Pragmatic Play gears up to reveal a blockbuster 2026 lineup at ICE Barcelona

Europe

AGBrief Editorial

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January 18, 2026

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Pragmatic Play gears up to reveal a blockbuster 2026 lineup at ICE Barcelona

Pragmatic Play is set to unveil its 2026 multi‑vertical product roadmap at ICE Barcelona, spotlighting major new slot releases and live casino launches, along with the latest season of its industry‑leading Drops & Wins promotional tool.

The exhibition will mark the start of what promises to be another standout year for Pragmatic Play, following a record-breaking 2025 in which the provider launched more than 100 network slots, expanded its dynamic game show portfolio, and entered a new vertical with its arcade collection.

A show-stopping stand designed to deliver a fully integrated experience, spanning more than 1,750m² and featuring 100 screens powered by over 150 million pixels, including two giant displays, will bring Pragmatic Play’s characters to life. The centrepiece will be a striking candy cascade featuring more than one tonne of sweet treats, alongside a dedicated Pragmatic Play Sports zone, housing famous football memorabilia.

Over the past 12 months, Pragmatic Play has reinforced its localisation strategy by rolling out more than 150 new live dealer tables, 55 of which are localised for specific markets, supported by the opening of new studios in Serbia and Colombia. This has been complemented by the first-class Smart Studio technology, which has delivered over 800 bespoke tables for prominent operators.

Live Casino remains a major focus for the business, and following recent studio openings in Serbia and Colombia, there are plans to open additional Live Casino studios in 2026, including one in Brazil.

Pragmatic Play’s expansive portfolio will be on full display across stands 2P30, 2P50, and 2P70, featuring headline slots Jelly Express and Sugar Rush Super Scatter, which further strengthen its sweet-themed collection, Joker’s Jewels Hold & Spin, the latest iteration of its timeless franchise, and Zeus vs Hades – Gods of War 250, a sequel to its hugely successful 2023 title.

https://agbrief.com/news/world/04/06/2025/pragmatic-play-introduces-exciting-wheel-drops-for-bigger-wins/

The provider will also debut the upcoming Gates of Olympus Roulette, taking the popular Greek mythology IP into a new vertical and building on the momentum of numerous high-profile game show releases in 2025, including Fortune Roulette, Money Time, and Mega Roulette 3000. This will feature amongst a stellar live casino lineup that includes Color Game Bonanza, Crystal Roulette, and the provider’s all-new Flow Blackjack tables, which aim to redefine the blackjack experience by reimagining the classic game through contemporary design.

Alongside its core verticals, Pragmatic Play will also spotlight additions to its arcade portfolio, including Plinko+ and Chicken+, a fast-paced, retro-style title built around simple gameplay and risk-reward cash-out mechanics.

Further supplementing its portfolio, Pragmatic Play will spotlight the latest season of Drops & Wins. Offering up to €25,000,000 in Weekly Wheel Drops and Daily Tournaments – the largest provider-funded prize pool in the industry – Drops & Wins underscores the supplier’s ongoing drive to deliver tangible value to its global partners and their players.

Pragmatic Play Sports will also be in attendance, shining a light on its rapidly expanding sportsbook offering. The brand is promising a hive of activity throughout the conference, including an intimate Q&A with football legend Clarence Seedorf on Monday 19^th at 2pm, hosted by Sky Sports presenter Polly James.

Irina Cornides, Chief Operating Officer at Pragmatic Play, said: “2025 was a landmark year for Pragmatic Play, with our strength across multiple product verticals reflected in record player activity and the receipt of 39 industry awards. 2026 is shaping up to be another exceptional year, and it all starts at ICE Barcelona. We’re looking forward to showcasing our newest games, including Chicken+, Jelly Express, Color Game, and Gates of Olympus Roulette, and demonstrating how we plan to deliver bigger, bolder, and more exciting experiences for our partners and their players.”

Pragmatic Play’s showstopping presence at ICE Barcelona outlines its 2026 ambitions, as it continues to push boundaries in betting and gaming innovation, setting new benchmarks for industry service.

Wynn earned top honors at the TVB ESG Awards in Hong Kong, securing both the “Best in ESG Practices” and the “ESG Special Recognition Award.” Its position as the sole Macao-based recipient of the “Best in ESG Practices” award reinforces its standing as a leader in sustainability within the industry.

The TVB ESG Awards, organized by Television Broadcasts Limited (TVB), aims to recognize and commend enterprises and organizations with outstanding performance in environmental, social, and governance (ESG) aspects.

The “Best in ESG Practices” award specially commends publicly listed companies that have demonstrated the best performance in ESG. Recognized for the quality and consistency of its ESG practices, Wynn received high praise from the judging panel and emerged as one of the award-winning publicly listed companies.

Wynn achieves dual recognition at the 2025 TVB ESG Awards

Wynn is dedicated to excellence, integrating sustainability into its business objectives, strategies and operations. Guided by its Sustainability Policy, Sustainability Principles and the Goldleaf Sustainability Program, supported by a suite of governance and compliance policies, it embeds environmental and social considerations into every aspect of how it operates, supported by transparent governance and a disciplined approach to its sustainability performance. Aligned with Macau’s “1+4” diversification roadmap and broader sustainable development priorities, Wynn advances ESG practices across hospitality, community engagement and environmental management.

Looking ahead, Wynn will continue to deepen its ESG strategy, enhance operational efficiency, and strengthen related policies and measures. Through concrete actions, it aims to drive the sustainable development of the industry and contribute to Macao’s vision of becoming a sustainable tourism and leisure hub.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the government said the takeover was finalized on Friday, concluding the reversion procedure based on a memorandum of understanding signed with the State of Cape Verde in 2014. The agreement covered a tourism and real estate investment planned for the bay area of the city of Praia.

The executive reiterated that it had taken all possible steps to ensure the project’s implementation, but said the contracts were “irremediably breached” by the investors. The hotel-casino complex was left incomplete after construction stalled several years ago due to financial difficulties faced by the developer.

The project was first announced in 2015 by businessman David Chow, who outlined a planned investment of €250 million ($290 million) in the Praia development. The completion of the first phase was initially scheduled for 2021, but construction began in 2016 and failed to advance thereafter.

In October 2023, the Cape Verde government announced it would revoke Macau Legend’s gaming concession for the project, citing concerns over the investor’s capacity to complete the development. That decision was followed in November 2024 by the formal termination of contracts with Macau Legend Development, with authorities pointing to repeated violations of legal and contractual obligations tied to the tourism and gaming investment.

The developer has since acknowledged that it expects to recognize a significant impairment loss related to deposits, property, equipment, and right-of-use assets connected to its investment projects in Cape Verde and Macau.

China calls for Chen Zhi syndicate fugitives to surrender by Feb. 15th

Viviana Chan

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January 18, 2026

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China calls for Chen Zhi syndicate fugitives to surrender by Feb. 15th

Chinese authorities have urged remaining fugitives linked to the crime syndicate led by Chen Zhi to surrender by February 15th, 2026, offering the possibility of reduced punishment, according to Chinese media reports.

The appeal follows Chen’s repatriation to China on January 7th over alleged involvement in large-scale telecommunications fraud and other criminal activities.

China’s Ministry of Public Security said in a notice issued on January 15th that suspects belonging to the Chen Zhi criminal group, which authorities have linked to business activities associated with Cambodia-based conglomerate Prince Group, who voluntarily turn themselves in before the deadline and truthfully confess their offenses, may be eligible for lighter or mitigated punishment under the law. The ministry also warned that threatening, retaliating against, or obstructing individuals who intend to surrender could itself constitute a criminal offense and would be investigated accordingly.

The notice also detailed that those who refuse to surrender will face public arrest warrants and be pursued by law enforcement nationwide. Authorities said the Chen Zhi criminal group is suspected of a range of offenses, including telecommunications fraud, operating illegal casinos, illegal business activities, and concealing or disguising criminal proceeds. Investigations into the case remain ongoing.

Chinese police previously confirmed that, with the cooperation of Cambodian authorities, Chen was escorted back to China and identified as a Chinese national.

Chen, 38, was born in China and obtained Cambodian citizenship in 2014. He later served as an adviser to Cambodia’s Prime Minister and received an honorary title, before being stripped of his Cambodian citizenship and deported last month.

Chen’s case has drawn international attention since October last year, after US authorities indicted him on fraud and money-laundering charges related to an alleged large-scale cyber scam operation. US law enforcement agencies have also disclosed the seizure of digital assets linked to the case, though legal proceedings remain ongoing.

Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister Sun Chantol was quoted as saying that Chen’s arrest and repatriation marked only the first step in Cambodia’s broader campaign against online fraud. He said the Cambodian government remains firmly committed to eradicating cyber fraud, noting that such crimes have damaged the country’s national reputation.

India’s Delta Corp posts $2.14M profit in 4Q25, down over 53% y-o-y

India

Viviana Chan

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January 17, 2026

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India’s Delta Corp posts $2.14M profit in 4Q25, down over 53% y-o-y

Indian casino operator Delta Corp reported a sharp year-on-year decline in profitability for the quarter ended December 31st, 2025, as regulatory changes, higher indirect taxes, and weaker gaming revenues continued to weigh on performance.

The casino and hospitality operator posted a standalone net profit of Rs193.8 million ($2.14 million), down more than 53 percent from Rs416.1 million ($4.59 million) in the same period a year earlier, according to its unaudited financial results.

According to the financial results released on Friday, January 16th, revenue from operations on a standalone basis fell to Rs1.18 billion ($12.99 million), compared with Rs1.5 billion ($16.55 million) a year earlier, reflecting softer gaming activity in a more challenging operating environment. The decline comes against the backdrop of tighter regulation in India’s gaming sector, including higher taxation and restrictions on online gaming activities.

On a consolidated basis, Delta Corp reported a profit after tax of Rs142.8 million ($1.57 million) for the December quarter, down sharply from Rs637.8 million ($7.03 million) in the corresponding period last year. Consolidated revenue from operations stood at Rs1.6 billion ($17.66 million), compared with Rs 1.87billion ($20.59 million) in the preceding quarter, underscoring sustained pressure across both its gaming and hospitality segments.

A major drag on earnings during the period stemmed from the enactment of the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act 2025 (PROGA), which bans online games involving real-money stakes (RMG). As a result, Delta Corp wrote down the value of its investments in several online gaming entities, including Deltatech Gaming Ltd, Head Digital Works Pvt Ltd, and Openplay Technologies Pvt Ltd.

The company recorded a Rs378.34 million ($4.17 million) cumulative reduction in the fair value of these investments in its standalone books, routed through Other Comprehensive Income, with management stating that the carrying value of these investments has been reduced to nil following the effective halt of their revenue-generating operations.

In addition to regulatory headwinds, Delta Corp continues to face significant uncertainty from long-running Goods and Services Tax (GST) disputes. Tax authorities have issued show-cause notices alleging short payment of GST amounting to Rs23.21 billion ($255.8 million) across the company, its subsidiaries, and an associate for the period from July 2017 to November 2022.

The demands are based on GST being levied on gross bet value rather than gross gaming revenue, an issue affecting the wider industry. The company has challenged the demands and secured interim relief, with the matter now awaiting judgment from the Supreme Court. Based on legal advice, no provisioning has been made for the disputed amounts.

Profitability has also been impacted by the increase in GST to 40 percent on the sale of gaming chips, which has compressed margins in the company’s core casino operations.

Despite these near-term challenges, Delta Corp said it remains focused on operational efficiency and long-term value creation, while continuing to pursue expansion of its physical casino and hospitality footprint in Goa and other markets.

Macau VIP baccarat delivers $2.53B in 4Q25, accounting for 30.7% of GGR

Macau

Viviana Chan

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January 17, 2026

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Macau VIP baccarat delivers $2.53B in 4Q25, accounting for 30.7% of GGR

VIP baccarat accounted for 30.7 percent of Macau’s casino gross gaming revenue (GGR) in the fourth quarter of 2025, supported by a strong year-on-year rebound in high-end play, according to data released by the city’s gaming regulator.

Figures from the Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau (DICJ) showed that VIP baccarat generated MOP20.31 billion ($2.53 billion) in the three months to December 31st, representing a 45.2 percent increase from MOP13.99 billion in the same period of 2024.

On a quarterly basis, VIP baccarat revenue rose 20.3 percent, lifting its share of total casino GGR from 27 percent in the third quarter to 30.7 percent in 4Q25.

Total casino GGR for 4Q25 reached MOP66.06 billion ($8.25 billion), with the VIP segment providing a key boost to overall performance toward year-end.

Mass-market gaming, including slot machines, generated MOP45.75 billion ($5.71 billion) during the quarter, accounting for the majority of casino gaming revenue. This represented a 5.3 percent increase from MOP43.44 billion in the fourth quarter of 2024, while remaining broadly flat on a sequential basis.

Mass-market baccarat continued to dominate the segment, producing MOP36.25 billion ($4.52 billion) in 4Q25. The figure accounted for 54.9 percent of total casino GGR for the period and marked a 4.8 percent year-on-year increase, although revenue declined 0.7 percent compared with the third quarter.

Slot machine revenue rose to MOP3.63 billion ($453 million) in the fourth quarter, up 7.8 percent year-on-year and 5.5 percent quarter-on-quarter, representing 5.5 percent of total casino gaming revenue. Revenue from live multi-game (LMB) tables reached MOP1.25 billion ($156 million), increasing 10.7 percent from the same quarter in 2024 and 0.9 percent sequentially.

Outside the casino segment, sports lottery revenue showed mixed trends in 4Q25. Football betting generated MOP93 million ($11.6 million), down from MOP103 million ($12.83 million) in the same period of 2024, reflecting a year-on-year decline of 9.7 percent. Basketball betting, by contrast, recorded MOP73 million ($9.1 million), up from MOP64 million ($7.97 million) a year earlier, representing a 14.1 percent year-on-year increase.

For the full year, Macau’s total gaming revenue, including casino GGR of MOP247.40 billion ($30.88 billion) and lottery receipts, reached MOP248.03 billion ($30.97 billion), with fourth-quarter data highlighting a stronger contribution from VIP baccarat alongside steady mass-market performance and divergent trends within the sports lottery segment.

The scene is unmistakable: blue-flamed bones coil above a volcanic horizon, while a gleaming hoard crowds the stone. Armour, shield and steel share the grid with glinting coins and a chest that looks ready to burst. The dragon isn’t merely a backdrop; it feels like a sovereign presence whose breath colours the reels and whose shadow carries the story forward. For dark-fantasy fans, this is a lair built to linger in the imagination long after the last ember fades.

Legacy of Undead Dragon Abyssways draws on mythic motifs – the restless hoard, the skeletal guardian, the steadfast hero – and folds them into Play’n GO’s penchant for strong worlds and rich visual cues. Where some fantasy treats dragons as distant spectacle, this interpretation keeps the creature close: you can almost hear talons scrape against gold and feel the heat ripple across the cavern floor. The result is a slot that privileges atmosphere and continuity, rewarding those who prize world-building and character.

Players who gravitate towards Play’n GO’s moodier, lore-driven releases will recognise the studio’s touch here – meticulous iconography, readable action, and a soundtrack that supports the tension without shouting for attention. It’s an invitation to savour the setting: to watch the chest glow, the coins tilt towards the light, and the bone-white crown of the dragon cut through the smoke.

Magnus Wallentin, Games Ambassador at Play’n GO, said: “Legacy of Undead Dragon Abyssways showcases our love of world-building. We wanted the lair to feel alive – you can sense the dragon without seeing it, then feel that rush of blue fire when it finally moves.”

Legacy of Undead Dragon Abyssways by Play’n GO is a dark-fantasy vignette in slot form – vivid, cohesive and built for players who enjoy a story that smoulders.

Integrating content from such a forward-thinking studio, ably abetted by its founders’ combined decades of experience and expertise in the slots sector, adds yet more creative muscle to QTech Games’ offering, which is taking the broadest spectrum of online games to emerging territories with established names sitting alongside the industry’s most exciting up-and-coming providers – of which Wild Sheep Games is another timely example.

Wild Sheep Games is known for its high-quality slots and engaging gameplay, which has manifested itself in a range of ten popular initial releases, with two more new titles scheduled to follow each week until the end of 2026. These titles will comprise a wider library of constantly upgraded content, all of which is now exclusively available via the QTech Games.

The announcement organically broadens Wild Sheep’s international footprint, unlocking untapped jurisdictions for global growth, where Wild Sheep is looking to make a big impression over the coming 12 months.

Philip Doftvik, QTech Games’ CEO, said: “We’re thrilled to unveil this partnership with Wild Sheep Games, making the point that our diverse portfolio draws from a deep well of established stars and emerging forces in slots provision. Their unique focus on emerging markets perfectly matches our own ethos, while the power of their production line is relentless.”

A Wild Sheep Games spokesperson added: “Wild Sheep Games is growing at a great pace, thanks to our “players-first” mentality to game development and only build high-quality games. This collaboration with QTech will only accelerate that growth. Moreover, every title benefits from Wild Sheep’s RG mantra of great returns, transparent mechanics, and certified integrity. We don’t copy — we craft. Every slot runs on fresh, in-house maths that’s built to keep our partners’ players coming back for more. We can’t wait to see how these games perform across a spread of new territories via QTech Games’ preeminent platform for emerging markets.”

1 January 2026 marks one year since Brazil began operating under a regulated iGaming framework. This period has been characterised by active market formation, regulatory clarification, and rapid adaptation by both operators and technology providers. From the outset of this transformation, SOFTSWISS has played an active role in supporting operators entering the regulated Brazilian market.

SOFTSWISS was the first company to receive certification for its Game Aggregator in Brazil, followed by certification of its other key products – the Sportsbook, Casino Platform, and Jackpot Aggregator. As a result, the company now offers a fully certified product ecosystem for Brazil, enabling operators to launch and scale their businesses in full compliance with local regulations.

Market growth and certified portfolio

Market performance data further confirms the steady development of the regulated environment. Between the first and third quarters, GGR increased by 50%, while Total Bets grew by 33%, demonstrating a consistent positive trend throughout the year. As regulation stabilised, both operators and players gradually adapted to the new framework, contributing to sustainable growth rather than short-term spikes.

This progress has been supported by a significant expansion of certified content. When entering the Brazilian market, the SOFTSWISS Game Aggregator initially offered games from three major providers. Within a year, this number grew to over 30 game providers certified for Brazil, considerably increasing the volume and diversity of compliant content available to operators.

Popular titles among Brazilian players include Fortune Rabbit, Fortune Tiger, Fortune Dragon by PG Soft, as well as Roleta Brasileira by Playtech, Panda Luck, Aviamasters by BGaming – a clear indication of strong demand for both internationally recognised brands and locally relevant content.

The first year of regulation has not been without challenges. Ongoing regulatory clarifications and evolving requirements created a demanding environment for businesses operating in Brazil. However, SOFTSWISS views this period as a constructive phase of market formation, drawing on its extensive experience in regulated jurisdictions worldwide.

Ivan Montik, Founder of SOFTSWISS, commented: “Brazil is a complex and highly attractive market. The first year of regulation was intense for the industry, with rules continuing to take shape along the way. Thanks to our experience in regulated markets, we are able to adapt quickly and bring our technical solutions into compliance, ensuring that our clients can operate effectively. Our success in Brazil is driven by both strong technology and the people behind it.”

SOFTSWISS takes the wheel at SBC Summit Lisbon with Estoril circuit experience and expert insights — _{Ivan Montik and Rubens Barrichelo and SBC Summit Liusbon 2025}

Beyond technology and commercial performance, SOFTSWISS has actively contributed to industry dialogue and education. The company’s Non-Executive Director, Rubens Barrichello, opened SiGMA Americas, one of the region’s largest industry events, and participated in multiple partner initiatives highlighting the connection between business, sports, and responsible market development.

Rubens Barrichello, Non-Executive Director at SOFTSWISS, said:
“I am proud of the teamwork and the way we collaborate across the industry. Brazil is moving in the right direction as a regulated market, and I personally strongly support responsible gambling – a principle that truly distinguishes legal operators who are committed to protecting players. Through public speaking and industry engagement, I aim to contribute to education and awareness across the market.”

After one year in Brazil’s regulated environment, SOFTSWISS continues to strengthen its position as a fully certified technology partner for Brazil, supporting operators with compliant, scalable solutions while contributing to the long-term, sustainable development of the local iGaming market.

Pragmatic Play gears up to reveal a blockbuster 2026 lineup at ICE Barcelona

Pragmatic Play is set to unveil its 2026 multi‑vertical product roadmap at ICE Barcelona, spotlighting major new slot releases and live casino launches, along with the latest season of its industry‑leading Drops & Wins promotional tool.

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ZITRO’s FANTASY cabinet debuts in Spain at Casino Barcelona

ZITRO announced that Casino Barcelona, operated by the highly regarded Casinos Grup Peralada, has installed FANTASY, the company’s newest cabinet.

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Wynn achieves dual recognition at the 2025 TVB ESG Awards

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Cape Verde government takes over unfinished Macau Legend hotel-casino project

The Cape Verde government has taken possession of the assets and building of an unfinished hotel-casino project launched by Macau Legend Development in the capital city of Praia, bringing to a close a long-running reversal process linked to the abandoned development, according to a report by Lusa.

China calls for Chen Zhi syndicate fugitives to surrender by Feb. 15th

Chinese authorities have urged remaining fugitives linked to the crime syndicate led by Chen Zhi to surrender by February 15th, 2026, offering the possibility of reduced punishment, according to Chinese media reports.

India’s Delta Corp posts $2.14M profit in 4Q25, down over 53% y-o-y

Indian casino operator Delta Corp reported a sharp year-on-year decline in profitability for the quarter ended December 31st, 2025, as regulatory changes, higher indirect taxes, and weaker gaming revenues continued to weigh on performance.

Macau VIP baccarat delivers $2.53B in 4Q25, accounting for 30.7% of GGR

VIP baccarat accounted for 30.7 percent of Macau’s casino gross gaming revenue (GGR) in the fourth quarter of 2025, supported by a strong year-on-year rebound in high-end play, according to data released by the city’s gaming regulator.

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Play’n GO ignites 2026 with Legacy of Undead Dragon Abyssways launch

Kicking off 2026, Play’n GO unveils a treasure‑laden cavern where whispers echo and a wyrm awakens. Legacy of Undead Dragon Abyssways blends ghostly guardians and blazing WILDs into its core mood.

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QTech Games adds more creative content with Wild Sheep Games

QTech Games’ portfolio gains fresh momentum as the company secures exclusive rights to content from rising star Wild Sheep Games.

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SOFTSWISS key milestones as Brazil’s iGaming market completes its first year

Brazil’s first year of iGaming regulation saw SOFTSWISS close upwards of 30 operator deals, a clear indicator of the market’s appetite for certified, turnkey technology. Major brands such as Betnacional and Estrelabet are among the early adopters.

Market growth and certified portfolio

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