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Meet the 1xAffiliates team at SiGMA Asia 2026 in Manila

The 1xAffiliates team will participate in SiGMA Asia 2026, the leading industry event for the Asian region, which will take place on June 2–3 at the SMX Convention Center in Manila (Philippines).

The forum will bring together 16,000 delegates, 3,100 operators, 1,300 affiliates, and over 250 speakers, with 25% of attendees being C-level top managers.

Asia is one of the priority markets for 1xAffiliates, and participating in SiGMA Asia is a logical extension of the brand’s strategy to establish a presence in the region. The brand’s team looks forward to meeting with current and potential partners to present its partnership terms: over 250 payment methods, lifetime commissions of up to 50% RevShare, and flexible payment models.

Up to 70% of registered users make their first deposit, ensuring maximum traffic monetization for affiliates. Each affiliate gains access to personalized landing pages, promo codes, exclusive promo materials, and support from a dedicated personal manager. The brand has been operating in the market for over 10 years and is present in more than 150 countries. All of this makes 1xAffiliates one of the best affiliate programs on the market.

Learn more about 1xAffiliates’ partnership opportunities by contacting your manager and scheduling a meeting at SiGMA Asia 2026.

BetConstruct AI is bringing its full AI suite to SiGMA Asia 2026 in Manila

BetConstruct AI has announced its participation in SiGMA Asia 2026 (June 2–3, Manila, Philippines, Stand 2572), one of Asia’s most consequential iGaming events, which draws operators, affiliates, and decision-makers defining where the regional market goes next.

The centerpiece at BetConstruct’s stand will be the Best Sportsbook for the World Cup 2026. Special Bets, Powerfull, and Bet on League form a tournament-ready package that operators can activate immediately — no development cycles, no platform risk.

New partners unlock a 50% discount on the platform setup from day one, 100% Core Suite Access free for the first 3 months (50% off for months 4–12), and third-party tools at 51% off for the first 3 months.

Alongside the World Cup offer, the company will be showcasing the full AI Suite — CRM AI, Umbrella AI, AI Game Recommendation System, and Betting Mate AI — covering everything from churn prediction and risk consolidation to personalised casino experiences and conversational sportsbook engagement.

The foundation: the Sportsbook Platform with 140,000+ pre-match events and 90,000+ live matches monthly, the Casino Platform with 45,000+ games from 350+ providers via a single API, and the Affigates Affiliate Ecosystem with 7,000+ vetted affiliates and AI-based scoring.

Altenar upgrades sportsbook platform for enhanced personalization and engagement

Altenar has introduced new sportsbook product updates designed to improve personalization, campaign automation, and betting flexibility for operators and players.

The latest release expands Bet Builder capabilities, enhances promotional automation and introduces new tools that allow operators to deliver more tailored sportsbook experiences across multiple player segments.

Among the key updates is the launch of Player Tags, giving operators greater control over audience segmentation and campaign management. Tags can be created, edited and assigned in bulk, while integration with Bet Cards and Boosted Odds allows operators to automatically display more relevant promotions and betting content to different player groups.

Additional sportsbook updates include:

  • Expanded Basketball Bet Builder Markets – Added new pre-match basketball selections including player blocks, steals, double-doubles, triple-doubles and highest-scoring quarter markets, increasing betting variety and personalization options.
  • Bet Builder Direct Calculation – Allows players to combine compatible selections directly from market groups without switching to a dedicated Bet Builder view, creating a faster and more flexible betting flow.
  • Bet Builder Bundles – Introduces structured betting paths that group related selections together, improving usability and helping players build more engaging bets.
  • Auto-generated Boost Campaigns – Automates boost creation using predefined rules and pick logic, reducing manual setup time and accelerating promotional campaign delivery.
  • Popular Bet Builders & Bet Cards Automation – Uses Altenar Intelligence Services (AIS) integration to automatically populate promotional content and keep sportsbook recommendations continuously refreshed.
  • New Sport Lobby Structure – Delivers a redesigned navigation system with configurable category groupings and improved event discoverability across sportsbook sections.
  • Early Payout Expansion for Ice Hockey – Extends early payout functionality to Ice Hockey 1×2 markets, providing additional engagement opportunities for players.
  • LMT & Scoreboard Integration – Enhances live betting experiences with richer real-time match tracking and scoreboard functionality powered by data.bet.

Commenting on the platform enhancement, Nikos Zygouris, Head of Sportsbook Product at Altenar, said: “Flexibility remains central to how we develop our sportsbook technology. We continuously monitor player behaviour, operator needs, and market trends to ensure our platform evolves in the areas that deliver the most value. These updates are designed to help operators create more personalized experiences, automate key processes and give players greater flexibility throughout the sportsbook journey.”

Jefferies flags ‘tougher’ setup for Macau gaming through 2026 as growth comparisons bite

Based on industry checks, Jefferies said daily gaming revenue for the remainder of May is expected to range from MOP650 million ($81.1 million) to MOP750 million ($93.5 million), implying full-month GGR of MOP21.8 billion ($2.72 billion) to MOP22.4 billion ($2.79 billion). That compares with the market’s expectation of 6.3 percent year-on-year growth and Jefferies’ own forecast of 4 percent growth.

‘The more modest GGR growth estimate for May compared with the prior week (+3%-+5% vs. +4%-+11%) should be a modest negative for shares in the sector,’ Jefferies analysts wrote. ‘Our expectation that comparisons become increasingly challenging through 2026, which in part drives our measured enthusiasm, is playing out.’

According to Jefferies’ industry sources and checks, Macau’s gaming revenue averaged MOP656 million ($81.8 million) per day for the eight days ending May 25th. That was 5 percent lower week-on-week, despite Hong Kong’s Buddha’s Birthday holiday long weekend from May 23rd to May 25th, and 4 percent below the average daily revenue recorded for May 2026.

Month-to-date mass and VIP revenue were up 8 percent to 10 percent and 10 percent to 12 percent month-on-month, respectively, while the VIP win rate was tracking below the normal range at 2.6 percent to 2.8 percent.

The brokerage said the latest indication is modestly negative for the sector, given expectations of growth in May before more difficult comparisons in June.

Jefferies also noted that premium mass remains the main driver of market growth, favoring Wynn Macau and Galaxy Entertainment due to their positioning in the segment. It said Wynn and Galaxy should continue gaining share in premium mass, while other operators are expected to remain stable or face greater competitive pressure.

On policy, Jefferies highlighted Macau’s consultation draft for its Third Five-Year Plan for 2026 to 2030, which aims to raise the non-gaming share of GDP from 56.7 percent in 2024 to about 60 percent by 2030. The brokerage said this effectively marks a two-year delay from the previous 2028 target under Macau’s diversification plan.

The draft plan also includes goals to grow overall GDP, raise median monthly income for locally employed residents, and commit at least MOP18 billion ($2.24 billion) toward technology and innovation infrastructure.

CreedRoomz brings Ronaldinho to Yerevan to unveil new live casino games

CreedRoomz, the live casino pioneer, has welcomed global football icon Ronaldinho Gaúcho to Yerevan to officially unveil a massive multi-game collaborative project, marking a groundbreaking fusion of next-generation igaming technology and elite sports culture.

Bringing the collaboration to life, Ronaldinho made a spectacular personal appearance at the state-of-the-art CreedRoomz headquarters and filming studios in Yerevan. Walking through the floor, the football legend immersed himself in the tech ecosystem, engaging directly with the development teams, signed custom corporate assets.

His presence electrified the studio floor as he collaborated with the live dealers and production crews, ensuring his authentic energy, signature smiles, and unmatched charisma are embedded into every single frame of the live player experience.

The exclusive partnership marks a monumental shift in the entertainment landscape, merging Ronaldinho’s legendary flair with CreedRoomz’s industry-leading live gaming ecosystem to debut two brand-new, highly anticipated titles: Kickoff Roulette and Marble Cup.

  • Kickoff Roulette: A high-octane live roulette experience that transforms the traditional casino roulette game into a stadium-sized event. Infused with Ronaldinho’s personal style, rhythm, and signature voiceovers, the game delivers an unmatched, immersive athletic energy to the screen.
  • Marble Cup: A fast-paced, high-tech live game show set in a dynamic football-themed studio. Merging the nostalgic thrills of fast-track racing with diverse, modern live betting opportunities, the game allows players to experience high-stakes competition right alongside the Master himself.

This collaboration isn’t just a brand endorsement, it is a complete creative integration. By bringing the world’s most charismatic footballer directly into the live studio environment, CreedRoomz is breaking traditional boundaries to capture the hearts of both hardcore sports fans and casino players globally.

“It is amazing to be here. The incredible Yerevan energy and the warm welcome at the office have been fantastic. Stepping onto this digital pitch is a thrill because these are totally unique games. I am proud to be the ambassador for these games,” said Ronaldinho during the interview

By capitalizing on the massive global momentum ahead of major football tournaments, CreedRoomz and Ronaldinho have built an ecosystem designed for high engagement, viral cross-platform challenges, and premium player retention.

PAGCOR launches 24/7 problem gambling helpline

The helpline, available at 02-8248-9568, connects callers directly to trained counselors for confidential support and counseling. The program is being implemented in partnership with Seagulls Flock Organization Inc. (SFO), which provides mental health, counseling, addiction treatment, and behavioral wellness services.

In a keynote speech read by Senior Vice President for Land-Based Operations Daniel Cecilio, PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro H. Tengco said the initiative forms part of the regulator’s responsible gaming and player protection efforts.

“This National Problem Gambling Helpline that we are launching today reflects PAGCOR’s commitment to ensure that the gaming industry remains productive, well-governed, humane, and accountable,” Tengco said.

He said gambling is a form of leisure and recreation for many people, but can lead to “financial strain and ruin, emotional distress, damaged relationships, and isolation” for others. Tengco added that responses to problem gambling should be based not only on regulation, but also on compassion.

The NPGH will provide immediate assistance, psychological support, and referrals through para-counselors and mental health professionals. It will focus on guidance, triage, and long-term support, following referral protocols for crisis situations.

SFO chairperson Teresita “Chit” Castillo said the helpline is the first round-the-clock hotline dedicated to gambling-related problems. She said the partnership helps connect regulatory efforts with evidence-based interventions, including counseling and referrals to treatment and rehabilitation centers.

A graduation ceremony for NPGH para-counselors was held before the launch. Castillo said the counselors underwent training in motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral therapy, clinical skills, technical call handling, and dealing with irate callers.

The helpline currently has 12 para-counselors working across 3 shifts per day.

Daily Asia Gaming eBrief: PAGCOR sets July deadline for B2B accreditation

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Good morning. The clock is ticking in Manila. PAGCOR has drawn a hard line: B2B gaming providers that miss the May 31st accreditation filing — or fail to wrap up all requirements by July 31st — will see their systems decommissioned from August 1st. Gaming system administrators caught working with non-compliant partners face sanctions of their own. Meanwhile, S&P knocked Universal Entertainment’s outlook down to negative, pointing to a Philippine casino arm dragging EBITDA well below earlier forecasts. And in Macau, SJM’s Daisy Ho says Hotel Lisboa and Grand Lisboa will merge into one complex by 2027.

What you need to know

On the radar


AGB Intelligence

PAGCOR

PAGCOR warns B2B suppliers over compliance deadlines

PAGCOR’s latest memorandum marks another step in its year-long overhaul of iGaming regulation, bringing B2B suppliers under direct accreditation. Contracted providers must submit applications by May 31st and complete documentation, probity checks, inspections, system testing and cash deposit requirements by July 31st, 2026. Failure to comply will trigger decommissioning from August 1st and possible sanctions for GSAs using non-compliant entities.

Industry Updates


Corporate Spotlight

How Crypto Adoption in Asia is Changing iGaming Payments

Yevhen Krazhan, CSO for GR8 Tech

Yevhen Krazhan, CSO at GR8 Tech, explores how surging crypto adoption across Asia is revolutionizing iGaming payments, stating: “When I look at what’s changing fastest in Asia, it’s payment behavior,” as wallets, stablecoins, and seamless cross-border transfers become deeply ingrained in player habits. The winning operators will be those that offer fast, reliable, and local deposits and withdrawals. To make sense of it, Yevhen breaks Asia into two crypto realities.


INTELLIGENCEASEAN | AWARDSCAREERS | EVENTS

Kjerulf Ainsworth-backed director bid rejected at Ainsworth AGM

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Australian gaming machine manufacturer Ainsworth Game Technology‘s annual general meeting has underscored lingering shareholder divisions, with a board nomination backed by minority investor Kjerulf Ainsworth failing to secure support while roughly one-quarter of votes opposed several company-backed resolutions.

The most visible flashpoint was Resolution 4, which sought the election of Samuel Lawrence Levy as a non-executive director. Levy, a former AGT chief executive whose nomination had been supported by Kjerulf Ainsworth, received only 25.18 percent of proxy votes in favor, while 74.82 percent were cast against. The chair also voted open proxies against the resolution.

The result follows a period of corporate activity at AGT, including Novomatic’s takeover offer and Kjerulf Ainsworth’s proportional takeover offers for 2.9 percent and 5.5 percent of shares at AU$1.30 ($0.85) per share, above Novomatic’s AU$1.00 ($0.65) offer. Chair Danny Gladstone told shareholders those activities had now concluded and the company would continue operating under its established strategies.

However, voting patterns at the AGM suggest the contest has left a sizeable dissenting bloc. Around 25 percent of proxy votes opposed several resolutions, including the election or re-election of directors, the remuneration report, constitutional amendments, and the renewal of proportional takeover provisions.

The meeting also highlighted scrutiny over AGT’s research and development spending. Gladstone addressed comments about the level of R&D investment and its financial returns, arguing that continued product investment was necessary in a highly regulated and competitive gaming equipment market.

AGT reported 2025 revenue of AU$290.8 million ($189 million), up 10 percent, but warned that first-half 2026 revenue is expected to fall to about AU$116 million ($75.4 million), mainly due to weaker North American sales.

Sri Lanka goes visa-free for tourists from 40 countries

Sri Lanka has introduced a visa-free entry scheme for nationals of 40 countries, granting them a free Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) for tourism purposes, effective May 25th. 

The initiative aims to boost inbound arrivals and applies to holders of diplomatic, official, service, and ordinary passports, according to Sri Lanka’s official ETA website.

The list of eligible nations includes India, the United Arab Emirates, Pakistan, China, Japan, South Korea, the United Kingdom, the United States, Australia, Canada, Germany, France, Russia, Saudi Arabia, and Thailand, among others. Nationals of the Maldives, Seychelles, and Singapore, which hold bilateral reciprocal agreements with Sri Lanka, are also required to obtain the ETA prior to arrival.

Under the visa-free scheme, eligible travelers may stay in Sri Lanka for up to 30 days at no cost, with double entry permitted within the validity period from the date of first arrival. Maldivian nationals will receive a 90-day tourist visa through the ETA system under the existing bilateral agreement between the two countries.

Visitors who wish to extend their stay beyond 30 days must apply for a visa extension and pay the applicable fee. Any ETA fees paid before May 25th remain non-refundable, the official website confirmed.

The visa-free policy is expected to ease access for travelers from key source markets and support Sri Lanka’s broader tourism recovery efforts.

Malaysia weighs legal action against Facebook over weak scam cooperation

Malaysia is considering legal action against Facebook over what authorities described as insufficient cooperation in combating online scams linked to the platform, Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil said on May 24th, 2026.

Speaking to reporters after a multi-agency retreat on anti-scam measures, Fahmi said the government was prepared to pursue legal measures if the platform failed to demonstrate stronger collaboration with regulators and enforcement agencies. He indicated that discussions would continue through the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC).

“In my opinion, legal action may have to be taken, but I leave it to the MCMC on this, and give them a last opportunity to prove that they do want to cooperate with the government,” Fahmi told reporters, as quoted by the New Straits Times.

According to the minister, MCMC has issued 271,472 requests to online platforms for the removal of harmful content, 91 percent of which involved online scams and gambling-related material. Of that total, 81 percent of gambling-related cases and 58 percent of scam-related cases were linked to Facebook.

The remarks come amid escalating financial losses in Malaysia. A Home Ministry parliamentary reply on January 21st, 2026, reported MYR2.77 billion ($684.6 million) in scam-related losses during 2025, the highest annual total in three years. Cumulative losses between 2023 and 2025 reached MYR5.62 billion ($1.39 billion).

Bank Negara Malaysia blocked MYR1.2 billion ($296.4 million) in scam-related transactions over the past year, Fahmi added.