The new Chairman of Australia’s The Star Entertainment Group says that he did not intend to assume the role, and that the overall board reshuffle had not been the “initial plan”.
Soo Kim, Chairman of Bally’s Corporation, said that he stepped up after the resignation of Steve McCann from his role as CEO prompted Bruce Mathieson Jr to shift down from Chairman to fill the void.
Soo KimBruce Mathieson JrSteve McCann
Kim represents Bally’s Corporation, which together with Mathieson-family backed Investment Holdings saved The Star from bankruptcy with a $300 million ($193.5 million) injection.
In statements to the Australian Financial Review, Kim noted that “we feel a sense of urgency and obligation and responsibility to put this on the right track”.
This is likely to be accompanied by significant job losses, with Kim noting that “we are prepared to move the company forward, and that might not be for everybody”.
Speaking of the resignation of McCann and two other board members, Kim noted that “We are here, and may be better for it.” The executive furthered “obviously, we need to recruit good people onto the board and to our management team to help us move forward and execute the plans”.
This means a revamp of how the company operates and possibly a complete restructuring, move away from a centralized operation.
“There are no sacred cows, and even the notion that we have a corporate office has to be examined,” he stated, as quoted by the AFR.
South Korea’s president Lee Jae-myung has called for a review of casino licensing standards, calling the granting of private licenses to foreigner-only casinos a “favor”.
According to ChosunBiz, the comments were made during a work briefing by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MCST) and other ministries.
During the meeting, President Lee asked the president of Grand Korea Leisure (GKL) – which operates under the MCST – whether the operator was making “some surplus”.
Yoon Doo-hyun answered that GKL was expecting a surplus of KRW40-50 billion this year, excluding labor costs.
The South Korean leader, who took office in June, then questioned whether private casino licenses are issued, questioning to whom they are granted and calling such a practice a “significant favor”.
South Korean President Lee Jae-myung
The top official noted, as cited by the publication, that “significant profits are generated, and it is not appropriate to grant licenses for this to the private sector, to specific individuals”. Lee encouraged the MCST to reconsider its policy decisions in the future.
In addition, according to Asia Business Daily, the South Korean president also questioned the head of Grand Korea Leisure on gambling addiction, requesting statistical evidence.
The GKL head was unable to provide the figures at the time, prompting the nation’s top official to request the presidential official office to investigate the issue.
“We need to see the harms are increasing or decreasing, and what policy efforts are needed”.
President Lee furthered that gambling could be one of the “terminal symptoms that signal a nation’s decline”. The official stated that “it is predatory lending that exploits poverty and gambling driven by the hope that ‘things will somehow work out’ that are concerning”.
The head of Macau’s gambling watchdog says that responsible gambling is a critical component in promoting the lawful, healthy and orderly development of Macau’s gaming industry, stressing that such measures have become both a social priority and a statutory obligation for casino operators.
Macau’s Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau (DICJ) director Ng Wai Han noted that, as Macau’s economy continues its recovery, the gaming sector is entering a phase characterized by both opportunities and challenges. In this context, responsible gambling is no longer confined to community outreach and public education, but is embedded in the legal responsibilities that gaming concessionaires must fulfill under the Gaming Law.
DICJ Director Ng Wai Han
To ensure effective implementation of the relevant provisions of the legislation, the government requires concessionaires to submit regular reports on their responsible gambling initiatives and conducts on-site inspections at casinos to assess the execution and effectiveness of related measures.
The DICJ head added that authorities maintain strict oversight of the enforcement of casino entry bans, while continuing to strengthen supervision across all aspects of responsible gambling initiatives. These efforts aim to ensure that regulatory requirements are fully implemented and that safeguards remain in place to mitigate gambling-related risks.
As part of ongoing efforts, the government plans to place greater emphasis on enhancing public awareness of responsible gambling. This will involve maintaining close cooperation with stakeholders and expanding publicity through diverse channels to improve public understanding of responsible gambling and raise awareness of gambling disorder prevention.
Ng made the remarks at the “Responsible Gambling Promotion 2025 Closing Ceremony and Certificate Presentation”, held on Wednesday at the MGM Cotai ballroom. The event was jointly organized by the Social Welfare Bureau, the DICJ and the University of Macau’s Institute for the Study of Commercial Gaming.
At the ceremony, awards were presented to 15 casinos and other gaming venues recognized by the Responsible Gambling Working Group as “Model Units for Responsible Gambling Implementation”. Certificates were also awarded to 175 individuals who completed the “Macau Professional Certificate in Gambling Counseling”, the “Macau Responsible Gambling Instructor Certificate Course” and related instructor training programs.
ZITRO, a global leader in gaming innovation, has officially joined the American Gaming Association (AGA). This milestone underscores the company’s enduring commitment to the U.S. market, where it continues to strengthen partnerships with casino operators and expand across both commercial and tribal properties.
The AGA represents the U.S. gaming industry’s most influential voice in the legal, state-regulated, and tribal gaming market, bringing together companies that promote responsible gaming and work with regulators to support the industry’s growth. For ZITRO, this membership means more than just being part of the conversation. It’s an opportunity to actively contribute to shaping the future of an industry in which the company is deeply invested.
Derik Mooberry, CEO at ZITRO USA
“This is the right moment for us to take a more active role in the industry conversations around gaming in the U.S.,” said Derik Mooberry, CEO of ZITRO USA. “The gaming landscape is evolving fast, and the AGA provides an essential platform where suppliers and operators can tackle challenges collaboratively, from advancing responsible gaming to navigating complex regulatory frameworks. We’re eager to contribute our international perspective to these important discussions.”
As a member, ZITRO will participate in industry advocacy efforts, exchange best practices with fellow gaming companies, and contribute to policy discussions that impact the future of the gaming sector. The move comes at a natural time for the company. ZITRO’s products have been gaining momentum in U.S. markets, and the company is ready to bring its expertise and insights to the table.
“We’re delighted to welcome ZITRO to the AGA,” added Maureen Beddis, senior vice president of membership and events at the American Gaming Association. “Their innovation, expertise, and commitment to our flagship event, G2E, are valuable additions to our membership, and we look forward to partnering with them to continue to drive the industry forward.”
The Macau government has approved a one-year extension of Wing Hing Lottery Company Limited’s exclusive concession to operate Chinese lottery products, extending the contract through to December 31st, 2026, according to an additional agreement published in the Official Gazette.
The revised contract introduces a new obligation requiring the concessionaire to prioritize the recruitment of local employees.
Under the additional concession contract dated December 9th, 2025, the extension takes effect from January 1st, 2026. As consideration for the extension, Wing Hing is required to pay an annual premium of MOP500,000 ($62,342) to the Macau Special Administrative Region government, as well as the other payments and obligations stipulated in the original concession agreement.
A key change in the updated contract is the inclusion of a labor-related clause. Wing Hing is required to prioritize hiring local workers and cooperate proactively with the government on recruitment and employment. This includes providing on-the-job training and aligning its employment practices with Macau’s labor policies, as stated in the gazetted contract.
All other provisions of the original concession agreement remain unchanged. The additional contract will take effect on January 1st, 2026, and will expire at the end of that year.
Wing Hing was first awarded the Chinese lottery concession in August 1990 under an exclusive operating model. In 2004, the company received authorization to expand its betting services to include telephone and online channels. Since 2010, however, the concession has been renewed annually.
The lottery operator was established as a subsidiary of Sociedade de Turismo e Diversões de Macau, S.A. (STDM), which remains a major shareholder in the casino operator SJM Holdings.
Figures from the Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau (DICJ) show that Chinese lottery gross gaming revenue totaled MOP10 million ($1.24 million) in the first three quarters of 2025.
Global Gaming Women (GGW), a leading non-profit championing women’s advancement in gaming, has announced the appointment of Siobhan Lane as President and Board Chair.
Siobhan is currently the Group Chief Executive Officer of Gaming at Light & Wonder, Inc. Lane most recently served as the organization’s 1st Vice President—a role now held by Brandi Ellis, a longtime executive in the industry. Adriana Kasunic, Vice President, People Operations at The Venetian Resort Las Vegas, has been named to the position of GGW’s 2nd Vice President, where Ellis had previously served.
“Throughout her many years of service to the organization, Siobhan’s ardent focus on education has significantly expanded GGW’s offerings and reach, which we will see continued in her leadership as president,” said Lauren Bates, outgoing GGW President and current Light & Wonder Vice President of Sales.
Siobhan Lane’s term as president comes at the conclusion of Lauren Bates’ two-year presidential term at GGW. “I want to extend my deepest gratitude to GGW’s incredible members, sponsors, board members, and volunteers for your dedicated commitment to the organization over my term of service, during which we achieved more than 3,000 new members, launched 10 new programs, and held 17 live education events, which expanded into two new countries.”
Commenting on the appointment, GGW President Siobhan Lane said, “GGW’s mission to support, inspire, and influence the development of women in the gaming industry began with its founders’ vision and commitment—a mission I am excited to champion in my role as President and Chair of the Board of Directors. Outgoing GGW President Lauren Bates brought the organization to new heights, and I extend my immense appreciation to her for positioning GGW for continued success.”
Global Gaming Women’s new leadership appointments go into effect January 1, 2026, and run through 2028. GGW has additionally authorized the appointment of Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee Vice President of Finance Julie Woodruff to Board Secretary—a position vacated by Kasunic in her transition to 2nd Vice President.
Million Games announced the launch of X-mas Rush, a high-volatility Christmas slot that blends classic gameplay with playful seasonal features.
Developed by Yugo Workshop under the Million Stars partner programme, X-mas Rush delivers a festive experience built around transforming Mystery Gift symbols and boosted win potential through the X-Bet option.
Set against a snowy winter backdrop, X-mas Rush is played on a 5×3 reel grid with 20 paylines, offering an RTP of 96.21% and a maximum win of 4,000x the bet. The game centres around the Gift symbol, which adds a moment of anticipation to every spin. Up to three Gift symbols can land on each reel, and at the end of the spin, all Gifts on the screen simultaneously transform into the same random paying symbol, creating clear, impactful win moments.
To increase volatility and gift frequency, players can activate the X-Bet feature, which raises the total bet by x1.4 and boosts the number of Gift symbols appearing on the reels. This provides a direct way to increase hit potential without complicating gameplay, making the title accessible to a broad audience while still delivering high-value moments.
“X-mas Rush captures what players enjoy most about seasonal content — clear mechanics, festive visuals, and rewarding unpredictability,” said Thomas Nimstad, CEO of Million Games. “Yugo Workshop has created a polished Christmas release with strong gameplay clarity and market appeal.”
Play’n GO, a global leader in casino entertainment, has announced that its acclaimed portfolio of games is now live with bet365 in the key Italian online casino market.
Bet365’s players in Italy can now access globally recognised titles from Play’n GO, including Book of Dead, Legacy of Dead, and Rise of Olympus 100, marking the first time these games are offered through bet365 in the southern European country.
Play’n GO has been one of the leading game suppliers in Italy for many years. The addition of bet365 among the company’s operator partners means that the Swedish gaming giants’ titles now feature on all 46 regulated license holders in the southern European country.
Magnus Olsson, Chief Commercial Officer of Play’n GO, said: “The Italian online casino market continues to be one of the most important in the world and I couldn’t be more excited to bring our unparalleled portfolio of games to bet365 players there for the first time. Bet365 is one of the biggest names in European gaming and I have no doubt that by building on our partnership in other regulated markets we’ll make our Italian cooperation a success.”
A spokesperson at bet365, added: “Play’n GO has built a strong reputation for innovation and quality, and we’re pleased to welcome their content to our Italian offering. Expanding our games line-up with proven performers supports our strategy of delivering fresh, engaging entertainment to players across all regulated markets”.
Omnitronix has engaged BetComply to support the launch of next‑generation online slot offerings in regulated markets via Mooncake Studio.
Mooncake Studio delivers unique, narrative-driven online slots, built around progressive story layers where players unlock new scenes, character reactions and sequences.
BetComply will support the certification and licensing of Mooncake Studio content as the provider plans for global expansion. BetComply will also protect Mooncake Studio’s IP.
Anna Satori, CEO and founder at Omnitronix, said: “BetComply understands what it takes to support genuinely different ideas. We are not producing hundreds of reskins or minor variations. Mooncake is about building completely original, narrative-driven slot experiences, and that requires a compliance partner with deep technical and regulatory understanding. We’re in safe hands with Mike and the BetComply team.”
Mike de Graaff, Chief Compliance Officer at BetComply, added: “Too often, studios are discouraged from trying something new because they have to navigate so many obstacles. The reality is that when compliance is considered from the very beginning of the development process, there is still significant room for creativity. Mooncake Studio is a great example of how innovative mechanics can be delivered responsibly and compliantly.”
BetComply is quickly building a reputation for helping iGaming’s most creative developers bring industry-first products to regulated markets, including Playbook Fusion’s Playbook Football game.
Asia’s online gaming market continues to attract strong player interest, but growth across the region remains uneven, with sharp disparities between consumer demand and revenue generation, according to a new report released by iGaming analytics firm Blask.
The report, which analyzes online gaming activity across more than 100 countries, found that several Asian markets rank among global leaders in player interest, yet lag behind more mature jurisdictions in estimated revenue. Blask said the divergence highlights the role of regulation, market structure, and enforcement in shaping commercial outcomes.
‘Interest does not always equal revenue,’ the analysts stated in the report, noting that some of the markets showing the strongest online demand are also those facing the greatest structural and regulatory constraints.
Blask’s analysis combines proprietary demand indicators with revenue modelling to assess both market size and competitive dynamics. According to the data, countries such as Bangladesh, the Philippines, Vietnam and India consistently record high levels of player interest, while developed and tightly regulated markets, including the United States and parts of Europe, continue to dominate in revenue terms.
Regulation, not demand, drives revenue differences
The company said the contrast is particularly evident in Asia, where online gambling remains illegal or heavily restricted in many jurisdictions. In these markets, monetization is often limited by enforcement actions, payment disruptions and fragmented operator ecosystems, even as user demand persists.
‘Developed markets maintain revenue share thanks to stricter and more stable regulation,’ Blask said, adding that open and competitive licensing frameworks tend to support more predictable earnings and lower volatility.
Regulation emerged as a key factor influencing market stability. According to the report, regulated markets generally show steadier revenue baselines and less pronounced swings in activity, while unregulated or grey markets experience sharper fluctuations driven by enforcement cycles and brand turnover.
Philippines stands apart as India struggles with fragmentation
The Philippines stands out as a notable exception within Asia. Blask identified the country as the region’s only open and competitive regulated online gaming market, following the nationwide ban on offshore gaming operations and the expansion of domestically licensed e-games and e-bingo platforms. As a result, demand has increasingly shifted toward local operators, supporting stronger revenue capture compared with other Asian markets.
‘Policy changes in the Philippines have reshaped supply toward local licensees,’ Blask indicated, pointing to a surge in domestically regulated platforms after offshore operators exited the market.
By contrast, markets such as Indonesia, Thailand and Bangladesh continue to register strong demand despite ongoing enforcement measures, including site blocking and payment restrictions. Blask noted that these actions contribute to high market churn, with operators frequently rotating brands, domains and marketing channels to maintain visibility.
India presents a distinct set of market dynamics. Blask’s analysis shows that the country has the largest number of online gaming brands in Asia, pointing to a highly fragmented and intensely competitive landscape. While seasonal sporting events, particularly cricket, continue to drive sharp spikes in player interest, revenue capture remains constrained by regulatory intervention.
In August 2025, India enacted the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act (PROA), which imposes a comprehensive ban on online money games played for stakes, regardless of whether they are classified as games of skill or chance. Blask noted that the combination of high brand density and sweeping regulatory restrictions has limited monetization, making localization and compliance agility critical for operators.
A region of contrasts, not a single market
The report also highlights varying levels of market maturity across the region. Markets such as Singapore, South Korea and Japan display lower volatility and more contained growth patterns, reflecting tighter controls, state monopolies or limited legal offerings. In contrast, faster-growing markets tend to show steeper and more irregular demand curves.
Max Tesla, co-founder and CEO of Blask
On the product side, Blask found that slots dominate player preferences across Asian markets, accounting for the vast majority of observed interest. Other game types, including live casino and table games, form a much smaller share of overall engagement, a pattern that remains consistent across both regulated and unregulated environments.
In sum, Blask said Asia’s iGaming landscape remains defined by strong consumer demand alongside structural constraints that limit revenue realization. While interest in online gambling continues to grow across much of the region, the company cautioned that outcomes vary widely depending on regulatory clarity, enforcement intensity and market access.
‘Asia should not be viewed as a single market,’ Blask said. ‘It is a collection of jurisdictions at very different stages of development, where demand, regulation and monetization do not always move together.’
