SimplePlay has revealed a strategic partnership with Timeless Tech, a prominent game aggregator, that will integrate its portfolio of games and services into Timeless Tech’s platform, broadening the provider’s presence in major international markets.
As SimplePlay continues to establish itself as a comprehensive game provider, this collaboration will enhance its rich portfolio of premium games through Timeless Tech’s Game Aggregator API. This partnership aims to strengthen SimplePlay’s position and expand its reach in markets like Europe and Latin America.
“We’re delighted to welcome SimplePlay to our aggregator – a provider that represents creativity, reliability, and depth. Their combination of slots, crash, table, and fishing games perfectly complements our goal to deliver diverse, high-performing content to operators worldwide. This partnership highlights what Timeless Tech stands for: building meaningful alliances that empower growth, quality, and innovation,” shared Nicola Cainero, Chief Operating Officer at Timeless Tech.
“The new partnership with Timeless Tech is definitely a win-win agreement that fosters mutual growth for both sides,” added Osman Walker, CSO of SimplePlay. “We look forward to bringing our premium gaming content to even more operators and players through Timeless Tech’s extensive network.”
With SimplePlay’s games and Timeless Tech’s distribution network, these two industry powerhouses are set to deliver top-tier game content to players around the world, driving mutual growth and success.
Macau’s gaming regulator has reaffirmed that maintaining a “healthy and orderly development” of the gaming industry remains the city’s core competitive strength, even as the 2026 Policy Address offers limited new details on the sector.
Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau (DICJ) Director Ng Wai Han
Speaking Tuesday at the Legislative Assembly, Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau (DICJ) Director Ng Wai Han said Macau’s policy direction for gaming “has long been clearly defined” and remains rooted in its positioning as part of an integrated tourism and leisure industry.
The 2026 policy blueprint places its main gaming-related emphasis on reviewing concessionaires’ non-gaming investment obligations under the new casino contracts.
Secretary for Economy and Finance Tai Kin Ip stated that the government will strictly oversee compliance with legal and contractual requirements while accelerating the completion of both gaming and non-gaming commitments. He noted that investments should prioritize projects that deliver economic and social value and strengthen Macau’s international branding, thereby supporting the city’s diversification objectives.
The more detailed section of the policy guidelines outlines only three gaming-specific priorities: urging concessionaires to fulfill their gaming and non-gaming investment obligations; assessing compliance with the concession terms; and continuing to enhance responsible gaming through improved employee training and professional development.
Lawmakers pressed the government to provide clearer strategic direction. Legislator Pereira Coutinho criticized the policy report for lacking a substantive roadmap for gaming development amid rising competition from neighboring jurisdictions.
Ng Wai Han responded that the overarching framework has been articulated across multiple planning documents—namely the city’s second Five-Year Plan and the amended gaming law—which position gaming as one component of Macau’s goal to become a world-class tourism and leisure center. She emphasized that the objective is to ensure the industry develops legally, healthily, and in an orderly manner to support economic diversification.
Ng Wai Han added that the government closely tracks gaming policy trends in nearby regions and conducts regular competitive analysis. Maintaining a stable, well-regulated, and sustainable industry, she said, is essential to safeguarding Macau’s long-term strengths.
The DICJ will continue supervising casino operations in accordance with the law, explore the introduction of new gaming products when appropriate, and encourage operators to expand into overseas markets. The official did not provide specific details on either of the possible new games or the focus of potential international expansion.
Several legislators also raised questions about the revitalization of the six major districts. Tai reiterated that the new model is based on “government supervision and coordination, operator investment, and community-led programming.” Under this framework, the government will oversee top-level planning, approvals, and monitoring; casino operators will provide funding and leverage their capacity to attract visitors; and local associations will coordinate community involvement to boost district vitality and support sustainable development.
When asked whether concessionaires will be required to invest in new non-gaming district projects, Tai said the priority for the next two years is to review ongoing investments and ensure compliance with the 11 contractual categories. Potential expansion into new zones may be considered at a later stage, he added.
Good Morning. Nothing lasts forever. And that is becoming particularly apparent for Japan’s pachinko industry. Parlor operators are struggling to connect with younger audiences, despite strong investments in anime-linked IP. Increased regulations and possible political shifts also cause concern for an industry on the brink. Looking to Australia, Star has indicated there will be a delay in its exit from the joint venture behind Queen’s Wharf Brisbane, further pressuring its financials. And in Macau, premium mass continues to be a strong driver of revenue, elevating October GGR per visitor by 5 percent.
Japan’s pachinko industry is under threat, as it continues to shrink due to less interest from the younger demographics. Despite attempts to lure in players using strong anime-focused IP, the dynamic has shifted. In addition, operators are wary of potential political shifts despite not actually operating in a gray area. Increased technical standards are also cutting into the little profit remaining, causing concern for the sector’s survival.
Evolution and Galaxy Gaming have agreed to extend the Merger Agreement’s outside date to July 17, 2026, underscoring their shared commitment to completing the transaction and driving innovation in the gaming industry.
As part of the regulatory approval process, the companies anticipate that the proposed acquisition will be approved by relevant regulatory authorities during the first quarter of 2026. With Mississippi approval secured in November 2025, both companies will continue to work closely with regulators to satisfy the remaining Gaming Approval Closing Condition by July 17, 2026.
“We remain fully committed to completing the acquisition of Galaxy Gaming and are confident in the progress toward regulatory approvals. This extension reflects our respect for the review processes of U.S. gaming regulators, and our shared determination to bring two complementary businesses together. Galaxy Gaming’s innovative products and technology will strengthen Evolution’s position and enable us to deliver even greater value to our customers worldwide.”
“Following close, we look forward to supporting Galaxy Gaming’s operation as an independent business unit within Evolution, preserving its unique culture while leveraging our global reach and resources to accelerate growth,” shared Martin Carlesund, CEO of Evolution AB.
Martin CarlesundMatt Reback
Matt Reback, CEO of Galaxy Gaming, added: “We are energized by the progress toward closing and the tremendous opportunities ahead. This transaction brings together two world-class, customer-focused teams and positions us to deliver exceptional experiences across both land-based and online channels. With Evolution’s global reach and financial strength, Galaxy Gaming will accelerate innovation and growth while preserving the independence and identity that define our brand. Post-close, we will build on our proven collaboration to drive omni-channel innovation and create even greater value for our partners and players worldwide.”
Upon receipt of all required gaming approvals, the Merger Agreement’s Gaming Approval Closing Condition will be met. Subject to the satisfaction or waiver of all other conditions, the Merger is expected to close shortly following fulfillment of the Gaming Approval Closing Condition. Both companies anticipate closing promptly following regulatory approvals.
Japan’s pachinko industry remains a multi-trillion-yen business, but its long-term contraction is accelerating under demographic pressure, strict regulation and changing entertainment habits.
While once considered the nation’s largest leisure industry, recent data show a steep decline.
According to the most recent statistics available, in 2023, pachinko machines in Japan generated a total of JPY8.2 trillion ($53.1 billion), while pachislot machines generated JPY7.5 trillion ($48.71 billion), with the total representing less than half the level from around two decades ago.
Meanwhile, as of the end of the same year, the number of pachinko parlors had declined by 526 from the previous year, totaling 6,839 parlors. The number of pachinko parlor operators also fell, with a decrease of 228 companies (11.1 percent) to 1,825
In an interview with AGB, Masa Suganuma, CEO of ReNeA JAPAN and a veteran game-development expert, the trajectory is clear.
“As many public reports mention, the market size of the pachinko industry has been shrinking. This trend will continue,” he said. Operators have managed to maintain overall revenue through aggressive management, but the fundamental issue remains unchanged: “The population of the players apparently has been reduced. That drives the industry’s movement.”
A demographic collapse at the core
Pachinko’s player base has aged dramatically over the past two decades. “Around early 2000 to 2010, the main generation of the players were males in their 30s. And that generation still supports the industry after the decade,” Suganuma explained.
But the younger cohorts simply aren’t playing: “Younger generations following that one do not contribute pachinko industry revenue,” noted the expert.
Parlors have attempted to lure younger customers through social media promotions and influencer-driven content, but the impact has been muted. “The parlors try to catch younger generations’ interests with SNS, social media activities. However, due to advertising regulations, they have a certain amount of limitations,” he said.
Nevertheless, the cultural pull of pachinko persists. “Currently almost all pachinko has famous anime IP, and the graphics and movies grab the anime supporters,” he noted, describing how machine displays have become multimedia showcases tied to major franchises.
Policy climate under PM Takaichi
Masa Suganuma, CEO of ReNeA JAPAN
Japan’s new political leadership has yet to signal any major direction for the sector. “At this stage, no positive or negative message has been shown to the industry from the new cabinet,” Suganuma said of Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi.
Concerns that crackdowns on illegal online gambling could bleed into pachinko regulation are unfounded, he argued. “Online gambling is illegal, and it does not have any relations with pachinko,” he said. Even so, pachinko operators remain wary of policy tightening linked to gambling-addiction concerns.
Takaichi’s support for integrated resorts (IRs) is also unlikely to influence pachinko’s standing in the gaming ecosystem. “IR does not affect anything to the pachinko industry. It is the same story as Tokyo Disneyland not affecting the arcade game center near the stations,” Suganuma said.
For operators, one of the more concrete pressures is taxation—especially consumption tax. “The change of structure of consumption tax will affect the pachinko parlor’s operation,” he said. But with discussions currently centered on tax reduction, the immediate impact remains limited. Most operational constraints, he added, stem from the National Police Agency rather than from the cabinet.
Seeking a future beyond survival
Looking ahead, the sector faces an urgent need to rebuild its customer base. “The most important solution would be how to increase the population of players,” Suganuma said.
He believes the path forward lies in deepening engagement with existing customers and cultivating community-driven loyalty—tools that could gradually bring in younger demographics.
“With social media and SNS, pachinko operators should increase their existent customers’ satisfaction and build good communities. That will lead the younger generation’s participation.”
But innovation remains limited by regulatory controls, particularly the strict “Huei-ho #4” technical standards governing machine performance. “This regulation gives many limitations to the industry,” he said.
Despite public perceptions that pachinko operates in a legal gray area, Suganuma stresses that the framework is already recognized by lawmakers.
“The three-store system has been recognized as legal by the Diet [Japan’s Parliament]. Therefore, pachinko operations are not gray,” he said. “The perception that they are gray is due to public rumor and the general public’s interpretation.”
“Having large companies operate pachinko parlors and properly disclosing their income and expenses will lead to transparency in the industry,” stated Suganuma.
Fresh reporting out of Germany has revived long-standing questions about online gambling figure Calvin Ayre, after an investigation connected him to financial flows at the center of the Wirecard scandal.
Bayerischer Rundfunk (BR), one of Germany’s largest public broadcasters, has identified Ayre as the beneficial owner of large volumes of money that moved through accounts tied to Wirecard Bank – transactions previously attributed to opaque “third-party partners” long suspected of being fictitious.
The new revelations add another layer to Europe’s largest post-war financial fraud, in which Wirecard collapsed in 2020 after auditors determined that EUR1.9 billion ($2.2 billion) supposedly held in offshore trust accounts in Manila did not exist. Former executives, including CEO Markus Braun, continue to stand trial in Munich, while fugitive COO Jan Marsalek is believed to have fled to Russia. But even as prosecutors have focused on the missing billions, investigators have been trying to understand the origins of hundreds of millions more that legitimately passed through Wirecard’s system.
According to BR’s analysis, the trail leads consistently back to Ayre, best known globally as the founder of Bodog and one of the online gambling industry’s earliest and most visible personalities. Before relocating to Antigua, where he appears to be based today, Ayre had a well-documented presence in Asia, including periods living in the Rockwell district of Manila and reportedly maintaining property interests in Bangkok. Bodog also maintained offices in Makati and Quezon City, both cities within Metro Manila. Ayre’s network of companies, BR reports, used complex offshore structures that routed transactions through multiple jurisdictions before ultimately benefiting entities linked to him.
BR’s multi-year investigation reviewed internal Wirecard data, obtained emails from Marsalek, and analyzed transaction ledgers listing more than half a million transfers. The broadcaster concluded that companies in Antigua, Hong Kong, Spain, the Philippines, and Eastern Europe funneled money into accounts at Wirecard Bank that were later used to send substantial sums – at least EUR135 million ($156 million) to Antigua alone – to entities controlled by or closely tied to Ayre. Some firms were headquartered in the same building as Errol Cort, the former Antiguan finance minister whom Ayre has described as a close friend and legal adviser.
BR’s sources, including former insiders, allege that these structures allowed large volumes of cash from online gambling and related processing operations to move discreetly without Ayre’s name appearing directly. One former associate told BR that Ayre’s business model and Wirecard’s processing capabilities were mutually dependent, describing Ayre as “the man behind Wirecard” in terms of the transaction flows that helped make the German company appear far larger and more robust than it truly was.
Ayre has been no stranger to controversy. In 2012, US authorities indicted him on gambling and money-laundering offenses tied to Bodog, seizing $66 million from accounts associated with the platform. He later negotiated a plea agreement in 2017, paying a fine without recovering the seized funds. In the years since, he re-emerged in the blockchain arena, backing Australian IT figure Craig Wright – who claimed to be Satoshi Nakamoto – before that claim was ultimately discredited by UK courts. A former CEO within Ayre’s blockchain group has since accused the operation of engaging in large-scale deception, allegations still being examined in civil proceedings.
The BR investigation suggests that Wirecard played a pivotal role in strengthening the appearance of legitimate business activity around its so-called third-party partners by using Ayre-linked fund flows as evidence for auditors, even though prosecutors now argue that the TPA model itself was largely fabricated. Documents reviewed by BR show that Wirecard’s auditors received account statements reflecting incoming transfers attributed to the TPA business, which helped the company present an illusion of revenue that never existed.
German investigators believe Marsalek personally helped restructure corporate vehicles for a Canadian customer – believed to be Ayre – though his lawyer has declined to comment. Antiguan officials also did not respond to BR’s inquiries, and the broadcaster says it was denied permission to film on the island as part of its reporting.
Entain, a global leader in sports betting and gaming, has announced a landmark partnership with Pragmatic Play to bring the popular Big Bass slot series to Ladbrokes and Coral retail locations across the UK.
Under the terms of the deal, Entain’s UK retail arm will have exclusive bookmaker rights to Big Bass Bonanza, Big Bass Splash, Big Bass Hold & Spinner, and additional titles from the iconic Big Bass series to over 2,700 Ladbrokes and Coral shops nationwide.
The Big Bass series, renowned for its vibrant visuals, dynamic gameplay, and loyal following, is already a huge hit online for Entain, with all titles consistently ranking in the top 20 games for Ladbrokes and Coral. Among them,Big Bass Splash has shown exceptional staying power since its launch in 2022 as Entain’s top-performing online slot this year in the UK.
This is the first time the series will be available to a major betting and gaming operator for its retail network. The move reflects Entain’s ongoing commitment to omnichannel innovation and delivering best-in-class content across its retail and digital estate.
“We’re proud to bring the iconic Big Bass series from Pragmatic Play to our high street customers,” said Adam Goodall, Head of UK Slots and Table Games at Entain. “These games have earned a long-standing and loyal following online, and now, we’re pleased to offer these great games in person on our cutting-edge in-shop gaming machines.”
The launch follows a growing demand for omnichannel content experiences among UK players, as well as Entain’s strategy of deepening partnerships with tier-one suppliers to deliver innovative, localised entertainment.
“We’re delighted to further strengthen our relationship with Entain and bring our Big Bass titles to Ladbrokes and Coral shops throughout the UK,” added Irina Cornides, Chief Operating Officer at Pragmatic Play. “This retail rollout demonstrates the enduring appeal of the Big Bass brand and our ability to deliver engaging experiences across channels.”
The Big Bass series, which debuted in 2020, has become one of the most recognisable brands in the slots market, with millions of players worldwide. Its retail debut will be supported by in-shop promotions and dedicated marketing campaigns across both Ladbrokes and Coral.
BetConstruct AI is preparing for a strong presence at SiGMA South Asia 2025, taking place from 1 to 2 December in Colombo, Sri Lanka.
The event marks an important moment in the company’s global journey, bringing its vision, its technology, and its creative ambition to one of Asia’s most forward-looking gatherings.
As the region’s iGaming community comes together, BetConstruct AI will present its ecosystem at Stand P11. Visitors will be introduced to an environment where intelligence, innovation, and product design combine to demonstrate how a unified technology suite can create meaningful progress across both digital and retail channels.
At the forefront of the presentation will be the two principal pillars of the company’s ecosystem, the Sportsbook and the Casino Suite. Together, these products illustrate how coverage, personalisation, content depth, and consistent multi-channel performance form a reliable operational foundation. They also serve as the entry point into a wider environment where player interaction, loyalty mechanisms, and operational creativity play central roles.
Within this broader environment, The Last Battle showcases a new approach to progression and player value, transforming loyalty into an active and dynamic experience. BetConstruct AI’s Land-Based Solutions extend similar capabilities into physical venues through tools that enhance retail operations, supported by Loya, the company’s loyalty platform built to strengthen relationships within shop environments. Alongside these offerings, Affigates will be presented as a standalone affiliate ecosystem designed for operators seeking reach, quality, and structured partnership within a global framework.
BetConstruct AI will also highlight its time-limited commercial offer, providing a 50% reduction on setup fees, tools, and services for all new agreements signed on or before 15 January 2026. The offer is intended to support operators as they plan their 2026 launches with stronger commercial terms and reduced initial investment.
BetConstruct AI’s participation at SiGMA South Asia reflects the company’s commitment to delivering adaptable and comprehensive technology for operators across the region.
Based on poll responses gathered from slot directors by research firm Eilers & Krejcik Gaming, Konami’s Solstice was voted No. 1 “Best New Core Cabinet” displayed during the 2025 Global Gaming Expo (G2E) Las Vegas. Solstice marked its world premiere at the event, where thousands experienced the machine and its original game library for the first time.
Steve Sutherland, CEO of Konami Gaming
“As a company with a hardware development approach that is precisely mindful toward market needs, Konami is pleased to be recognized by casino operators for creating the industry’s best new core cabinet,” said Steve Sutherland, CEO of Konami Gaming. “Through its enhanced graphics, sound package, game power, and attraction effects, Solstice is designed to provide the utmost entertainment experience, which we look forward to delivering to casino patrons worldwide.”
Solstice by Konami Gaming beat out a dozen different machines to achieve the top spot in this year’s report. According to the survey, “…Operators are obviously eagerly awaiting fresh releases from this supplier that has a deep history…”.
“Konami’s owned game studios in the United States, Japan, and Australia dedicated immense effort and creativity to delivering a standout library of Solstice game options—the first of which are arriving to casinos before the new year,” shared Tom Jingoli, President & COO at Konami Gaming. “We are thrilled to partner with our longtime casino customers to fully optimize success during this new era of Konami games product.”
Tom JingoliGerard Crosby
Gerard Crosby, SVP & Chief Games Product Officer at Konami Gaming also added, “Building upon innovative components of the machine itself, Solstice is backed by a highly inventive mix of game content options with fascinating bonus features, engaging animation effects, and rewarding game math, for a one-of-a-kind player experience.”
Solstice by Konami Gaming
Konami’s Solstice machine features innovative lighting elements stretching from the height of the topper to below the button deck, which interact with in-game features across a dynamic color spectrum. This advanced lighting system delivers real-time visual feedback that reacts to every spin, win, and bonus round. The debut of Konami’s new Solstice cabinet line is supported by an expansive pipeline of game software content, spanning licensed IP to original creations.
The Esports Integrity Commission (ESIC) announced that Stake, a renowned online casino and sportsbook platform, has joined as an Official Tier 1 Anti-Corruption Partner.
As a global entertainment and technology brand, Stake’s collaboration with ESIC underscores a shared commitment to strengthening integrity frameworks and supporting fair competition across the esports ecosystem.
Stephen Hanna, CEO of ESIC
ESIC’s Anti-Corruption Supporter program brings together key industry stakeholders who contribute directly to the detection, analysis, and investigation of suspicious betting activity. Through data sharing, operational cooperation, and collaborative monitoring, the program enhances ESIC’s capacity to identify and address potential issues in real time.
Stephen Hanna, CEO of ESIC, said: “The addition of Stake to ESIC’s Anti-Corruption Supporter network reinforces the sentiment that integrity is a shared responsibility. ESIC’s Anti-Corruption Supporter program relies on the active collaboration of partners like Stake, whose operational insights contribute directly to our ability to identify and mitigate integrity threats. Together, we are building a stronger foundation of trust and accountability that supports the sustainable growth of esports worldwide.”
Jarrod Febbraio, Director of Stake
As part of Stake’s Anti-Corruption Partner role, Stake will contribute to ESIC’s integrity monitoring network, helping advance the Commission’s efforts to ensure transparency, accountability, and sustainability within the global esports industry. This collaboration reinforces both organisations’ commitment to safeguarding the credibility and long-term development of competitive gaming worldwide.
Jarrod Febbraio, Director of Stake, commented: “This partnership formalizes Stake’s commitment to protecting integrity and transparency across the global esports ecosystem. As the world’s leading online-first betting operator, supporting the industry is central to our strategy and our scale makes this collaboration with ESIC essential to safeguarding its integrity. Together, we’re ensuring the ecosystem remains fair, transparent, and trusted by fans and participants worldwide.”
