There is a brewing corporate battle in Australia’s gaming industry, with Kjerulf Ainsworth, son of slot machine pioneer Len Ainsworth, fighting to block a takeover bid by Austrian gaming giant Novomatic.
According to The Australian, the dispute centers on the future of Ainsworth Game Technology (AGT), a family-founded company with deep roots in the Australian gambling sector.
Novomatic has sought majority control of AGT, aiming to expand its global footprint and strengthen its presence in the lucrative Australian market. The proposed deal would give the European firm significant influence over AGT’s operations, positioning it as a dominant player in the region’s gaming machine industry.
Kjerulf Ainsworth has strongly opposed the takeover, arguing that Novomatic’s offer undervalues AGT and threatens the independence of the family business. He emphasized the importance of preserving the company’s legacy, which has been built over decades by his father, Len Ainsworth, a pioneer in slot machine innovation.
The potential acquisition has sparked debate among investors and regulators. Supporters see the deal as a pathway to growth and international expansion, while critics worry about foreign ownership and the erosion of Australian influence in the gaming sector.
Regulatory authorities are expected to scrutinize the bid closely, given its scale and implications for competition.
Kazakhstan is set to establish new gambling zones in several regions, including Mangystau, Almaty, East Kazakhstan, and Zhetysu, as announced by Yerbol Myrzabosynov, the country’s Minister of Tourism and Sports.
According to reports from Kazakh media, recent legislation will introduce new casinos alongside existing ones in Borovoye and Kapchagay.
The planned locations for these new casinos include the coast of the Caspian Sea in Mangystau, the shore of Lake Alakol in the Panfilov District of Zhetysu, the Talgar District in Almaty, and the Markakol area along with Zaysan District in East Kazakhstan.
Gambling is permitted but restricted to designated zones, mainly in Almaty and Shchuchinsk. Online gambling is also regulated.
However, specific sites within these regions have yet to be finalized, with local akimats (regional executive authorities) responsible for selecting the particular locations.
Myrzabosynov emphasized that the expansion of gambling zones aims exclusively to enhance tourism, noting that similar approaches are used in other countries. He indicated that each new casino is expected to contribute between 2 and 3 billion tenge (approximately $4.3 to $6.5 million) in annual tax revenue and generate around 500 jobs.
The minister also dismissed any claims that the government intends to lower taxes on the gambling industry, stating, “There is no question of lowering taxes. Casinos are taxed on every gaming table, and we expect overall tax contributions to range from two to three billion tenge.”
Furthermore, the government indicated that the number of gambling zones could increase in the future, adding that while the current zones have been identified, they may be expanded later to further develop tourism.
Macau’s gross gaming revenue (GGR) for the full year of 2025 reached MOP247.40 billion ($30.9 billion), representing a 9.1 percent year-on-year increase and exceeding the government’s full-year target of MOP228 billion ($28.5 billion).
In December alone, GGR totaled MOP20.89 billion ($2.61 billion), up 14.8 percent year-on-year, marking the strongest December performance since the COVID-19 pandemic and reflecting robust holiday-driven demand.
On a month-on-month basis, however, revenue edged down 0.95 percent from November, partly due to seasonal factors, as there were no public holidays in mainland China during the Christmas period.
A sharp increase in visitor arrivals supported the solid year-end performance. Macau recorded 1.14 million inbound visitors during the combined Macau SAR Establishment Day and Christmas holiday period from December 20th to 28th, according to figures released by the Public Security Police. Total cross-border movements during the nine-day period reached 6.25 million, underscoring strong regional travel demand.
Macau authorities also said the city has surpassed its pre-pandemic tourism record. Cumulative visitor arrivals reached 39.41 million as of 11 a.m. on December 27th, exceeding the full-year total of 39.4 million recorded in 2019.
Despite the strong recovery, Macau’s 2025 GGR remains 15.4 percent below pre-COVID levels, when gaming revenue stood at MOP292.46 billion ($36.5 billion) in 2019, indicating the market has yet to fully return to its historical peak.
Good Morning. The end of one chapter, the start of another. As of 2 a.m. on December 30th, SJM has officially taken direct control of Casino L’Arc Macau, signaling a new strategy for its peninsula assets. The group acquired the property for $224 million, aiming to stabilize operations as the legal landscape shifts. Meanwhile, the final curtain fell on the city’s decades-long satellite casino model with the shutdown of Casino Landmark at 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday. In Portugal, the government is also seeking stability, extending current casino licenses by three months to navigate the formalities of an ongoing tender process covering several key gaming zones.
SJM Resorts has completed the integration of L’Arc Hotel and Casino into its self-operated portfolio, with Managing Director Daisy Ho describing the property as a highly strategic asset on the Macau Peninsula. The transition took effect in the early hours of December 30th after regulatory approval, ending L’Arc’s satellite casino status. The handover was carried out seamlessly, without disruption to guests or casino operations.
Totogaming has officially closed out 2025, marking a year of strategic growth, innovation, and expanded global reach, while setting a clear roadmap for scaling and long‑term development in 2026.
At the end of the year, Totogaming held a big presentation for employees to talk about the results of 2025 and goals for the future. During the event, company leaders gave dedicated presentations about the year’s successes and the company’s future direction, which helped to build transparency, alignment, and a shared vision for continued growth.
Totogaming had challenging and transformative yet important year in 2025. Guided by a forward-thinking approach, the company continued to make well-thought-out decisions that helped strengthen its position across multiple markets and reinforcecing its role as a key player in the iGaming industry.
Throughout the year, Totogaming achieved significant milestones across product development, brand partnerships, employer branding, and community engagement.
Innovation remained central to the company’s strategy. In 2025, Totogaming released Bet Edit and Autobet for sports, followed by the introduction of Toto League: a loyalty program designed to deepen user engagement through daily missions, rewards, and interactive experiences. Totogaming continues to expand its product game portfolio by partnering with 27 new providers and adding more than 4,200 new games in Armenia and Romania.
The company also stayed active in the global industry ecosystem by sending representatives to 12 international events where they shared their knowledge with other professionals in the field.
The “Power Has No Gender” campaign, which has been going on for five years, won the MOMMYS Gold International Marketing Award from Mad Over Marketing. This shows that the company is still committed to being socially responsible and plans to expend the initiatives in 2026. 2025 concluded with further recognition at Romania’s Casino Inside Awards, where Totogaming received two major distinctions: Best Marketing Campaign and Best Customer Service in Online Gambling.
To accompany the year-end summary, Totogaming also released a short video featuring team members and reflecting key highlights of 2025.
Totogaming’s Chief Strategic Projects Officer, Hasmik Gevorgyan, talked about the year and the company’s plans, focusing on the long-term vision: “Totogaming is a brand with decades of history, built by people who are deeply committed to what they do. Our focus today is on scaling that legacy, strengthening our presence, and making Totogaming a meaningful participant in an even greater number of international markets. The achievements of this year are not just results; they are the foundation for what comes next. 2026 will represent something new for Totogaming, a direction worth keeping an eye on.”
As Totogaming looks ahead to 2026, the company remains focused on sustainable growth, responsible expansion, and building on the strengths developed over decades — driven by its people, its experience, and its ambition to grow globally.
Casino Landmark, the final remaining satellite casino in Macau, ceased operations at 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, marking the end of a three-year transition period and closing a chapter in the city’s gaming industry that had existed for decades.
Located inside the New Orient Landmark Hotel on the Macau peninsula, Casino Landmark was one of the most profitable satellite casinos in Macau and operated under SJM Holdings‘ gaming license.
The shutdown drew a crowd of gamblers, employees, and onlookers in the casino’s final moments. Many gathered to witness the closure, with some livestreaming the scene as the casino’s signage was covered with red cloth and notices were posted advising patrons on chip redemption arrangements.
The closure took effect as the government-mandated three-year grace period for satellite casinos expired on Wednesday (31st). Casino Landmark was the last such venue to remain in operation following regulatory reforms that reshaped Macau’s casino landscape.
SJM has previously said that all locally hired employees at Casino Landmark would continue to be employed by the group. According to the operator, staff will be reassigned to other SJM-run casinos to perform gaming-related roles, depending on operational needs.
The Macau gaming operator Galaxy Entertainment Group (GEG) has announced the renewal of its partnership with the Macao University of Tourism (UTM) to launch the “Experience Macao with GEG” program for the second consecutive year.
Featuring the “Immersive Study Program” and thematic seminars focused on Macau’s fusion of Chinese and Western cuisine and folk customs, the program helped GEG’s frontline team members, particularly those in customer services, deepen their knowledge of local culture and tourism resources, enabling them to better highlight Macau’s unique charm to both residents and visitors.
Recently, GEG hosted a graduation ceremony at the Ballroom of Banyan Tree Macau in Galaxy Macau, presenting certificates to 50 team members who completed the “Immersive Study Program.” Held in October and November, the program offered a four‑day training that combined classroom learning with onsite tours for team members from various frontline operational departments, including F&B, Hotel Services, and Integrated Resorts.
The program included lectures on the “Macao New Eight Scenic Spots”, an overview of the city’s World Heritage sites and their preservation, and the origins of Macanese cuisine. Guided by UTM’s professional instructors, participants toured the “Historic Centre of Macao” and the old town of Taipa, gaining deeper insights into the community’s cultural and tourism resources. They also visited GEG’s revitalization project, the Lai Chi Vun Shipyards, where they learned about Macau’s shipbuilding and fishing history, and explored how the project integrates technology, family-friendly, leisure, and cultural elements to preserve heritage while infusing new vitality.
Since 2023, GEG has participated in the revitalization of the Lai Chi Vun Shipyards area, incorporating technological and multimedia displays to showcase Macau’s traditional shipbuilding history and culture, alongside family-friendly facilities, recreational spaces, festive markets, and cultural performances co-organized with local SMEs and various associations in the community. In addition, GEG officially launched the “Ice Skating Carnival” at the Lai Chi Vun Shipyards during the Christmas holidays, attracting a large number of residents and visitors who came together to celebrate.
All reservation slots for the real ice-skating rink were filled rapidly, demonstrating the public’s enthusiasm. The carnival also features photo installations and a winter bazaar, and will continue on December 31, 2025, January 1, 2026, and every weekend through January 25, 2026, with free admission for the public.
Over the years, GEG has actively supported the Macau SAR Government’s initiatives on developing community tourism. By supporting and organizing a wide range of cultural, leisure, and tourism-related activities, GEG promotes the integration of local cultural characteristics with tourism resources, striving to advance community tourism and showcase Macau’s diverse appeal as a “World Centre of Tourism and Leisure”.
SJM Resorts marked a major milestone for L’Arc Hotel today with a celebratory ceremony, officially welcoming the property as a self‑owned member of its portfolio and ushering in its next phase of development.
At the same time, SJM joined hands with guests, locals, and tourists to ring in the New Year. The celebrations feature auspicious lion dance and drum extravaganzas, injecting a burst of vitality into the Macau Peninsula.
The celebration started with Ms. Daisy Ho, Managing Director of SJM, accompanied by senior management, officiating the eye-dotting ritual with a troupe of eight lions, symbolising good fortune and prosperity. As the drumbeats started to sound, the ensemble mixed with traditional performances to create a joyous atmosphere and excitement for the audience. The God of Fortune also joined the troupe to distribute dining vouchers from L’Arc Hotel, heralding blessings and abundance for guests in the New Year.
Looking ahead, SJM will build on the prime location and established customer base of L’Arc Hotel, further enriching its accommodation, dining, and complementary offerings. By working in synergy with its Lisboa-branded properties and neighbouring businesses, SJM aims to build a more dynamic and interconnected tourism network across the Peninsula, offering visitors a more seamless and diversified city resort experience.
Through the continued development of L’Arc Hotel, SJM remains committed to strengthening Macau’s position as a “World Centre of Tourism and Leisure”, contributing to high-quality tourism growth and the city’s broader economic diversification.
The decision marks the end of the venue’s status as a satellite casino, coinciding with the conclusion of Macau’s three-year transition period which finishes at the end of this year. Casino L’Arc Macau will be the only satellite casino to successfully transition to a self-operated model, as all other satellite casinos have ceased operations.
Groove Technologies, the award‑winning B2B iGaming solutions provider, has confirmed its participation in ICE Barcelona 2026, where it will join more than 600 exhibitors and 65,000 industry leaders at the Fira Barcelona Gran Via from January 19–21.
Groove’s team will be on-site to demonstrate how its full-service platform, featuring industry-leading game aggregation and growth-focused tools, provides operators with a single, powerful engine for navigating a rapidly evolving global market.
The decision to attend ICE comes at a pivotal moment for the iGaming sector. As the market matures, the focus is shifting toward sustainable growth powered by innovation, operational discipline, and deep market understanding. Groove’s platform is engineered to empower this evolution by making growth simple, granting partners access to an extensive portfolio of over 15,000 games from more than 150 top-tier providers through a single integration.
“The spirit of ICE Barcelona aligns perfectly with our vision of global partnership,” said Rachel Tourgeman, Head of Partnerships at Groove Technologies. “The industry is moving beyond just offering games; it’s about delivering the right localised content with the right tools to engage players in an increasingly competitive landscape. For us, ICE is the definitive venue to connect face-to-face with partners who are serious about scaling their business intelligently. We’re bringing our full suite of solutions to the table to explore how we can build and accelerate that growth together in 2026 and beyond.”
Giusy Campo, Business Development Director at Groove Technologies
This philosophy of growth through collaboration was further emphasised by Giusy Campo, Business Development Director at Groove Technologies. “Every meaningful partnership in this industry starts with a conversation,” said Campo. “Our entire platform is built to be that growth catalyst for ambitious operators. As the lead on B2B sales, I’m personally looking forward to expanding my network and discussing the specific mechanics of success with current and future partners. Let’s transform potential into performance.”
The company’s participation is underscored by key trends identified in leading industry forecasts for 2026. These include the growing importance of personalisation, a heightened focus on safer gambling and compliance, and the continued dominance of mobile and social gaming features that build community. Navigating these trends requires a platform partner that can offer both cutting-edge content and robust operational support.
Yahale Meltzer, Co-Founder and COO of Groove Technologies
“At Groove, we believe the future belongs to agile partners who can simplify complexity for operators,” added Yahale Meltzer, Co-Founder and COO of Groove Technologies. “Our platform is more than an aggregator; it’s a comprehensive growth ecosystem. From the moment of integration, we give operators the marketing tools, analytics, and vast content library they need to launch fast, adapt to local player preferences, and scale efficiently across diverse regulatory environments. Meeting at ICE allows us to translate these capabilities into concrete strategies for mutual success in the year ahead.”
During the three-day event, the Groove team will be available for meetings to discuss market entry, platform scalability, and tailored game curation. Partners and prospective clients are encouraged to schedule a meeting to explore actionable strategies for 2026.
SJM Resorts on Tuesday completed the integration of L’Arc Hotel and Casino into its self-operated portfolio, with managing director Daisy Ho describing the property as a “highly strategic asset” because of its prime location on the Macau peninsula.
The transition took effect at 2 a.m. on December 30th after Macau authorities authorised SJM to assume direct management of Casino L’Arc Macau, ending its operation as a satellite casino.
Speaking to reporters at a ceremony later in the day, Ho said the occasion marked a milestone for the group. “Today is a joyful day for SJM Resorts because L’Arc Macau Casino has officially become one of our self-operated properties,” she said.
Ho said the handover process had been completed smoothly, without any disruption to guests or casino operations. “This was truly a seamless handover,” she said, adding that “not our hotel guests, and not even those players in the casino” noticed any change when the transition was completed in the early hours of the morning.
She described L’Arc as a stable and well-managed property whose operating team and business model had remained consistent over the years, saying SJM hopes to make “even better use” of the casino to attract more visitors to Macau.
The move comes as Macau’s three-year transition period for satellite casinos concludes at the end of this year. L’Arc is the only satellite casino to have successfully transitioned to a self-operated model, after all other satellite casinos ceased operations.
According to the Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau (DICJ), SJM formally applied to terminate L’Arc’s satellite casino status at 1:59 a.m. on December 30th, citing commercial considerations, and simultaneously sought approval to operate the casino directly. Authorities said the application met all legal requirements and was approved.
While L’Arc is now directly operated by SJM, Ho said the casino’s operating approach would not change significantly in the near term. “For now, we believe the customer flow will largely remain the same,” she said, noting that many players displaced by nearby satellite casino closures are looking for familiar gaming environments.
SJM marked the transition later on Tuesday with a ceremony at the property featuring traditional lion dances, as the operator joined guests and residents in welcoming the New Year. Crowds gathered today after the event to have a glimpse of the new casino after the ceremony.
As part of the transition, the number of gaming tables at L’Arc has increased from just over 40 to 100, a change that has already been implemented, Ho said.
Explaining the rationale behind the move, SJM’s Managing Director said it was not driven by a single factor but reflected SJM’s broader strategy on the Macau peninsula. She added that L’Arc was more suitable for the group’s overall layout than other properties previously considered for acquisition.
The transition follows government approval on December 12th for the transfer of the hotel and casino units at L’Arc Hotel to SJM and its subsidiary. The transfer involves more than 86,000 square metres of space formerly owned by Arc Of Triumph Development Company Limited, which is controlled by SJM executive director Angela Leong.
The acquisition was completed on December 15th after independent shareholders of SJM Holdings approved a HK$1.75 billion ($224 million) transaction, which also includes the repayment of most of the target company’s HK$1.93 billion ($247 million) debt.
Ho said gaming tables released from closed satellite casinos were being reallocated across SJM’s self-operated properties, including Grand Lisboa, Hotel Lisboa, Crystal Palace, Jai Alai Oceanus and Grand Lisboa Palace.
The closure of Casino Landmark later this Tuesday will mark the end of Macau’s decades-long satellite casino model. The city’s final remaining satellite casino is set to cease operations at 11:59 p.m. on December 30th following the expiry of a three-year transition period under Macau’s revised gaming law.
The casino also operated under SJM’s license, with the shutdown date announced after the concessionaire reached an agreement with the service provider. The move follows the earlier closure of Casino Fortuna, also under SJM’s license, which ceased operations on December 9th.
Following the closure of Casino Landmark , “by tomorrow all of the gaming tables will have been allocated to our self-operated casinos,” she said.
Asked about the financial impact of transferring employees back under SJM’s management, Ho declined to comment, saying details would be provided when the company releases its results.
