MGM reached a historic milestone with 10 awards at the 2025 Macao Occupational Skills Recognition System (MORS) Gold Pin Competition, held on December 10, underscoring its unwavering commitment to excellence and continuous improvement.
MGM team members won 10 Gold Pins across seven competition categories, including Bartender, Chinese Chef (Cantonese Cuisine), Front Desk Agent, Room Attendant, Security Officer for Tourism and Gaming Industry, Waiter and Waitress (Chinese Restaurant Service), Western Chef.
Wendy Yu, Executive Vice President of Human Resources of MGM, and Iwan Dietschi, Senior Vice President of Hospitality of MGM, together with management and Golden Lion team members, attended the ceremony to support and congratulate the winners.
Ho Man Tek, who won a Gold Pin in the category of Western Chef, shared: “My colleagues and I began preparing for this competition several months ago. The journey was both fulfilling and challenging. MGM has always placed great emphasis on talent development, offering us continuous opportunities to learn and grow professionally. I’m truly grateful not only for the Company’s support, but also for the encouragement and help I received from my teammates throughout this process. This award boosts my confidence and motivates me to further excel in my role. It also inspires me to deliver outstanding service to our guests and create even greater value for the Company.”
The MORS was launched in 2001 by the Macao University of Tourism with support from the European Union. Gold Pin winners are recognized as top industry professionals, demonstrating exceptional professional skills and, through rigorous training and competitions, showcasing their capabilities aligned with international standards.
This year, MGM fielded 60 team members in 12 competition categories, including Food and Beverage, Front Office, Housekeeping, and Security, with 22 team members advancing to the final round.
MGM continues to advance tourism education and training in the Greater Bay Area, fostering regional cooperation and talent development. Through high-quality professional training programs such as the “Hengqin-Macau Cultural Tourism New Quality, New Productivity Training” co-organized by local and Hengqin governments, the company facilitates knowledge exchange and skill enhancement in hospitality services, technology application, and human resources management, contributing to the sustainable development of the cultural and tourism industries.
ClearStake, the UK iGaming player verification innovator, has partnered with Paul Myatt to strengthen its sales and marketing strategy.
Myatt will help drive sales of ClearStake products, including ID by Bank, a new solution that enables operators to verify player identity instantly through banking apps. The product is designed to improve FTD conversion, reduce fraud and cut the volume of manual reviews.
Over a 15-year career in gaming, Myatt has previously held senior commercial and business development roles at NetEnt, QuickSpin and Aspire Global.
ClearStake CEO Martin Burt said: “Paul has a proven track record of helping major iGaming businesses commercially scale. His experience across both supplier and operator landscapes makes him the ideal partner to support sales and help us drive further revenue. This engagement strengthens our ability to scale ClearStake and support more operators with innovative verification solutions.”
ClearStake advisor Paul Myatt added: “I have followed ClearStake’s progress closely and it is clear the company is solving a real problem for operators. ID by Bank is a product with huge potential to improve onboarding and reduce cost, and I am excited to support the team as ClearStake moves into its next phase of growth.”
Last month, ClearStake completed a GBP 1.5 million funding round backed by leading names across the iGaming industry. The investment will accelerate growth and support the rollout of ID by Bank, already being used by several major UK operators including MrQ.
The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) has characterized recent revenue softness as a necessary consequence of strengthening digital gaming safeguards rather than a sign of industry weakness, according to a press release issued Wednesday.
Chairman and CEO Alejandro H. Tengco told delegates at G2E Asia at the Philippines 2025 in Pasay City that third-quarter revenue declines stemmed directly from enhanced payment controls designed to improve long-term market integrity. The regulatory overhaul included delinking e-wallets and restricting certain payment channels to strengthen player protection and anti-money laundering compliance.
“In recent months, most of you are aware that our industry has confronted severe headwinds … These reforms inevitably have short-term impacts that are necessary because we cannot build a modern digital gaming ecosystem on foundations that do not fully meet global integrity and compliance standards.”
Alejandro H. Tengco
The transition to tighter payment controls prompted operators and players to recalibrate their practices, resulting in softer revenues in the latter part of the third quarter. PAGCOR emphasized the measures are essential to improve traceability, reinforce anti-money laundering protections, and curb illicit financial activity across the Philippines’ expanding digital gaming sector.
The payment reforms form part of a broader responsible gaming framework PAGCOR has implemented throughout 2025. Licensed operators must now integrate responsible gaming tools including self-exclusion options and betting limits to help players manage gambling habits more sustainably.
Additional safeguards include prohibiting the use of credit cards and cryptocurrencies for betting, measures Tengco said recognize “the risks of over-borrowing and impulsive behavior.” PAGCOR has expanded support systems through partnerships with organizations such as the Seagulls Flock Organization to establish a 24-hour helpline, train Responsible Gaming Ambassadors, and accredit rehabilitation centers.
Advertising practices have undergone significant reforms following PAGCOR’s partnership with the Ad Standards Council in July, leading to the removal of gambling advertisements from public spaces and stricter standards for marketing materials.
“These efforts reflect PAGCOR’s long-term goal of cultivating a more secure, transparent, and internationally aligned gaming environment,” Tengco said. “The future of gaming will demand regulatory agility, industry cooperation, and a shared commitment to integrity, and players should always feel that their safety and well-being remain at the core of our policies.”
Regulating the Game 2026 Sydney is set to return with an even more ambitious program, bringing together industry and regulatory leaders, policy shapers, and sector innovators for three days of rich dialogue, capability building, and strategic insight.
The 2026 edition is exploring expansive coverage of the issues shaping the future of the gambling sector, including artificial intelligence applications, game design and innovation, financial crime, black market risks, racing, sport and betting integrity, VIP program dynamics, and where crypto intersects the industry.
From emerging technologies and product direction to regulatory posture and public policy reform and customer experience, the program is designed to stimulate curiosity, challenge thinking, and drive informed conversation across the full spectrum of industry and regulatory interests.
Pitch! @Regulating the Game 2026 is the spark that ignites innovation, champions compliance, and accelerates progress across the sector.
This high-energy showcase is a flagship feature of the Regulating the Game conference, shining a spotlight on bold ideas, transformative solutions, groundbreaking research, and disruptive thinking.
More than a stage, Pitch! is a marketplace for ideas — a crucible for change where policy meets practice, new technologies and research are unveiled, and pioneering approaches to regulation and industry leadership emerge.
Regulating the Game has announced Angel Smart Tables as the next innovation selected to appear at Pitch!, the high-energy showcase of bold ideas and practical solutions shaping the future of gambling, gaming and wagering.
Pitch! will take place at the Sydney Opera House on 9 March 2026 as part of Regulating the Game 2026 Sydney, and is designed to surface technology that can genuinely shift regulatory outcomes — innovations that respond to real-world challenges, strengthen integrity, and deliver the capability uplift regulators and operators are seeking. Angel Smart Tables exemplify that purpose.
Closing the fundamental data gap in table games
Poker machines have long provided operators with rich, accurate behavioural and transactional data to support safer gambling, player protection and regulatory compliance. Table games, by contrast, have been trapped in a legacy model — reliant on dealer observations, manual recording and subjective assessments. The resulting data is often inconsistent, incomplete, and insufficient for proper decision-making.
Angel has changed that.
The company has developed and deployed a Smart Table technology solution that uses video-assisted artificial intelligence to generate granular, accurate, player-level data across table games. The system captures, in real time:
• Buy-ins; • Betting patterns and stake sizes across all tables and all betting sessions; • Time on table; • Win/loss and turnover; • Full historical play patterns for individual patrons.
For the first time, operators have access to reliable, auditable data from table games — data capable of supporting meaningful harm minimisation, accurate player assessment, informed interventions, and stronger regulatory compliance.
A decade of investment now reshaping APAC
Angel’s Smart Table platform is the product of ten years of development, combining AI and RFID modules with flexible configurations to meet different regulatory environments. The technology is already deployed in Macau, Singapore, the Philippines and Australia, with further installations underway in New Zealand and interest emerging from new gaming markets.
Casinos are using the system to enhance game security, detect counterfeit chips and past-posting, optimise table operations, and gain detailed insight into patron behaviour — capabilities previously unavailable to operators and regulators alike.
“Across Australia, regulatory expectations have shifted dramatically. The inquiries, independent monitoring and comprehensive remediation programs of recent years have made one thing absolutely clear: operators need accurate, verifiable table-game data. Traditional manual systems simply can’t meet the evidentiary standards now required under AML/CTF supervision or emerging harm-minimisation frameworks.”
“Angel Smart Tables represent a genuine step-change. For the first time, operators can prove what is happening on their gaming floors rather than relying on inference or incomplete records. That level of precision is becoming essential in Australia’s environment, and it’s exactly why we’re seeing strong uptake of the technology.“
“Angel’s Smart Table technology speaks directly to the sector’s most pressing challenge — reliable data for player protection and regulatory assurance,” said Paul Newson, Principal at Vanguard Overwatch and founder of Regulating the Game. “Pitch! exists to bring forward practical innovations that strengthen integrity and capability across regulated environments. Angel’s solution is precisely the kind of transformational uplift the sector needs.”
Pitch! will bring Angel’s technology before an audience of regulators, policymakers, operators and international delegates — a forum built to accelerate regulatory capability and support safer gambling outcomes.
Million Games has announced the release of Goblin Brew, a mischievous 5×5 fantasy slot developed by Yugo Workshop through the Million Stars partner programme.
Set in a dimly lit goblin tavern, Goblin Brew combines light-hearted fantasy with rewarding gameplay, offering Free Spins, Expanding Wilds, and a unique progression system that keeps every round unpredictable.
Landing 3 or more Beer Scatters triggers the Goblin Gold Spins, where silver coins grant extra spins and gold coins increase the global multiplier. As players collect more coins, low-paying symbols are removed, paving the way for higher wins and an electric build-up toward the maximum payout of 5,000x the bet.
“Goblin Brew has all the ingredients for a fun, rewarding slot,” said Thomas Nimstad, CEO of Million Games. “It’s visually rich, mechanically engaging, and delivers a player experience that balances excitement with accessibility. Yugo Workshop has done a fantastic job of capturing that perfect mix.”
With a 96.11% RTP and medium volatility, Goblin Brew offers approachable yet high-value gameplay that fits perfectly into modern casino portfolios.
Good Morning. Tiger’s eye. Wynn Al Marjan Island rises from the sand and sea, propped up by billions in investment that will see it become the UAE’s first integrated resort. And investors are heady for the possibilities, seeing exactly how and why the property can gain from the shift it is prompting in the emirate’s tourism sphere, with Wynn acting as a magnet. Looking further abroad, Vietnam aims to streamline its casino regulations, after the recent expansion of its locals gaming program. The country hopes to remove roadblocks and forge ahead, seeing exactly how the market responds.
Wynn’s confidence in its new project in the UAE, in Ras Al Khaimah, has gained not only the support of its shareholders but also that of analysts, with Deutsche Bank saying that its recent showcase knocked their socks off. The property is slated for an early 2027 opening and has already highlighted multiple features, despite little info on its casino, but there are high hopes for GGR once the property is ramped up.
SOFTSWISS has been honored at the Malta iGaming Affiliate Awards 2025, winning three titles: Best Sportsbook Supplier of the Year for the SOFTSWISS Sportsbook, Marketing Campaign of the Year for its ‘Hungry for Success’ campaign, and Best Affiliate Software of the Year for Affilka by SOFTSWISS.
Best Sports Book Supplier of the Year
The SOFTSWISS Sportsbook’s award highlights its rapid progress since launching just five years ago. The product is fully platform-agnostic, integrating with any casino setup and supporting rapid rollouts in under 14 days. With more than 2,000 betting markets, a mobile-first design, and a growing set of engagement tools, including the industry’s first Sportsbook Network Jackpot, the solution continues to attract operators seeking stability and rapid scalability.
Best Affiliate Software of the Year for Affilka by SOFTSWISS
Affilka by SOFTSWISS continues to strengthen its position as one of the industry’s most trusted affiliate platforms. Its transparent reporting, flexible commission tools, and intuitive interface make it a reliable choice for operators and affiliates. Recent enhancements, such as the Geo-Distributed Redirect feature, Cohort Analysis Report, and new API updates for marketing campaigns and tracking links, have further improved Affilka’s performance and usability, helping partners manage campaigns more efficiently.
Marketing Campaign of the Year for the ‘Hungry for Success’ campaign
The ‘Hungry for Success’ creative campaign made a strong impression at ICE Barcelona 2025. Centred around a bold shark concept symbolising precision and leadership, it combined striking visuals with an immersive live activation. Renowned Spanish street artist Slim Safont created a shark-themed mural live at the venue, turning the concept into an interactive experience that drew consistent attention throughout the show. The campaign significantly boosted SOFTSWISS’ digital visibility and strengthened the brand’s awareness through high engagement and above-plan performance results.
Valentina Bagniya, CMO at SOFTSWISS
Valentina Bagniya, Chief Marketing Officer at SOFTSWISS, shared: “These three awards reflect our strategic commitment to creating real value for the industry. For operators, our Sportsbook consistently proves itself as a powerful and flexible solution that integrates seamlessly into any iGaming product. Affilka has established itself as one of the most effective tools for managing affiliate partnerships and driving high-quality traffic. Meanwhile, the ‘Hungry for Success’ campaign serves as another example of how SOFTSWISS stands out in a highly competitive market and strengthens brand engagement.”
Beyond its award-winning products and marketing achievements, SOFTSWISS continues to make significant contributions to the industry’s knowledge. Its newly released 2026 iGaming Trends report provides a data-driven, expert analysis of the forces shaping iGaming next year, offering operators valuable insights for informed strategic decisions.
Marking a decade of partnership and progress, Sands China celebrated the 10th anniversary of its Local Small, Medium and Micro Suppliers Support Programme with a ceremony at The Londoner Macao, accompanied by the launch of a commemorative booklet showcasing inspiring success stories.
The event also featured the 2025 Sands Supplier Excellence Awards to honour outstanding suppliers, appreciation certificates to recognise long-term suppliers, and a cocktail and business networking session to further connect local businesses and company representatives for future cooperation opportunities.
The Local SME Suppliers Support Programme: 10 Years of SME Empowerment
As the largest integrated tourism and leisure enterprise in Macao, Sands China has long championed a development model that enables large and small businesses to thrive together, introducing a variety of effective measures to foster the steady growth of SMEs. The Local Small, Medium and Micro Suppliers Support Programme, co-launched in 2015 with the Macao Chamber of Commerce, is a landmark programme under this vision.
The programme launched as Macao’s first SME-focused initiative led by a tourism and leisure enterprise, and targets three types of local businesses: small and micro suppliers, “Made in Macao” companies and Macao young entrepreneurs. It aims to support the Macao SAR government’s SME policies while further strengthening Sands China’s commitment to local business development. Its key projects include the F.I.T. programme, introduced in 2017, which provides financial support, invitational matching, as well as training and development to help local SME suppliers upskill and expand their business opportunities.
Since its inception, the programme has successfully deepened collaboration with local SMEs, generating remarkable results: a total of MOP 119.4 billion in procurement, with local procurement accounting for 83 percent, involving 4,700 SMEs.
The event unveiled the programme’s 10th anniversary booklet – outlining a decade of development and success stories – intended to inspire the city’s SMEs to attain greater achievements.
“SMEs are a vital pillar of Macao’s economy, securing the foundation of the city’s diversified industries,” said Grant Chum, chief executive officer and executive director of Sands China Ltd. “For more than 20 years, Sands China has remained committed to supporting the growth of local SMEs by leading the industry in prioritising local procurement, building promotional platforms for local businesses, and sharing our business expertise and experience to help them achieve independent development.
“In addition to recognising outstanding suppliers, we would also like to take this opportunity to honour and extend our heartfelt gratitude to our 40 long-term business partners. We sincerely thank the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Macao SAR, the Macao SAR Government, and all sectors of society for their longstanding guidance and support. We are likewise grateful for the enduring collaboration of the Macao Chamber of Commerce, whose dedication has helped numerous local SMEs grow from seedlings into flourishing enterprises. We look forward to continuing our partnership and achieving even greater shared successes in the years to come.”
Ma Chi Ngai, president of the board of directors ofthe Macao Chamber of Commerce, added: “Ten years ago, the Macao Chamber of Commerce partnered with Sands China to launch the local SME support programme, applying the philosophy of supporting the development of local SME suppliers and prioritising local procurement, opening a new chapter of symbiotic growth between integrated tourism and leisure enterprise and local SMEs. Through a series of innovative support measures, including large-scale exhibition platforms, professional training, and technical guidance, we have built a comprehensive support system to help SMEs enhance their capabilities.
Together, we have faced market changes and challenges side by side, forming a cooperative ecosystem of complementary strengths and mutual benefit. Looking ahead, we will continue to support the Macao SAR government in helping local SMEs explore new pathways in digital transformation, brand upgrading, and international expansion, contributing our efforts toward Macao’s economic diversification.”
At the event, Sands China executives presented certificates of appreciation to 40 SME partners – many of whom have worked with the company for over two decades. The certificates were presented by Dr. Wilfred Wong, executive vice chairman of Sands China Ltd.; Grant Chum; Dave Sun, executive vice president and chief financial officer of Sands China Ltd. and managing director of Venetian Macau Limited; and Norbert Riezler, senior vice president and chief procurement officer of Las Vegas Sands Corp.
2025 Sands Supplier Excellence Awards
The Sands Supplier Excellence Awards are an annual initiative of Las Vegas Sands Corp., acknowledging the cooperation and services of some of Sands’ most noteworthy suppliers worldwide. A judging committee composed of Sands China executive management selects Macao’s award recipients each year. At Tuesday’s ceremony, Sands China awarded seven winners:
Corporate Culture & Sustainability: China Travel Service (Macao) Ltd
Innovation: Tech (Macau) Limited
Cost Management: Companhia de Obras de Decoracoes Wai Yun Lda.
Service Excellence: Express Marine Electronics Company Limited
Small/Medium Enterprise (SME): Hight Tea International Development Company Limited
Guests at the event included: Sun Yaohua, director of the Economic Affairs Department of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Macao SAR; Yau Yun Wah, director of the Economic and Technological Development Bureau of the Macao SAR government; Ma Chi Ngai; Victoria Kuan, director-general of the Macau Productivity and Technology Centre; Sam Lei, acting president of the Commerce and Investment Promotion Institute of the Macao Special Administrative Region; Paulo Coutinho, director and editor-in-chief of Macau Daily Times; and Lam Io Meng, deputy general manager of Macao Daily News.
Following the ceremony, a group of local enterprises joined a cocktail and business networking session to connect with representatives from various Sands China departments, including procurement and supply chain. Sessions like these over the years have enabled Sands China and local suppliers to explore and develop new mutually beneficial partnerships.
Sands China remains committed to prioritising local procurement and supporting the long-term growth of Macao’s SMEs, as an integral part of the company’s corporate social responsibility.
