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China Ecotourism unit secures multiple Zhejiang sports lottery contracts

Nelson Moura
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China Ecotourism unit secures multiple Zhejiang sports lottery contracts

The China Ecotourism Group announced Wednesday its subsidiary Guangzhou Lottnal Terminal Company has clinched a second contract this year to supply traditional sales terminals to the Zhejiang Provincial Sports Lottery Management Centre, underscoring its growing foothold in China’s lottery market.

The company announced that Lottnal had signed the contract following a successful bid in July, with two projects amounting to ‘approximately 2,500 traditional sales terminals’, according to the dispatch.

In March, Lottnal also won the bid for ‘the extended warranty service project for Zhejiang Sports Lottery’s traditional terminals’, the statement added.

China Ecotourism highlighted the broader market context, noting that ‘China’s sports lottery has been vibrant and diverse, with its presence seen in national fitness initiatives, social sports activities, and cultural-tourism events.’

The group said the ‘maturity and standardization of the sports lottery market have continuously improved, with sales revenue steadily growing, which brings greater vitality and confidence to our Group.’

The company pledged to continue exploring opportunities, ‘focusing on detailed operations, and securing its industry-leading position through innovative products and high-quality services, earning the respect of the market.’

In China, lottery operations are authorized and issued by the state, with the proceeds used as public welfare funds.

Sands China cancels Ayumi Hamasaki’s January Macau concert amid China–Japan tensions

Viviana Chan
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Sands China cancels Ayumi Hamasaki’s January Macau concert amid China–Japan tensions

Sands China has cancelled Japanese pop icon Ayumi Hamasaki’s concert scheduled for January 10th, 2026, at The Venetian Macao, becoming the latest disruption to the singer’s Asia Tour as China–Japan political tensions continue to escalate.

Cotai Ticketing, the ticketing arm of Sands China, announced the cancellation on December 9th, stating that “Ayumi Hamasaki Asia Tour 2025 – Macao” would no longer take place. The notice offered no explanation for the decision, but confirmed that all purchases made through Cotai Ticketing would be automatically refunded, while customers who bought tickets via Macau Ticketing or Damai must contact their original ticketing platforms for refunds.

The Macau leg of the tour was originally announced on October 16th, with Sands China promoting a full-scale production featuring an upgraded four-sided stage, new costumes, and a 7:30 p.m. showtime at The Venetian Arena. Tickets were priced between HK$770 ($96) and HK$2,230 ($278) across five categories, including a VIP tier.

The cancellation follows the abrupt shutdown of Hamasaki’s November 29th Shanghai concert, which authorities halted the day before the performance. Hamasaki later recorded a “no-audience concert” at the venue and shared the footage online, sparking widespread discussion and sympathy on Chinese social media.

The disruptions come amid heightened diplomatic strain, following comments by Japanese political figures that have drawn strong criticism from Beijing. Multiple Japanese entertainers have since had mainland China appearances postponed or cancelled.

Hamasaki addressed fans on Instagram after the Macau cancellation, apologizing to those who had planned to attend and adding that she would continue with future plans, writing, “Our bond is eternal.

Macau’s last satellite casino Landmark to shut down on December 30th

Viviana Chan
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Macau’s last satellite casino Landmark to shut down on December 30th

Macau’s final satellite casino, Casino Landmark, will cease operations at 23:59 on December 30th, marking the end of the city’s decades-long satellite-casino model.

The closure is due to the year-end expiry of the three-year transition period established under Macau’s revised gaming law. The property operates under the licence of SJM Resorts, which formally announced the shutdown date after reaching an agreement with the casino’s service provider.

The announcement follows the earlier closure of Casino Fortuna—also operating under the SJM licence—which ceased operations on December 9th. Government authorities confirmed on Tuesday that the shutdown had been completed ‘in an orderly manner’ and in full compliance with regulatory procedures.

macau
macau

In its official press release, the Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau (DICJ) said its inspectors immediately suspended all gaming tables, coordinated interdepartmental support, and oversaw the site’s evacuation. Labour officials were deployed to address employee inquiries, while public security and judicial police maintained order throughout the process.

Regarding Casino Landmark, the DICJ said it will station personnel on site to strictly supervise the closure and ensure compliance with the proposal submitted by SJM. Authorities emphasised that they will continue working with the Labour Affairs Bureau to monitor SJM’s commitments on the relocation of all 1,169 affected employees, including guarantees on remuneration, benefits, and working conditions.

SJM stated that once Landmark closes, all gaming tables and machines will be reassigned to the company’s self-promoted casinos. Guests holding chips, deposits, or cash rebates from Casino Landmark will be able to redeem them at other SJM casinos from December 31st onwards. The company stressed that all entitlements will be duly honoured.

SJM also reaffirmed that employees directly hired by the company will remain in service and be reassigned as needed, while those not employed by SJM will receive priority consideration for vacancies and transitional support.

The government said it will continue coordinating with concessionaires and relevant departments to ensure an orderly wind-down of satellite operations and safeguard the stable development of Macau’s gaming sector.

Brightstar Lottery rolls out patented Cash Pop game with Pennsylvania Lottery

AGBrief Editorial
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Brightstar Lottery rolls out patented Cash Pop game with Pennsylvania Lottery

Brightstar Lottery has confirmed the rollout of its patented Cash Pop™ draw-based game with the Pennsylvania Lottery, marking Pennsylvania as the 17th U.S. state to introduce the game, which offers four daily drawings at price points ranging from $1 to $20.

Brightstar Lottery Cash Pop game

This will be the first lottery to launch with a $20 price point in place, and only one other lottery offers the $20 price point today.

“Brightstar’s Cash Pop game will enhance the Pennsylvania Lottery’s draw-game portfolio and engage new players with its easy-to-play game mechanics,” said Drew Svitko, Pennsylvania Lottery Executive Director. “We believe the game’s personalized gameplay experiences will resonate with our players and enable us to generate more funds for programs that benefit older Pennsylvanians.”

“Building on our strong momentum to expand the reach of our exciting, proprietary game, we are thrilled that Brightstar’s Cash Pop game is now live with the innovative Pennsylvania Lottery,” added Scott Gunn, Brightstar Chief Operating Officer, North America Lottery. “The Cash Pop game has proven successful throughout the U.S., and now the Pennsylvania Lottery can generate more funds for programs that benefit older residents with simple and flexible gameplay features that players enjoy.”

The Cash Pop game gives players the ability to strategize their wager and create their own personalized experience every time they play, which has proven to be highly engaging among players where the Cash Pop game is offered.

Brightstar serves nearly 90 lottery customers and their players on six continents. It is the primary technology provider to 26 of the 46 lottery jurisdictions in the U.S. and eight of the world’s 10 largest lotteries.

BetMakers API powers virtual racing launch in partnership with Kiron Interactive

AGBrief Editorial
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BetMakers API powers virtual racing launch in partnership with Kiron Interactive

BetMakers Technology has announced the successful launch of its partnership with Kiron Interactive, whose full suite of virtual horse racing, greyhound racing, and harness racing content is now fully integrated and available through the BetMakers CoreAPI.

The completed integration enables BetMakers’ global network of wagering operators to activate Kiron’s market-leading virtual racing content directly within their existing BetMakers setup. This delivers high-frequency, always-on racing products that complement live racing, enhance customer engagement, and drive incremental turnover.

“Kiron has built a reputation as a world-class provider of virtual racing content, and we’re excited to bring their high-quality, high-frequency products directly to our operator network,” said Joey Carroll, Director of Business Development & Partnerships at BetMakers. “With the integration now live, our partners can switch on virtual racing immediately and seamlessly expand their racing offering across all three codes.”

Steven Spartinos, Co-CEO at Kiron Interactive added: “Kiron’s focus has always been to give operators content that fits the way people play today. Virtual racing delivers fast, session-based entertainment that complements the live schedule and keeps audiences connected on their own terms. Integrating with BetMakers opens that experience to a broader network through a single, streamlined API. It strengthens our reach and gives operators a practical way to grow their racing portfolio with reliable, always available content.”

With virtual racing now available via a single, modern API alongside BetMakers’ global racing content, fixed-odds pricing, and tote solutions, operators can offer an even more comprehensive racing experience without any additional platform complexity.

MGM dominates the 2025 MORS Gold Pin Competition with 10 awards

AGBrief Editorial
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MGM dominates the 2025 MORS Gold Pin Competition with 10 awards

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 welcomes Paul Myatt as investor and commercial advisor

AGBrief Editorial
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ClearStake welcomes Paul Myatt as investor and commercial advisor

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.

ClearStake, the UK iGaming player verification innovator

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.

PAGCOR defends softer revenues as necessary step toward sustainable growth

Viviana Chan
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PAGCOR defends softer revenues as necessary step toward sustainable growth

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
PAGCOR defends softer revenues as necessary step toward sustainable growth
PAGCOR defends softer revenues as necessary step toward sustainable growth
PAGCOR defends softer revenues as necessary step toward sustainable growth

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

AGBrief Editorial
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Regulating the Game 2026

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

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Pitch! @ Regulating the Game 2026

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.

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