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Brightstar Lottery secures exclusive omnichannel licensing for Rubik’s brand

AGBrief Editorial
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Brightstar Lottery secures exclusive omnichannel licensing for Rubik’s brand

Brightstar Lottery has entered into a five‑year exclusive licensing agreement with Spin Master Toys UK Limited (“Spin Master”) to develop and distribute Rubik’s themed omnichannel lottery games worldwide, including instant tickets, innovative draw-based games, and engaging iLottery games.

Rubik's Cube
Spin Master

Created in 1974, the Rubik’s Cube is an iconic puzzle that inspires creativity and problem-solving across generations, with millions of cubes sold worldwide.

Spin Master’s partnership with Brightstar to bring this cultural phenomenon into the lottery space creates fresh ways for fans and players to engage. 

“The Rubik’s Cube is one of the most iconic symbols of pop culture and Brightstar is thrilled to extend its timeless legacy into compelling, next-generation experiences for lottery players to enjoy,” said Matthew Whalen, Brightstar Senior Vice President, Global Instant Ticket Services. 

“We look forward to producing exciting omnichannel games featuring Rubik’s Cube, which will include innovations such as our revolutionary Infinity Instants technology, creating an infinite number of possibilities to customize each ticket.”

ThrillTech strengthens executive bench with 3 key senior hires to drive expansion

AGBrief Editorial
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ThrillTech strengthens executive bench with 3 key senior hires to drive expansion

ThrillTech, a leader in side-bet jackpot technology for iGaming operators and game studios, has strengthened its senior team with three executive hires as it looks to build on a period of “explosive” growth.

Xavier Besseau has been appointed VP of Growth, making the switch from Kiron Interactive. Xavier has more than a decade of experience in iGaming, with previous roles at Sportradar, TrueLayer and Gaming Innovation Group.

Nemanja Grujicic has also joined the commercial team as ThrillTech’s Global Sales Director. Grujicic was most recently head of account management at slots provider Popiplay and was previously in a similar role at Pragmatic Play. 

Also joining the ThrillTech team is Rocio Mata, who arrives as the new Head of Technical Compliance. Mata spent more than 10 years with Evolution, most recently as Senior Technical Compliance. 

Collectively, the new arrivals bring deep expertise across commercial strategy, compliance and growth acceleration – all core pillars of ThrillTech’s next phase.

Founded in 2023, ThrillTech has enjoyed a successful 2025 and now employs 15 people, working remotely and in offices in Cyprus and Malta. ThrillTech helps amplify player experiences while boosting GGR for partners with its unique ThrillPots and ThrillDrops products and is now licensed and certified in 10 jurisdictions. 

Commenting on the new hires, Benjamin Bradtke, co-founder at ThrillTech, said: “A huge indicator that a company is doing well is its ability to attract and retain the brightest minds in the industry, and I am so pleased to say that the three new hires we’ve welcomed across Q4 are an incredible asset to ThrillTech.”

“This has been a genuine breakout year for us. We’ve seen explosive growth across our product lines, expanded into new jurisdictions and secured partnerships with operators who are embracing a more creative approach to jackpots and player engagement.”

“Bringing Xavier, Nemanja and Rocio into the business now is very deliberate – they’re here to help us accelerate that momentum through the final stretch of 2025 and propel us into an even stronger 2026.”

Million Games announces the launch of Rudolph’s Gone Rogue, a dynamic Christmas slot packed with wild wins

AGBrief Editorial
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Million Games announces the launch of Rudolph’s Gone Rogue, a dynamic Christmas slot packed with wild wins

Million Games is bringing festive mayhem to the iGaming world with the launch of Rudolph’s Gone Rogue, a fast-paced Christmas slot where Santa’s most famous reindeer takes centre stage in a runaway holiday adventure.

Million Games announces the launch of Rudolph’s Gone Rogue, a dynamic Christmas slot packed with wild wins

In this 5×3, 20-payline slot, Rudolph bolts into the night sky, dragging the rest of the herd with him and leaving a trail of chaos in his wake. Gifts, sleigh parts, and enchanted carrots scatter across the snowy reels, while gameplay erupts with Wild Multipliers, Free Spins, and random Wild drops. With an RTP of 96.37% and a maximum win of 2,500x the bet, Rudolph’s Gone Rogue delivers a festive mix of charm, speed, and rewarding volatility.

Features that Drive the Frenzy

  • Rogue Reindeer Free Spins – Triggered by 3 Rudolph Bonus symbols. The reels light up under aurora skies as reindeer charge across the screen, dropping extra Wilds and activating Wild Multipliers.
  • Snowflake Wilds – Substitute for all regular symbols to complete wins.
  • Wild Multipliers – Multipliers of 2x, 5x, 10x, or 20x add explosive payout potential.
  • Extra Wilds – During Free Spins, Rudolph and the herd scatter 1 or 2 extra Wilds on the same reel, creating chaotic, high-energy gameplay.

“Rudolph’s Gone Rogue is all about capturing the wild side of Christmas,” said Thomas Nimstad, CEO of Million Games. “It’s playful, fast, and packed with features that keep players on edge with every spin. We wanted to create a holiday slot that feels unpredictable and fun while still delivering strong replay value for operators.”

With its bold design, electrifying Free Spins, and chaotic mechanics, Rudolph’s Gone Rogue, now available across all Million Games partner platforms, offers a unique seasonal addition to operator lobbies, built to capture attention and drive engagement throughout the holidays.

Macau to add 800 taxis and launch legislation for ride-hailing

Viviana Chan
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Macau to add 800 taxis and launch legislation for ride-hailing

Macau is set to significantly expand its taxi fleet and move forward with long-anticipated legislation to introduce ride-hailing services, a policy shift aimed at addressing transport demand and improving service quality.

The Sar’s Secretary for Transport and Public Works Raymond Tam announced during a Legislative Assembly policy debate on Monday that the government will add 800 taxis to the current fleet of more than 1,400, bringing the total to 2,000. At the same time, authorities will begin amending the taxi regulation to establish a legal framework for ride-hailing.

Tam said Macau will first deploy 100 additional taxis in the short term, followed by a public tender for 700 vehicles with specified service-life requirements. He noted that introducing ride-hailing is intended to supplement existing transport capacity, enhance service quality, and strengthen market oversight.

The policy shift comes as Macau faces rising demand from mainland Chinese visitors, many of whom rely heavily on ride-hailing platforms in their home cities. Hong Kong, by comparison, passed its ride-hailing bill in October and is expected to launch services in the fourth quarter of 2026.

In his April Policy Address, Macau’s Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai signaled openness to studying the feasibility of introducing such services, stressing that public interest and safety would remain the core considerations.

Tam also revealed that public consultation on amendments to the taxi regulation will begin soon, with the government aiming to submit a legislative proposal next year to establish the legal basis for ride-hailing.

The new taxi plan also aims to improve accessibility. Tam said the number of accessible taxis will increase from seven to 28, with the expanded fleet expected to gradually enter service in 2026. New vehicle types will incorporate features required by people with disabilities to enhance mobility support.

Star Entertainment installs new board after Bally’s-led takeover

Viviana Chan
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Star Entertainment installs new board after Bally’s-led takeover

Australia’s Star Entertainment Group has completed a major boardroom overhaul, appointing Bally’s Corporation Chairman Soo Kim and President George Papanier as directors following a meeting of the board last Friday. 

The company confirmed the changes in an ASX filing on Monday, marking a significant step in its restructuring process amid ongoing financial and regulatory pressures.

The new appointments come shortly after Bally’s and existing shareholder Investment Holdings Pty Ltd received probity approval to implement an AU$300 million ($196 million) rescue package that will give them a combined 61 percent stake in Star. The controlling interest was secured late last week when subordinated debt issued under the funding arrangement was converted into equity following the company’s Annual General Meeting.

According to Star, the board meeting on November 28th also triggered a wider leadership reshuffle. Chair Anne Ward and Non-Executive Director Deborah Page resigned from the board, while Bruce Mathieson Jr — whose family’s Investment Holdings is now a key stakeholder — was elected Chairman. Peter Hodgson was appointed interim Chair of the Audit Committee, and Eirene Garnsey was named an additional Company Secretary.

Steve McCann
Star Entertainment’s Chief Executive Steve McCann

Star CEO and Managing Director Steve McCann said the transition reflects a critical moment for the embattled operator as it works toward stabilizing governance and accelerating its remediation program.

“On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank Anne Ward and Deborah Page for their significant contributions during a challenging period,” McCann said. “I would also like to welcome Soo Kim and George Papanier to the Board and look forward to working with them to assist in shaping a new future for The Star.”

The board restructuring follows a turbulent period in which Star has faced multiple regulatory inquiries into compliance breaches at its Sydney and Queensland casinos. The company remains under strict supervision and is progressing through a multi-year remediation plan mandated by state regulators.

The strengthened board — now featuring senior leadership from Bally’s — is expected to play a pivotal role as the company moves deeper into its turnaround phase. Additional changes may follow as the new majority shareholders take greater influence over strategic and operational direction.

Macau November GGR tops $2.64B, up 14.4% YoY

Viviana Chan
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Macau November GGR tops $2.64B, up 14.4% YoY

Macau’s gross gaming revenue (GGR) for November rose to MOP21.09 billion ($2.64 billion), marking a 14.4 percent year-on-year increase.

The growth reflects strong demand from gamblers following the October Golden Week surge, supported by non-gaming initiatives introduced by casino operators that helped draw visitors to the city.

Macau November GGR tops $2.64B, up 14.4% YoY

On a month-to-month basis, the MSAR GGR fell 12.4 percent, as November is not a holiday period, while October delivered the strongest results since COVID-19.

November is generally the quietest month of the fourth quarter. Midway through the month, investment bank Citigroup reported a mild moderation in GGR, noting that hotel rooms were temporarily occupied by National Games athletes. Macau was one of the host cities for the event, held from November 9th to 21st. This arrangement briefly shortened the average length of stay — and play — among gaming patrons, contributing to a modest dip in activity.

macau

For the first eleven months of 2025, cumulative GGR reached MOP226.52 billion ($28.32 billion), up 8.6 percent year-on-year. Notably, Macau’s GGR has almost met the government’s full-year target of MOP228 billion ($28.5 billion) with one month remaining.

However, the total remains 16 percent below the same period in 2019, when GGR amounted to MOP269.62 billion ($33.70 billion).

Daily Asia Gaming eBrief: AI in sports betting: a game changer for fans and teams alike

AGBrief Editorial
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Daily Asia Gaming eBrief: AI in sports betting: a game changer for fans and teams alike
Good Morning. An unavoidable future. AI has become essential in sports betting, enhancing fan engagement, optimizing odds, and providing valuable data insights, as highlighted by Behshad Behzadi, Chief Product, Technology, and AI Officer at Sportradar. In an interview with AGB, Behzadi underscores its role in improving transparency, coaching, and user experiences while emphasizing the importance of ethical AI governance. Meanwhile, Wynn Resorts has indicated that its UAE Wynn Al Marjan Island construction has already reached its full height and is topping out. In Macau, Casino Ponte 16 has officially closed after more than 17 years of activity, as satellite casino closures continue in the SAR.

What you need to know

On the radar

AGB Intelligence

SPORTS BETTING

Sportradar, MLB

Harnessing AI: How Sportradar is shaping the future of sports betting

AI has transformed into a pivotal force in sports betting, enhancing fan engagement, optimizing betting odds, and providing vast data insights for teams, scouts, and punters. In an interview with AGB, Behshad Behzadi, Chief Product, Technology, and AI Officer at Sportradar, emphasizes the crucial role of AI in processing information that supports various facets of the sports industry, from coaching to game analysis. With pioneering initiatives like the AI-powered Content Studio and self-learning foundational models for player simulation, Sportradar exemplifies how AI can forecast player actions and improve betting accuracy.

Industry Updates

INTELLIGENCE | ASEAN | CAREERS | EVENTS

Wynn Al Marjan Island reaches topping-out construction milestone

Nelson Moura
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Wynn Al Marjan Island reaches topping-out construction milestone

Wynn Resorts has provided a significant construction update on its ambitious Wynn Al Marjan Island project, the first integrated resort in the United Arab Emirates.

As construction progresses, the resort’s main tower, projected to soar to 305 meters, is nearing completion, currently standing at the 70th floor, and with its topping out said to have been finished by the end of November. Additionally, the exterior facade installation has reached 73 percent, with 19,206 out of 26,247 panels successfully fitted.

Meanwhile, construction on the low-rise buildings is nearing completion, with concrete and steel work approximately 97 percent finished.

The expansive site covers more than 60 hectares and will feature 1,217 resort rooms, 297 enclave suites, ten Marina Estates, four garden townhomes, and two royal apartments. Planned amenities include 22 restaurants, lounges, and bars; a beach club; a spa; beauty facilities; a shopping area showcasing international luxury brands; and the Coral Court event venue.

Additional attractions will comprise The Showroom theatre, 12 pools, a 420-meter beach with white sand, and a deep-water marina designed to accommodate superyachts from around the globe.

Wynn Al Marjan, UAE, Wynn Resorts
Hotel arrival at Wynn Al Marjan Island
Wynn Al Marjan, UAE, Wynn Resorts
Main hotel lobby at dusk at Wynn Al Marjan Island
Wynn Al Marjan, UAE, Wynn Resorts
View from the poolscape at Wynn Al Marjan Island

Structural construction has been completed 1,526 of the planned 1,530 units, representing approximately 99.7 percent of total accommodations. Interior fit-out activities are currently underway in around 1,504 units, with ongoing mechanical and electrical installations across the site.

The resort is slated to open its doors in early 2027, as the first integrated resort in the UAE.

Located approximately 50 minutes from Dubai International Airport, the IR is being developed in collaboration with Marjan Properties and RAK Hospitality Holding, Wynn Al Marjan Island represents a $5.1 billion investment.

ALEC Engineering and Contracting, a subsidiary of the Investment Corporation of Dubai, was awarded the primary construction contract in 2023, with German firm Bauer International has been contracted for essential piling and enabling activities.

Stretch Network levels up Spin & Go fun, new format launches December 2

AGBrief Editorial
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Stretch Network levels up Spin & Go fun, new format launches December 2

Stretch Network has announced significant upgrades to its Spin & Go tournaments, effective December 2, designed to deliver a faster, more engaging experience for both players and operators.

These updates are designed to create a more dynamic gameplay environment while offering operators a streamlined and flexible tournament structure.

Key improvements to Spin & Go include a refined blind structure, lower rake at 7%, new buy-in tiers ranging from €0.5 to €100, and optimized overall game flow to boost player engagement and retention.

Players will benefit from faster action thanks to a 20BB starting stack, 2-minute blind intervals, and a Hold’em-exclusive format, ensuring clear and consistent gameplay. Meanwhile, operators will enjoy simplified navigation and a more flexible tournament setup, helping them manage their platforms more efficiently.

The enhancements aim to improve speed, clarity, and overall tournament dynamics, creating a more exciting experience for players while supporting operators in driving stronger engagement and long-term results. With improved liquidity, smoother gameplay, and flexible buy-in options, Spin & Go tournaments are better equipped to keep players returning and participating consistently.

Stretch Network continues to demonstrate its commitment to providing high-quality B2B poker solutions that deliver measurable value for operators and enhance the player experience across their platforms.

Macau hotels fill nearly 90% of rooms in October

Viviana Chan
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Macau hotels fill nearly 90% of rooms in October

Macau’s hotel establishments recorded an average occupancy rate of 89.3 percent in October, up 0.9 percentage points year-on-year, according to new figures from the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC). 

The growth came as the city welcomed 1.21 million hotel guests during the month, a 3 percent increase compared with October last year.

International visitors were the strongest contributors to the rise in hotel stays. DSEC data showed that international guests climbed 20.8 percent to 118,000, with arrivals from South Korea (34,000), Thailand (9,000), Japan (8,000), and India (8,000) all posting significant year-on-year growth. Guests from mainland China totaled 885,000, up 1.6 percent, while Hong Kong visitors fell slightly by 1.9 percent to 140,000. The average length of stay increased marginally to 1.7 nights.

Macau had 147 operating hotel establishments at the end of October, one more than the same month last year. The city’s total supply of guest rooms expanded 3.4 percent to 45,000. Five-star hotels posted the strongest performance, with occupancy at 93.5 percent, rising 1.8 percentage points year-on-year. Four-star hotels followed at 83.7 percent. Three-star properties recorded a decline, with occupancy slipping 2.6 percentage points to 82.4 percent.

In contrast to hotel guest growth, inbound package tour numbers dropped sharply. Macau received 158,000 package tour visitors in October, a 20.6 percent decline from a year earlier, driven by a 31.3 percent fall in mainland Chinese tour groups. International tour visitors, however, increased 18.8 percent to 22,000 and jumped 53.1 percent month-on-month.

For the first 10 months of 2025, Macau’s hotel occupancy rate averaged 89.3 percent, up 3.6 percentage points year-on-year. Total hotel guests reached 12.12 million, while the average length of stay remained at 1.7 nights.

Inbound package tours totaled 1.54 million for the period, down 9.5 percent year-on-year, though international tour visitor numbers rose 16.2 percent.

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