, Galaxy reclaimed the top position in Citigroup’s premium mass survey, ranking first with a 25 percent share of total wager observed, compared with 27 percent in January 2025. Wynn Macau, Sands China, and MGM China followed closely behind, with market shares described as a ‘photo finish’ among the three operators.

Citigroup also noted several operational and promotional developments during the survey period, including concert ticket incentives targeting premium mass players and renovation works at mass gaming floors across multiple properties ahead of the Lunar New Year period. The analysts said these factors may have supported visitation and spending, contributing to January’s stronger-than-expected premium mass results so far.

Genting wants “new” Resorts World Sentosa, using 2026 to test concepts and refresh assets: RWS CEO

Resorts World Sentosa is using this year as a testing period, hoping to reposition itself as an experience-based destination that can attract new and repeat visitors that stay longer, aiming to carve out a different niche from luxury-oriented rival Marina Bay Sands.

RWS CEO Lee Shi Ruh says that the property is shifting away from one-off, attraction-focused visitors and wants guests “to feel that this is a place they can hang out with family and friends, with something new every two to three weeks,” indicates The Straits Times.

Lee Shi Ruh, Resorts World Sentosa CEO, Genting Singapore
Lee Shi Ruh, RWS CEO, President and COO of Genting Singapore

Lee is a long-serving executive at RWS, having been elevated to the CEO role of the property in June of last year and serving as the President and Chief Operating Officer of its parent company, Genting Singapore, since August 1st of 2025.

Her elevation came after the casino license of RWS was renewed (in November of 2024) for a period of just two years, rather than the maximum of three, after an evaluation panel found that its tourism performance from January 1st of 2021 to the end of 2023 was “unsatisfactory”.

This year could prove vital to the company’s image, particularly with authorities, as a new evaluation is scheduled for 2026 and its casino license renewal period comes due in February of 2027.

Facing strong competition from Marina Bay Sands, the market leader, RWS has focused on its 2.0 strategy, a SG$6.8 billion ($5.3 billion) investment aiming to boost the property’s floor area by half, with a strong focus on non-gaming. Its efforts are already being boosted by the revamp of the Singapore Oceanarium and Minion Land at Universal Studios Singapore, and the launch of retail and dining offerings in Weave – a new lifestyle mall.

Resorts World Sentosa, Singapore Oceanarium

The CEO, who has spent over 30 years with the Genting group, is hoping that the new amenities will change the perception of those who have previously visited the property and invites new guests “to see the new RWS”, she told the Business Times.

But this new RWS is still being shaped, with new offerings coming only (and being showcased) as it leads up to its “long-term goal”, opening its new waterfront complex in 2030.

Waterfront lifestyle development, Resorts World Sentosa
Waterfront lifestyle development, Resorts World Sentosa

The new waterfront development will feature two luxury hotels with over 700 keys, a four-story retail and dining podium, a promenade, “mountain trail’ and 88-meter light sculpture.

Until the expansion opens, RWS is focusing on “different concepts and programming,” as well as “new and exciting events” as RWS also seeks to “refresh our assets”, highlights the CEO.

Keeping gamblers on the property

“In the past, some guests came to gamble and then left straight away. How do you bring the gamers back?” the executive highlighted when speaking to the Straits Times.

As many renovations and launches have now been completed – such as the debut of The Laurus – ‘Singapore’s first The Luxury Collection all-suite hotel with Marriott International’, now RWS wants the IR experience to be a social affair.

GLI

Speaking of gaming clients, Lee notes that “we want them to feel there is more to do – eat, drink, socialize and spend time with family and friends”.

Amongst the new focus, the CEO also guarantees that “there won’t be another wave of major closures. Now it’s about putting everything together”.

This process is expected to boost both visitation and investor confidence, noting that “they can see for themselves how the business has shifted”. But the executive still warns that “results don’t come through immediately. It takes time to rebuild”.

But third quarter results showed that its efforts are already beginning to bear fruit. Gaming revenues from the integrated resort for 3Q25 rose by 22 percent year-on-year, to SG$402.96 million ($313.44 million), despite remaining relatively flat from the second quarter. Non-gaming revenue increased by 7 percent to SG$247.33 million ($192.39 million) and rose by 33 percent from the previous quarter, helping boost overall revenue by 16 percent yearly and 10 percent sequentially, to SG$649.79 million ($505.44 million).

Despite the costs that accompany its desired new image, Genting Singapore saw net profit after tax of SG$94.61 million ($73.6 million) in 3Q25, up 19 percent yearly and 5 percent from the second quarter. Its fourth quarter results, set to be released in late February, should also see contributions as its new offerings gain popularity.

The build-out of RWS 2.0 also requires more manpower, however, with experienced executives such as Chen Si, former CEO of INSPIRE Entertainment Resort in South Korea, joined as Chief Operating Officer of RWS in December of last year. Lee told the Business Times that she has almost finished composing her senior leadership team but will still be looking for more hires in the years leading up to the 2030 waterfront development launch, hoping to use technology to also streamline operations and maximize talents amongst a “very tight” labor market.

Daily Asia Gaming eBrief: Macau’s economy boosted by record 40 million visitors

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Good Morning. Macau’s economy concluded 2025 with stable performance and record tourism levels, but faced challenges from slowing gaming revenue, weak resident income growth, and pressures on small enterprises, a local think tank commented. The Macau Economic Association now forecasts a solid foundation for the tourism and leisure sectors in early 2026, driven by policy measures and expected boosts from peak travel periods. VIP gaming accounted for 30.7 percent of the SAR’s casino gross gaming revenue in the fourth quarter of 2025, highlighting a stronger contribution from VIP baccarat alongside steady mass-market performance.

What you need to know


On the radar


AGB Intelligence

Macau Tower

Macau maintains stability despite slower 2025 growth

The MSAR economy ended 2025 on a stable note, though growth momentum showed signs of easing, particularly with a slowdown in gaming revenue, as noted by the Macau Economic Association. While gross gaming revenue remained up year-on-year, December experienced a slight decline compared to November, indicating moderating growth. Tourism thrived, with visitor arrivals hitting a record 40.06 million, surpassing pre-pandemic levels. ​The association forecasts a solid foundation for tourism and leisure in early 2026, supported by policy measures and peak‑season travel boosts, while warning of operational pressures on smaller enterprises, and it expects the economic climate index to hold steady at 6.1–6.3 points in Q1 2026.


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Pronet Gaming rolls out its revamped brand identity

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Pronet Gaming is setting the tone for a breakthrough year with its new website and revitalized brand identity. Throughout 2026, it will expand its Asian footprint through strategic, locally supported launches that strengthen its long‑term growth ambitions.

The rebrand reflects the company’s sharpened mission for 2026: to help operators move faster, localise smarter, and grow sustainably across complex markets.

Over the past two years, Pronet Gaming’s leadership team spent significant time engaging with operators across Asia. These conversations highlighted a common theme: change isn’t slowing down. New player behaviours, cultural expectations, and regulatory shifts are redefining how operators work; and the need for flexible, locally adaptable technology has never been greater.

Alex Leese, CEO, Pronet Gaming, ASEAN Gaming Summit 2024
Alex Leese, CEO, Pronet Gaming, ASEAN Gaming Summit 2024

“Success in the region is ultimately about understanding people, not just platforms,” said Alex Leese, CEO, Pronet Gaming. “Player expectations are evolving, localisation needs are accelerating, and operators want greater control without sacrificing customisation. Our refreshed identity reinforces our commitment to delivering a platform and partnership model built for those realities.”

Alex Leese

This operator-first vision shaped the company’s new brand direction. The redesigned website offers streamlined navigation and a futuristic visual environment that highlights platform flexibility and speed of launch. These capabilities reflect Pronet Gaming’s investments in regional expertise and modular platform design, giving operators the control they need to compete across diverse Asian markets.

But the rebrand extends beyond technology. With the audience for B2B platforms becoming younger and more digitally fluent, Pronet Gaming’s marketing team initiated a full creative rethink of how the company presents itself globally.

Gina-Lama-Head-of-Marketing-Pronet-Gaming
Gina Lama

“We were given the freedom to reimagine everything,” shared Gina Lama, Head of Marketing, Pronet Gaming. “As we explored themes like surrealism, connection, and transformation, one idea resonated deeply: metamorphosis. It reflects what we’ve been going through as a company – evolving, adapting, and levelling up for the operators we serve.”

The team embraced this creative direction, using it to shape a visual identity that is clean, tech-forward, and aligned with Pronet Gaming’s strategic ambitions. “Our product is stronger than ever, and our ambitions are bigger than ever,” Lama added. “It was the right time for a brand that truly represents who we are today and where we’re heading.”

Pronet Gaming’s strengthened identity continues to be anchored in three core pillars: platform, partnership, and purpose. With many team members coming from B2C backgrounds, the company brings a practical, operator-centric perspective to its technology and service delivery. This includes a commitment to responsible deployment, cultural sensitivity, and regulatory alignment across every market in Asia.

The rollout of the new website and brand identity reflects a strategic shift toward a milestone year. In 2026, Pronet Gaming will advance its Asian expansion through carefully planned launches and strengthened local operations, reaffirming its commitment to sustainable growth and enduring collaboration.